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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2022

Last update: December 2025

Nestled beside the tranquil waters of the picturesque Shropshire Union Canal, on the Cheshire–Wirral border, Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port offers a truly charming setting for your special day. Set on its own private island, this hidden gem combines peaceful waterfront beauty with excellent accessibility, just eight miles from the historic city of Chester and within a 30-minute drive of Liverpool and Manchester.

From the moment you arrive, you and your guests will be enchanted by the calm, romantic atmosphere — a wonderful escape from the everyday and the perfect place to begin your happily ever after.

Facilities and Capacity

Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port offers elegant spaces to bring your vision to life. The Manfred Suite is ideal for smaller, more personal ceremonies and receptions, while the impressive Mercer Suite can host up to 200 guests, perfect for a joyful celebration surrounded by all your loved ones.

For couples seeking a truly magical moment, you can even exchange your vows against the beautiful waterfront backdrop, creating unforgettable memories and breathtaking wedding photographs you’ll treasure forever.

The hotel’s unique island location creates a relaxed and romantic ambience, allowing you and your guests to soak up every moment of your day. With scenic surroundings at every turn, your wedding photos will be filled with natural beauty and timeless elegance.

Accommodation

For guests travelling from further afield — or for couples wishing to continue the celebrations — discounted wedding accommodation rates are available across the hotel’s 83 comfortable bedrooms, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the day without worry.

Services Offered

At Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port, no two weddings are the same. A variety of thoughtfully designed wedding packages are available to suit all budgets and styles, with the option to create a bespoke package tailored to your unique love story. Our experienced and passionate wedding team will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your day is seamless, stress-free, and truly unforgettable.

Here, we don’t just host weddings — we help create memories that last a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

Small hotel
Unusual weddings
Landmark
Large hotel
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Civil ceremony licence

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
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:

Swimming pool
Fitness centre

Other features:

Accessible facilities
Car parking
Confetti permitted
Horse baraat permitted
illustration notebook

Do you have any questions?

Reviews for The Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port

Corrie
Corrie Sent on 20/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating

A dream wedding!!

We recently had our wedding here and we honestly cannot put into words how perfect our day went. From the moment we booked our date, the whole process and the actual day ran so smoothly.
The whole team are incredible, professional and so genuinely caring nothing was ever too much trouble, they went above and beyond to make sure every detail was just right.

The venue on the day itself looked absolutely stunning set up, we loved that we got to take a moment to have a look around and take it all in before our guests entered.
The atmosphere was unreal, the DJ knew how to throw a party, the food was perfect and the day couldn’t have gone any better, we would do anything to relive it all again.

This is without a doubt the most perfect venue to get married and will now always have a special place in our hearts! We can’t wait to visit again in the near future.
Sarah
Sarah Sent on 02/09/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Best day ever , best venue and staff too

where do we start ! We had the most incredible day at the holiday inn Ellesmere Port.

The day was more than we could have ever imagined and it was made even more amazing by all the Staff at the HIEP. The care they gave to us and all my guests was exceptional.

Steve was absolutely incredible and a credit to the HIEP. From introducing himself on Friday night and calming my nerves, to coming to check we were all ok on Saturday morning. He felt like part of our wedding and that was really special to us and we would like to thank him for being part of our day! He worked so hard and nothing was too much for him . So, thank you Steve we will never forget your part in our wedding

The rest of the staff on where fantastic from helping us set up, straightening my dress, calming my nerves, to trying to find the swans with my nephew for us to have a photo. They went above and beyond to make our day amazing . They always had a smile on their face which is always great to see.

We had so many positive comments from guest with multiple saying it's the best venue and wedding they have been to and how incredible the staff were .

The food was incredible for the wedding breakfast and the buffet was brilliant and was constantly topped up and hot . There was not one complaint about the food and lots of comments on how good it was!

Nadiya , helped us from the day we enquired right up to the day before the wedding answering any silly question I had and last minute changes. Nothing was too much and she has so much helpful advice

This was the best venue by far for the price and what you got with your money ! Would highly recommend

HIEP thank you for the best day of our lives

Mr and Mrs Challoner
Jenny
Jenny Sent on 17/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating

The best crew ever! ❤️

We can’t thank the team at Holiday Inn enough for making our wedding day absolutely magical! From start to finish, everything was so beautifully organised, and the staff were simply outstanding. Every single team member was hands-on, full of energy, and constantly encouraging us to fully enjoy every moment of our special day.

