Hannah Cockroft OBE & Nathan Maguire's Wedding at The Arches, Halifax
When seven-time Paralympic gold medallist Hannah Cockroft OBE married fellow Paralympian Nathan Maguire, they chose one of Yorkshire's most distinctive wedding venues—The Arches, Halifax, for their drink's reception and wedding breakfast.
The Fern Quartet was incredibly honoured to provide the live music, helping create the soundtrack to one of the most memorable days of their lives.
Located within the historic Dean Clough Mills, The Arches is one of West Yorkshire's premier wedding venues. The spectacular vaulted brick ceilings, exposed stonework and warm lighting create an unforgettable setting for both ceremonies and receptions.
Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a larger wedding, the venue combines industrial character with elegant styling, making it one of our favourite places to perform.
The acoustics also lend themselves beautifully to live string music, allowing every note to resonate naturally throughout the ceremony.
Performing for Hannah Cockroft OBE & Nathan Maguire
Hannah Cockroft OBE is Britain's most successful female Paralympian, winning multiple Paralympic and World Championship gold medals throughout her remarkable athletics career. Nathan Maguire is also an accomplished Paralympic wheelchair racer, making this a truly special sporting partnership.
It was a privilege to be asked to perform at their wedding and to provide live music as family and friends gathered to celebrate such an important occasion.
Like every couple we perform for, Hannah and Nathan chose music that reflected their personalities, creating a ceremony that felt elegant, emotional and uniquely theirs.
What music did they choose?
The drinks reception began beautifully with “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift as the arrival song, setting a romantic and elegant tone for the day. Afterwards, guests enjoyed a lively drinks reception filled with a mix of upbeat pop and chart music, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
As the celebrations continued into the wedding breakfast, we shifted into something more personal — performing a selection of our folksy and Celtic-inspired pieces, a nod to the Groom’s Irish heritage. The blend of joyful melodies and heartfelt moments made for an unforgettable celebration filled with warmth, laughter, and love.
It was a genuine privilege to share the day with such esteemed and celebrated guests — and to witness a love that’s truly golden.
“Absolutely magical:
The Fern String Quartet were absolutely magical to listen to. I knew from the minute I heard them play at a wedding fayre that I needed them to be part of my day.
They sounded incredible, whilst not being overpowering and every guest commented on how much they enjoyed the music.
Thank you ladies for being the perfect addition to our day! ”
Why Choose a String Quartet at The Arches?
One of the reasons we love performing at The Arches is that the venue naturally complements a live string quartet.
The high brick arches create a rich, warm acoustic, while the industrial architecture provides a dramatic backdrop for timeless live music.
Many couples choose us to perform:
As guests arrive
The bridal entrance
During the signing of the register
The ceremony exit
Throughout the drinks reception
During the wedding breakfast
Our repertoire includes more than 500 pieces, from classical masterpieces to Bridgerton favourites, film music, contemporary chart hits and modern love songs.
Experienced Wedding Musicians at The Arches, Halifax
Although performing for Hannah Cockroft OBE and Nathan Maguire was a genuine highlight for us, every wedding receives exactly the same attention to detail.
We've performed at luxury weddings across Yorkshire and understand how to work seamlessly with venue staff, registrars and photographers to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Our aim is simple: to create an elegant atmosphere that your guests will remember long after the day is over.
Planning Your Wedding at The Arches?
If you're looking for a professional string quartet for your wedding at The Arches, Halifax, we'd love to hear about your plans.
Whether you're inspired by Hannah and Nathan's beautiful celebration or simply want live music that adds warmth, elegance and personality to your ceremony, The Fern Quartet would be delighted to help.
Contact us today to check our availability and let us help create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding at The Arches.