Top South Wales Wedding Venues
Top Wedding Venues South Wales
Now you’re engaged, the first job on the planning list is to get your date booked at a venue. There are so many beautiful wedding venues to choose from here in South Wales, from rustic barns and country estates to boutique hotels and coastal venues overlooking the sea. The best venue for you will depend on the kind of day you’re dreaming of, relaxed and intimate, elegant and timeless, or a full on party with everyone you love.
As a South Wales wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph weddings across the region for many years, and one of the questions I’m asked most often is, “Which venues do you love photographing?” The truth is, there are so many incredible options that it’s hard to narrow them down, but I’ve put together a list of venues that consistently offer stunning backdrops, great spaces for guests, and beautiful opportunities for natural, relaxed wedding photographs. In no particular order..
1. The Cobbles Collective
The Cobbles Collective, Ogmore-by-Sea
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed coastal barn wedding with plenty of character, The Cobbles Collective in Ogmore by Sea is a beautiful South Wales venue to add to your list. This lovingly restored Grade II listed barn is full of rustic charm, with original oak beams, fairy lights, lime washed walls and stunning indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces. Nestled on the Heritage Coast in the Vale of Glamorgan, it offers an incredible backdrop of beaches, cliffs, meadows and historic ruins, making it a fantastic choice for couples who want natural, romantic wedding photographs and a laid-back celebration by the sea.
Location: Ogmore by Sea, Vale of Glamorgan
Venue style: Coastal barn / rustic / bohemian
Day guests: 20–70
Evening guests: Up to 120
Ceremony licence: Yes – licensed for civil ceremonies on site
Ceremony spaces: Barn (up to 45 guests) and courtyard (up to 70 guests)
Exclusive use: Yes
Catering: In-house catering and wedding packages available
Best for: Couples looking for a relaxed coastal wedding with rustic charm and stunning photo opportunities
2. Rosedew Farm
Rosedew Farm, Llantwit Major
Rosedew Farm is one of my favourite barn wedding venues in the Vale of Glamorgan because it feels like so much more than a venue, it’s a whole wedding weekend experience. Set on a family run working farm just a short walk from the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, it combines beautifully restored stone barns, rolling countryside and nearby beach access, giving couples the best of both a rural and coastal wedding. The limewashed Great Barn is a gorgeous blank canvas that can be styled completely around your vision, and every wedding includes exclusive use of the venue with time to decorate the day before. I especially love that your closest family and friends can stay on site, making the whole celebration feel relaxed, personal and full of those in-between moments that often become the most treasured memories.
Location: Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan
Venue style: Rustic stone barn / countryside / coastal
Ceremony licence: Yes, fully licensed for civil ceremonies, with humanist and blessing ceremonies also welcomed
Guest capacity: Up to 130 seated guests for the wedding breakfast and up to 250 guests for the evening reception
Accommodation: On site accommodation for up to 80 guests across cottages, lodges and guest rooms
Exclusive use: Yes, with access before the wedding day for styling and set-up
Catering: Bespoke in house catering with tailored menus and evening food options
Bar licence: Licensed bar with late night celebrations until 1am on Saturdays
Best for: Couples looking for a laid back, exclusive use barn wedding with coastal views, countryside charm and enough accommodation to turn their wedding into a full weekend away with their favourite people.
3. Llantilio House
Llantilio House, Monmouthshire
Llantilio House is one of those venues that feels effortlessly stylish while still being wonderfully relaxed. Set within 200 acres of Monmouthshire countryside near Abergavenny, this beautifully restored Grade II listed farm offers exclusive use of the entire estate, including ceremony and party barns, landscaped gardens, on site accommodation, and a heated natural pool and spa. The views across the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons are incredible, and the way the different spaces flow together creates such a lovely atmosphere for a wedding that unfolds naturally from ceremony to celebration. If you’re looking for a venue that combines rustic charm with contemporary elegance and gives you the freedom to make the day completely your own, Llantilio House is a fantastic choice.
