Helen Mirren's Wedding Church Lists for $100K
The Highland kirk where the Oscar-winning actress married director Taylor Hackford in 1997 is on the market as part of a church restructuring.
Ardersier Parish Church, the site of Helen Mirren's 1997 wedding to director Taylor Hackford, is being sold for offers over £80,000 (approximately $100,000 USD).
The Victorian-era kirk, located in the former fishing village of Ardersier on the Moray Firth, was where the "Prime Suspect" star married her director partner on December 31, 1997, after an 11-year relationship. The wedding was described by the local 1500-strong community as "Hollywood came to town."
Instead of a lavish ceremony, the nuptials had a distinct Scottish character. Mirren wore a gold and cream brocade jacket and silk skirt, while Hackford donned a traditional kilt. Locals were invited to attend the service.
The Church of Scotland is selling the property as part of a broader restructuring aimed at ensuring the church is "lean and fit for mission in the 21st century." The sales brochure highlights the kirk's "attractive position with views towards the shoreline and surrounding coastal landscape."
The church, built in 1880, includes a main worship area, hall, kitchen, WC, and store, along with garden grounds and connections to mains water and electricity. The property is situated within a conservation area. The listing suggests potential for use as a museum or library without requiring a change of use consent, and residential development might also be possible subject to necessary approvals.
At the time of the wedding, Mirren was an established star, and Hackford was known for directing films such as "An Officer and a Gentleman." The ceremony was conducted by the Rev Alex Whiteford, who noted the unusual presence of a film star in the village. The service was attended by family, friends, and about 100 villagers.
Mirren's arrival in a dark-colored Jaguar drew a crowd, and she invited those gathered to join the service. During the ceremony, hymns were sung, including a rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Hackford, who was celebrating his 53rd birthday on the same day. Mirren was given away by her nephew, Simon Mirren, and Hackford's son, Rio, served as best man.
The couple had been in the Highlands after attending the wedding of Scottish actor Robert Carlyle. Following their own ceremony, they reportedly celebrated at Castle Stuart.
Records indicate a church has existed at Ardersier since at least 1227, giving the property a history spanning nearly 800 years.
The sale is part of a wider trend of the Church of Scotland selling properties, including former manses and church halls, to release equity. A spokesperson for the church stated that funds from property sales are typically returned to local congregations or held centrally for their benefit, rather than directly reducing the national church's budget deficit.