If you're getting married in the near future, or just dreaming of the perfect wedding, you might be looking for some inspiration for a place to tie the knot. Wales is home to so many gorgeous wedding venues, so you are spoilt for choice - and we are not just talking about your more traditional places like a church or hotel.
From castles to museums to vineyards and even a pier, there are so many different locations to consider for the exchanging of vows. You can keep up to date with the latest What's On news by signing up to the newsletter here.
Here are some of the best and more unusual wedding venues in Wales, to make your special day memorable forever. Meanwhile, if you're getting married, click here for details of our new Amazing Welsh Weddings magazine, which goes on sale on Thursday, February 15.
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1. Techniquest
There is more to the popular visitor attraction Techniquest in Cardiff Bay than meets the eye. Of course, it is there for children and adults alike to enjoy the interactive science experience, but what about having your wedding there?
The venue is licensed to host wedding ceremonies, as well as evening receptions and formal wedding breakfasts, catering for up to 150 guests. And just think of the maritime view for the all important photographs. You can find out more here.
2. National Museum Cardiff
Think high ceilings, marble staircases, and masterpieces for starters. There are wood-panelled rooms for intimate ceremonies, while a Monet or a Renoir from Wales' most prestigious art collection would form a unique backdrop for the photographs.
Everything has class written all over it, including the wedding menu where Welsh gourmet ingredients take centre stage. The museum in the centre of Cardiff also offers winter wedding packages. You can learn more here.
3. Château Rhianfa
If you are after a fairytale Anglesey wedding, you are in luck at this French-style Grade II-listed château, which has a collection of beautifully designed rooms to choose from, and you might even come across the odd turret. You will be able to enjoy views of the Menai Strait and the peaks of Snowdonia.
You can opt or a big white fairytale wedding and host it in the grand splendour of The Banqueting Hall or enjoy a more intimate affair in The Drawing Room with its historic charm and alluring character that will enchant everyone around you. You can visit their website here.
4. Llyn Gwynant Barns
Nant Gwynant, Caernarfon, comes up trumps with a lakeside setting and Grade II-listed stone buildings surrounded by fields. The Big Barn has a high roof, tall oak windows, a stage at one end, and large glass doors opening out to the lake. A stone fireplace and wood burner add to the atmosphere of the place. You can find out more here.
5. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Not only does the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama produce some of out future music and acting talent, it is also an award-winning wedding venue set in the historic grounds of Cardiff Castle bordering one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the UK. It's the perfect backdrop for you and your guests.
There are two unique wedding venues to choose from, the first is the stunning former Cardiff Castle stables with its historic courtyard and beautiful tree-lined entrance with the castle in view. Or you can opt for the magnificent contemporary glass atrium and open-air terrace overlooking the park. Find out more here.
6. Hensol Castle
Nestled in breathtaking grounds, with a stunning lake and pontoon, Hensol Castle is a spectacular setting for your dream wedding. There are so many photo opportunities from majestic turrets, sweeping staircases, and a private lake.
You can choose from different wedding packages and the castle only ever has one wedding a day, so the castle will be totally yours. You can visit the Hensol Castle website, here.
7. Llanerch Vineyard
Llanerch Vineyard is the perfect destination for elegant weddings. A unique and wholly enchanting venue, they provide first-class service and award-winning cuisine.
A new feature includes the Llanerch Dressing Room which offers dedicated hair and makeup stations and Calon Lodge is the venue for ceremonies and drinks receptions. Accommodating between 50 and 150 guests, and surrounded by idyllic views of the vineyard, this exclusive venue has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that flood the room with an abundance of natural light. Visit the website here.
8. Penarth Pier Pavilion
You can enjoy sea views across the Bristol Channel at the iconic Penarth Pier Pavilion. Inside the Pavilion are several romantic spaces for you and your guests to enjoy, and in the evening, exclusive access to the Pier itself is also available.