Location: Near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
Venue style: Rustic luxury / barn wedding / countryside estate
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for indoor and outdoor ceremonies
Day guests: Up to 120
Evening guests: Up to 200
Accommodation: On-site accommodation for 18–20 guests across the farmhouse, granary, Bull House and Brew House, with additional glamping available in summer
Exclusive use: Yes, exclusive hire of the entire 200 acre estate
Facilities: Heated natural pool, spa, gardens, courtyards and multiple ceremony and reception spaces
Best for: Couples wanting a relaxed wedding weekend with luxurious accommodation, stunning mountain views and a beautifully restored barn venue full of character.
4. Coed Hills
Coed Hills Rural Artspace, St Hilary
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that feels completely different from the traditional hotel or country house wedding, Coed Hills Rural Artspace
Coed Hills Rural Artspace is a hidden gem in the Vale of Glamorgan. Set within 180 acres of woodland, meadows and pasture near Cowbridge, it has a wonderfully creative, bohemian atmosphere and is perfect for couples who want a relaxed celebration surrounded by nature. The venue is known for its sustainable, low-impact ethos and offers an incredible amount of flexibility, with ceremonies that can take place in a woodland setting, a meadow, a stone circle, or one of its characterful barns. It’s the kind of place where you can really make the day your own, and from a photographer’s perspective, every corner of the venue feels unique and full of personality.
Location: St Hilary, near Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan
Venue style: Woodland / eco-friendly / bohemian / alternative
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships
Guest capacity: Approximately 30–150 guests depending on the ceremony and reception setup
Ceremony spaces: Indoor barns and multiple outdoor locations including woodland, meadow and stone circle settings
Accommodation: On site accommodation available, including yurts and other unique stays, with space for camping
Exclusive use: Yes
Best for: Creative couples, nature lovers and anyone dreaming of a laid-back festival style wedding with a strong eco- conscious feel.
5. Llanerch Vineyard
Llanerch Vineyard, Vale of Glamorgan
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married among the vines, Llanerch Vineyard is one of the most unique wedding venues in South Wales. Set within a beautiful vineyard in the Vale of Glamorgan, it combines contemporary elegance with incredible countryside views, award-winning food and wine, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The light filled Calon Lodge is perfect for ceremonies and drinks receptions, while the stunning Woodland Venue creates a magical setting for your evening celebration. From a photographer’s perspective, the vineyard rows, woodland walks and panoramic views provide endless opportunities for beautiful natural portraits throughout the day.
Location: Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan
Venue style: Vineyard / contemporary countryside / romantic
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships
Day guests: Up to 150
Evening guests: Up to 200
Ceremony spaces: Indoor ceremonies in Calon Lodge and outdoor options including the Vineyard Lawn
Accommodation: 36 luxury on-site bedrooms for the couple and guests
Exclusive use: One wedding party at a time, with private ceremony and reception spaces
Catering: Award winning in house catering and wines produced on site
Best for: Couples looking for a stylish vineyard wedding with exceptional food, beautiful natural light and everything in one place for a seamless celebration.
6. Hensol Castle
Hensol Castle, Vale of Glamorgan
If your wedding mood board is full of castles, sweeping staircases and fairytale romance, Hensol Castle is one of the most iconic wedding venues in South Wales. Set within 650 acres of beautiful parkland in the Vale of Glamorgan, this stunning Grade I listed castle offers exclusive use of the entire venue, including its manicured gardens, gothic towers, grand reception rooms and a breathtaking 15 acre lake with a pontoon that is perfect for sunset photographs. The atmosphere is wonderfully dramatic yet still feels warm and welcoming, and because the castle is part of the Vale Resort estate, it’s incredibly convenient for guests travelling from Cardiff and across South Wales.
