Ormskirk is home for me, so West Lancashire weddings are some of my favourites to photograph. The area has a lovely mix of country houses, characterful hotels and gardens, and you’re never far from Southport, Liverpool or the Lancashire countryside for photos.
If you’re starting your venue search, here’s my local guide to wedding venues in and around Ormskirk – and what to think about from a photography point of view.
Country house and exclusive-use venues
West Tower, Aughton
West Tower is an exclusive-use country house just outside Ormskirk, with a ballroom, gardens and on-site guest rooms. Having the whole venue to yourselves means a relaxed pace on the day, and the gardens give plenty of options for couple portraits and group photos.
Holland Hall Hotel
Holland Hall Hotel is a historic hotel in West Lancashire that’s licensed for ceremonies. Older buildings like this are wonderful for photos – look out for staircases, doorways and windows, which make beautiful natural frames.
Hotel venues
Briars Hall Hotel
Briars Hall, near Ormskirk, is a hotel venue that can host large weddings. If you’re planning a big guest list, it’s worth asking where group photos usually happen and what the indoor option is if it rains.
Lancashire Manor Hotel
The Lancashire Manor Hotel is another West Lancashire hotel licensed for wedding ceremonies, handy for couples who want everything in one place.
The Wrightington Hotel, Health Club & Spa
Just east of Ormskirk, the Wrightington Hotel overlooks open countryside, and its gardens are lovely in the evening light.
Something different
The Aviary
The Aviary in the Ormskirk area is a chapel-style venue licensed for ceremonies – a good choice if you want something a little different from a traditional hotel.
Hurlston Hall Golf & Country Club
Golf club venues often have wide open grounds, which can be brilliant for portraits with big skies behind you.
Moor Hall
Moor Hall in Aughton is better known as a restaurant, but it’s listed as an approved ceremony venue too – one for food-lovers planning a smaller, special celebration.
Getting married at Ormskirk Registration Office
Ormskirk’s registration office is at Charter House on Derby Street. The ceremony room seats around 46 guests, there’s a lift, and there’s a pay-and-display car park right next door. I’ve photographed weddings here, including Marek & Beata’s, and it’s a lovely option for a smaller, relaxed ceremony followed by a meal or party elsewhere. My registry office wedding guide has more tips.
My photography tips for West Lancashire venues
- Ask about wet-weather spots. It’s Lancashire – have an indoor plan for group photos.
- Use the countryside. The flat West Lancashire landscape means big skies and beautiful sunsets in summer.
- Think about timings. Golden hour is the best light for portraits, so it’s worth planning a short break for photos in the evening.
Venue details change, so always check capacities, licences and availability with the venue directly.
Planning a wedding in Ormskirk or West Lancashire? I’m based just down the road, so travel’s never an issue. Check my availability or see my packages.
