Set amongst the rolling hills of Delph, not far from Oldham Manchester, and on the skirt of the stunning Pennines, you will find one of the finest wedding venues in the area. The 4-Star Saddleworth Hotel is idyllically set amongst 10 acres of majestic gardens and forests in the stunning Castleshaw Valley, overlooking the spectacular views of the Pennine grounds. Inside you will find a contemporary modern space with impeccable decor throughout. The definite WOW factor, though, is provided by the double-height Ballroom with a beautiful wrap-around balcony! This family-run Hotel is perfect for all events but has specialised in hosting weddings since 1964. If you are interested in reading about the venue's humble origins and how it was transformed into today's stunning venue, read our section on its fascinating history.
If you are looking to get married in Manchester, but dont know where to start. Check out we have created our own guide including 5 Tips for this amazing city.
The Saddleworth Hotel
As Manchester wedding photographers, we love to be invited back to Saddleworth Hotel. The stunning location, light and venue mean that no two weddings are identical. The gardens come alive in spring, while outdoor summer weddings are rewarded with late nights amazing views and enchanted sunsets. In autumn, the woodland turns a spectacular range of orange as light dapples through the trees, and Christmas is true magic.
The venue offers its couples exclusive use of its elegant spaces, accommodation and onsite 3-rosette catering. Catering for weddings between 60 and 500 guests, the Hotel has a breadth of rooms suitable for any celebration. As a family-run business, you can be assured of a warm welcome and feel like you are being welcomed into someone's home as an honoured guest. Let us take you through the stunning details of this venue. Where to start your morning, say "I Do", where to party, and of course, get the best photos! Ready?
- Bridal Prep
- Arriving at Saddleworth Hotel
- Ceremonies At Saddleworth Hotel
- Celebration & Dining Spaces
- Wedding Photography at The Saddleworth Hotel
- How Much Does It Cost to Get Married
- Saddleworth Hotel Accommodation
- Scarlotties Restaurant
- Local Hotels
- Venue History and Contact Details
Bridal Prep at The Saddleworth Hotel
There are several charming local hotels and cottages, all within a short drive of the Saddleworth Hotel. However, if you want to make the most of your stay, choose to get in one of the Hotel's excellent rooms or suites. Not only do these rooms offer the most stunning & relaxing surroundings, but the fantastic team will be on hand to help you at every stage.
The Hotel offers two Grand Suits, rooms 13 and 14. While Room 13 provides a fantastic king-size 4-poster bed (wow!), your make-up artist will love the light in Room 14. Finished in white gloss and boasting a round leather bed, everything in this room reflects the natural light.
Arriving at The Saddleworth Hotel
When choosing to marry and celebrate your wedding at the same venue, choosing wedding cars can seem a frivolous extra. While wishing to arrive in stylish luxury is an obvious choice, booking another supplier for what is likely a brief journey rarely makes sense. The Saddleworth Hotel have, however, thought of everything and in style!
Chauffeur by the Baker family, the Hotel's own Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, is an exceptional option. Not simply a "Wedding Car", Phantom Drophead Coupe is one of the most beautiful luxury convertibles on the road today. It is impossible to spend time in this yachts-sized car and not feel like royalty!
Depending on which room you are holding your ceremony, the car can bring you in via the main gates or the tree-lined private road. The Rolls-Royce is also available for drives, including pick-ups and drop-offs. And Yes, we did fly a drone over a £300,000 car!
Ceremonies At The Saddleworth Hotel
The Saddleworth Hotel is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies both indoors and out. So should you be looking for a cosy and romantic candlelight ceremony or something more alfresco, the Saddleworth Hotel is the perfect location.
Garden Ceremonies
With just over 9 acres of lawns, flower beds and woodland to explore, it is no surprise the gardens are one of the Hotel's most admired features.
Overlooking the beautiful Castleshaw valley, flanked by mature pine forest. Ceremonies can be held under the beautiful sandstone gazebo, with the large secluded garden perfect for your romantic outdoor ceremonies. It is the ideal space to say "I Do" and start your marriage journey together.
