Kathryn and Lewis had an amazing wedding in May 2025 with 45 guests.
Despite living in Edinburgh at the time, they thought Stockton was the perfect venue – and we’re so pleased they chose us!
Here’s their story, as told by Kathryn…
Reluctant to book a venue
We always dreamed of a small garden wedding in France or the UK, using a family garden to keep costs down. We were reluctant to look at venues but started to get nervous about organising it all myself.
Lewis found Stockton from searching for wedding venues on sites like Hitched or Bridebook.
The choice of two venues
We were living in Edinburgh at the time so we booked two venue viewings one weekend, in Cheshire on a Saturday and then Stockton on the Sunday.
After the first, I thought we’d found the one. I wrote Stockton off in my mind, telling myself it was too perfect for us anyway – it’s the type of venue you only see on Pinterest (or in your wildest dreams!), and I had told myself it was out of reach.
But we went anyway. We turned onto the drive with our jaws on the floor. Within minutes of arriving, Amy’s warmth and enthusiasm made me feel that Stockton was already ours, and that anything was possible.
We both grew up in Chester and felt Stockton would be a great spot for those travelling from afar, as well as being a sensible distance from our hometown.
Lots of people from Cheshire will go to North Wales or Staffordshire or Shropshire to get married – but more people need to know about Stockton.
The budget
I still didn’t think it could be ours as it was just so exclusive, but we got the quote and it was just a no brainer – maybe I had been limiting myself to what I could have.
We had a budget, we were never going to spend more than we could afford and at Stockton the prices were transparent throughout. I thought there must be some hidden costs but there wasn’t, you can easily work out how much you are going to spend.
The day
The day was gorgeous – it was just beautiful, our dream of a garden wedding came true, with Stockton providing the most perfect backdrop. The house has the magical ability to feel grand enough for 100 guests, whilst also feeling intimate enough for 20.
Each room is effortlessly elegant, but what you see in the stunning photos is only a fraction of what makes it so special.
Lewis and I stayed the night before and that made a huge difference to our experience. Amy left a bottle in the room and thought of all the little things.
There is no denying Stockton House is aesthetically pleasing, it’s beautiful, but I think it is the team that makes it. That is the most important part, you have to find the staff that share your vision.
The staff
I was so nervous the morning of the wedding. Even with my bridesmaid and mum there, it was all a blur until Amy arrived – I just remember feeling a relief and just needed her there, she sorted any issue.
Anything I panicked about, she just knew exactly what to do. We had complete trust in her and I felt truly valued and understood throughout.
The Stockton team is like no other, Tom’s food needs no introduction – our bespoke menu was some of the most delicious food we’ve ever had. A wedding breakfast tailored to our personal tastes with an insane entirely gluten-free rolling tapas feast. The waiting and bar staff were just exceptional and represented Stockton perfectly.
At breakfast on Sunday morning the post-wedding nerves fully took hold, but housekeepers Mandy and Sue kept the morning going (and threw in a well-timed cuddle for good measure!). They did so much of the tidying for us too, with everything I had bought for the tables ready for us to take and pack up, it was all such a huge help.
Message to others
If there are any brides out there doubting whether you are worthy of a venue like this, you must arrange a visit – Amy and her team will show you that you are.
I want Stockton to get the recognition it deserves, it is an aspirational venue.
The people involved:
Photography – Charlotte from Charlotte Bradley Photography with second shooter Becci Wiles
Videography – PRSPR Films
Makeup – Emily at Moxi Makeup
Dress – Savannah Miller via Stillwhite
Suit – Next
Alterations – Carrie at Paper Moon Bride
Flowers – Bouquets and buttonholes from The Shropshire Flower Company, with DIY buckets arranged by family
Cake – Bride’s cousin
Band – The Party Beats
To see the Stockton House brochure click here.
