So you're engaged, congratulations! Living in Wales, we aren't short of stunning wedding venues, so I know how hard it is to choose. As a wedding photographer I've been lucky enough to visit some incredible venues within South Wales so thought it may be helpful to share my top 3 favourites! So in no particular order
Margam Orangery & Castle
Nestled in the mountains just above Port Talbot lies Margam Castle, a 19th Century Tudor Gothic mansion set in 1000 acres of Parkland.
Wedding ceremonies are usually held in the Orangery at the foot of the boardwalk up to the Castle, a bright and airy building full of historical original features and added modernisation. Outside the Orangery, the grounds are filled with historic ruins, beautifully kept gardens and secret little treasures for incredible photography. You will feel like royalty getting married here, it's giving serious Bridgerton vibes and my absolute favourite spot for photos just has to be the boardwalk, apart from of course when the castle itself is open as that is worth a whole other blog post!
Wedding celebrations are continued at the Ivy Cottage, where you can celebrate your first night as a married couple in luxury.
Hensol Castle
Hensol Castle is a grade I listed building placed in acres of stunning landscaped grounds just outside of Cardiff. If you're aiming for a fairytale wedding then this is the venue for you. The beautiful estate, grounds and ceremony rooms will be sure to wow your guests and make for the most magical of backdrops for all fairytale weddings.
The venue also boasts an adjoining 4 star hotel for you and your guests to relax in luxury after all the celebrations are done.
Sant Ffraed House
Sant Ffraed House is a grade II listed country house set in the heart of the Abergavenny countryside. The venue has 24 accommodation rooms in the main house and outdoor stable block (including pet friendly rooms), all decorated to an extremely high standard, with the bridal suite being absolutely incredible. Ceremonies are held downstairs in the main house and have a ‘waiting room’ where the bride and bridesmaids can sit (perhaps with a cheeky drink or two) while guests take their seats. The ceremony room itself is bright and modern, in keeping with the rest of the venue’s interior.
Outdoor ceremonies are also available on the patio overlooking the lake (weather permitting).
For the wedding meals and evening entertainment the venue has an impressive 'K room' (similar to the one at Fairyhill if you've ever visited) surrounded by ceiling to floor curved windows and amazing natural light. The room is attached to a bar which looks like it could be a high end restaurant on its own and there is a corner where your evening DJ, band, singer can all set up.
