Forgive the TERRIBLE title pun - I’ve tried to be witty and it’s just come out daft! I wanted to share today a selection of my very favourite Manchester city centre wedding venues, spaces I’ve worked in and loved whether it’s because the staff is exceptional, the space is iconic or even just because it’s a super central blank-canvas city centre venue and we literally have the whole urban landscape at our feet to explore for your amazing portraits.

I live just 15 minutes down the A56 so it’s such a treat when I get to shoot locally - even though I wasn’t born and raised in Manchester, it’s been my home for the past 14 years and I know this wild and weird and gritty and fun and historic city like the back of my hand. I know its nooks and crannies - where to get the best burrito (Pancho’s in the Arndale) and the most incredible dim sum (Happy Seasons in Chinatown). I could tell you the best gig venue if you want to see from all sides and not get squished (Albert Hall) and the best one if you DO want to get squished and sweaty but have the best night ever (The Deaf Institute). I can share where the best jukebox is (The Castle Hotel) and where pours the best martini (Erst). I can share where is the most fun but chilled for day-drinking and snacking (Society) and my favourite spot for post-shopping people-watching (Mackie Mayer). I bought my wedding dress on the fourth floor of Kendal’s and had it altered at Jame’s Personal Tailor above Mr Thomas’s Chop House. The first place I ventured to on my own with Hadley was Manchester Art Gallery. I’ve breastfed on the tram, seen Pete Doherty smoke and rant and sing in Moho Live, I’ve wept in John Ryland’s Library and worked at a posh hairdresser’s in Spinningfields. I’ve snogged my husband in pretty much every Northern Quarter bar and spent several birthdays in Matt & Phreds. This city may not be in my blood but I sure feel it in my bones.

My point is that Manchester is for everyone - it wraps you up in its dusty ale-soaked wings, reminds you to get a grip if that makes you a little emotional - and is the most magical city for the wedding of your dreams. The history and art and culture seep into every single brick so that every single wedding, every love story is unique and special and just a little bit of rock and roll. Here are a few of my very favourite Manchester City Centre wedding venues - and a little bit of how the city can become the most breathtaking backdrop for your wedding day.

AND special shoutout to a few extra faves I’ve only had the pleasure of shooting once but can’t wait to re-visit this year! HOME, Hotel Gotham, The Midland Manchester, Albert Hall

Manchester Art Gallery

1. run to perfection by the inimitable Victoria

2. you literally have priceless artwork as your backdrop

3. more relaxed than you’d expect, Manchester Art Gallery has the space and scope for one hell of a party

King Street Townhouse

1. despite its size and glamour, it feels like the most intimate celebration

2. the team is exceptional and nothing is too much trouble

3. THAT VIEW

Manchester Hall

1. Designed to perfection (and MASSIVE) so the weather can be irrelevant

2. As central as it gets but still feels quiet and special

3. The most versatile venue - you can have 20 people or 200 and the amazing staff will run it like a dream

The Castlefield Rooms

1. on the edge of the city in Castlefield so we can wander around one of the only green spaces in the city centre

2. private, intimate, a blank canvas of a venue but still retaining some character

3. OMG THE FOOD

Victoria Warehouse

1. YES I know it’s technically in Salford but it’s just over the bridge and it’s my blog so there

2. Industrial can still be soft and romantic and wedding-y

3. It can also be the best damn party of your life

The Deaf Institute

1. Rock and roll heaven

2. Nat who runs the show is a legit dreamboat (and certified touring rock star)

3. Icons only, for real - you can be YOU

R Kid Manchester

When you take some time out, you brave the city streets and trust me, SO much magic can happen. Let’s play!