Old Palace Chester Wedding Photography – Emma & Ben | Chester Wedding Photographer
We’ve photographed a lot of weddings. Traditional church ceremonies, outdoor barn celebrations, grand hotel receptions. But Emma and Ben’s wedding party at Old Palace Chester on 18th April 2026 was genuinely unlike anything we’ve ever experienced — and we mean that in the very best possible way.
The brief? A fancy dress wedding party. The execution? Absolutely spectacular. From a full Geralt of Rivia (complete with silver wig and chainmail) to a Witch King of Angmar, a Jedi with a working lightsaber, Marie Antoinette, two nuns in sunglasses, and a guest who came as Ned Kelly — this was a day that threw the wedding rulebook out of the window and replaced it with something far more fun.
Old Palace Chester — The Perfect Backdrop
Set right in the heart of Chester, Old Palace is one of the city’s most stunning event venues — a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse with grand columned interiors, ornate fireplaces, high ceilings and immaculate gardens. It provided the most gloriously incongruous backdrop for a room full of wizards, warriors and nuns.
Seriously — there’s something deeply satisfying about photographing a man in full medieval armour standing beneath a crystal chandelier.
The Costumes
Emma arrived in a show-stopping black embroidered floral ball skirt and emerald green bodice — intricate botanical embroidery covering every inch of the skirt in wildflowers, daisies and roses. Later in the evening she added green fairy wings, because of course she did. Ben came as Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher — full leather armour, chainmail, grey wig, the lot. He absolutely committed.
The guests absolutely rose to the occasion. Among the highlights we captured on the day:
- A Jedi Knight with a glowing blue lightsaber
- A Cavalier/Musketeer with an enormous pink-feathered hat
- A Gothic witch with a snake-headed staff and a pink teddy bear (naturally)
- An Elven ranger with ivy crown and bow
- Marie Antoinette in a towering white powdered wig, lace gloves and full period gown
- Two nuns in sunglasses sipping cocktails
- A guest dressed as Ned Kelly in a full metal bucket helmet
- The Witch King of Angmar in an absolutely terrifying full-armour costume
- A guest who came as a strawberry (iconic)
The Couple
Amidst all the chaos and creativity, what really came through was just how much fun Emma and Ben were having — and how much their guests love them. Every room we walked into, people were laughing. Emma’s joy was completely infectious, whether she was posing with the Witch King (absolutely losing it, for the record) or caught mid-conversation with a fairy and a time traveller.
The Reception
The reception at Old Palace was every bit as joyful as you’d expect. Guests mingled in the sun-drenched gardens, cocktails in hand, before heading inside for a reception full of laughter, brilliant speeches and the kind of energy that only comes from a room full of people who are genuinely thrilled to be there.
Old Palace Chester Wedding Photography
Emma and Ben — thank you for having us along for the most gloriously chaotic, creative and joyful day. It was an absolute privilege to document it, and honestly, one of the most fun days we’ve ever spent behind a camera. We wish you both a lifetime of adventures together — preferably with costumes.
If you’re planning a wedding or celebration at Old Palace Chester, or anywhere in Cheshire and beyond, and you’re looking for a photographer who’ll capture every real, joyful, unscripted moment — we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch here.
SandS Photo — Wedding Photographers based in Cheshire, covering Chester, the Wirral, Liverpool, North Wales and beyond.