Nestled between the Wye Valley, the Brecon Beacons and the English border, and sitting right on the mouth of the River Severn, Monmouthshire is one of Wales’ most scenic counties. Not only does it have some truly outstanding areas of natural beauty, but it’s jam-packed with centuries of history and is easily accessible from both South Wales and South West England. It’s the first Welsh county you enter when crossing the Prince of Wales Bridge and Severn Bridge, giving visitors a taste of what beautiful sights Wales has to offer. Monmouthshire is also a top choice for couples looking for a wedding destination, offering a mix of accessibility, greenery and welcoming vibes.
Our 2025 Wedding Report uncovered that Monmouthshire (and Wales as a whole, in fact) is where 4% of all UK weddings take place. More than four in five (83%) couples who live in the area stay local for their wedding – and with the average cost of a wedding in Monmouthshire being £18,368, it’s easy to see why. Not only is this £2,500 less than the UK average, but weddings in the area don’t scrimp on quality either, offering something for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for in your big day.
Whether you’re dreaming of a castle celebration, a garden party in a stately home or an intimate wedding with just your nearest and dearest, you’re bound to find it in Monmouthshire.
With its rolling hills, winding rivers and brilliant selection of countryside venues, Monmouthshire is a dream setting for rustic and nature-inspired weddings. Couples often embrace the natural charm of the region with wildflower bouquets, wooden signage and festoon lighting strung through trees or across beams. Tipi and marquee receptions are popular for those wanting an outdoor feel with flexibility, often styled with linen textures, woven rugs and handmade details that reflect a relaxed, homespun vibe.
Converted barns, farms and rural estates lend themselves beautifully to boho and country-chic themes, where couples can mix laid-back styling with smatterings of class and elegance. This includes mismatched tableware, hay bales with throws, and acoustic music. Locally sourced food and drink are also a big feature, with many weddings highlighting Monmouthshire’s farm produce, artisan drinks and seasonal menus that make the most of the surrounding land. And, of course, Welsh staples like Welsh cakes and lamb always make for a welcome addition to any menu!
Classic romance still plays a major role in the region’s wedding style, especially at castles, manor houses and heritage venues. These settings inspire vintage class, with couples very much still loving grand interiors, candlelit ceremonies and timeless touches like candelabras, velvet ribbon details and pastel florals.
Outdoor ceremonies and garden weddings are popular in late spring and summer, which is when Monmouthshire bursts into bloom. Couples love to say their vows surrounded by nature, whether it’s under a floral arch in a private garden or beside a sweeping field with panoramic views of the countryside.
In recent years, there's also been a shift towards sustainability and personalisation, with many couples favouring eco-conscious suppliers, secondhand or rented decor, and DIY details that reflect their values and creativity and have minimal impact on the local environment. This includes upcycled furniture, local suppliers and dried flowers.
Monmouthshire doesn’t have quite as big a selection of wedding venues as other areas in South Wales, such as Cardiff or Swansea, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be high on your list of considerations. What it does have is variety and quality, meaning that whatever your vision is, you should be able to find a venue that ticks all your boxes.
Wales is famous for its castles, and if you’re hoping for the epitome of grandeur and opulence on your wedding day, a castle makes for the ultimate venue. Set in 55 acres of gorgeous parkland, Caldicot Castle is an ancient castle that offers a variety of wedding spaces, including the amazing banquet hall.
If a castle doesn’t quite fit with your vibe, but you know you want a luxurious wedding day, you could choose one of the stunning and historic country houses that you’ll find across the Monmouthshire countryside. Venues like St Tewdrics House, Sant Ffraed House and Cefn Tilla Court really do show off the beauty of the county’s historic sites and make for a wedding day you’ll never forget.
Love the thought of getting married outside, or making the most of the summer weather with an al fresco reception? Venues including Llantilio House and Fairview Events are the perfect open-air locations that really showcase just how quaint and inviting the Monmouthshire countryside is.
