Description
If you’re dreaming of a wedding venue that blends rich history with stunning natural beauty, look no further than this iconic Chester location. Set within the ancient city walls and spread across more than 30 acres of lush green space beside the scenic River Dee, this racecourse offers a truly magical backdrop for your special day. As the oldest racecourse still in use worldwide, it combines a striking historic façade with modern interiors and beautifully maintained lawns—giving your wedding a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, this venue has six licensed spaces to choose from—so you can host your entire wedding day in one spectacular place. From historic stands to sleek, modern suites with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the racecourse, there’s a perfect setting for every style and guest list size.
- The Pavilion Suite: A spacious, contemporary room featuring a large bar area. It’s flexible enough for weddings of all sizes, accommodating up to 500 guests for a wedding breakfast and 650 for an evening reception. Enter through a stylish Champagne bar and gardens—ideal for a relaxed canapés and drinks reception.
- The County Long Room: Perfect for larger weddings, this elegant space hosts 200–250 guests. It boasts high ceilings, a terrace, a long bar, and expansive windows overlooking the final furlong, offering breathtaking views.
- The Leverhulme Stand: Spread over three floors, this stand offers spectacular views across the Roodee. The ground floor seats up to 120 guests for a wedding breakfast and 160 for an evening reception. Upstairs, stylish private boxes provide a cozy setting for more intimate celebrations.
- The Paddock Rooms: Overlooking the Parade Ring, these five rooms create an intimate atmosphere for smaller weddings. Partitions can be removed to form a larger space for up to 100 guests seated or 160 for an evening reception. Plus, there’s a private terrace perfect for summer drinks.
- 1539 Restaurant: This modern, glass-fronted restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the entire racecourse—ideal for couples seeking a sophisticated dining experience.
Catering and Service
Your wedding meal will be in expert hands with Horseradish, the venue’s award-winning in-house caterers. Their chefs bring experience from Michelin-starred kitchens and focus on creative menus crafted from the finest local, seasonal ingredients. Whether you want a formal sit-down dinner or a relaxed buffet, you can design a bespoke menu that perfectly reflects your tastes. Plus, a dedicated wedding coordinator and specialist banqueting team will be with you every step of the way to ensure your day flows smoothly and stress-free.
Key Features
This exceptional venue is fully licensed for civil ceremonies and offers a range of practical amenities to make your wedding day comfortable and enjoyable for you and your guests. Highlights include:
- Convenient overnight accommodation at the on-site Holiday Inn Express.
- Ample complimentary parking for all your guests.
- Beautiful photo opportunities—from the historic city walls to the iconic winning post.
- Accessible facilities designed to welcome all guests comfortably.
Overview of Chester Racecourse
Reviews (2)
- JJohn l14/04/2023From the initial enquiry, booking, Covid postponement, rearrangement, planning, menu tasting and the wedding day itself, Horseradish catering and Debbie in particular were fantastic throughoutFrom the initial enquiry, booking, Covid postponement, rearrangement, planning, menu tasting and the wedding day itself, Horseradish catering and Debbie in particular were fantastic throughoutFrom the initial enquiry, booking, Covid postponement, rearrangement, planning, menu tasting and the wedding day itself, Horseradish catering and Debbie in particular were fantastic throughout.. The setting, service, food and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff were brilliant. All our guests commented on how perfect the day was. We also used a toastmaster Nigel Parry who was fantastic in guiding us and the guests through the process. All highly recommended.From the initial enquiry, booking, Covid postponement, rearrangement, planning, menu tasting and the wedding day itself, Horseradish catering and Debbie in particular were fantastic throughout.. The setting, service, food and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff were brilliant. All our guests commented on how perfect the day was. We also used a toastmaster Nigel Parry who was fantastic in guiding us and the guests through the process. All highly recommended.