Location: Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan
Venue style: Historic castle / luxury / fairytale
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships
Day guests: Up to 150
Evening guests: Up to 200–220
Ceremony spaces: Multiple licensed ceremony rooms within the castle
Accommodation: Extensive on site accommodation available through the adjacent Vale Resort Hotel
Exclusive use: Yes, exclusive hire of the castle and grounds for your wedding day
Setting: 650 acre estate with gardens, woodland and a 15 acre lake
Best for: Couples dreaming of a grand castle wedding with luxury surroundings, stunning lake views and an unforgettable fairytale atmosphere.
7. St Donats Castle
St Donat’s Castle, Vale of Glamorgan
Perched on the dramatic Glamorgan Heritage Coast,
St Donats Castle is one of the most breathtaking wedding venues in South Wales. This extraordinary 12th-century castle is full of history, character and romance, with stunning sea views, Tudor gardens, medieval courtyards and magnificent historic halls that create an unforgettable setting for a wedding day. The castle is available on an exclusive use basis, giving you and your guests complete privacy as you celebrate within one of Wales’ most iconic historic buildings. From a photographer’s perspective, it’s a dream venue every doorway, stone archway, garden terrace and coastal backdrop feels cinematic and timeless.
Location: St Donats, near Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan
Venue style: Historic castle / coastal / luxury
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies
Ceremony capacity: Up to 150 guests
Wedding breakfast: Up to 160 guests
Evening reception: Up to 200 guests
Ceremony spaces: The stunning Bradenstoke Hall and the Inner Courtyard, with St Donat’s Church on site for traditional ceremonies
Exclusive use: Yes
Catering: Exclusive in house catering partner
Availability: Weddings are hosted during the summer wedding season, typically mid June to mid August
Best for: Couples dreaming of a romantic castle wedding with spectacular sea views, historic architecture and a truly unforgettable South Wales setting.
8. Insole Court
Insole Court, Cardiff
Tucked away in the beautiful Llandaff area of Cardiff, Insole Court is one of those venues that feels like a hidden gem. This stunning Grade II listed Victorian Gothic mansion is full of character, from its elegant period rooms and stained-glass windows to its sweeping staircases and beautifully restored gardens. I love that it offers the charm of a historic country house while being incredibly convenient for couples and guests who want a Cardiff wedding. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a larger celebration, Insole Court has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and some of the prettiest gardens in the city for natural, timeless wedding photographs.
Location: Llandaff, Cardiff
Venue style: Historic mansion / Victorian Gothic / elegant city wedding
Ceremony licence: Yes, fully licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships
Day guests: Up to 90 guests
Evening guests: Up to 150 guests
Ceremony spaces: Multiple licensed rooms, including the elegant Drawing Room and Reading Room, with beautiful gardens for drinks receptions and photographs
Exclusive use: Selected wedding packages offer private use of the ceremony and reception spaces
Catering: Flexible catering options available through approved partners
Best for: Couples looking for a romantic Cardiff wedding venue with historic character, beautiful gardens and the flexibility to create a celebration that feels personal and relaxed.
9. The Giraffe Shed
The Giraffe Shed, Powys
I absolutely love photographing weddings at The Giraffe Shed because it’s one of those venues where every wedding feels completely different. Set on a working farm in the Powys countryside, this modern industrial barn venue is designed as a blank canvas for couples who want to create a day that feels unapologetically their own. Think disco balls, colourful styling, outdoor bars, fire pits, festival vibes and incredible natural light pouring through the huge windows. It has such a fun, relaxed atmosphere and is genuinely one of the most inclusive wedding venues in Wales, welcoming couples from every community and culture. If you’re looking for a wedding that feels more like an unforgettable weekend with your favourite people than a traditional one day event, The Giraffe Shed is a brilliant choice.