Luxury Ceremonies at The Saddleworth Hotel
Intimately romantic ceremonies can be held indoors at the Saddleworth Hotel. With Stunning views across the Castleshaw valley, exposed beams and stonework, this a fairytale room within which to say "I Do."
Through large picture windows, light floods the room from one side, creating a feeling of true romance.
Grand Ceremonies In The Hotel Ballroom
The Ballroom at the Saddleworth Hotel is a stunning double-height balconied space. Undoubtedly the jewel in the Hotel's crown, the room is finished in the same impeccable styling evident throughout the Hotel. Crystal chandeliers salvaged from an ocean liner hang from the double-height ceiling. While the room is dominated by an oak-panelled grand fireplace salvaged from a listed property.
These heritage pieces have been expertly set against modern Swarovski twinkle ceiling lights, granite, glass and stainless steel. Creating a uniquely contemporary space full of charm and heritage. It is a styling combination challenging to do well, but the Baxter family have perfected it!
Celebration & Dining Spaces at The Saddleworth Hotel
Crafted as a wedding and events venue, the Hotel is ideally suited for hosting intimate weddings of 60 to grand luxury events of up to 500 guests. No matter your space, you can be assured your guest will be well-fed. The Hotel's 3-rosette restaurant serves delicious Italian-inspired cuisine alongside an extensive wine list.
Friarmere at The Saddleworth Hotel
The Friarmere is the Hotel's purpose-built function room. Annexed from the main building, this stunning space, complete with oak floor, can accommodate dining for up to 60 guests and evening parties of up to 150
The Friarmere features its own built-in sound system and light show, perfect for the evening party.
The Grand Ballroom
This stunning double-height balconied space is perfect for larger wedding parties. Catering for up to 400 guests is possible for your wedding breakfast, while up to 500 guests can join you in the evening.
The Ballroom's built-in sound system and light show are perfect for the evening party and completely change the feel of the space.
Wedding Photography at The Saddleworth Hotel
An authentic luxury venue sitting in private grounds of just over 9 acres and offering the perfect setting for beautiful wedding photographs. You can be assured of breathtaking wedding photos with venue and location such as the Saddle Worth Hotel.
The Saddleworth Hotel Gardens & Woodland
With over 9 acres of lawns, flower beds and woodland, the Saddleworth Hotel gardens are one of the Hotel's most admired features. Perfect for your wedding photos, almost every angle offers the ideal backdrop for your day.
Wedding photography has clearly been considered in the garden terraces, providing the ideal space for small and large group photos.
For couples portraits, we love taking a stroll down the private tree-lined road leading up to the back of the venue. It is one of our favourite spaces. This quiet and secluded spot is a stunning space to take your first romantic walk as a married couple.
The gently sloped pathway is perfect for fun and creative confetti photos.
Inside the venue, rooms are full of stunning character, while large picture windows provide perfect gorgeous natural light. The Balcony ballroom is ideal for dramatic candid photos of your guests having fun and loving your wedding day.
There are too many spaces to mention in this article. However, the open fields and the rolling hills of Delph are on your doorstep, while the venue's creative lighting is perfect for late-night portraits. If you want to explore the options, contact us and let us arrange a visit. It really is an outstanding wedding venue.
PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE & APPROACH
Too often, couples regret feeling overly posed or awkward, their day photographed not captured, and apprehensive about their wedding photography.
Over ten years ago, we set out to challenge this, to put our couple's experience and the forefront of our wedding photography and what we created was truly magic!
The style of wedding photography we created was authentic and intentional. Neither pure documentary nor entirely staged, but a blend that captured our couples in spirit and essence. Light, when understood, and be used like an artist paints to create something magical, capturing reality but in a way you may never have seen before!
While traditionally staged group photos may not be your thing, rarely are we not asked to take a few. Even when it's simply keeping the family happy, we are always willing to round up a few group shots if asked.
" Mat & Julia, created Fitzpatrick Photography to put you their couples at the heart of your wedding experience. They succee-0ded in creating a truly unique & luxury service"
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at The Saddleworth Hotel?
It’s all about the feeling you leave your GUEST with.
