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Weddings

About

The Bowdon Rooms is a unique and sophisticated wedding venue with an abundance of authentic Edwardian character, located in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Established in 1903, this award-winning venue is ideal for an exclusive wedding filled with historic charm. Your special day will be unforgettable with a wealth of original architecture, beautiful features, and elegant grandeur.

Facilities and Capacity

Fully licensed for ceremonies, to-be-weds can spend the entire day at this extraordinary venue. Say your vows in either the intimate executive lounge or, for larger weddings, in the glorious Edwardian ballroom. This grand banquet hall offers glamorous chandeliers suspended from the dramatic 40-foot dome ceiling and original Edwardian features, including quaint alcoves, balustrades, and pillars. Couples will also find many wedding photo opportunities here. The Bowdon Rooms offers a variety of stylish and comfortable spaces where you and your loved ones can mingle. A premier music venue, The Bowdon Rooms boasts an impressive stage with ultra-high specification digital lighting and sound, enhancing your evening entertainment for a night to remember. Furthermore, the stage area features a green room and dressing room, complete with full-length and professional makeup mirrors and bathroom facilities.

Services Offered

As a family-run business, the dedicated team at The Bowdon Rooms is a select group of experienced and amiable event managers and wedding planners. They will work with you and be on hand to help create your dream day, adding a personal touch for which the venue is renowned. A professional coordinator will guide you every step of the way, and a master of ceremonies can ensure the smooth running of your momentous occasion.

  • Woman-owned
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Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

Historic
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Civil ceremony licence

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Corkage option
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering

Evening entertainment:

Dance floor
Entertainment licence
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities

Overnight accommodation:

Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests

Venue staff assistance:

Master of ceremonies/toastmaster
Wedding coordinator

Venue leisure facilities:

Hairdresser
Beautician

Other features:

Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Helipad
Confetti permitted
Changing room for wedding guests
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Do you have any questions?

Reviews for The Bowdon Rooms

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to make your big decisions easier.
4.9 out of 5 rating
Hitched Wedding Awards 2024 Winner
4.9 out of 5 rating
51 reviews
98% recommend it
  • Quality of the service
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Value for money
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
Megan
Megan Sent on 10/01/2025
1.2 out of 5 rating

I would not recommend.

Unfortunately, our experience with The Bowdon Rooms was incredibly disappointing, and we cancelled our wedding there. What should’ve been an exciting time turned into a constant source of stress and frustration.

Communication was a complete nightmare and ultimately, their failures led us to the difficult decision to cancel. Issues included:

- When we first viewed the venue, we asked about outside catering and were told “yes” with no mention of a hefty buy-out fee. We only found out about it after paying the deposit, which felt very sneaky.

- We were promised a meeting a year before our wedding date, but that didn’t happen. It took ages to get any responses (like sometimes months), and we had to keep chasing emails because no one kept us in the loop. We were passed through 3 different co-ordinators due to staff members leaving and it was never communicated each time.

-At one point, we waited over an hour at the venue for a meeting we’d been invited to, only to have a rushed, rude conversation in the foyer. It was awkward and unprofessional. We had travelled an hour to get there.

- Even when we tried to give them the benefit of the doubt, the lack of organisation and care just made things worse. To top it all off, when we raised issues and asked for a small gesture—like waiving the buy-out fee (and putting that money behind the bar) —they refused.

The only time we felt they were on the ball was when they needed us to transfer money to a new bank account because of the ownership change. Everything else felt like an afterthought.

In the end, the whole experience was stressful, disappointing, and cost us way too much time and trust. Due to us cancelling because of their failures, we requested our deposit back. In response we got an email basically saying we were lucky they weren't charging us the majority of the hire cost. They really killed the joy in our planning experience and i wouldn't recommend anyone book them.
Lisa
Lisa Sent on 18/01/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Vow renewal

We had the most perfect day, it was just over so quickly 😟

Honestly guys i cant even tell you how many comments we had on the room, we had a lot of comments saying that as soon as they walked in and saw the set up they were very emotional, so that was really nice and the effect we wanted, honestly it was beautiful.

