Best Wedding Venues Wales
Which are the best Wedding Venues In Wales?
Have you just got engaged and started the search for the best wedding venues Wales has to offer?
I’m here to help! I have photographed in most if not all of the wedding venues Wales has to offer and whilst there are of course a myriad of factors that will influence your decision on where you get married, I wanted to put together an article to help you choose!
Before I delve into the list of my favourite wedding venues, here are a few photo related things to think about when choosing your wedding venue:
Does the venue offer indoor and outdoor space for group shots and couple shots? We’re in Wales, it might rain, if your venue has limited indoor space, this can potentially limit your photo opportunities. Whilst I always endeavour to just get outside, regardless of the rain (natural light will always be preferential to artificial indoor light), there are times when the weather is too bad and you have to be inside. Therefore, it makes sense to assess the indoor space as a potential photo backdrop.
What is the light in the venue like? Natural light will give you the best wedding photos possible but in many venues, particularly older ones, light hasn’t been considered and your photos will suffer as a result of this. Any wedding venue that has nice natural / clean light coming in from the windows is a relatively safe bet in terms of photos. Dark / yellow lighting is not ideal.
What are the general fixtures and fittings like? If you’re getting married in a venue with a red carpet for example, that red carpet is going to be in all of your photos. Wallpapered walls with busy textures, prominent wall fittings, dark wood, look at the aesthetics of the room / venue and decide if you like the style. I’m always surprised by how many couples don’t think about the venue / the style of photographs it will produce before booking it and it is very relevant. For example, if you’re hoping to achieve a summery / beachy vibe, getting married in a castle probably isn’t the way to go!
Finally, find some examples of wedding photographs you like and then match the landscapes / backdrops to a venue. Think of your overall style / what kind of backdrops you like and choose a venue that reflects that.
Now, on to my top wedding venues in Wales . . .
1.The Shack Revolution
The Shack Revolution is licensed for civil marriage ceremonies for up to 120 people in The Lean-To and 150 people in The Workshop. Having photographed at this stunning industrial space just an hour outside of Cardiff, I can confirm that it is the perfect wedding venue in terms of wedding photo opportunities and general vibe! It boasts plenty of natural light for both your wedding ceremony and reception, an amazing tropical garden for your drinks reception and a wide selection of amazing backdrops for your wedding photography.
• Urban Industrial Oasis in the Heart of Hereford City Centre
• Licensed Wedding Venue
• Accommodates 150 people (ceremony + reception)
• Late night license until 12AM
• Full bar including cocktails
• Freedom to bring your own caterers
2.Fforest
A fforest wedding is a perfect weekend full of beauty, lasting memories & simple pleasures. Stunning natural locations, time to relax, renew the spirit & celebrate the future.
Fforest is an amazing alternative wedding venue located in the heart of the ancient Cilgerran Fforest. Boasting 3 unique wedding venues in one as well as onsite accommodation, there are an array of options with this venue. Be it a festival wedding or a rustic barn wedding, the world really is your oyster here with a flexible approach to weddings being this venue’s USP.
Check out Emily & Greg’s recent wedding at Fforest for some inspiration.
3. Rosedew Farm
Rosedew Farm is a family run enterprise, set on a rural working farm in Llantwit Major on the South Welsh coast. Here you’ll find a beautifully rustic venue with one of a kind on-site accommodation for up to 80 guests and an equally stunning backdrop for your wedding.
As well as the beautiful barn and cottages, this venue is set close to the beach giving you further options for photos!
This is one of my favourite venues because the photos are always lovely and the staff are also fab to work with!
You can find out more about my previous Rosedew Farm weddings here.
4. The Giraffe Shed
The Giraffe Shed – The Ultimate Alternative Wedding Venue in Wales.
If you’re looking for places to get married in Wales, the Giraffe Shed is the perfect barn wedding venue to throw your unique, creative and highly personalised wedding. Enjoy one of the best new small wedding venues in mid Wales, complete with the beautiful aesthetics of a festival wedding, but with home comforts, badass vibes and value for money.
Absolutely love this venue! Ideal for photos and perfect if you’re looking to do your wedding your way.
5. Gileston Manor
Gileston Manor is a grade II* listed Georgian manor house located next to St Giles Church in the small village of Gileston, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales.
The Manor has a long history, some parts dating back to medieval times and provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding day.
The extensive gardens and grounds include a beautiful 18th Century Walled Garden with a picture perfect Summer House, sweeping front lawns and lake with views across the Bristol estuary.
Having photographed here a few times, I can vouch for how beautiful the photos were. The venue is lucky enough to have lovely light at different times of the day and there are so many backdrops to choose from! Click here for some real wedding examples from Gilestone Manor.
More coming soon . . .
In the meantime, if you’d like to see further examples of real weddings and Wales’ best wedding venues, take a look at my blog where I regularly post real weddings. Alternatively, get in touch here if you have any questions about venues or would like a quote for your wedding photography.