Bride and groom lying on grass at The Old Palace Chester

Old Palace Chester Wedding Photographer | Recommended Supplier

Looking for a wedding photographer at The Old Palace Chester who knows every perfect photo spot?
I’m Philip Antrobus, a Cheshire-based wedding photographer and a recommended supplier at The Old Palace Chester. I’ve captured countless weddings at this incredible Chester venue and love how every couple’s day here feels timeless and elegant.

Set beside the River Dee, The Old Palace Chester combines historic charm, breathtaking architecture, and modern luxury — the perfect backdrop for relaxed, natural wedding photography that beautifully tells your story.

  • Two men in suits stand together holding hands and smiling in front of tall windows with draped curtains in an elegant, well-lit room with classic furniture.
  • A bride in a white wedding dress and veil holds a bouquet of white flowers while standing on a stone path in the garden at an Old Palace Chester wedding.
  • Couple on Queen's Park Bridge, Chester, wedding scene.
  • A bride and groom stand at the center of a group of wedding guests posing for a photo outside the historic Old Palace Chester.
  • Couple silhouetted on a bridge at sunset.
  • A bride and groom stand facing each other during a wedding ceremony at a charming Chester wedding venue, with guests seated and watching in the background.
  • A man in a tuxedo sits next to a young girl with red hair holding flowers. Both are smiling and looking up at a bride in a white dress, capturing a joyful moment perfect for Chester wedding photography.
  • Two men in tuxedos with white boutonnieres stand indoors, facing each other and smiling, in a room decorated for a formal event.
  • A bride in a white gown walks down the aisle with an older man, while guests on both sides watch and smile in a decorated indoor venue captured beautifully by Philip Antrobus Photography.
  • A bride in a white gown stands between her dad in a tuxedo and her sister in a green dress, all holding bouquets and smiling in the sunlit Bridal Suite at The Old Palace Chester with tall windows and elegant curtains.
  • A bride in a white gown and veil stands with four bridesmaids in matching green dresses, all holding bouquets, in a bright room with large windows and curtains.
  • Emotional moment between bride and father on wedding at Cheshire wedding venue
  • Four bridesmaids in matching green dresses stand indoors holding bouquets, reacting emotionally, with some wiping tears or covering their mouths.
  • Smiling bride with bouquet and veil in bridal suite at North West Wedding Venue.
  • Bride in white gown holding bouquet indoors.
  • Bridesmaids with green dresses, emotional moment inside room.
  • Bride in elegant gown sitting on sofa
  • Silhouetted men holding beverages at sunset.
  • A man in a blue suit stands next to a woman in a light pink dress and large hat, posing indoors in front of a decorated bed.
  • Same-sex wedding ceremony at The Old Palace Chester Wedding.
  • A group of people dressed formally are gathered indoors at a wedding ceremony, with floral arrangements and light streaming through large windows.
  • Three people pose indoors on a wooden floor; a woman in a light green dress, a man in a blue suit, and another woman in pale pink with a hat. All hold flowers, capturing an elegant moment of Chester Wedding Photography.
  • Two men in suits stand facing each other and smiling during a wedding ceremony, with guests seated in the background and flower petals scattered on the floor.
  • Grooms exiting ceremony amidst celebratory confetti and guests.Chester wedding.
  • Same-sex couple exchanging vows at wedding ceremony.
  • Waiter smiling with tray of drinks outside building.
  • Couple standing in doorway, woman holding drink.
  • Couple holding hands in the street, wearing suits by The River Dee Chester
  • Two men in suits holding hands on park bench.
  • Two grooms holding hands under stone archway.
  • Smiling couple in suits embracing on a bridge.
  • Two men celebrate with champagne at ruins at Chester Wedding
  • Two grooms in suits smiling, holding hands indoors.
  • Couple posing in formal attire by large windows.
  • Two grooms kissing in a garden setting.
  • Two people at dinner table with candles.
  • Happy couple celebrating with guests at wedding reception at the old palace chester
  • Drone photography of large wedding group smiling on lawn at wedding at The Old Palace Chester wedding photography by recommended wedding suppllier Philip Antrobus Wedding Photographer
  • Two grooms kiss while wedding guests stand in lines on either side, throwing confetti at them outside a brick building.
  • Two people stand in old stone ruins.

