My Favourite Wedding Venue

Where do I start. There are a few in the running for this and although I have photographed most of the recognised wedding venues in South Wales, there are a few that haven’t been lucky enough for me to attend. 😉

I don’t think there are any “perfect” venues. It might be that they have loads of character, but don’t have an awful lot of natural light or that even though the inside is spectacular, the grounds are limited or vice-versa. I think I’m going to have to give you a top three (in no particular)

St Tewdric’s House

Most of you won’t have heard of this place as it is quite new, but situated just outside Chepstow in the village of Mathern, it offers couples a unique experience. Unique, as in you don’t book a room…you hire the entire house, kitchen, grounds and all. The house is owned by British and Welsh cyclist Geraint Thomas and his wife Sara. Their wedding was the first to be celebrated there and although I wasn’t fortunate enough to photograph their wedding I was there for the next one. If you’re looking for a country house style wedding, but don’t want the vastness or clutter that some offer then this could be what you’re looking for. Intimate, with beautiful grounds and a photographers dream.

Oldwalls

This place has the most amazing food…that’s all you need to know!! Well not really, it is also a lovely venue, if not a bit quirky (I like quirky though, so it made the list). Oldwalls is in the Gower, so you’re never far from a good beach or the sun, but in all honesty there are enough location at Oldwalls should you want all of your photographs there, to be more than happy. A few small lakes, open spaces and plenty of trees. All good for pointing a camera at.

Clearwell Castle

One of the most well established wedding venues in the UK and full of stunning vistas. Next to zero phone coverage (Oldwalls is like this too), so you know that your guests wont be face down, looking at their phone for your big day. This venue is only a few miles from Monmouth, but is is just over the border in Gloucestershire. The castle is more of a fortified home, but has quite a big history and in more recent times (late 70’s) it was used as a recording studio for the likes of Led Zeppelin. Everywhere you look there is a photograph to be taken, even the car park is picturesque…well almost!

So there’s my top three. All offer something that the other doesn’t. If, however, St Tewdric’s, Oldwalls or Clearwell Castle are out of your budget, too far away or already booked for your preferred date, then here’s a few others that it could be worth looking at.

• Pencoed House, Capel Llanilltern, Cardiff
• Canada Lodge, Creigiau, Cardiff
• De Courceys Manor, Pentyrch, Cardiff
• Miskin Manor, Pontyclun
• The New House, Thornhill, Cardiff
• The Coed-Y-Mwstwr, Coychurch, Bridgend
• Birtsmorten Court, Malvern, Worcestershire
• Oxwich Bay Hotel, Oxwich Bay Gower, Swansea
• The Orangery, Margam Castle, Port Talbot
• Fonmon Castle, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan

If you’ve already selected your venue and would like some more information about Andrew, his work and his availability then feel free to contact him.