Feb 26, 2026 | Celebrations
For many couples, a wedding day represents one of life’s most meaningful milestones. Yet for some, there comes a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate that commitment once again. A renewal of vows offers the opportunity to honour shared years, treasured memories and the journey still to come, in a setting that feels both intimate and significant.
At Hillbark Hotel & Spa, we provide an elegant and private backdrop for such occasions. Nestled within the grounds of Royden Park, the hotel combines the character of a historic country house with the refinement of a five-star retreat. Whether you envision a quiet gathering with close family or a larger celebration with extended friends, our spaces can be tailored to suit the scale and tone of your day.
Ceremonies can be hosted in a selection of distinctive settings. The grandeur of the Grant Hall offers a formal and impressive atmosphere, while the Drawing Room provides a more intimate, softly lit alternative. For those wishing to embrace the natural surroundings, our outdoor gazebo overlooking the Dee Estuary creates a particularly memorable setting for reaffirming your vows.
Photography is an important part of any celebration, and the surrounding woodland and landscaped gardens provide a timeless backdrop. The hotel’s architecture and interiors further complement the occasion, ensuring each image captures the elegance of the day.
Dining and hospitality remain at the heart of the experience. Guests may enjoy a refined Afternoon Tea in The Dining Room, followed by drinks in Contessa’s Bar as the celebration continues into the evening. For those choosing to extend their stay, our luxury suites and bedrooms offer comfort and tranquillity, with breakfast served the following morning to conclude the occasion at a relaxed pace.
A vow renewal is a deeply personal celebration, and our dedicated Wedding Specialist team is on hand to ensure every detail reflects your vision. From the setting to the final toast, Hillbark offers a setting designed to mark the moment with warmth, elegance and care.
Jan 27, 2026 | Celebrations
Weddings bells are ringing, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon and the new year providing a perfect opportunity for couples to plan ahead for getting married. If you and your partner are looking for the ideal location, we invite you to attend our upcoming Wedding Open Day on Sunday 22nd February.
To begin with, you can both take plenty of time at the event, which runs from 11am to 3pm. There is a complimentary glass of fizz upon your arrival, and you can ask as many questions to our wedding and events team as you need. Our team are here to help and to bring to life the vision you and your partner have in mind for your big day.
You will discover why our facilities are of the highest standard for the ceremony, photography, wedding breakfast, evening party, and for accommodation overnight. You will be able to explore the entire hotel grounds at our Wedding Open Day, including the Great Hall and Minstrels’ Gallery, the luxurious bridal suite, and even Solaia Spa (which is perfect for your pre-nuptials pampering!).
The Wedding Open Day tour of our Grade II listed facilities could act as the final push for you and your partner to choose Hillbark Hotel & Spa for the happiest day of your lives. We hope to see you there!
Jan 12, 2026 | Celebrations
The day that you get married is a huge milestone in your life. Tying the knot with your partner is such a special moment, and it often acts as the fulfilment of a dream for all involved. But how can you make sure that you can plan for the most splendid wedding day possible? Here are some top factors for you to think about.
To begin with, think about the time of year when you are getting married. A summertime marriage provides the highest likelihood for warm weather but could also see rising costs due to it being a peak time of the year. Conversely, a winter wedding could prove to be much cheaper to arrange, but the risk of ice and snow may dampen proceedings. Think carefully about what matters most on your wedding day, and you should land on the perfect date!
Next up, make sure to have a manageable budget. Not everybody is able to afford the most glamorous ceremony in the most extravagant location, and it could pose a long-term financial risk to think “YOLO” and splash the cash regardless. Work with your partner to determine exactly how much money you can afford, and you will ultimately settle on an agreeable figure that will still guarantee a wedding day to remember.
Finally, think about how many guests you wish to invite. Some couples love the prospect of inviting everybody that they know, but other couples prefer a more toned-down occasion. At the same time, you also want to ensure that everybody who truly matters in you and your partner’s lives can attend. So, work closely on compiling a list of those whose presence will have the biggest impact, and this way, whether the room houses ten or two hundred guests, you can rest assured that no crucial acquaintances are left out.
As you and your partner plan your big day, why not speak to our team. We provide wedding packages to cater parties of all sizes, and because we only host one wedding per day, you and your partner will be the centrepiece. Make sure to contact us about arranging a flexible, luxurious, and unique wedding that will live up to all your dreams!
