Vale Royal Abbey dates back to the 13th century when it was founded by Prince Edward, the future King Edward I.

The monument was erected by the Cholmondeley family, possibly to lend credence to the legend of the nun. The material in its construction comes from three sources: the head made from a medieval cross with four panels depicting the Crucifixion, the Virgin and Child, St. Catherine, and St. Nicholas; the shaft, made in the seventeenth century and made of sandstone; and a plinth made from reclaimed Abbey masonry. The present country house on the site incorporates substantial parts of the south and west ranges of the Abbey plus Holcroft's Tudor house.

Today, the buildings bear the Georgian splendour introduced by the Cholmondeley family in the 19th Century and just as you’d expect, the surrounding gardens and grounds are exquisite – offering the perfect backdrop to a magnificent venue. Flower clad walkways, formal gardens, panoramic views of the Cheshire countryside and a serene lake all help to create a truly picturesque setting.

Weddings

From its unrivalled setting and majestic building, to its elegant rooms, individualised service and superb cuisine, there’s no other Wedding venue like it in Cheshire.

Picture yourselves as the happy couple celebrating your nuptials in style - intimate Civil Ceremony, sumptuous Wedding breakfast, fun-filled reception - whatever you have in mind, Vale Royal Abbey will embrace your dreams and create a magical day to be remembered for a lifetime.

Approached via a long, sweeping driveway, the Great House is a majestic sight, retaining all of its historic splendour and featuring luxurious facilities inside its Great Hall, Library, Lounge and Armoury - all available to hire for Wedding celebrations. There is only ever one Wedding held on any given day at Vale Royal Abbey, so you are guaranteed exclusivity and the personal service that your Wedding day deserves.

Wedding Fayres

If you’ve still not managed to find ‘that’ dress, or a suitable car; perhaps you’re struggling to choose the colour scheme for your flowers, or you can’t find the right photographer... Look no further than the Vale Royal Abbey Wedding Fayres.

We host two Fayres a year, one in February and one in September, featuring fashion shows, live performances from bands and other musical accompaniments. We also have on-the-day presentations and a wide range of exhibitors ready to bring your ideas to life to make your day that little extra special.

Entry to our Wedding Fayres is free and you will immediately be put ‘in the mood’ by receiving a complimentary glass of Champagne on arrival. You will receive a brochure of all the exhibitors and be able to experience the relaxed grandeur that Vale Royal Abbey exudes.

Rooms

The Great House

The ‘Great Hall’ is the venue for all larger events and provides a stunning arena for any requirement. Situated on the first floor, the Great Hall is fully versatile and a sight to behold when dressed for the occasion. It is sure to impress when the large oak doors are drawn apart as your guests are announced into the room. Incorporating a remarkable vaulted ceiling, the Great Hall is steeped in history and provides a unique atmosphere and ambience with mood lighting being provided to complement any event. The Great Hall can seat up to 120 guests for a sit-down dinner or up to 200 guests for a theatre-style conference.

The Library

The ‘Library’ gracefully complements the Great Hall and is used for more intimate occasions. The feature windows and magnificent carved doorways provide a grand and homely setting. The impressive trophy cabinet, lit during events, sets the back drop to a cosy and ambient space. Situated on the first floor, the Library can seat up to 50 guests for a sit-down dinner and up to 120 guests for a Wedding Civil Ceremony or theatre-style conference. The Library is also the location for entertainment with live bands and discos providing the focus for many an enjoyable night of celebration.

The Lounge

The ‘Lounge’ is also situated on the first floor, and boasts its own private bar. Being tastefully furnished with a variety of dining tables, chairs and sumptuous leather sofas, The Lounge is the perfect setting for small banqueting events and business meetings, in addition to being a reception area for larger events requiring the use of the Great Hall and Library. The Lounge overlooks the stunning backdrop of the 18-hole golf course and directly overlooks the Great House courtyard, 1st tee and 18th green.

The Armoury

The ‘Armoury’ can also be utilised as a bar and reception area for events held in the Great Hall. Comfortably furnished and accessible via the original stone staircase of the Great House, the Armoury provides a unique ambience ahead of arrival into the Great Hall.

Grounds

Outside, the grounds of Vale Royal Abbey are as stunning as the building itself. The well-manicured lawns to the rear of the building are available to use for drinks receptions providing a relaxed country feel for guests, offering splendid views of the Cheshire countryside. The courtyard area provides a magnificent arrival in front of the Great House which, in addition to the beautiful adjacent grounds, provides ample photographic opportunities.