A new generation of newly-weds to tie the knot at the historic Mansion House

This January marks the start of a new chapter for  The Reader as we relaunch our ceremonies and celebrations offer for 2022 with anew brochure and Wedding Open Day.

Annie and Dan Bowden (c) Ollie Gyte Photography

Since The Reader won the bid to restore and transform the historic home into a centre for Shared Reading  in 2014, the Grade II listed building has undergone  a loving refurbishment and was re-opened to the public in September 2019.  

Following the postponement of large gatherings due to Covid-19, the first wedding to be held in the park since the 1970s didn’t take place until lockdown restrictions lifted in the summer of 2020. 

Built in 1868, The Mansion House has played host to many wonderful weddings over the years dating back as far at the 1950s. 

Pam Walker and her husband Keith enjoyed their wedding breakfast at Calderstones Mansion House in August 1968.

Patricia and Keith Sales held their wedding reception at the Mansion House in June 1970. The couple were married at Elm Hall Drive Methodist Church before the wedding party continued at  the Mansion House. 

Patricia shared her memories of the special day on the Memory Wall at the Calderstones Mansion House Open Day in 2013. She wrote: 

"It was a beautiful, hot summer’s day and everyone who came was very impressed with the venue, especially my husband’s family who weren’t Liverpudlians. 

"I have many happy memories of Calderstones and the Mansion House as I lived in Mossley Hill. Later, my husband and I took our children there and they have great memories too."   

Patricia and Keith Sales, June 1970.

Phil and Honey Price Evans © Jacob Crossley bluespaceprodcutions.co.uk

Since September 2020, a change in restrictions has allowed  32 happy couples to follow in the footsteps  of newlyweds, by celebrating their weddings  in the new purpose-built venue. 

Among the first to celebrate were Phil and Honey Price Evans. Honey wrote: “We honestly loved our wedding so much! It was the perfect day. Everything ran so smoothly and we were really able to enjoy ourselves.  

‘The Reader arranged for the Japanese gardens to be open especially for us - our pictures and videos are amazing. We couldn't have asked for a better day!” 

Phil and Honey Price Evans © Jacob Crossley bluespaceprodcutions.co.uk

Laura McCarten, Head of Events and Front of House at The Reader said: “Weddings are such a special and happy occasion and the rich history of the building adds that extra touch. Every celebration we host here brings a new burst of energy and it’s wonderful to see the Mansion House back to life again.” 

Those looking to find out more about hiring the Mansion House are invited to a Wedding Open Day on Sunday 16 January, 10am – 4pm. Tickets are free and can be booked online at: https://www.thereader.org.uk/get-involved/whats-on/wedding-open-day/  

Download the new 2021 Wedding Brochure from The Reader website here: https://www.thereader.org.uk/get-involved/whats-on/wedding-open-day/ 

For more details or to arrange a viewing, speak to The Reader on 0151 7292200 or email events@thereader.org.uk.