A special shoutout to Nadiya, Michelle, Steve, and Loyal, you were all so caring, attentive, and truly made us feel looked after. You went above and beyond, and it didn’t go unnoticed. Our DJ Steve has also made our reception and first dance absolutely unforgettable x

What meant the world to us was how you embraced and respected both our Filipino and English traditions. It created such a unique and meaningful celebration that felt truly ours.

Our guests were absolutely blown away by how welcoming and warm the staff were, not to mention how well-fed and happy everyone was throughout the day! Thank you again for creating a day we’ll cherish forever. Your kindness, energy, and attention to detail made it all unforgettable. 💛

With love and deep gratitude,
Mr and Mrs Russell x
L
Laura Sent on 05/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Our Happily Ever After wedding

We had our wedding here on Saturday (21st of June) and I can’t say thank you enough to everyone. First of Nadiya who we first met for a venue tour way back in May 2023 me and my now husband were blown away with the venue and just instantly felt this was the right venue. Nadiya really looked after us all the way through the wedding planning process she answered every question we had and made the whole wedding planning process so easy and painless. The next big shout out was to Steve, Michelle and all the staff working our wedding day and weekend. They all went above and beyond for us and my family. We had a major cake disaster and 9pm the night before the wedding we had no cake our original collapsed and no cake to cut on our wedding day. The incredible Steve and staff all rallied around and saved the day and found a baker to do us a cake and get it delivered before our wedding breakfast the following day and honestly can’t thank them all enough from the bottom of our hearts we are truly thankful. Steve is honestly is a credit to the hotel and truly did everything for us and helped the day go so smoothly think he deserve a medal for saving the day and a pay rise ( I tried Steve 🤣). The package we had the love on the loch is worth every penny saved so much stress having Suzanne from Carol Ann’s Florist for all the decor for the wedding she was incredible and really brought my vision to life. The DJ also being included was also amazing they were so good on the night got everyone dancing and everyone said the DJ was incredible had the best time dancing to some incredible songs and have so many great memories. To every member of staff who helped on our day and worked the wedding night your were all amazing and a true credit to the holiday inn and loved the fact you got up dancing with us to Cotten eye Joe a true highlight of the night to see you having as much fun as us. We honestly can’t thank everyone at the holiday inn for making our dream day come to life.

Sorry totally forgot to say the food we had on the day was amazing as well. We had soup, chicken and cheesecake. The cheesecake is the best cheesecake even my mum said it reminded her of her grandmas cheesecake. They were also amazing with any requests for dietary requirements we had a vegi, gf and couple of fussy eaters. They were all taken care of and ate everything. All the guests said how amazing the hotel was and the food at the wedding was. Also breakfast the following morning was really good with plenty of options and again all the staff were so friendly and professional
G
Gail Sent on 01/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating

May wedding

Held my daughters wedding here May 2025 - perfect from start to finish - the staff couldn’t do enough to help and accommodated all requests - day went seem less - the layout of the wedding suite is more than perfect to allow for all age groups (those wanting a break from the music) have a perfect lounge area and a sunny day allowed for the use of the outside patio area - a special mention for the chef - the food was beautiful very well presented and the beef melted in the mouth - Stephen could not have been more attentive from check in to check out . highly recommended
Holly
Holly Sent on 31/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Couldn't have asked for more.

Nadiya, Michelle, Steve and all the team at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port were incredible.

From the point of visiting the hotel and meeting Nadiya as our wedding coordinator, we knew we wanted to have our wedding here. Nadiya was lovely, so accommodating and flexible when we needed to make last minute changes to our visit, and it was clear that what she wanted was for us to pick the right venue (wherever that was) and really helped us to envisage what packages they offer and how to bring that to life in the space provided. There were so many options to suit a range of budgets and some fantastic additions included in all of the packages, such as the resident DJ (who was AMAZING), and the chair covers, aisle carpet etc. From that point onwards, Nadiya was our main contact leading up to the day and really helped us with the finer details in our plan whilst arranging things on their side in the background.

We met Steve and Michelle the day before the wedding and they took over on the day (although Nadiya was still there every step of the way until she finished for the day!) and wow, what a job they did! They really took the plan and delivered with exceptional service, making sure we were in all the right places. Steve even took us aside just before our group photos after the ceremony so we got to enjoy 5 minutes to ourselves with champagne, and Michelle was there with pep talks and tissues at all the right moments. She made sure that our bridal party all knew what they needed to be doing (including our young flower girl), whilst Nadiya was there with water/bubbly before it was time to start, making sure my train was just right before I walked down the aisle. Nothing was too much trouble for anyone, even with various different things we wanted to add into the plan or change around. We had a lot of different dietary requirements and the venue were brilliant at catering to these, coming up with different canapés and arranging separate buffet plates for those who needed them - certainly nobody went hungry!

