Hilltop Country House - a Gem in the Cheshire Countryside
As a wedding celebrant in Cheshire and Greater Manchester I get to see and experience a lot of venues, and I love to blog about the venues I really love. And this one is, without doubt, one of the most delightful places to get married. It is set in the rolling hills of East Cheshire and weddings here are just fabulous.
Spotlight on Hilltop Country House
There is so much that makes Hilltop special.
It is a lovely country house that dates back to 1693. Its uniqueness and special touches are everywhere. There is even a bespoke beer which is called Hilltop 1693. The gardens are beautifully established and are cared for by a full time gardening team all year round. Whatever time of year you want your wedding, the gardens will be full of colour.
There is superb customer service here. The reason being, I think, is that it was once a family home and the team have carried this feel on through the relationships they have with each other, and very importantly, to their couples.
Beth, Leah and Clare the wedding coordinators at Hilltop really care about their couples and really get to know their couples. They were so welcoming to me as a celebrant, as they know that we are on the same page- putting the couple's wishes at the forefront for the day and working to create a day that is individual to you and your guests.
They know the importance of a homely atmosphere, so it feels like a very delightful home from home. Your guests will relax in comfortable lounges, making you feel you are in someone’s beautiful home. It has recently been refurbished and as Olivia said “it was important to keep the character of the house, while modernising it at the same time”
And they have done a lovely job.
The Team
There is an ongoing culture of imaginative achievement here. Despite their success, they do not rest on the laurels but are constantly looking for ways to renew and re-imagine and offer the widest possible creativity and experience to their guests.
All are welcome. They are so open to whatever wedding that you want to have here. That applies to photographers, floral and venue designs. Beth and the team are keen that you have the wedding that suits your vibe and they can cater for you, however you roll. If you look at their Instagram you can see that the range of styles and photographs and experiences are far from one size fits all. I really got the sense that Hilltop is very customer and couple focused. You can take the lead and they will supply the expertise that you need. They are very clear that this is your day.
Ceremony Spaces
The options here are great. Olivia was telling me that a decision about your wedding can be made half an hour before the ceremony if the weather is against you. We are Britain after all.
There are two indoor and two outdoor spaces that you can choose for the ceremony. The Terrace is perfect if the grounds are wet as you get all the benefits of an outside space without ruining your dress and of course the marquee and the two gardens.
These are all flexible spaces and the chairs can be placed in any formation that you want. So if you want the space to be inclusive and as us theatre folk would say “in the round”, that can easily be done.
The Gardens - The Top Lawn
This is a really big space that can accommodate at least 150 people comfortably, if not more. This has become increasingly popular. The aisle through the guests and flowered borders that colour the beautiful walk down the aisle and then a framed arch frames a lovely picture for the bride and groom.
This can be decorated any way you want, and equally, you don't have to do anything with it, as the natural colours, which are looked after with such pride, make it a really beautiful space as it is.
This seats up to 130. What's really lovely about this is that you will enter through the long aisle through the gardens. You have the house as your main backdrop. This is a really good option if the grass is wet as it won’t get your dress mucky!
The Marquee also has lovely light and this looks over rolling Cheshire countryside. Just lovely. Once this is dressed it is a lovely bright bridal space.
Indoor Spaces
Ceremony Room. A lovely light room with a wooden bay window and the doors that lead out to the terrace - where drinks can be had and you are overlooking the gardens. Photographers love the light in here and you will get some lovely pictures.
So, each part of your wedding can be in a separate space . This makes a difference. On the whole you don't have to wait for your rooms to be changed around, as the rhythm of the day is very fluid and, for your guests, they are getting a different experience at each stage of your day.
So imagine: a ceremony on the top lawn, onto the terrace for drink and pics and into the house or the outdoor chill out area which has loads of seating and an outdoor bar- this is pretty unique - for drinks and into the marquee for your food. Then into the bespoke “boogie room” for a night club entertainment taking you up to midnight.
Food and Catering
All of the catering is in house - so you don't have to choose between different suppliers, which makes the planning process so much easier. They offer bespoke menus, you can put your own twist on things and you'll get a tasting day all included in your pricing.
Sustainable Weddings
A big trend right now - and all power to it, is having a wedding at a venue that has sustainability at its core. Olivia was telling me that they are proud of how sustainable Hilltop is - Everything is composted all year round. Recycling is very important - not just rubbish but oils. All the offcuts of the fruits will eventually find their way into creating new flavours by the incredible mixologist Cam. Lots of couples now want to make sure that their wedding looks after the environment and Hilltop is definitely the venue to look at in this regard.
Local Produce
Hilltop have their eye on supporting the environment and local businesses. A great example is Happy Valley Honey . The bees that you see and hear in the Hilltop Garden are from the Happy Valley Bee Farm, who are pollinating here and then Hilltop use the produce here for breakfasts. Cam has created a special honey daiquiri - The Happy Valley Honey Rum Daiquiri.
This deliciousness is also used in lots of the food - one of the canapes you can delight your guests with is the honey and mustard sausages. Delicious. They can also have a signature cocktail menu - either from the classics OR he is brilliant at making your own with your favourite ingredients. Maybe you had an amazing cocktail on holiday and like to have that made by your guests to finish your celebrant wedding with? - Then have it beautifully designed with your wedding colours.
How cool is that?
Not only can you have your pictures taken in the orchard but you will be drinking homegrown and home produced apple juice or an Orchard Daiquiri.
As I walked in, I noticed a lot of work going on in the lovely garden. I could smell the herb garden - the mint, lavender and chives and tomatoes which will find their way onto your guests plates.
Why have a celebrant wedding here?
My experience here was so lovely. The opportunities for a personalised bespoke wedding are endless. The venue will be right behind you.
Pricing
This is a mid range venue price, I would say. This goes back to the bespoke nature of the experience. There is certainly no push to spend money. There's no hard sell. That's really important. You have your day the way you want and they won't be hounding you after you've visited.
Accommodation
The bridal suite is included in the price and you and the bridal party can get ready here and the other three double rooms will be additional
There is a family room which sleeps four people. Overall 10 people can be accommodated. They will also send you a list of other local accommodations with a good price range.
Where does this sit in the venue market?
Venue Hire fee currently ranges from £3450 for a Monday to a Saturday in August £9495. When you add food and drink for your guests, you will be able to talk prices with the venue as it's all dependent on what you want and the time of year.
Can I bring my fur baby? Yes the whole venue is dog friendly.
Contact Details
Hilltop Country House
Flash Lane
Prestbury
Sk104ED
Phone Number 01625 448 212 - anyone who picks up the phone would love to help you
Overall Impressions
I love it here. I did from the moment I first visited to do my first wedding here. I was treated so well and everyone was warm, welcoming and friendly.
Definitely one to be put on your list.