Savour the Seasons: Summer weddings at Old Palace Chester

Summer weddings are effortlessly elegant. Gardens are in full bloom, the sun is high in the sky, and celebrations spill out into the warm evening air.

At Old Palace Chester, summertime offers a unique opportunity to make the most of our outdoor spaces and exceptional riverside setting. With long, light-filled days and carefully landscaped gardens, it’s the ideal season for open-air ceremonies, relaxed drinks on the terrace, and uninterrupted views over the River Dee. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the setting feels calm, private, and effortlessly elegant.

Summer wedding ceremonies

Whether you’re dreaming of saying your vows under blue skies or beneath soft sunlight streaming through tall windows, summer at Old Palace Chester offers a stunning backdrop for your ceremony.

Exchange vows outdoors in our beautifully manicured gardens, surrounded by seasonal blooms, with views stretching over the River Dee. It’s a truly idyllic setting; peaceful, private, and full of summer charm. Prefer an indoor option? The light-filled River Room offers an equally beautiful atmosphere, with plenty of windows to bring the outdoors in. No matter the weather, you’ll have the golden glow of summer all around you.

Receptions full of sunshine

After the ceremony, the celebrations continue in the Ballroom, a timeless and elegant space designed to make the most of the natural light. A fully-glazed wall floods the room with sunshine, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere from afternoon to golden hour.

The neutral décor acts as a blank canvas for your vision whether you’re going bold and colourful or keeping things classic and understated. You can make the space entirely your own.

Outside, the terrace and private riverside gardens give guests the chance to step out into the fresh air, sip a cocktail in the sun, and enjoy uninterrupted views across the water. It’s a space that encourages relaxed conversation, quiet moments, and unforgettable photographs, especially as the sun sets over the river.

Seasonal flavours, tailored experiences

Summer weddings at Old Palace Chester offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in dining that reflects the vibrant, fresh flavours of the season. Our new seasonal menu is designed to celebrate the best of British summer produce – think delicate herbs, ripe tomatoes, garden peas, baby artichokes, and citrus-spiked dressings, all carefully curated to suit the warmer months.

Whether you’re hosting a relaxed garden celebration or a formal wedding breakfast, every dish is crafted to feel light, refined, and bursting with flavour. Expect colourful plates, elegant presentation, and ingredient-led cooking that allows the season to shine. With our à la carte menu, you can mix and match your favourite options, from fresh seafood and bright summer salads to elegant vegetarian dishes layered with seasonal vegetables, creamy cheeses, or vibrant vinaigrettes.

Desserts take a similar approach, with refreshing fruit-led options, citrusy creams, and playful textures like crisp meringue or smooth parfaits. They’re perfect for ending your meal on a light and luxurious note. And, for an extra scoop of summer, our ice cream bike makes a fun addition to your evening celebration.

To elevate the festivities, we offer a range of beautifully crafted summer drinks. Guests can enjoy chilled glasses of Champagne or prosecco, refreshing cocktails like spritzes, mojitos, and elderflower coolers, or opt for something more playful, such as a strawberry rosé sangria or sparkling limoncello. All served with the attentive, discreet service that defines weddings at Old Palace Chester.

As the evening unfolds, why not elevate the experience with one of our bespoke bars? Choose from a curated selection including a spritz bar, rum bar, Bellini bar, or even a limoncello slush bar, perfect for warm evenings in the gardens. Pair this with relaxed evening food options like gourmet wood-fired pizzas, summer street food, or a barbecue feast, and you’ve created an effortlessly stylish summer soirée your guests won’t forget.

Exceptional service, every step of the way

From your first visit to your final dance, our expert team is dedicated to delivering flawless service. Our discreet and experienced staff ensure that everything runs smoothly, allowing you and your guests to simply enjoy the moment.

We deeply understand the importance of personalisation, flexibility, and attention to detail. With a tailored approach, our team is here to bring your vision to life, ensuring your day feels uniquely yours, with no compromises.

A truly private celebration

Old Palace Chester offers something many venues can’t – genuine privacy. With exclusive use, riverside seclusion, and gated access, your wedding is just that: yours. Our grounds are yours to enjoy, whether you’re hosting outdoor drinks, a summer garden ceremony, or simply want space to relax with loved ones. It’s a chance to host your loved ones in complete privacy, away from the bustle of the city, yet just moments from its heart.

As the sun begins to set and your evening celebration draws to a close, there’s no need to arrange transport or rush away. You and your guests can stay right here, surrounded by the charm of Old Palace Chester. Our 23 stylish en-suite bedrooms offer the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, allowing your friends and family to relax and truly savour the occasion.

For you, the Palace Suite awaits. Our luxurious honeymoon retreat features a stunning Italian plasterwork ceiling and breathtaking views over the River Dee. With soft summer light pouring through the windows and the gardens below, it’s a peaceful and romantic end to your day.

The following morning, reunite with your guests over a relaxed breakfast. You can enjoy a final moment to reflect, reconnect, and relive the memories made the day before.

Book your summer wedding today

Summer dates at Old Palace Chester are in high demand, particularly with the introduction of our new seasonal dining experience. If you’re dreaming of a sunlit celebration in one of the North West’s most exclusive venues, we invite you to get in touch and experience it for yourself.

Savour the season with a wedding that celebrates summer in all its splendour – at a venue that evolves with the moment and is tailored to you.

Call us on 01244 564380 or book a visit to discover more.