Location: Tregynon, Powys
Venue style: Alternative barn / industrial / festival-style
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for legal civil ceremonies
Ceremony & wedding breakfast: Up to 100 guests
Evening reception: Up to 120 guests
Accommodation: On site accommodation for up to 18 guests, including a lakeside shepherd hut and stylish converted shipping container rooms
Exclusive use: Yes, exclusive use of the entire venue and grounds
Catering: Flexible dry hire approach, allowing you to bring in your own caterers and suppliers
Facilities: Indoor and outdoor bars, late licence, fire pits, prep room, accessible facilities and pet friendly options
Best for: Couples who want a colourful, creative and completely personalised wedding with a relaxed festival atmosphere and a venue that celebrates individuality.
10. The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden, Vale of Glamorgan
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that feels intimate, romantic and completely your own, The Secret Garden at Duffryn Mawr is one of the loveliest hidden gems in the Vale of Glamorgan. Tucked away near Pendoylan, this secluded garden venue is surrounded by roses, mature trees and beautiful countryside, creating a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that feels more like a private celebration at a family estate than a traditional wedding venue. What I love most is that it’s designed as a wedding weekend rather than just a wedding day, giving you plenty of time to decorate, settle in with your favourite people and enjoy every moment without feeling rushed. The gardens, stables and marquee space are a dream for natural, romantic wedding photographs.
Location: Pendoylan, Vale of Glamorgan
Venue style: Garden / marquee / countryside / relaxed
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for civil ceremonies in the Stables or on the private lawn, with celebrant ceremonies also welcomed
Day guests: Up to 130 seated guests
Evening guests: Up to 150 guests
Accommodation: Three on site holiday cottages and The Hideaway Shepherd’s Hut, sleeping 15 guests
Exclusive use: Yes, exclusive use of the venue and accommodation for three days / two nights
Catering: Flexible dry hire approach with recommended caterers or the option to choose your own suppliers
Best for: Couples dreaming of a relaxed garden wedding with plenty of flexibility, beautiful floral surroundings and a full wedding weekend experience with their closest family and friends.
11. Plas Dinam Country House
Plas Dinam Country House, Powys
If your dream wedding involves gathering all of your favourite people together for an entire weekend, Plas Dinam Country House is a venue that is incredibly hard to beat. Set within 13 acres of gardens, woodland and rolling Mid Wales countryside, this beautiful historic country house offers exclusive use of the entire estate, giving you the freedom to celebrate exactly the way you want to. The house itself is elegant but wonderfully welcoming, while the spectacular glass roofed Stables party barn creates one of the most unique reception spaces in Wales. I love that couples can really make the venue their own here, whether that means a relaxed country house celebration, a festival style wedding with glamping, or a weekend full of pizza nights, campfires and time spent with family and friends.
Location: Llandinam, Powys
Venue style: Country house / barn / luxury weekend wedding
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for indoor and outdoor ceremonies
Day guests: Up to 160 guests
Evening guests: Up to 160+ guests
Ceremony spaces: The Great Hall, gardens and outdoor woodland settings, with the spectacular glass roofed Stables for receptions and celebrations
Accommodation: 15 bedrooms sleeping 34 guests, with additional lodge, loft accommodation and optional glamping for larger wedding parties
Exclusive use: Yes, exclusive hire of the house and grounds for a minimum of two nights
Catering: Flexible supplier approach with no corkage and the freedom to choose your own caterers and drinks
Best for: Couples looking for a relaxed luxury wedding weekend with stunning countryside views, flexible planning options and a venue that feels like a private country estate rather than a traditional wedding venue.
12. Penarth Pier
Penarth Pier Pavilion, Vale of Glamorgan
If you’re dreaming of a wedding by the sea, Penarth Pier Pavilion is one of the most iconic coastal wedding venues in South Wales. Perched right on the water’s edge at the entrance to Penarth Pier, this beautifully restored 1929 Art Deco pavilion offers breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel and a wonderfully relaxed seaside atmosphere. The historic architecture, vaulted ceilings and panoramic sea views create an unforgettable setting for both your ceremony and celebration. One of my favourite things about this venue is that couples can enjoy exclusive access to the pier in the evening, which makes for some incredibly romantic sunset photographs and gives your wedding a truly unique South Wales backdrop.
