What another very excellent day!! To shoot at The Monastery in Manchester is a real privilege as it’s such a gorgeously majestic location, however, to be part of Amy & Ged’s wedding day took it to a whole new level.
Manchester Monastery Wedding Photography
Morning Preparations In Glossop
I first arrived with Amy who was getting ready at her parent’s home. The atmosphere was calm but with a sense of surrealism that the day had arrived but didn’t feel real quite yet. Amy had been advised to wear a watch amongst her jewelry so she could appreciate how fast her wedding day would go. A great piece of advice!
The girls then began to get ready and Amy was expertly buttoned into her gorgeous dress by her mum before we had time to pause for some portraits. Once everyone was ready, the wedding party was whisked away to the venue for their ceremony. I raced ahead to meet up with Ged who was waiting with their family and friends, Amy soon arrived in ‘Annie’ the VW camper.
Snowboarding Themed Wedding
After the couple enjoyed their ceremony, they exited/danced out of the church (it’s not a church anymore but you know what I mean) as husband and wife to be congratulated by their family and friends. During this time we paused for some family groups and then stole the couple away for a few portraits in and around this amazing location. Amy & Ged were then welcomed to their wedding breakfast which was amazingly decorated in keeping within their snowboarding theme.
The party enjoyed a delicious meal with speeches in between courses. It was during this time that Ged surprised Amy with their honeymoon destination; penguin-watching in Hawaii!!
Before the evening began, we captured a few more creative portraits in the courtyard before returning to the party. The couple then cut their delicious cake surrounded by their friends before taking to the dance floor as husband and wife. I then stepped back and captured everyone having a great time, chatting, relaxing and dancing.
So what an excellent way to spend a Saturday and huge congratulations to Amy & Ged. Thanks so much for having me as your photographer, have an awesome honeymoon!!
About Manchester Monastery
Venue Highlights
- Stunning Neo-Gothic Setting: A Grade II* listed former Franciscan friary, blending Gothic architecture, stained glass, soaring arches, and historic charm—ideal for dramatic, romantic wedding photography.
- Ceremony Spaces: Options include the majestic Great Nave (seating up to ~400 guests), intimate Private Chapel (~40 guests), and outdoor “Healing Garden” for up to 80 guests.
- Flexible & Inclusive: Licensed for multi-faith and LGBTQ+ weddings. Exclusive use is available Fridays and Saturdays, with weekday slots offering twilight celebrations.
- Impressive Capacities: Wedding breakfasts can accommodate up to ~350 guests (theatre style), with reception capacity reaching ~500.
What Makes It Special
- Architectural Backdrops: Fantastic photo opportunities within the Great Nave, cloisters, chapel—and in the secluded secret garden.
- Award-Winning Venue: Recognised in the UK for its stunning character and unique appeal, supporting its own heritage restoration through events.
- Catering & Services: Includes decor, PA systems, atmospheric lighting, and flexible catering options—from in-house menus to external providers.
Practical Details
- Open for Viewing: Visits encouraged Sun–Thu, 10 am–4 pm (closed holidays); wedding showcases held periodically.
- Parking & Access: Free on-site parking, disabled access, centrally located just outside Manchester city centre, easily reachable by car or rail (Ashburys Station is a 5-minute walk).
Contact & Booking
- Phone: 0161 223 3211
- Email: events@themonastery.co.uk
- Address:
The Monastery
Gorton Lane
Manchester, M12 5WF - Website: www.themonastery.co.uk
- Instagram: @eventsatthemonastery
If you enjoyed this wedding blog, I’d love to hear all about your wedding plans! Please check out my About Me page for information about who I am and why I do this with my life. Then, if you like the sound of everything, simply get in touch via the Contact page.