Helena was great, she not only coordinated everything perfectly, she also offered moral support (to mike, who was close to a nervous breakdown on the day with nerves lol) and she even laced up my dress, you dont get that everywhere lol, nothing was too much trouble, we honestly felt so comfortable.

I honestly think the difference with you guys is we met you as a service provider but it honestly feels like you became our friends, you shared and encouraged (again, michael lol) our vision to enable us to have the most perfect day.

We honestly cannot put into words how perfect it was and how much we appreciate you guys for all you did

I can honestly say i wish you all to have the family, happiness and love myself and Michael have for each other, as with that you can take on the world

Again, many thanks to allison, helena and all the team, you were honestly great x



D
David Sent on 21/11/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The Bowdon Rooms Wedding Event Review October 2023

The Bowdon Rooms is a lovely wedding venue. The interior is fresh and attractive with plenty of space for guests and evening entertainment. The events manager guided and supported us through the options available in hiring the venue. We choose a package offering with catering included and on reflection, we have no regrets in that selection. The included on site catering was excellent and the events manager communicated and worked with us very well very in organising our day at the venue. This included accommodating a piano player and a 35 piece showband in the evening. The catering and staff at the venue are excellent. If you looking for a wedding venue go have a chat with them and they’ll arrange to show you around the venue.
G
Glen Sent on 18/11/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect wedding day

My partner and I got married here in November 2023 and we could not be happier with how the day went!

We fell in love with the venue on our first visit. Its location and the unique character of the building made it stand out from others that we had viewed.

From viewing the venue, right up to the big day, Helena and the Bowdon Rooms team were incredibly helpful and were always on hand to answer any questions we had, no matter how small. We were made to feel at ease throughout the whole planning process. Helena made every effort to ensure that each and every small detail was captured and communicated to everyone. As a result, the entire day was amazing and ran smoothly from start to finish.

All of the guests at our wedding commented on how professional and friendly the team were and we could not agree more. The venue looked amazing and was decorated beautifully for all aspects of the day, from the ceremony, wedding breakfast and the evening reception.

Honestly, if you’re even thinking of booking this venue for your wedding (or any other event) don’t think about it….just do it. We cannot recommend this venue enough. Thank you so much to the Bowdon Rooms team for all of their hard work to make our day truly magical – it was perfect! It’s definitely one we’ll never forget.
Marilyn
Marilyn Sent on 08/11/2023
5 out of 5 rating

An amazing venue

10/10 cannot recommend The Bowdon Rooms enough. We had our wedding here last month and from start to finish, Allison and the team were outstanding.

From the moment we arrived at the venue, the staff were amazing. They made sure that ourselves and our guests felt welcomed and made the day flow effortlessly and smoothly. They were so organised with timings and with following the order of the day. The venue itself is beautiful both the outdoor space and inside.

Also, catering provided by Herbs and Spices was incredible! We opted for a buffet and every dish was delicious. We had guests commenting on how nice the meals were and one even said how “it was the best food” she’s had at a wedding.

Thank you so much, Allison, Ed and everyone at The Bowdon Room for making our wedding a day to remember.
A
A Brown Sent on 29/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Fabulous wedding venue

We can’t thank Allison and Ed enough for our wedding reception at The Bowdon Rooms. They are very experienced at the organising and logistics and communication was excellent. They and all the team worked so hard on the day and I would recommend this venue and team to anyone wanting to host a special event there.
Anne
Anne Sent on 17/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful wedding venue

From the minute we contacted the Bowdon rooms to the day of our wedding we received the best 5* service from Allison and her team.
They helped every step of the way planning our special day and ensuring we had everything we needed.
The room look stunning on the day and staff were amazing looking after us and our family and friends.
So much better than a corporate venue, such a personal service.
We loved every minute of our celebrations at this special place.
L
Liz W. Sent on 16/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Outstanding

The Bowdon Rooms were amazing. Allison, Helena and the team were outstanding. Their attention to detail is second to none and we had nothing to worry about. From our first initial enquiry, right through to the wedding day itself
Any questions we had were dealt with quickly. They put us at ease and let us enjoy the day. We couldn’t recommend The Bowdon Rooms enough for a wedding. Our guests were blown away and we’ve had nothing but compliments since.
J
Joy D. Sent on 01/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The best wedding venue we could have wished for!