Jun 27, 2025 | Celebrations
If you’ve recently said yes, your next step is finding the perfect place to say “I do”. Nestled in the heart of Royden Park and surrounded by the Dee Estuary, Hillbark Hotel & Spa offers a wedding experience unlike any other, luxurious, deeply personal, and endlessly romantic.
If you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Hillbark brings elegance, flexibility and charm to every moment. And with several exciting wedding events on the horizon, now is the perfect time to discover what makes us the North West’s most magical wedding venue.
Upcoming Wedding Events at Hillbark:
July 10th – Wedding Open Evening- 4pm till 8pm
October 11th – Wedding Open Day – 11am till 4pm
November 20th – Festive Open Evening – 4pm till 8pm
December 11th – Festive Open Evening – 4pm till 8pm
January 18th – Wedding Open Day – 11am till 4pm
February 22nd – Wedding Open Day -11am till 4pm
These events are an opportunity to explore the hotel in full wedding mode. Stroll through our hotel spaces, meet our expert events team, and chat with handpicked local suppliers. Enjoy complimentary fizz, inspiration at every turn, and discover how Hillbark could become your dream venue.
Why Choose Hillbark Hotel & Spa?
From the majestic Great Hall to the enchanting South Terrace and Secret Fairy Garden, Hillbark offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces to suit every wedding style. Hold your ceremony under the gazebo, enjoy drinks on the terrace, and dine beneath glittering chandeliers, all in one breathtaking estate.
With 17 individually styled bedrooms, you can treat your closest guests to a luxurious overnight stay. You’ll even have the option to tour and hand-pick each room for family and friends, choose accessibility for parents or elderly family members, stunning views for your maid of honour, or a cosy hideaway for younger guests.
Start the day in our exclusive Solaia Spa, where you and your bridal party can relax, get ready, and enjoy a touch of pampering. It’s the perfect calm before the excitement begins.
Choose from our collection of classic wedding cars, including our iconic pink Bentley, to make your entrance unforgettable. Another detail that makes Hillbark’s offering truly complete.
At Hillbark, no two weddings are the same. Our brilliant team is here to bring your vision to life. We’ll support you from your first viewing to the final dance, helping you plan every moment with care and creativity.
To arrange a private viewing, call 0151 625 2400
Dec 9, 2024 | Celebrations
Your wedding reception is the part of your day where the celebration truly begins. It’s where your guests gather to celebrate your love, share great food, and enjoy an unforgettable night. To make your reception stand out, think beyond traditional wedding elements and infuse your personal style and creativity into every aspect.
At Hillbark Hotel & Spa, we’ve put together some innovative ideas to help make your wedding reception one-of-a-kind.
1. Signature Cocktails
One of the best ways to personalise your reception is through a signature cocktail. Rather than serving the standard champagne or wine, why not work with your venue to create a drink that reflects your personalities or the theme of your wedding? You could name the cocktail after something significant to you both, such as a special place or moment, and have it served to your guests as they arrive. A cocktail station with a professional bartender can also add an interactive experience to the evening, allowing your guests to try their hand at making their drinks.
At Hillbark, we’re happy to work with you to create the perfect signature drink, using your favourite spirits and mixers. Whether it’s a fruity, tropical concoction for a summer wedding or a spicy, warming drink for a winter celebration, a signature cocktail is a great way to set the tone for your reception.
2. Interactive Food Stations
Gone are the days of formal three-course meals with traditional plated dishes. Today’s wedding receptions are more relaxed and fun, with food stations that let guests create their meals exactly how they like them. Interactive food stations allow guests to enjoy a range of gourmet dishes while socialising and moving around the venue.
Consider a sushi bar, a build-your-own taco station, or a charcuterie and cheese spread that guests can help themselves to throughout the night. Not only will this keep your guests engaged, but it will also provide them with something to remember long after the reception.
3. Personalised Favours
Personalised wedding favours are a perfect way to thank your guests for being part of your special day. Think about gifts that tie into your personality as a couple or reflect the theme of your wedding. For example, if you both enjoy cooking, why not give out mini jars of homemade jam, honey, or custom spice blends? If you love nature, small potted plants or succulents can be a charming and eco-friendly gift. Guests will appreciate favours that feel thoughtful and personal, rather than generic tokens.
