Former boxing world champion Amir Khan has issued a stark warning to couples planning to marry at his multi-million-pound wedding venue in Bolton, as he initiates legal proceedings against his business partner. The dispute centres on luxury wedding venue 'The Balmayna', with Khan alleging significant breaches of agreement.
Rent Dispute and Regulatory Concerns
Khan claimed via social media platform X that Mohammad Jaberansari, director of the venue and luxury wedding experience curator 'Excellency', has failed to make rental payments for nearly three years following an initial 18-month rent-free period. The former light-welterweight champion further asserted that Jaberansari has violated regulations by using upper floors for events without the main lift being properly installed.
In his public statement, Khan explicitly advised: 'We advise anyone who has booked the wedding to hold off until this issue is resolved, as I would not want you to risk losing your money or deposits.'
Venue Management's Forceful Rebuttal
The Balmayna Management responded with a strongly-worded statement denying Khan's involvement and dismissing his claims. 'To be absolutely clear, Amir Khan has no involvement whatsoever in the ownership, management, or operation of Balmayna,' their official response declared.
They characterised the dispute as 'a private landlord-tenant issue' being handled through proper legal channels, describing Khan's online comments as 'misinformed, baseless, and should be disregarded.' The management emphasised their continued growth and stability, stating the business remains 'fully operational, financially secure' and committed to delivering high standards.
Venue Expansion and Market Position
Despite the controversy, The Balmayna Group highlighted its strong market position as one of the UK's largest wedding venue operators. They revealed ongoing expansion with a new flagship venue under development in Stoke-on-Trent, demonstrating continued investment in the wedding industry.
The management team emphasised their 20-year track record and experience hosting thousands of events, including operating the Midlands' largest wedding venue complex.
Contrasting Venue Descriptions
The £11.5 million venue presents contrasting images. While promotional materials describe Arabic-inspired features including waterfalls, illuminated trees, and an interior river, the Bolton location sits adjacent to an auto body shop and car wash. Earlier this year, the surrounding area was reportedly littered with discarded items including broken fridges and mattresses.
Khan's Changing Stance on the Business
This dispute follows Khan's fluctuating position regarding the venue. After initially putting the property up for sale in August 2024, describing its four floors including three dedicated wedding floors and rooftop terrace, he later reversed this decision.
Khan previously admitted he wanted to sell because he didn't know how to run the business, but subsequently told media: 'I'll be honest, the wedding venue is doing so well and bringing in so much money that I don't want to sell it now.'
He highlighted creating approximately 150 jobs in Bolton as a particular point of pride, stating the venue puts 'food on people's plates' and supports local livelihoods.
First Wedding and Ongoing Operations
The venue hosted its first marriage in May 2024 despite previous hitches, with videos showing guests enjoying violin serenades amidst palm trees, fruit canapés served by bow-tied staff, and the bride arriving in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by the groom in a Rolls Royce.
The Balmayna management maintains that all confirmed bookings, events, and deposits remain secure, with operations continuing normally. They stress their priority remains clients' 'once-in-a-lifetime celebrations' and delivering the magical experiences for which they've become known.
As legal proceedings progress, couples planning weddings at the Bolton venue face uncertainty, caught between Khan's public warnings and management's assurances of business as usual.