We had our wedding at the Bowdon Rooms in September 2023 and we couldn’t have wished for a better venue. From our initial enquiry Allison and Helena were friendly, professional and excited for our big day. They accommodated all of our requests and made some of their own brilliant suggestions. Everything was well organised and prepared leading up to the day. The team always made it clear that they didn’t want us to worry about anything and nothing was too much trouble. On the day everything went smoothly and we were able to just enjoy ourselves. The venue looked beautiful and we truly had the best day. I would 100% recommend The Bowdon Rooms as a wedding venue!
A
Andrew Sent on 01/08/2023
5 out of 5 rating

We cannot recommend this venue enough

The team are incredibly professional, friendly and every detail is thought of. The communication between us and them was top notch. They are well connected so can help with suppliers too. They basically take all the hard work out of the day so you are able to have the most chilled out relaxing time. During the day, the team were clearly working super hard but you hardly notice them, they are very discreet and are excellent at making sure you have nothing to worry about and you can enjoy your day. Once the day is over, they clean up and get all of your things ready for you to collect the next day with zero stress. We cannot recommend this venue enough. You'll have the best time at Bowdon Rooms.
Susie
Susie Sent on 21/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Brilliant experience

Fantastic experience from start to finish with the Bowdon Rooms .
From our initial enquiry through to our wedding day we have received the best service from Helena and the team.
Nothing was too much trouble and it’s like having your own personal wedding planners to organise every minute of the day so you can relax . Hugely experienced team and could not recommend enough .

Thanks so much

Susie & Graham
Jack
Jack Sent on 09/06/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The best, unique day ever. Stunning from start to finish.

For the most fun, personalised wedding that feels unique to you, then you don’t want to look elsewhere.

You will not find a better venue with more accommodating, experienced and professional staff in Cheshire.

From the moment we saw the ballroom (and stage) we knew that we could throw the wedding celebrations of our dreams, It combines the glamour of a ballroom and a wedding venue, the fun of a village hall wedding, and the party vibes of a cool-inner city music venue.

Allison was the most incredible supporter of our creative vision and hyping up our colorful dream. She took us through every step of the journey and was always available to email or meet. She made planning both fun and exciting. It felt like we met family rather than someone who was paid to plan our day. It was amazing to find someone who cared as much about our day as we did. We’ll miss our meetings!

Some of the touches they were able to do included our own personalized drinks reception (corkage meant we could have my wife's favorite cocktails), our custom food menu from the in-house caterers (more below), drinks brought in by the bar manager (craft beer, my favorite hard-to-source beer and even gluten-free lager for guests) and unique props that other venues would panic over. They also seamlessly brought together our wide array of external venues (florist, DJ, band, tables, chairs).

We were absolutely blown away when we walked in on our wedding day to see it come to life, the stunning ballroom was transformed with the most incredible glow-up, that looked like it had been professionally styled (A special mention to Helena who followed my wife’s table plans to the letter which was just as good as a professional stylist)

Even with all the fun personal touches, it still felt like a beautiful wedding throughout.

The in-house caterer of Herb and Spice is a hidden gem. If like us you’re a foodie, and food is vital to the day, book this venue. Amy and the team allowed us to serve whatever we wanted (Antipasti, Souvlaki, Wedding cake followed by pizza). The food was the quality of great restaurants, with the portion size of a pub, which was the complete opposite of every wedding meal I’ve ever had.

We booked a band and DJ who play across the North West at some of the region's biggest venues and were so hyped about the set-up, staff, and venue. They said it was the best venue they played at.

The venue seated 68 for the day and 20 for the evening, which we felt might be too small for the space, but the way it was laid out, made us feel like it was a room full of love.

