Celebrating Our Muddy Stilettos Award Win

_{Photo credit: Vanessa Bryson Photography}

Larkspur Lodge has been named the winner of the Wedding & Party Venue category in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026 for Cheshire. To say we are grateful would be an understatement.

As a family-run venue, this recognition means a great deal to everyone involved with Larkspur Lodge. From the families who lovingly restored the barn, to our venue team who work behind the scenes every day, and of course the couples who choose to celebrate some of the most important moments of their lives with us.

Most importantly, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us. Your support and encouragement throughout the awards process has been incredible. This award isn’t just for us, but for all of you as well.

About the Muddy Stilettos Awards

The Muddy Stilettos Awards have become one of the UK's most recognised celebrations of independent lifestyle businesses. Now in their 13th year, the awards shine a spotlight on outstanding businesses across England, Wales and Scotland. The 2026 awards reached more than 14 million readers nationally and received almost half a million votes.

What makes the awards particularly special is that winners are chosen through public support. Businesses are nominated by customers and supporters before progressing through regional finals, where votes help determine the winners.

Knowing that this award has come from people who have visited Larkspur Lodge, attended celebrations here or supported us throughout our journey makes it even more meaningful. There are so many fantastic venues across Cheshire, and we feel incredibly honoured to have been recognised amongst them.

A Venue Built With Family at Its Heart

Nestled in the Cheshire countryside near the lovely Market Town of Knutsford, our venue began life as a 200-year-old shippon barn. Over time, it has been carefully restored by two families who continue to own and run every aspect of the business today.

Throughout the restoration process, it was important to preserve the character of the building whilst creating a space where people could come together to celebrate.

Many of the original features remain, from the exposed red brick walls and timber trusses to the barn-style windows that fill the space with natural light. At the same time, we have added details that make Larkspur Lodge feel unique, including the vintage cinema seats in our Ceremony Room and the Pony & Trap seats in our Bar Lounge. The result is a venue that feels both rustic and welcoming, whilst still offering the flexibility couples need to create a wedding that feels personal to them.

More Than Just a Wedding Venue

Whilst weddings sit at the heart of what we do, Larkspur Lodge has always been about creating memorable experiences for people and their guests.

Our exclusive-use venue allows couples to enjoy the entire space throughout their celebration, including the Ceremony Room, Lodge, Bar Lounge, Whisky Snug and Bridal Prep Room.

Outside, our gardens and surrounding countryside provide the perfect backdrop for drinks receptions, photographs and outdoor celebrations during the warmer months.

One of the things we hear most often from couples is how relaxed the venue feels. We have always wanted Larkspur Lodge to be somewhere that feels warm and easy to enjoy from the moment guests arrive.

Winning the Wedding & Party Venue award feels particularly special, because creating a great atmosphere is something we care deeply about.

Thank You to Our Couples

Over the years, we have had the privilege of seeing countless couples transform the space into something that reflects their own personalities, style and story. Whether it’s an intimate celebration surrounded by close family and friends or a larger gathering filled with loved ones, every wedding brings something unique.

Our couples place an enormous amount of trust in us, and we never take that for granted. To everyone who has celebrated with us, recommended us to friends and family, shared photos and memories, or simply supported us online, thank you.

Your support has helped us grow into the venue we are today.

Thank You to Our Team and Partners

Behind every wedding is a dedicated team working hard to ensure each celebration runs smoothly. From the first viewing through to the wedding day itself, our team is committed to helping couples feel supported throughout the planning process.

A special thank you must also go to our trusted catering partners at Fork & Field Catering, whose passion and professionalism help create unforgettable experiences for our couples and guests.

It takes a great deal of teamwork to bring a wedding day together, and we are incredibly fortunate to work alongside people who genuinely care about creating exceptional celebrations.

Looking Ahead

Winning this award is a moment we are incredibly proud of, but it also reminds us why we do what we do.

It's been an exciting year for Larkspur Lodge, with our Muddy Stilettos win joining a shortlist place at the Marketing Cheshire Awards, and the North West Wedding Awards still to come. We're incredibly proud of how far the venue has come and grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.

Larkspur Lodge has always been about people. It’s about seeing couples exchange vows in our Ceremony Room, watching guests gather together in the gardens on a summer afternoon and hearing laughter fill the Lodge Room during speeches and celebrations.

Those moments are what make this venue special.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to providing the same personal approach, warm welcome and memorable experiences that have shaped Larkspur Lodge from the very beginning.

Thank You

To everyone who nominated us, voted for us and supported us throughout the Muddy Stilettos Awards, thank you.

Being named Cheshire's Muddy Stilettos Wedding & Party Venue Winner for 2026 is an honour we are incredibly proud of, and one we will never take for granted.

We cannot wait to welcome future couples, families and guests through our doors and continue creating celebrations that people will remember for years to come.

From all of us at Larkspur Lodge, thank you for being part of our journey.

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