Location: Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan
Venue style: Coastal / Art Deco / historic pavilion
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for weddings, civil ceremonies and civil partnerships
Guest capacity: 10–110 guests
Ceremony spaces: Several romantic indoor ceremony and reception spaces with panoramic sea views
Exclusive use: Yes, with exclusive evening access to Penarth Pier available for photographs and celebrations
Catering: In house catering and dedicated wedding coordination available
Best for: Couples looking for a romantic seaside wedding with spectacular Bristol Channel views, beautiful Art Deco architecture and unforgettable sunset photo opportunities.
13. Oxwich Bay Hotel
Oxwich Bay Hotel, Gower Peninsula
If you’ve always imagined saying “I do” with the sound of the waves in the background, Oxwhich Bay Hotel is one of the most breathtaking beach wedding venues in South Wales. Nestled between Oxwich Bay’s golden sandy beach and ancient woodland on the stunning Gower Peninsula, this former 18th century rectory offers a wonderfully romantic coastal setting that feels both relaxed and luxurious. The rustic Chestnut Room, with its exposed stone walls, wooden beams and log burning fire, is perfect for intimate ceremonies, while the panoramic marquee overlooking the bay creates an incredible space for dining and dancing as the sun sets over the sea. From a photographer’s perspective, having the beach just moments away means you can step out for the most beautiful golden-hour portraits without ever leaving the venue.
Location: Oxwich Bay, Gower Peninsula, Swansea
Venue style: Beachfront / coastal / rustic luxury
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for civil ceremonies and outdoor weddings
Day guests: Up to 150 guests
Evening guests: Up to 250 guests
Ceremony spaces: The Chestnut Room, Wedding Garden, and outdoor ceremony options with stunning sea views
Accommodation: On site hotel accommodation for the couple and guests
Exclusive use: Yes, exclusive use options available
Catering: In house catering with dedicated wedding coordination
Best for: Couples dreaming of a romantic beach wedding with incredible sea views, a relaxed Gower atmosphere and unforgettable sunset photographs on the sand.
14. Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels straight out of a storybook, Cardiff Castle is one of the most spectacular wedding venues in South Wales. Set in the heart of Cardiff city centre, this historic castle combines over 2,000 years of history with breathtaking Victorian Gothic interiors, grand staircases and beautifully landscaped castle grounds. The lavish Banqueting Hall, elegant Library and Drawing Room, and atmospheric Undercroft provide stunning spaces for both ceremonies and celebrations, while the castle walls, towers and gardens create incredible backdrops for timeless wedding photographs. It’s the perfect venue for couples who want all the grandeur of a castle wedding without leaving the city.
Location: Cardiff city centre
Venue style: Historic castle / Victorian Gothic / luxury
Ceremony licence: Yes, licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships
Guest capacity: Intimate weddings from around 30 guests, with larger celebrations of up to 100 guests depending on the room chosen
Ceremony spaces: The Banqueting Hall, Library & Drawing Room, and the atmospheric Undercroft
Exclusive use: Private hire of the chosen wedding spaces available
Catering: In house catering with flexible wedding menus and dedicated event coordinators
Best for: Couples looking for a grand historic wedding with stunning Gothic architecture, iconic Cardiff surroundings and unforgettable castle interiors.
Have you found your venue? get in touch
Whether you’re planning a relaxed barn wedding, a castle celebration, a coastal ceremony or a colourful weekend with all your favourite people, I’d love to hear what you’re planning. I’ve photographed weddings across South Wales for over 24 years and know many of these venues inside out, so I’m always happy to chat about timelines, photo locations, or anything else that might help while you’re planning. If you’re looking for natural, relaxed wedding photography that feels like you, get in touch and tell me all about your day.