Why Choose The Old Palace Chester for Your Wedding

If you’re dreaming of a venue that blends romance, history, and sophistication, The Old Palace Chester has it all. This Grade II-listed building offers sweeping river views, stunning gardens, and elegant rooms, perfect for both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations.

As a recommended wedding photographer for The Old Palace, I know exactly how to capture the light, angles, and emotion that make this venue so special. Whether you’re saying your vows in the River Room or celebrating on the Garden Terrace, I’ll help you create a collection of images that feel timeless and full of joy.

The hotel is owned by Weareartemis, who also own Combermere Abbey, Sandhole Oak Barn, and Riverdale Barn, amongst others, so you can be assured of the venue’s and staff’s high standards.

Drone photography Old Palace Chester

Weddings at The Old Palace Chester are already breathtaking, but drone photography adds an extra touch of magic. Imagine wide aerial shots of your ceremony on the lawn, your guests mingling in the gardens, and the Palace framed perfectly against the River Dee.

It’s the ideal way to capture the full scale and atmosphere of your wedding day from above, adding a wow factor to your wedding album.

The Remarkable History of the Venue

Under construction from 1745 to 1751, the palace was built as the residence of the Bishop of Chester, Samuel Peploe. The building was extended in the 18th and 19th centuries. From being the home of the bishops of Chester in 1865 to a YMCA hostel in the 1920s through the 1980s, the palace has maintained its beauty and grace throughout the years.

The palace’s architecture offers a glimpse into the past, with many of its most decorative features being the stone cornices and sash windows. The beautiful grey slate roofs contrast the red brick exterior and bold white trim. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views in almost every direction that can be used to create one-of-a-kind photographs for your wedding album. 

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Unique Group Photos and Candid Moments

Once the ceremony is over, we try to take group photos while everyone is still together. The drone is perfect for large group photos, and we can spot anybody hiding in the backgroud. We can also go down to the River Dee and take photos of you walking along the river.

Natural candid moments—guests chatting, mingling, laughing—from above

Dramatic shots of the couple walking together across the gardens or grounds

Wedding Photography at the Old Palace

The palace’s luxury and elegance are perfect for traditional wedding photos. The grand staircase and dressing rooms are great for private moments. These are the moments when you first say “I do”.

The wedding breakfast, first dance, and more are part of your day. They are all natural moments to capture.

The bridal suite at the Old Palace is stunning. It has chandeliers, a four-poster bed, and views of the River Dee. It’s the ideal place to start your wedding day.

The reception rooms are well-lit and can be decorated in many ways. As you and your guests explore the grounds, there are many photo spots. The lawn and Garden Terrace offer beautiful views of the countryside. With the hotel being on the banks of the River Dee many of my wedding couples like to have photos taken by the River and also on the Queens Park Bridge.

Whether inside or outside, there are many chances to take beautiful wedding photos.

Video of a wedding album from the Old Palace

Watch the reaction of Georgie the wedding coordinator

My Take on Old Palace Chester

My name is Philip Antrobus, and I would love to be your Old Palace Chester Wedding Photographer. The palace’s rich history, combined with its elegant beauty, makes it one of my absolute favourite wedding venues. Not only does it have numerous interior spaces well-suited for wedding photography, but the exterior areas are ideal as well. Additionally, the view of the exquisite riverfront is truly breathtaking. I am a recommended supplier at the venue and am familiar with the team. It is one of my favourite wedding venues, and I have also won awards for my wedding images taken there from the Guild of Photographers.

I love to explore my surroundings, and the palace always offers something unique and interesting. Every time I visit Old Palace Chester, I find something unique that I can incorporate into your wedding images. The elegance of the past and the beauty of the future come together at the palace, creating the perfect backdrop for your celebration. You can also explore the Peploe Lounge, the ceremony room, the River room, the reception area and the dancefloor. The food and drink at the Old Palace Chester are fantastic, from the creation of the menu for the wedding breakfast through to the pizza ovens often used for the evening buffets.

