One fact that surprises everyone is that I was born in Liverpool. Although I was only three months when we moved to Leeds in Yorkshire, long before any accent developed, I moved back to Merseyside some 18 years later, and it's a city I love to call home!
In 1207 Livpul, [Liverpool's name has seen many changes over the year], was officially recognised as a new borough, and a castle built on what is now called castle street. It was, however, the completion of the world's first wet commercial dock in 1715 that would catapult the city's future thus provide it with some of the fantastic wedding venues we enjoy today.
In the years that followed 1715 Liverpool grew to become one of the most important cities in the world. By the beginning of the 19th Century up to 40% of all global trade passed through its docks. Huge volume of trade created vast amounts of money and wealth. Evidence of which forms the backbone of the city's architecture today. St Georges Hall, The Liver Building. 30 James Street & The Hard Days Night Hotel are part of this rich history.
LIVERPOOL CITY
As a wedding and engagement photographer Liverpool is a stunning location with a depth of history that makes it one of a kind!
ROYAL LIVER BUILDING
ROYAL ALBERT DOCK
The Royal Liver Building is possibly one of Liverpools most iconic building, and home of the two fabled Liver Birds. Liverpools Pier Head is one of the most iconic in the word with several iconic buildings within a short walk of each other, ideal for photos!
The Albert Dock featured a number of world firsts and operated as commercial warehouse and docks from 1846 till 1971. After re-development in the early 1980's The Royal Albert Dock now offers a stunning backdrop for photographs.
WILLIAM BROW STREET
Queen AVENUE
Queen Avenue, has to be one of my favourite hidden gems and arguably one of Liverpool's best kept secrets. Cutting through from Castle Street to Dale Street via Queens Avenue lined with Georgian lamp posts is like stepping back in time. It is always on my list option for photos.
Liverpools cultural quarter is centred around this area and comprises of St Georges Hall, The World Museum, Central Library, The Walker Art Gallery & Lime Street Station. You could easily spend a day, if not longer, photographing around this part of Liverpool.
Liverpool today is a city of true ethnic and cultural diversity. Liverpool is a city that not only houses the Anglican Cathedral, the largest religious building in the UK, but is also home to the UK's first mosque, Princes Road Synagogue, and was home to one of the first Chinese communities in the UK.
Street photography is something I have loved for many years and something I love to incorporate into my city weddings. Like in Manchester and Chester, I love getting out and celebrating the city with my Liverpool couples. Using not only the venue but the city as a backdrop creates some truly unique images. While it can feel daunting at first, it often feels like the whole city is celebrating your day with you.
If you love Liverpool, but the city isn't quite your style, you will be pleased to find the city also offers an abundance of unique venues and open spaces. Within easy reach of Liverpool, you will find to name just a few, Sefton Park Palm House, Calderstones Mansion House, Colshaw Hall and Moels Hall Tithe Barn.
5 TIPS FOR YOUR LIVERPOOL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
1. How many photographers do you need?
Julia and I often work as a team, even at smaller Liverpool venues. Working as a team is only possible due to the extended time we spend working with each other. At most weddings, we typically know where each other will be and where they will be pointing their camera without looking. Otherwise, at smaller venues, one photographer is usually perfect.
Having two photographers for larger weddings and venues can make an enormous difference.
2. Plan ahead!
In a city like Liverpool, you could quite easily spend a whole week, if not longer, exploring. Therefore, decide on priorities in advance if you want to use the city as a backdrop to your photos. Speak with your photographer beforehand, so they know what's important to you and can help create a plan.
3. Golden Hour Wedding Photography
The "Golden Hour, " the hour before sunset, is widely considered the best light for portraits. But in a city such as Liverpool, with tall buildings choosing the perfect location may need extra planning.
Rooftop bars, inner city parks, and open spaces can provide perfect locations. But, if you are looking for something more creative, the tall buildings' long shadows at this time of day can be perfect.