The hotel itself is a gorgeous venue. The grounds are so peaceful with the canal water and you can get some incredible pictures. On top of that, both the ceremony room and evening room are very spacious and can be extended if required. The space is so adaptable and the staff all worked hard in the background to move things around to where we needed them throughout the day. You get a private bar, lounge area and toilets in the wedding area making sure your day runs smoothly and is uninterrupted.

We honestly couldn't have wanted more from the venue - you can see how hard they work to run their weddings and they made everything as easy for us as possible. There were so many personal touches, including a personalised lock that they give all their couples to add by the canal and they even left us a bottle of champagne in our room for the end of the night. The DJ ran until 1am which meant we could maximise our day to the very end and the hotel bar is open 24 hours after that, so no one was left having to rush a drink down or wait outside for a taxi.

We cannot speak highly enough for the staff and venue at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port. If you're debating who to go with, book them! You won't regret it!
Daniella
Daniella Sent on 28/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Mr & mrs Hill

Fantastic service from start to end. Staff were amazing friendly couldn’t do enough. We had the best day of our lives. Can’t recommend booking your wedding here enough.
Nikita
Nikita Sent on 01/03/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Most wonderful stress free day

The Holiday Inn is absolutely amazing, nothing was too much trouble for them. Kept myself and my husband calm, going through everything with us, not letting us stress if things ran over. Just an overall brilliant day. Nadiya the wedding coordinator is fantastic and Michelle & the team on the day were absolutely great. Would highly recommend this venue to be used for your big day.
Sophie
Sophie Sent on 01/02/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Sophie and Steven Capewell’s wedding

Our wedding on April 7th, 2023, was an absolute dream come true, and we couldn’t have chosen a more perfect venue. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how stunning the setting was, but what truly made the day exceptional was the incredible staff. Every single person went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly, and nothing was ever too much trouble. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and genuine kindness made the whole experience completely stress-free.

From the planning stages to the big day itself, they were always on hand to offer support, advice, and reassurance, making sure every little detail was just as we envisioned. Our guests were equally impressed, commenting on how seamless everything felt and how welcoming and attentive the staff were. The atmosphere was perfect, the food was incredible, and every moment felt truly magical.

We cannot thank the team enough for making our wedding day so special—it was everything we had dreamed of and more. If you’re looking for a breathtaking venue with a team who genuinely care and will go the extra mile to make your day perfect, this is the place. We will cherish these memories forever!.
Nicola
Nicola Sent on 31/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating

A Wonderful Venue!

The Holiday Inn exceeded all expectations for our wedding day. From start to finish, the staff were incredibly professional, and their attention to detail made the entire event run smoothly. The food was absolutely phenomenal! Our guests are still raving about the delicious dinner and the beautiful presentation.

We did experience a minor guest issue during the day, but the venue staff handled it swiftly and with great professionalism. They immediately addressed the situation, ensured everything remained calm and everyone was taken care of. They went above and beyond to ensure it didn't ruin our day and I can't thank them enough for this.

Overall, the Holiday Inn provided an unforgettable experience. The stunning location, impeccable service, and amazing food made our wedding day truly special. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful venue with a dedicated and caring team!

The padlock gift was a wonderful touch that we can't wait to go back to visit on our anniversary!
Samantha
Samantha Sent on 31/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Best venue ever!

The Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port was the perfect wedding venue for us.

The first time we walked in we felt instantly relaxed. Nadiya and the whole team at The Holiday Inn are so friendly and professional. We couldn’t have asked for more.

My whole wedding planning experience was so relaxed and that’s all down to Nadiya. Nothing was too much trouble and our wedding was perfect!