For a venue that’s a little bit different, The Shire Hall is packed with history, making it a super unique venue that gives you loads of ways to customise your wedding. Or, if you’re a fan of the races, Chepstow Racecourse isn’t just prestigious, but also offers wonderful views across the Wye Valley.
Not looking to spend much on your wedding still want an extra special day? Drybridge House and Restaurant 1861 are just two of the county’s affordable wedding venues, ideal for couples on a tigher budget.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Monmouthshire (as well as the rest of Wales) is £5,924, which is actually in line with what couples pay on average across the rest of the UK. If you’reyou are conscious of budget, don’t let this put you off, as this is just an average after all – plus, there are plenty of savings to be made elsewhere with other vendors and suppliers.
Couples usually book their Monmouthshire wedding venue 12 to 18 months in advance, especially at a popular location like a castle or exclusive-use manor. Similarly, weekend and summer dates can book up fast, and areis when the most sought-after venues can have a lead time of more than two years.
That said, smaller venues or weekday weddings can often be snapped up with just 6 months’ notice, particularly for dates in the autumn and winter, or for dates during the middle of the week, when demand is lower. On top of this, it can be much cheaper, too, so it’s one to think about carefully if you’re on a more limited budget.
As it’s on the south coast of Wales and right at the mouth of the River Severn, Monmouthshire has a relatively mild climate, which means the seasons can be fairly dependable. That’s not to say rain can’t be ruled out, so it’s always wise to plan for a bit of a drizzle, even for weddings in the height of summer. Thankfully, the area’s scenery shines year-round, so you can be confident you’ll have an amazing day whenever it might be.
Spring (March - May) is when flowers and greenery come to life across the county, and temperatures generally stay between 7°C and 14°C (45°F to 57°F). It’s a lovely season for garden weddings and orchard ceremonies, which are available at the likes of Caer Llan.
Summer (June - August) is the most popular wedding season in the county, with long days and average temperatures of 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). It’s the best time for outdoor receptions that showcase Monmouthshire’s scenic beauty, with picturesque venues like Dorlands Barn and The Bell at Skenfrith being perfect at this time of year.
Autumn (September - November) is when the leaves change and the evenings get darker, with temperatures from 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F). It’s ideal for cosy, atmospheric weddings with seasonal menus and rustic decor at venues including Mounton Brook Lodge.
Winter (December - February) can be cold but magical, with temperatures between 2°C and 7°C (36°F to 45°F) and sometimes below freezing. Many venues offer seasonal packages and festive touches, but it’s best to have an indoor celebration to keep warm, like at Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel.
Monmouthshire is nice and easy to get to, whether your guests are coming from across Wales, the Midlands or the South West of England. It’s well placed just off the M4, A40 and A449, making it a quick drive from Cardiff, Bristol, Newport and even Birmingham. You can get from central Cardiff to Abergavenny or Monmouth in just over an hour by car, and Bristol is about 90 minutes away unless you’re travelling during the height of rush hour.
Rail travel is also straightforward, which is ideal for those arriving via public transport, with Abergavenny, Chepstow and Severn Tunnel Junction providing links to Cardiff, Newport, Hereford and more. Guests travelling from London can reach the area in just over two hours.
For international guests, or those coming from afar, the nearest airports are Cardiff Airport (CWL) and Bristol Airport (BRS), with both being around an hour’s drive from most parts of the county. Birmingham Airport (BHX) is a little further afield but still within easy reach for those coming from destinations that don’t offer flights to those two cities.
Monmouthshire has plenty of places to stay, from huge countryside hotels to small, family-run B&Bs. Many hotels also double up as wedding venues, which makes for a fantastic option if you’re looking to have an all-in-one wedding day and not have to think about how you’ll get from A to B to C. Hotels including The Glen-Yr-Afon House Hotel, The Angel Hotel, Three Salmons Hotel, Delta Hotels by Marriott St. Pierre Country Club and Celtic Manor Resort are all lovely wedding venue hotels in and around Monmouthshire.