4. Make the Most of City Sunsets on Your Wedding Day
It's easy to think that a city centre wedding means sacrificing sunset portraits. But all you need to do in a city like Liverpool is look up! Rooftop bars and terraces have become increasingly popular across Liverpool. Even if your venue doesn't have one, there may be one close than you think. Not all are open to the public, but speak to your photographer and find out what might be possible.
5. Bring Sensible Shoes
If you want to explore the city as part of your wedding photography, make sure to have a pair of sensible shoes on hand. Of course, you can always slip back into something fabulous for your photos, but walking between locations is no need to suffer.
Our Favourite liverpool Wedding Venues
With so many stunning venues to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. That is one of the reasons we have created this resource outlining some of our favourite wedding venues in Liverpool & Merseyside.
When Julia and I started planning our wedding in 2014, we were in the same place you are now. Sat reading and researching potential venues before creating a shortlist and booking viewings. In the end, we booked the first venue we visited. Why? Because they instantly made us feel uniquely special and that our day was as important to them as it was to us. Yes, the venue was stunning, but how it made us feel and how the staff looked after us was what made it truly special.
In all honestly, we did try to play it cool, told them we had others to view and we would get back to them. But, unfortunately, we only managed to drive 2 miles before returning and booking the same day.
We did NOT play it cool!!
When putting together this list, it has been this personal experience that we have kept in mind. Each of these wedding venues is either elegant or architecturally striking. In addition, each offers stunning grounds and fantastic locations for photos. Most importantly, however, we believe each has that " X " factor we were looking for and found for our own wedding.
WEDDING VENUES IN LIVERPOOL
ROYAL LIVER BUILDING - THE VENUE
Possibly Liverpool's most famous landmark, The Royal Liver Building, is one of the Three Graces that define the city skyline. Flanked by The Cunard and the Port of Liverpool Buildings, The Royal Liver Building is the undisputed jewel in the crown, adorned by two Liver Birds. Did you know, however, that it is also a wedding venue, suitably named "The Venue"?
Want to learn more about The Royal Liver Building and get all the details you need to plan your wedding? Check out our full Royal Liver Building venue guide here
HARD DAYS NIGHT
The "Fab Four" star Hard Days Night Hotel is the world's only Beatles-inspired hotel and a truly unique venue for any wedding. Located on North John Street and at the heart of Liverpool's "Beatles Quarter," the Hard Days Night Hotel is one of over 1,550 listed buildings in Liverpool. On arrival, guests are greeted by the magnificent marble colonnade and grand staircase entrance.
Want to learn more about Hard Days Night Hotel and get all the details you need to plan your wedding? Check out our Hard Days Night Hotel venue guide here
LEASOWE CASTLE
The "Fab Four" star Hard Days Night Hotel is the world's only Beatles-inspired hotel and a truly unique venue for any wedding. Located on North John Street and at the heart of Liverpool's "Beatles Quarter," the Hard Days Night Hotel is one of over 1,550 listed buildings in Liverpool. On arrival, guests are greeted by the magnificent marble colonnade and grand staircase entrance.
Want to learn more about Leasowe Castle and get all the details you need to plan your wedding? Check out our complete guide here
MANSION HOUSE
This Grade II listed building is nestled among 94 acres of parkland in one of Liverpool's most beautiful green spaces. Originally built as a private home in 1825, the house takes its name from the park's Calderstones. These six neolithic sandstone boulders are believed the be the remains of a dolmen. The park is also home to the Allerton Oak, which is estimated to be over 1,000 years old!
Want to learn more about the Mansion House and get all the details you need to plan your wedding? Check out our complete guide here
FEATURED LIVERPOOL WEDDING VENUES
A selection of my favourite wedding venues in and around Liverpool
LIVERPOOL WEDDING GALLERY
Real Liverpool Weddings, I've photographed over the last few years at a variety of awesome Liverpool Wedding venues.
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