Wedding Photography Chester

Once you have decided to use the Old Palace Chester as your wedding venue, please contact me regarding your wedding day. As a wedding photographer who is quite familiar with the palace, I can provide you with many ideas for backgrounds and which traditional photos can be taken in specific areas. In addition, the palace is known for its distinctive style, and I can help bring it all together to create beautiful images you will love.

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. As a professional wedding photographer, it is my job to create images that you will look back at with a smile. Capturing your happiest memories is my job, and I cherish every minute.

I look forward to providing my newlyweds with a collection of photos they will love.

Old Palace Chester – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum number of guests Old Palace Chester can accommodate?

Old Palace Chester can host up to around 150 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with space for up to 200 in the evening. The venue layout is flexible, so couples can scale things up or down depending on the style of their day.

2. Does Old Palace Chester offer exclusive use?

Yes, when you book your wedding at Old Palace Chester, you get exclusive use of the entire venue and its grounds for the duration of your day. No sharing with other couples, no tourists wandering in, just you, your guests, and the beautiful riverside setting.

3. How many guests can stay overnight at Old Palace Chester?

The venue has 23 luxury bedrooms, including the stunning Palace Suite for getting ready. In total, Old Palace Chester can sleep up to 40+ guests, depending on room configurations.

4. Which spaces are used for ceremonies and receptions?

Ceremonies usually take place in the River Room, which overlooks the River Dee and Chester’s famous city walls. Drinks receptions often flow onto the Garden Terrace, while the wedding breakfast and evening celebration are held in the elegant Ballroom.

5. Is there a dedicated bridal preparation space?

Yes the Palace Suite is one of the best getting-ready spaces in Cheshire. It’s bright, spacious and perfect for hair and makeup, with plenty of room for the bridal party and stunning natural light for photos.

6. How do you handle rainy wedding days at The Old Palace?

I have photographed many times at The Old Palace, including on beautiful sunny days and very rainy days, so the weather is no problem at the venue. If it rains, there are several beautiful areas inside that you can use for your photos. These include the Pepole Lounge, the Bridal Suite, the River Room and the Arrival Hall. I have used all of these rooms in the past when photographing weddings.

7. Are dogs allowed at Old Palace Chester weddings?

Yes Old Palace Chester is pet-friendly, and dogs are welcome to be part of your day. Many couples choose to have their dog join them for the ceremony or photos on the terrace.

8. Is there parking and disabled access at the venue?

The venue offers private onsite parking for guests. There is also wheelchair access throughout key areas of the venue, and the team are very accommodating if any guests need additional support.

9. Can we use the gardens, riverfront and grounds for photos?

Absolutely. The River Dee, the gardens, the Roman city walls, and the terrace give you loads of gorgeous backdrops for photos. As a photographer who works here regularly, I can say the light is always lovely at the venue, especially in the early evening.

10. What catering options does Old Palace Chester provide?

Catering is handled in-house, with a choice of seasonal menus, canapés, evening food options and bespoke packages. The venue is well-known for high-quality dining, and dietary requirements can be fully accommodated.

11. How do we arrange a viewing or make a booking?

You can contact the Old Palace Chester wedding team directly through their website or by calling their wedding office. They’ll arrange a viewing, guide you through the available dates, and talk through your plans in more detail.

12. Is Philip Antrobus a recommended supplier at The Old Palace?

Yes, I am a recommended supplier of The Old Palace and have photographed at the venue many times. I know the best locations for photography both inside and outside the hotel. I also have a sample album at the hotel. If you would like to look at a real wedding from The Old Palace, please contact the hotel.

Contact Me

If you’d like to get in touch and check my availability, use the contact form.

“Phil and Scott were wonderful! They put everyone at ease with their friendly and professional approach on the day. The photographs were amazing! We felt Phil really understood what we wanted out of the photos and we are left with perfect memories of the day!” – Sammy & Tom

Page Last Updated 9th Feb 26

Directions to The Old Palace

As you approach, please look for St John’s the Baptist Church, you will find a small road where you can drive down to the Old Palace. As you drive down, you will see a sign for the venue on your right. On arrival, please press the buzzer on the wall.