4. Unique Entertainment
To ensure your reception is unforgettable, consider adding an element of entertainment that goes beyond the standard DJ or live band. Think about hiring a surprise performer, such as a magician or caricature artist, to add an element of surprise and delight. For a more interactive experience, you could include a photo booth with props, or set up a vintage arcade or board game corner for guests to enjoy.
Hillbark’s stunning setting offers the perfect backdrop for unique entertainment, and our team is happy to help you bring your creative ideas to life. Whatever you choose, ensure that your reception entertainment reflects your personalities and adds an exciting twist to your celebration.
5. Unique Guest Book Ideas
The guest book is a tradition that many couples hold dear, but why not take it a step further and make it memorable? Consider alternatives to the standard book and have guests leave messages on a large canvas painting, or record video messages for you to watch later. You could also ask guests to sign a piece of furniture, such as a vintage table, or contribute to a memory jar with handwritten notes that you can read on your anniversary.
Hillbark offers plenty of space for unique guest book ideas and can assist you in finding the right alternative that matches your theme and vision.
By incorporating these unique touches into your reception, you’ll create a memorable experience that your guests will cherish long after the event. Whether it’s interactive food stations, personalised cocktails, or a bit of creative entertainment, make sure your wedding reception stands out as a truly unique and unforgettable celebration at Hillbark Hotel & Spa.
Dec 9, 2024 | Celebrations
Lighting is one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of your wedding day. It has the power to transform a space, enhance the mood, and even improve the quality of your photos. At Hillbark Hotel & Spa, we know how vital it is to create the right ambience with lighting, and we’re here to show you how to make your wedding glow.
1. Set the Mood with Lighting
Lighting creates the overall mood for your event. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic, intimate celebration or an elegant, grand affair, the right lighting will set the stage. For a romantic vibe, consider soft, dimmed lighting, fairy lights, or the flickering glow of candles. If you want something more energetic, such as for a lively reception, bright lighting or colour-changing LED lights can energise the room and bring a party atmosphere to life. From gentle uplighting in the reception room to dramatic spotlighting during the first dance, lighting can help convey the emotion you want your wedding day to evoke.
2. Highlight Key Features and Décor
Wedding venues have many focal points that you want your guests to appreciate—whether it’s a beautiful floral display, the wedding cake, or a striking piece of décor. Proper lighting can highlight these features, drawing attention to the most important parts of your wedding, including pin spots and uplighting, which can be used to create dramatic effects around your venue. For instance, shining a spotlight on your wedding cake creates a beautiful focal point, while soft lighting around the room accentuates floral arrangements, creating an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication.
3. Make Your Wedding Photos Pop
A crucial element to consider when planning your lighting is how it will affect your wedding photography. Proper lighting can dramatically improve your wedding photos, making every shot more beautiful. For example, natural light during the ceremony creates soft, flattering images, while soft, romantic lighting in the evening makes for more intimate, cozy shots during your reception.
Additionally, consider how lighting changes throughout the day. If your ceremony is held in the afternoon, you’ll want to use as much natural light as possible. As the day transitions into evening, the lighting can shift to something more dramatic, adding warmth and intimacy to the setting.
4. Consider the Time of Day
The time of day your wedding takes place will determine the amount and type of lighting you need. Daytime weddings often benefit from the beautiful natural light that floods in through windows or open doors. Hillbark’s Great Hall grand windows and natural surroundings allow you to make the most of this light, making your photos bright and airy.
However, if you are hosting an evening event, you’ll need to consider artificial lighting to create the right atmosphere. This is where Hillbark’s extensive lighting options come in. From chandeliers to string lights, coloured uplights to candles, we offer a range of lighting styles that can perfectly complement your evening celebrations.
5. Customisable Lighting Options
One of the most exciting aspects of lighting is that it can be customised to suit your personal style. Whether you want an elegant and timeless setting or a contemporary, bold look, there are a variety of lighting styles that bring your vision to life. Uplights, pendant lights, chandeliers, and fairy lights are all available options to enhance your space, and tailored to your colour scheme or wedding theme.
Consider using warm white lights for a cozy atmosphere or cooler tones for a modern, sleek feel. For a more dramatic effect, think about adding bolder coloured lights, which can change the entire dynamic of the room as your reception transitions from dinner to dancing.