Weddings From £50 - £150 Per Person
Saddleworth Hotel Accommodation
The Saddleworth Hotel Saddleworth Hotel boasts 16 bedrooms, all decorated to a high standard and available to you and your guest. Rivalling even the finest Hotel, each room at the Saddleworth Hotel has comfortable bedding, high-end Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, and an unrivalled ambience.
Saddleworth Hotel Grand Suites
The Saddleworth Hotel offers guests the choice of two luxury suites. The pinnacle of elegance and luxury, these are the finest room the Saddleworth Hotel has to offer. Each room contrasts the other in both theme and design.
Room 13
Room 13 offers a modern touch in a traditional suite. This room offers the ultimate Saddleworth experience, with a super king hand-carved oak four-poster bed and a marble fireplace. Finished in black gloss with a square whirlpool bath, it is a room filled with quirkiness and charm and the perfect honeymoon suite.
Room 14
Room 14 is bright and modern with white gloss finishes and boasts a round leather bed. This light and airy space is perfect for any bride's morning, and your make-up artist will love the natural light available.
Both Grand Suites are lit by Swarovski crystal, bringing a finishing touch of luxury to these two beautiful rooms. Each bathroom is finished in granite with the finest of toiletries by Salvatore Ferragamo. In addition, these rooms feature a full range of luxury amenities and the latest in technology, including two LED flat-screen televisions and high-speed internet access. Perfect for scrolling through any sneak peek photos!
FAMILY ROOMS
The family rooms are tucked away in The Saddleworth Hotels Coach House, idyllically set back from the main Hotel. These rooms offer unique style and charm while being a quiet space to escape. Floor-to-ceiling windows light the living area, and a richly styled bedroom provides an intimate and luxurious feel.
Each of these rooms is designed for families and provides ample space and privacy, with two bedrooms perfect for friends or guests travelling with children. In addition to luxuries, including 2 LED flat-screen televisions and high-speed internet access, each bathroom features marble finishes accompanied by Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries.
Junior Suites
The Saddleworth Hotel offers two Junior Suites. Bother rooms provide an elegant and open plan space to call your own, alongside a super king bed in which to rest.
Each of these stunning modern luxury yet classically sophisticated rooms features an earth-tone inspired decor ensuring a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere.
The spacious bathrooms provide the convenience and romance of a large double shower, complimented by Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries and feature a soft-toned marble finish.
These rooms also feature a full range of luxury amenities and the latest technology, including LED flat-screen televisions and high-speed internet.
Classic Rooms
The Saddleworth Hotel offers seven classical boutique rooms, all boasting unique and individual touches. Decorated to the same high standard found throughout the Hotel, these rooms effortlessly blend the traditional feel with the modern necessities. Styling details include large mirrors (look out for the room with the mirror on the ceiling), granite accents, and solid oak furnishings. Each room offers a king-size bed and the finest in-bed linens, complemented by breathtaking views across the Castleshaw valley. Your guests are guaranteed a luxury stay even in the Hotels "standard" rooms.
Scarlotties Restaurant at Saddleworth Hotel
If you plan to stay the night before your wedding or choose the Hotel for the start of your honeymoon, be sure to check out Scarlotti's restaurant. Own and run by the same Baxter family. Scarlotti's offers authentic Italian food, including exquisite fresh meat, pasta and pizza dishes, with private booth seating for up to 12 guests. A perfect way to start your celebrations with close friends and family or your bridal party.
Your meal can be complemented by an expertly stocked wine and drinks list before enjoying a cocktail (or two) in the luxurious and intimate Lounge Bar.
What Hotels are Local Close to Saddleworth Hotel?
The Saddleworth Hotel l boasts 16 stunning rooms that can be booked as part of your wedding package, ensuring your friends and family can stay as late as they wish to enjoy your celebration. If more rooms are needed, however, there several hotels close to the venue. Below we have listed several stunning hotels, all within a short taxi journey of The Saddleworth Hotel.