Would 100% recommend


Helen
Helen Sent on 31/01/2025
4 out of 5 rating

Wedding day

Our wedding planner was incredibly helpful in the lead-up to the wedding, and we successfully incorporated our wishes into the planning process with the venue. The location was lovely, and the food was well-received by our guests. However, there was one issue on the day itself due to a new organiser we had not met before. Some small details were not communicated as we had initially planned. Overall, the wedding was exactly what we had asked for, and we were compensated when we raised our concerns after the event. The venue was presented beautifully.
Hannah
Hannah Sent on 31/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Our wedding July 2023

Our wedding.
Where do I start?
It was the best day ever and more than I could have asked for, all of the staff on the day were exceptional, cannot fault them or the service!
I wish I could relive the day over and over again!
I also loved the little gesture of the padlock, we go and see it regularly.
Sandra
Sandra Sent on 31/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Fantastic personalised service

The whole team were amazing from start to finish. Nadiya supported us through all of the planning to make this as easy and enjoyable as possible. On the day Michelle our co ordinator was just incredible, working nonstop to ensure our day ran smoothly.
Don
Don E. Sent on 06/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port such a perfect wedding venue

Wow what can we say about our wedding party. We celebrated our wedding on Saturday and from start to finish the whole Ellesmere Port Holiday Inn experience was perfect. The location is absolutely stunning and made the perfect backdrop for our photographs. The whole team were so friendly and exceptional in ensuring everything was just right for us and our guests. All our guests haven’t stopped talking about it saying it’s by far one of the best venues they have been to. A big thank you to Nadya our wedding coordinator who was so organised and gave us excellent advice and guidance, Rachael & Craig (All about you photography) and DJ Steve (Amore events) for all making it so perfect.
Jan & Don Evans
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Badges

Hitched Wedding Awards 2026 Winner
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Did the reviews win you over?

The Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port Real Weddings

Sarah Challoner & John Challoner
7 photos · 30/08/2025
Sandra & Tom
8 photos · 21/12/2024
Amber & Richard
22 photos · 20/04/2024
Rebekah & Craig
152 photos · 22/12/2023
Sophie & Steven
61 photos · 07/04/2023

Your events

25 Jan
Open Door

Sunday 25th January 2026 | Free Admission

We are delighted to announce our next Wedding Fayre — the perfect opportunity to start planning your dream day!

Discover why choosing Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port / Cheshire Oaks is the perfect decision for your wedding. Explore our beautiful venue and meet over 25 amazing local wedding suppliers, all ready to help you create your perfect celebration.

  • Complimentary goodie bag for the bride-to-be
  • Arrival drink on entry
  • Free parking
  • Bring as many guests as you like!

Our friendly Wedding & Events Team will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and guide you through everything the hotel has to offer.

They look forward to seeing you all there!

Date: From 25/01/2026 to 25/01/2026 Schedule 11:00 - 15:00
Place: Waterways, Lower Mersey Street, Ellesmere Port, CH652AL, Chester, Cheshire
25 Feb
Open Door

Wednesday 25th February 2026 | 4pm – 7pm

Join us for a wonderful evening as we showcase the Mercer Suite, beautifully set for both a civil ceremony and a wedding breakfast.

Meet some of our amazing local suppliers who will be joining us on the night:

  • Amore Events DJ
  • Covers & Bow
  • Carol Anne’s Florist
  • All About You Photographers

Chat with them, gather inspiration, and start planning your dream day!

Our friendly hotel wedding team will also be on hand to answer any questions and help you envision your perfect celebration.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Nadiya & The Team x

Date: From 25/02/2026 to 25/02/2026 Schedule 16:00 - 19:00
Place: Waterways, Lower Mersey Street, Ellesmere Port, CH652AL, Chester, Cheshire
29 Apr
Open Door

Wednesday 29th April 2026 | 4pm – 7pm

Join us for a wonderful evening as we showcase the Mercer Suite, beautifully set for both a civil ceremony and a wedding breakfast.

Meet some of our amazing local suppliers who will be joining us on the night:

  • Amore Events DJ
  • Covers & Bow
  • Carol Anne’s Florist
  • All About You Photographers

Chat with them, gather inspiration, and start planning your dream day!

Our friendly hotel wedding team will also be on hand to answer any questions and help you envision your perfect celebration.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Nadiya & The Team x

Date: From 29/04/2026 to 29/04/2026 Schedule 16:00 - 19:00
Place: Waterways, Lower Mersey Street, Ellesmere Port, CH652AL, Chester, Cheshire

Meet the team

Nadiya Cole
Nadiya Cole
Wedding and Sales

Congratulations on your engagement! What an exciting time for you both. My name is Nadiya, and I’m the wedding coordinator here at Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port / Cheshire Oaks. I’d love to learn more about your plans and answer any questions you may have as you begin this journey.

Map

Waterways, Lower Mersey Street, Ellesmere Port, CH652AL CH65 2AL Chester (Cheshire)
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