Manchester Wedding Photography at Merrydale Manor: Eleanor and Tom

As an experienced Manchester wedding photographer, I tend to do a lot of my bookings in Manchester’s centre and suburbs, but it’s always fun to get out of the city and shoot at the beautiful venues we have across the North West.

Eleanor and Tom’s wedding was one of those occasions, as they had booked their special day at Merrydale Manor in Over Peover in Knutsford. 

There was a fun connection at this wedding, as I’d recently photographed the wedding of the groom’s sister, so I knew a lot of people there. I was really looking forward to this booking!

It was also special for being the first wedding I’d shot solo at Merrydale Manor. Although I’ve worked on associate shoots there before (which is where a primary photographer will have a “second” in support for more intensive or complex jobs), this was my own solo Merrydale Manor wedding photography job. 

I couldn’t wait to bring my documentary wedding photography style to Merrydale Manor and see what the venue offered for creative, beautiful shots.

Merrydale Manor Wedding Photography: The Venue

Merrydale Manor is a glorious country house, and the first thing you notice as you approach it is the incredible sweeping drive surrounded by manicured lawns! It’s absolutely gorgeous, and there’s also a large lake with fountains, loads of huge, mature trees, and fabulous statues everywhere. And yes, it feels like it’s well away from busy urban life and it’s perfectly private for events.

Merrydale Manor is also a wedding venue where everything’s on site – even the guest accommodation – so there’s no travelling back and forward on the day. It’s the dream for couples who want a beautiful, stress-free day in a fabulous country manor house!

A dreamy country manor venue

Merrydale Manor is certainly the wedding venue of dreams, and I made sure to get there nice and early to start scoping out some shots and angles and to make sure Eleanor and Tom knew I was there, and could relax. 

There’s nothing worse than waiting for a North West wedding photographer to appear, so I always make a point of arriving really early – and with a car boot full of backup equipment to cover all bases!

I made sure to capture shots of Eleanor coming down the grand staircase, and then we moved to the spacious, high-beamed converted barn, ready for the ceremony.

The Wedding Day

I took some relaxed shots of the wedding party getting ready and just tiptoed around in the background with my camera while everyone dressed with glasses of fizz in hand. My reportage style wedding photography relies on being unobtrusive, and everyone forgets that I’m there very quickly. 

Even better, they all relax once they realise I’m not there to organise formal staged photos with awkward smiles! I’m just there to capture every beautiful, natural and emotion-filled moment as it happens!

The bride and her party

Eleanor really was the most beautiful bride, and her long blond hair was styled in loose curls, with a half-up do, and she had a stunning wedding dress with intricate lace sleeves, a low back and a traditional full veil. I absolutely loved her bridesmaids’ dresses too, in delicate apricot shades, and the proud Mother of the Bride also looked perfect in the most gorgeous floral maxi dress.

I made sure to capture shots of Eleanor coming down the grand staircase, and then we moved to the spacious, high-beamed converted barn, ready for the ceremony.

The ceremony barn

With intricate chandeliers, stone tiles and the most incredible floor-to-ceiling windows, this venue is a Manchester wedding photographer’s dream! I captured some beautiful shots of the ceremony, using plenty of creative angles that incorporated the gorgeous floristry displays, featuring tightly packed bunches of cream and pale pink roses offset by pale green eucalyptus foliage. 

There were twinkling lights, beautiful candles and sumptuous ribbons too; what a fabulous backdrop for this stylish occasion.

Making the Most of Merrydale Manor’s Gardens

One of the best aspects of this Manchester wedding photography job was the outdoor space! The weather was kind to us, and I took lots of lovely, relaxed group photos with the stunning golden autumn trees in the background and some wonderful rays of soft afternoon light. 

Everyone was absolutely glowing, and of course, I took the radiant couple off for some quiet private shots by the lake, where they could enjoy some private moments together. I just kept busy snapping while they smiled away and laughed in that ‘we can’t believe this is happening’ moment that all couples have after their ceremony!

After cake-cutting and some wonderful catering, the scene of the evening was set with a fabulous dressed dance floor and neon lights. The happy couple performed an amazing dance, which must have taken them a long time to learn together. Bride Eleanor is a dance teacher who owns her own dance school, and she’d certainly worked some magic on her willing student, Tom. The lifts were incredible! 

Merrydale Manor: The Amazing Suppliers

Once again, a huge shoutout to every supplier who helped to make Eleanor and Tom’s wedding so magical. I love seeing the work that everyone in this industry does, and some incredible professionals are working in North West weddings. These are all great options if you’re looking for suppliers for your own big day:

Wedding venue: Merrydale Manor, Chelford Lane, WA16 8UG

Floristry and room decoration: Chloe Robinson Designs

Wedding Dress: The Village Bride, Marple

Hair and makeup: Faye Kenyon Hair

Suits: L&J Formal Hire

DJ/Band: Soul Revolver

Musicians: Daisy Kate Music

Cake: Cake My Day by Suzanne

Videographer: James Wray Films

Booking a Wedding in 2026?

Now is the perfect time to book your 2026 wedding photographer, especially before the new year rush. If you like what you’ve seen on my website, why not get in touch to view my full portfolio or discuss your plans?

I’m always delighted to have a coffee with potential clients and I do have dates still available in the coming year. If you’re planning a midweek wedding (and many now do!), then that’s all the easier to book in. Please get in touch and let’s have a chat!