Dingle House Farm
Located inside the Peak District National Park and less than 3 miles from Saddleworth Hotel, Dingle House Farm offers 3 idyllic cottages
Diggle House Farm is a working Livery Yard and Cattery Fram, inside the Peak District National Park. The Farm offers three 4* cottages offering self catering accommodation:Nell's Cottage (2 x Bedrooms, sleeps 3), Jim's Barn (2 x Bedrooms, sleeps 4) and Jenny's Cottage (1 x Bedroom, sleeps 2). Jim's and Jenny's can be linked to sleep a total of 6 for larger family's
The White Hart
The White Hart at Lydgate is a short 4 mile drive from the Saddleworth Hotel and offers 12 AA 4 star Gold standard bedrooms plus 4 speciaous family rooms
The White Hart has enjoyed a rich and varied history, since built in 1788. The building has served as the local police station, a schoolhouse, and weaver’s cottage and even a Second World War look out point. In June 1994, Charles Brierley bought the freehold of The White Hart Inn and has extended and renovated the pub, turning it into the award-winning venue it is today
THE OLD BELL IN
The Old Bell Inn is less than 2 miles drive from the Saddleworth Hotel and offers 18 rooms, including family and singles
Situated in the beautiful Saddleworth village of Delph, The Old Bell Inn is only thirty minutes from Manchester, five miles from Oldham town centre and ten minutes from the M62. Alongside 18 bedroomed this 18th Century Coaching House offers both Brasserie and Restaurant.
Saddleworth Hotel & Wedding Venue History
Today the Saddleworth Hotel & Wedding Venue is a luxury hotel and wedding venue in an idyllic Pennine setting. The venue, however, started from far more humble beginnings.
In the 1930s, early planning had started on what would later become the UK's motorway network, including the M62, today the main Pennine crossing for any motorist heading east or west. However, before its staged opening between 1971 and 1976, the A62 provided a significant link between Huddersfield and Manchester.
The Baxter Family
In 1964, the founder of The Saddleworth Hotel, Anthony John Baker, saw an opportunity in this passing traffic and bought Springhouse Farm to open as a transport cafe. Originally from Croydon, Anthony had been evacuated to Bolton during the Blitz. When the war ended, Anthony decided to call the North West home and started a career in the leisure club industry in Bolton.
End of an Era?
As the M62 took traffic away from the A62, it also took the passing trade on which the cafe relied. With fewer customers coming through their doors, Anthony decided to adapt rather than close the business. Staying true to the industry, he knew Anthony transformed the once humble roadside cafe into Cottage Motel alongside a B&B with a bar and restaurant. It was a huge success! The now quiet and secluded spot, a fact that nearly closed the business, was the very thing couples fell in love with. The unspoilt scenery stretching out for miles and bypassed by heavy traffic sealed the deal. Before long, it became a sought-after space for celebrations and when Anthony found his love for hosting wedding celebrations and parties.
The Next Generation
In 1973, the second generation arrived at Springhouse Farm with the birth of Scott Anthony Baker. Scott grew up with the business and remains integral to running the Hotel today.
In the early 1980s, the Springhouse Farm was re-named the Cottage Hotel and, subsequently, the Saddleworth Hotel. Through the 1980s and early 1990s, the Hotel continued to grow. Quickly establishing itself as a thriving party and wedding venue unlike any other.
The Latest Chapter
In 1995, the UK wedding laws changed, allowing marriages outside registry offices and churches. The Hotel was immediately ready to take advantage of this, offering guests the opportunity to book their wedding receptions and ceremony under one roof. In fact, Anthony and Sandi were the very first couple in England to marry under this new law and became Mr and Mrs Baker at the Saddleworth Hotel.
Today
Today the Saddleworth Hotel remains a family business, and the Bakers state that "the Hotel is not just a business, it is a member of the family."
Saddleworth Hotel Contact Details
Address: Huddersfield Rd, Delph, Oldham OL3 5LX
Web: http://www.saddleworthhotel.co.uk
Phone: 01457 871888
Email: enquiries@thesaddleworthhotel.co.uk
To help with your wedding planning we have put together a comprehensive 32 step guide taking you every step of the way from picking your venue, to last minute details. Wedding planning, shouldn't be stressful, and we would love to join you on your journey from saying "Yes" to "I Do"
Share this story