Everything will be taken care of, from room layout and place settings to fabulous food and an atmosphere that will have you and your guests dancing the night away. You can find out more here.
9. Oxwich Bay Hotel
If you want to be as close to the beach as possible for your big day, head to Oxwich Bay Hotel in Gower. The blues and golds of Oxwich Bay are the ultimate backdrop for your wedding photographs.
The venue is backed by enchanting woodland, so you can also take a forest walk, or head to the picturesque 6th Century St Illtwyds church that lies just beyond our wedding marquee. They have an in-house DJ and food options include a barbeque, a hog roast, or a huge range of buffet options. You can read more here.
10. National Library of Wales
If you are a bookworm then the National Library of Wales, in Aberystwyth, is for you. Built in the early part of the 20th century the Library stands proudly above the seaside town of Aberystwyth in west Wales.
It offers splendid views overlooking the town, the castle, and Cardigan Bay. You can learn more here.
11. Plas Mawr Elizabethan Townhouse
Built in the 1570s, Plas Mawr Elizabethan Townhouse is at the heart of the medieval town of Conwy's narrow cobbled streets. The interior, with its elaborately decorated plaster ceilings and fine wooden screens, reflects the wealth and opulence of the Tudor gentry in Wales.
The house, courtyards, and garden, have been painstakingly restored, and provide a unique backdrop for photography. Each licensed area can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests. You can find out more here.
12. Ffos Las Racecourse
Another popular Carmarthenshire venue is Ffos Las Racecourse where wedding packages can be tailored to individual needs. There are unbeatable views of the course and surrounding countryside and of course, all the fun of going to the races. You can book here.
13. Llangollen Railway
If you’re a train enthusiast, or a couple looking for a wedding venue with character unlike any other, Llangollen Railway makes the perfect setting for your special day. Many couples include a ride on the train with all their guests, that can incorporate wedding fayre. You can read more here.
14. Cardiff Castle
If you want to take a leaf out of Welsh TV presenter Alex Jones' book, you can get hitched at Cardiff Castle. Found right in the centre of Cardiff the fairytale towers and splendid interiors make the perfect location.
There are many locations and options for you to consider, from an intimate group of around 30 guests to larger gatherings of up to 100. A tailor-made service with many menu options for you to choose from is offered by the in-house team. You can find out more here.
15. Cardiff City Stadium
If you are a Blues fan through and through it might be your dream to get married at Cardiff City Stadium - and you can! The suites accommodate up to 600 guests for wedding celebrations of all traditions and cultures.
There's a range of reception packages to create your perfect package but also the option to upgrade with some truly unique additions. Whether that's Cardiff City Match Day Ticket invitations for your guests or personalised signage and congratulatory messages on the pitch side screens float your boat, your Event Manager will help you plan every detail. You can learn more here.
16. An organic farm
Looking for an eco-conscious wedding? Look no further than Welsh Green Weddings in Carmarthenshire, where the whole site is driven by eco principles. It is a small organic farm growing a lot of the produce they cater with and they can accommodate over 60 people on site, including self-catering and B&B rooms as well as yurts and camping. You can find out more here.
17. Plas Isaf Country Farmhouse and Barn
This superb 17th-century listed barn is ideally situated, with some of the most spectacular views of the Dee Valley. The barn offers a wealth of versatility, with impressive oak trusses and slate floors, which makes it a blank canvas.
A marquee is positioned next to the barn, which overlooks the open countryside, this creates the opportunity for an intimate gathering or a celebratory party from 30 to 300 guests. You can visit the website, here.
18. The Sheepshed
A renovated sheep shed has been transformed into a charming and rustic venue in the Welsh hills. Nestled in the village of Llanfihangel-Nant-Melan near the Powys/Herefordshire border the Sheepshed is situated on a family farm.
With amazing views of the Welsh hills, it provides the perfect spot for a relaxed country wedding and can accommodate up to 140 people. You can book here.
