Couples celebrate at one of Cheshire's top 10 wedding venues

The Oak Tree of Peover in Knutsford has breathtaking views of the Cheshire countryside and prides itself on offering a unique personal service.

Staff at the family run venue go out of their way to create precious memories from the moment they meet each couple.

Debbie and Aaron Lou Picture: Jessica Reeve Photography

Deputy manager Chloe Rensch said: "We are a really small team. It's lovely to do the full journey with couples, from showing them round to helping them plan everything.

"We are always on hand to answer any questions. We all know the details of every wedding.

Victoria and Scott Rowcroft celebrate their wedding at The Oak Tree of Peover Picture: www.shanewebber.com

"We really care, we're like a little family."

The Oak Tree of Peover is hosting a wedding fair on Saturday, October 2 from 12 noon to 4pm. There is no need to book.

The former golf club was turned into a wedding venue seven years ago when Jacquie Mooney and brother Jay took over after dad Peter retired.

The barn-style venue decorated for Suzanne and Oliver Bradbury

The rustic, oak-framed barn style setting has been hailed among the best in the country by Hitched, the UK's leading wedding planning destination.

"It is great to have a big company like that recognise our little independent venue," said Chloe.

"It really means a lot to us."

Katy and Ben Klahre Picture: Lumiere Photography

Everyone in hospitality is so relieved, she said, to be able to host weddings again after the pandemic.

"It was the hardest year we have experienced," said Chloe. "We had to postpone over 100 weddings, it was a nightmare.

Stevie and Rob Cumberbatch

"2020 should have been our busiest year ever. There should have been 120 weddings. One woman had to move her wedding six times.

"It has been awful for couples but it's lovely to see everyone back having an amazing time."

Many couples had to alter their dates several times as coronavirus restrictions were constantly changing.

"We have tried our absolute best to accommodate everyone's wishes," said Chloe.

"People have been really flexible and so thankful that they can have the wedding they want at last."

Jess and Sam Higham Picture: Stevie Jay Photography

Couples have the entire use of the country estate and have the option to get married in the Ladybird Room or in an outdoor pavilion.

"We are an exclusive use venue, we only have one wedding at a time," said Chloe. "We focus on that couple and their guests for the day."

Couples have a choice of six handpicked local caterers and are free to select their own florists, photographers, cars and venue dressers.

Hannah and Liam Booth Picture: Icon Studios

"There are lots of options for food," said Chloe. "They can have a traditional three course meal, barbecue, pizza, tapas or whateve they wish.

"We can arrange tastings so they can choose."

The reception suite is dressed with magical fairylights around the beams with rustic foliage spiralling up to the ceiling.

Fireplaces can be lit in the winter and fire pits create a warm, cosy atmosphere in the barn all year round.

The venue can accommodate up to 108 seated guests and 180 in the evening.

Staff go out of their way to make each celebration special.

"Every wedding is different," said Chloe. "For me, personally, it's the detail that goes into it.

"I love the little individual things that happen throughout the day.

"It's wonderful to see everyone having a great time."

Hitched editor Sarah Allard said: "The past 18 months has been one of the toughest faced by the wedding industry.

"It's been amazing to see how wedding venues have gone that extra mile to continue to support wedding planning couples on their journey.

"Now that weddings are back and confidence is returning, venues are busier than ever. We're thrilled to be able to celebrate these particular spots that have received so many enquiries from nearlyweds."

For more details visit hitched.co.uk