Love Without Limits: Katie & Tom’s Vibrant Day at Ullet Road Church

Alessandra Barilla
32 minutes ago
2 min read

If you think church weddings have to be stuffy, rigid, or bound by tradition, Katie and Tom’s day at Ullet Road Unitarian Church in Liverpool is here to prove you wrong.

From a communal singalong (Can't Take my eyes off of you) to a Chinese buffet that put traditional wedding breakfasts to shame, this was a day defined by joy, inclusivity, and a whole lot of personality.

A Ceremony Built on Acceptance

One of the reasons I love shooting at Ullet Road Church is their philosophy. In a world of "tests of faith," the Unitarian approach is a breath of fresh air. They don’t care if you’re divorced, atheist, humanist, or part of a mixed-religion couple. Their only "rule"? That the ceremony is right for you.

"There are no tests of faith you must pass to be married with us... Our wedding ceremonies are spiritual, but we understand spirituality in a broad and inclusive way."

For Katie and Tom, this meant a light, joyful ritual that felt authentic to their relationship. The highlight? The entire congregation belting out "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" at the end of the ceremony. There’s nothing quite like the acoustics of a historic church filled with the sound of friends and family singing their hearts out.

Spectacular Portraits & Hidden Libraries

After the "I dos," guests moved into the church’s stunning library for the drinks reception—a space that feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a Victorian novel.

While guests mingled, I took Katie and Tom back into the main church for their portraits. The light in Ullet Road is a photographer’s playground. The result? Nothing short of spectacular. The grandeur of the architecture provided a dramatic backdrop for a couple that was clearly head-over-heels.

Fairy Lights and... A Chinese Buffet?

The reception was held in the church hall, which the couple had transformed with a riot of bright colours and twinkling fairylights. It was cozy, vibrant, and totally "them."

Then came the food. Forget the standard chicken supreme; Katie and Tom opted for a full Chinese buffet, provided by Salt and Vinegar Chippy. I’ll be honest: it was easily the best food I’ve ever had at a wedding. Seeing guests pile their plates high with salt and pepper chicken and noodles in such a beautiful, communal setting was a highlight of the night.

The delicious cake is from Bon Bon bakery.

Why Ullet Road Church Works

If you’re looking for a venue in Liverpool that offers the "Big Church" feel without the restrictive dogma, this is it.

Fully Inclusive: Proudly registered for same-sex marriages, and they embrace gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights, and are more than happy to provide ceremonies for all couples
Flexible Spaces: Move from the grand church to the intimate library to the hall.
Atmosphere: A community that welcomes you as you are.