Paula and Dave’s 2018 heatwave wedding at Mere Court Hotel in Knutsford was an outdoor summer wedding at the pagoda with sunshine all day. As the recommended Mere Court Hotel wedding photographer for over 13 years, I know exactly where to be in every season.
Highlight images from Paula and Dave’s wedding day
About Mere Court Hotel — a four-star country house wedding venue near Knutsford with outdoor pagoda
Mere Court Hotel sits just outside Knutsford in the heart of Cheshire, a four-star country house hotel and AA Rosette restaurant in seven acres of grounds. Originally built in 1903 as a wedding present for William Dunkerley and Amy Costance, the Dunkerleys lived there until 1955. North West Gas owned it next, the Hampson family converted it to a hotel in 1998, and the Chawla family added the Conservatory in 2003.
I’ve been a recommended wedding photographer at Mere Court for over 15 years — and that long relationship matters. I know the venue, the team, the light through every room and where to be at each moment of the day.
- Four ceremony options: The Arboretum, The Dunkerley Suite, The Conservatory (up to 150 guests) and outdoors at the pagoda
- Grade II listed building set in seven acres with a lake
- 40 individually designed bedrooms plus The Lodge (a two-bedroom house)
- AA Rosette restaurant for the wedding breakfast
- Past guests include Bill Clinton, Ruby Wax, Dawn French and Spandau Ballet; venue featured in Cold Feet
Paula and Dave’s wedding day at Mere Court Hotel
Bridal prep in the President Suite
I started with Paula’s prep in the Mere Court President Suite — beautiful bride, her Mum and five bridesmaids, a busy and happy hive of activity. Friendship and excitement in the air.
The Mere Court pagoda outdoor ceremony
I took the chance to scout the outdoor ceremony spot at the Mere Court pagoda before the guests arrived — venue-dressed beautifully by Perfect Weddings of Altrincham. The Conservatory and the pagoda looked outstanding.
An emotional groom and a beautiful entrance
Dave seemed quiet at first but by ceremony time he looked very emotional with his best man and twin brother. Paula walked up the aisle with her Mum — one of those moments I love capturing — and a lovely hot summer ceremony followed.
Photos across the Mere Court grounds and indoors
After the ceremony we worked the Mere Court grounds. Important tip: even when the Cheshire weather is poor, Mere Court has brilliant indoor photo spots — I know all the best ones.
Reception, hilarious speeches and Tom Finkill on the decks
The wedding breakfast was full of laughter. Brilliant DJ Tom Finkill on the decks for the evening reception.
“We used Rick on our wedding day and he was so professional and very patient with my husband who is not too keen on having his photograph taken. The pre-wedding shoot is such a good idea to get used to being in front of the camera and what type of photographs we preferred as a couple. Rick is such a nice pleasant guy and made absolutely everyone feel so comfortable and relaxed throughout the day. The pictures that Rick captured are unbelievable.”
— Paula, 5★ Google review
More of Paula and Dave’s wedding photographs
Recommended wedding suppliers
- Venue: Mere Court Hotel
- Photographer: Rick Dell Photography
- Venue styling: Perfect Weddings, Altrincham
- DJ: Tom Finkill
Frequently asked questions about Mere Court Hotel weddings
Where is Mere Court Hotel?
Mere Court Hotel is just outside Knutsford in Cheshire — five minutes from M6 J19 and about 25 minutes from central Manchester.
Can I have an outdoor ceremony at Mere Court Hotel?
Yes — the Mere Court pagoda outdoor ceremony option is brilliant for summer weddings. Paula and Dave used it in the 2018 heatwave.
Who is the recommended Mere Court photographer?
Rick Dell Photography has been a recommended Mere Court Hotel photographer for over 13 years. Browse more Mere Court weddings.
How much does Rick Dell Photography cost?
Wedding photography packages start from around £850 and run up to £1,950 depending on coverage length, second-shooter options and album choices. The typical package booked is around £1,400. See current packages and album options on the packages page, or get in touch for a no-obligation quote.
More Mere Court Hotel weddings to browse
- Lauren and Mat’s Mere Court Hotel wedding
- Nica and David’s Mere Court Hotel wedding
- Eleanor and Jamie’s Mere Court Hotel wedding
- See all Mere Court Hotel wedding stories
About Rick Dell — Manchester & Cheshire wedding photographer since 1996
I’m Rick Dell — an award-winning Manchester and Cheshire wedding photographer based in Heald Green. I’ve been photographing weddings since 1996 and have worked at most of the leading wedding venues across Cheshire, Manchester, Stockport, Staffordshire and the North West — including being a long-standing recommended photographer at venues like Mere Court Hotel, Mottram Hall and Heaton House Farm.
My approach is natural and documentary — capturing real moments as they happen, with creative posing only where it adds something. You can browse my recent wedding gallery, see my packages and albums, read verified Google reviews, or get in touch to check availability for your wedding date.
Planning your own Cheshire, Manchester or Stockport wedding?
If you’re searching for a Cheshire or Manchester wedding photographer, here’s where to start:
- Award-winning wedding photography portfolio
- Recent wedding gallery
- Wedding photography packages and albums
- Customer reviews (5★ on Google)
- About Rick Dell — Manchester wedding photographer
- Check availability for your wedding date
A few more favourite images from Paula and Dave’s day
