So you have just got engaged, congratulations. The next step in your journey is planning your wedding. You have to think about the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen suits, flowers, shoes, transport, venue decoration, make-up and hair and much more. With so many things to organise it can be very daunting and exciting at the same time. Not everything has to done straight away but you do need to think about booking your wedding venue and photographer. Wedding venues and photographers can get booked up 2 years in advance. Firstly, decide if you want a church wedding and hold your reception elsewhere or have your wedding in one place. Secondly meet and book your photographer. The last thing you want to do is find the perfect photographer for you but they are already booked.
When booking your venue there a few things to think of. As a wedding photographer I have shot at hundreds of different venues so here is some advice for choosing a venue for your wedding day.
A Church Wedding
Once you know which church you’d like to marry in, give the vicar a call to tell them your good news and when you’d ideally like to get married. Churches can become booked up for weddings several months in advance, or there could be other things happening like community events at the church on or around your preferred date. It’s best to make this contact around the same time as you contact or visit your reception venue, so you can synchronise the dates.
Wedding or Reception Venues in Wales
If you have a church wedding then you will also need to have a venue for your wedding reception. Again synchronise the dates to make sure both are available.
There are so many wedding venues to choose from in Wales. Your choice of venue should match the style of wedding you’re going for and possibly match your interests. In Wales you are spoilt for choice. There are castles, lighthouses, boutique hotels, country hotels, tipi’s, barns, pubs and the list goes on.
When choosing your wedding or reception venue you need to think about lots of different things. Your photographer can help you with this as they have covered weddings at lots of different venues.
Here is a list of things to thinks about
- How many guests can the venue cater for?
- Does the venue offer overnight accommodation? If not are there any local hotels in the area and far away are they from the venue?
- Does the ceremony room cater for the amount of guests you want to invite
- What happens if it rains? Is their space for the photographer to take family group portraits?
- Does the venue have outside space for a drinks reception and photographs? The most natural and relaxed photographs are taken when friends and family are chatting outside in the grounds of the hotel or venue. Having the space also allows your photographer to take the bride and groom away for their portraits. I like to call this a ‘Time out’ when the happy couple get time to say hello to each other whilst I capture natural and intimate portraits.
- Is there a separate room for the meal and disco? A lot of venues have one room so they have to ask the guests to leave whilst they turn the room around. Other venues have separate rooms allowing the guests to mingle inside.
- What is the lighting like in the venue? A professional photographer will be able to deal with all lighting situations but last thing you want are very dark rooms.
I have put a small list together of some of my favorite wedding venues in South Wales that I have photographed weddings at. This variety of venues will hopefully give you some ideas of what maybe the perfect venue for you. You can check out other great wedding venues all across Wales and England by clicking on the links on the right. If you need some help choosing a venue then please get in touch.
Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel, Coychurch, Bridgend
This hotel is local to me and only 10 minutes from where I live in Bryncethin. Set within 17 acres of enchanting woodland and landscape of gardens, the Coed-Y-Mwstwr boasts a stunning backdrop for your perfect day; with its seasonal versatility and breath-taking views over the Vale towards the Glamorgan coast, few places can rival such a romantic setting. A perfect venue for weddings. The Hendre suite adorned with high oak beamed ceilings, classic chandeliers and breath-taking views it is the perfect setting in which to enjoy an al fresco night beneath the stars amongst loved ones.
The gardens are perfect for entertaining and photography with lots of space for group photographs and lovely walks where the bride and groom can go for stroll whilst taking in the lovely scenery.
Bryngarw House, Bryncethin, Bridgend.
Another local venue with its own ceremony room, conservatory, bar area and marquee. Bryngarw House is a historic Grade II listed building set in the 113 acres of Bryngarw Country Park. A lovely venue for a smaller wedding. There are so many areas for wedding photographs from the lush green lawns at the front of the house, to the chinese gardens with its wooden bridge and the woodland walks.
Manorbier Castle, Pembrokshire – South West Wales
Manorbier Castle is a romantic Norman Castle in a fairy tale setting by the sea, overlooking the shores on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in West Wales.
The Castle occupies a commanding position overlooking the beautiful Manorbier Beach with the village nestled behind. Steeped in history and folklore this Norman gem has many secrets to discover.
The fairytale turrets, great hall, chapel and landscaped gardens (designed by Daphne Shackleton one of Ireland’s foremost plants women) offer the perfect place to soak up the wonderful atmosphere.
Nash Point Lighthouse, Vale of Glamorgan
Nash Point Lighthouse is in Marcross, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. The Lighthouse is is an iconic 19th century, grade 2 listed, historic building and was the last manned lighthouse in Wales. It is the only working lighthouse, within the entire British Isles, which has been a licensed premises for holding Weddings and Civil Partnerships. This quirky wedding venue has space inside the lighthouse for 25 guests, which makes the wedding a very intimate affair. There are cottages attached to the lighthouse which allows guests to stay in overnight. The views are to die for. You can go for a walk along the cliffs for some dramatic portraits looking over the sea or take a trip down to the beach but be careful it can be windy. This venue if for the couple who are looking for something different.
Nash Point Lighthouse Weddings
Peterstone Court– Brecon
Peterstone Court is an impressive Grade II* listed house is comfortably nestled in the the beautiful Brecon Beacons with uninterrupted views of Pen-y-fan. You have the option to get married at the quaint church of St Peter & St Illtyd which is a leisurely stroll at the end of the drive, or instead, if you prefer to keep your celebrations in the comfort of the Georgian house, you can say ‘I Do’ in our Pen y Fan ballroom with up to 120 day guests or within the library for a more intimate gathering of up to 30.
View more Peterstone Court Weddings
Getting Married?
If you are getting married and have started to look at wedding photographers then make sure you choose the right one for you. Your photographs and wedding video are the only things left to remember your wedding day by. Your photographs should stand the test of time and not look outdated. They should reflect the happiness and emotions of the day. Please get in touch If you need some help with planning your day or would like some more information on my wedding photography services. I photograph weddings all over Wales and the UK and would love to capture your story.