From a fun drinks reception, followed by a romantic dinner, followed by the best party I’ve been to.

Here are a few quotes from our guests:
“After coming to your wedding, I finally understand the hype of weddings”
“The staff treated you like a celebrity”
“A day we’ll never forget. The best from start to finish, it felt like your own venue”.
“The staff were amazing and couldn’t of done enough for all us guests’
S
Sam G. Sent on 21/05/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic Wedding

We had a fantastic wedding at the Bowdon Rooms. The venue were very flexible, allowing us to add lots of personal touches and have the spaces exactly as we wanted, and the final result was fab.
The team were very professional and friendly both during planning and on the day, we have had lots of guests complimenting the staff. The food was great from Herb & Spice
Would recommend getting married at The Bowdon Rooms.
HappyOrangeFlowers643
Allison Sent on 17/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

If you want an amazing wedding, book here!

We honestly don't know where to start.. so my husband and I got married here on 5th April 2023 and from the moment we met the staff at The Bowdon Rooms we were blown away with their kindness and professionalism. This was the 1st and only place we viewed and we are so glad we chose you guys. Allison, Ed, Hèlèna and Amy at herb and spice were all amazing and couldn't do enough for us from planning meetings and making sure the day ran smoothly and even going the extra mile to make us feel super special. We have absolutely no regrets and so glad we got married here. We would strongly recommend anyone who wants a special day to book here. We cannot thank you all enough and are eternally grateful for everything you guys have done for us. We want to do it all again 😊
Zoe
Zoe G. Sent on 16/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Simply unbelievable; faultless

11/10! Cannot recommend highly enough.

We recently celebrated our wedding at the Bowdon Rooms and honestly we were blown away with how utterly amazing the staff were.

We knew they are amazing from planning our wedding (in 6 very short months) but when your guests are taking the time to comment on how great they all are, you know that it’s special.

From the minute we viewed this venue (which is spectacular- it speaks for itself) we were met with warmth and professionalism. Absolutely nothing was too much for Allison, she is just simply wonderful. Aside from providing absolutely everything we needed and more, Allison is hilarious and we have really enjoyed working with her. I have been asked hundreds of times whether I am stressed or anxious in the planning of our wedding and honestly I can’t say that I’ve felt anything but calm and confident purely thanks to Allison, Ed and Helena. They have bent over backwards, been excellent at staying in touch and just generally made us feel super special. It’s just all been so easy and I can’t thank the team enough for that.

Fast forward to the day and we were treated like royalty. The attentiveness is actually mind blowing. We didn’t have to do a thing, we brought our things and they just ‘magically’ appeared in all the right places. Anything we didn’t have was sourced and sorted out. The attention to detail is just stunning and everything looked perfect.

I wanted access to the venue really early to get ready with my girls. This was no issue what so ever. We were provided with a beautiful room, champagne flutes, coffee, anything we could have needed. This started the day off so wonderfully and made it really special. The level of service is honestly astounding. Special thanks to Helena playing with our children and keeping them safe while we were eating… I really mean it when I say nothing is too much. Even at the end of the night when we were waiting for our car home, Ed was busy making us cups of tea, etc. I simply cannot fault them in the slightest. I love that everyone takes the time to know the names of bridal party, parents of the bride and groom etc, that level of personalisation meant a lot to us.

I also want to thank Rosie, Jim and all the bar staff who were absolutely lovely and worked tirelessly to help our day run so smoothly. The professionalism is next level and the amount of confidence I felt in each staff member was just so reassuring. The whole team never stopped all day and I mean ALL day, but never once did there feel any stress or rush. It’s all down to a very fine art! The bar was great, there was a lot of people there and not once was there a queue… don’t think I’ve ever experienced that!

Thank you so deeply from the bottom of our hearts. You made our perfect day so perfect and we will always be grateful.
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The Bowdon Rooms Real Weddings

Katie & Jammy
32 photos · 19/11/2022

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The Firs WA14 2TQ Altrincham (Greater Manchester)
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