- JJenny14/04/2023I just wanted to thank you and all the staff including the operations manager on both our wedding day and the next day for looking after us and our guestsI just wanted to thank you and all the staff including the operations manager on both our wedding day and the next day for looking after us and our guestsI just wanted to thank you and all the staff including the operations manager on both our wedding day and the next day for looking after us and our guests at the races. There wasn't anything that was too much trouble and we'll always look back at that weekend with the fondest of memories. All the work behind the scenes, including the delicious food was not unnoticed and we were more than delighted with how it all went.. Thank you for all the help and support leading up to the day. You contributed to honestly the best days of our lives.I just wanted to thank you and all the staff including the operations manager on both our wedding day and the next day for looking after us and our guests at the races. There wasn't anything that was too much trouble and we'll always look back at that weekend with the fondest of memories. All the work behind the scenes, including the delicious food was not unnoticed and we were more than delighted with how it all went.. Thank you for all the help and support leading up to the day. You contributed to honestly the best days of our lives.
Location & Contact Details for Chester Racecourse
What types of wedding ceremony and reception spaces are available at Chester Racecourse?
Chester Racecourse offers six licensed spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, accommodating various styles and guest sizes. These include:
- The Pavilion Suite: Suitable for up to 500 guests for a wedding breakfast and 650 for an evening reception.
- The County Long Room: Elegant space for 200–250 guests with terrace and scenic views.
- The Leverhulme Stand: Three floors offering seating up to 120 guests and private boxes for intimate events.
- The Paddock Rooms: Five rooms that can be combined for up to 100 seated guests or 160 for evening receptions.
- 1539 Restaurant: Glass-fronted restaurant with panoramic racecourse views for sophisticated dining.
Is Chester Racecourse licensed for civil wedding ceremonies?
Yes, Chester Racecourse is fully licensed for civil wedding ceremonies, allowing you to hold both your ceremony and reception at this iconic venue in one stunning location.
What catering options are provided for weddings at Chester Racecourse?
The venue features Horseradish, an award-winning in-house catering team with chefs experienced in Michelin-starred kitchens. They offer creative, bespoke menus made from the finest local and seasonal ingredients, including formal sit-down dinners and relaxed buffets tailored to your preferences.
Does Chester Racecourse provide wedding planning support on the day?
Yes, a dedicated wedding coordinator and a specialist banqueting team are available to guide you through the planning process and ensure your wedding day runs smoothly and stress-free.
What are some key features that make Chester Racecourse a unique wedding venue?
Key features include:
- Historic setting as the oldest racecourse still in use worldwide.
- Beautiful natural scenery beside the River Dee and ancient city walls.
- A choice of six licensed ceremony and reception spaces with modern interiors.
- On-site amenities such as complimentary parking and accessible facilities.
- Convenient overnight accommodation at the Holiday Inn Express on site.
- Stunning photo opportunities including the historic city walls and iconic winning post.
How many guests can Chester Racecourse accommodate for wedding receptions?
The venue accommodates weddings ranging in size from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, including:
- The Pavilion Suite: up to 500 guests for a wedding breakfast, 650 for an evening reception.
- The County Long Room: 200–250 guests.
- The Leverhulme Stand ground floor: up to 120 guests; private boxes for smaller groups.
- The Paddock Rooms combined: up to 100 seated guests or 160 for evening receptions.
Are there spaces suitable for small, intimate weddings at Chester Racecourse?
Yes, The Paddock Rooms provide a cozy atmosphere for smaller weddings. These five rooms can be combined or used separately and include a private terrace ideal for summer drinks, accommodating up to 100 guests seated or 160 for evening receptions.
Can guests stay overnight near Chester Racecourse after the wedding?
Yes, guests can conveniently stay overnight at the on-site Holiday Inn Express, making it easy and comfortable for family and friends to enjoy your wedding celebration without travel concerns.
What parking facilities are available for wedding guests at Chester Racecourse?
The venue offers ample complimentary parking for all wedding guests, ensuring convenient and hassle-free access to the ceremony and reception spaces.
Are Chester Racecourse’s facilities accessible to all guests?
Yes, the racecourse is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring accessible facilities to welcome all guests comfortably, including those with mobility needs.
