With everything from towering mountain landscapes and ancient castles and relics, to beautiful coastlines and quaint countryside villages, South Wales is not just a beautiful part of Wales, but the whole of the UK. And with the M4 motorway cutting right through the region, it’s so easy to get around. This makes South Wales an incredible wedding destination, and with so much choice available, you can easily have the wedding of your dreams. Whether you’d love to exchange your vows in the ruins of a medieval castle, a rustic countryside barn, or a modern and luxurious city venue in Cardiff or Swansea, South Wales offers something for every couple and budget.
According to our 2025 Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding in South Wales is £18,368, making it more affordable than the UK average of £20,822. In fact, it’s the second most affordable region to get married in the whole country, and is just £68 more expensive than Northern Ireland, where couples pay £18,300 on average. That means not only can you have an amazing wedding in Wales, but you can pay a lot less than other couples across the country.
With plenty of picturesque venues, excellent transport links, friendly locals and bags of history and culture, it’s easy to see why so many couples choose South Wales for their big day.
Cardiff’s unique blend of heritage, local pride and stunning countryside is inspiring wedding trends in and around the region. Many couples embrace South Wales’ history by choosing grand venues like castles or incorporating Welsh cultural touches, like harpists playing traditional melodies, red and green colour schemes, or handcrafted Welsh love spoons as cute little keepsakes or favours.
Rural weddings are just as popular, with couples opting for barn venues or outdoor ceremonies that showcase South Wales’ breathtaking scenery. Just imagine exchanging vows against a backdrop of rolling green hills and majestic mountains – it’s a setting that feels both intimate and grand, and not one you’re likely to forget.
Outside festival-style reception celebrations are also on the rise, featuring street food vendors, live bands and a relaxed atmosphere. Of course, with Welsh weather being as unpredictable as it is, having a contingency plan is always a smart move in case the weather takes a turn.
Sustainability is another key trend, with couples making eco-conscious choices such as booking green-certified venues, using locally sourced menus and minimising waste in their decor to create a wedding that’s both stylish and environmentally friendly.
South Wales is packed with stunning venues, from historic castles and manor houses to relaxed coastal hotels – and even those with a little quirkiness.
If you’re a big fan of Welsh history, there are plenty of castles in South Wales, so you can incorporate some of that local pride into your special day. Hensol Castle is 400 years old and looks like it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Craig Y Nos Castle is enormous, and you’ll get exclusive use of the castle and the grounds to make your day truly special. Just outside Cardiff is St Donat's Castle, Atlantic College, which is as beautiful as it is iconic. And of course, there’s the famous Cardiff Castle, where you can have the most incredible wedding day imaginable right in the heart of the city.
If you’d prefer something just as grand as a castle but with a little more elegance and regality, one of South Wales’ many stately homes or manors may be just what you’re looking for. Venues such as Gileston Manor, St Tewdrics House and Fairyhill by Oldwalls really do have to be seen to be believed.
From the Brecon Beacons to the Gower Peninsula, South Wales has so much breathtaking countryside. Among that beauty are lots of incredible wedding venues, so your surroundings can be just as special as the day itself. Whether you want to get married by the beach, in a barn or deep in some enchanting woods, you can take your pick at venues including Tall John's House Weddings, Mounton Brook Lodge, Llantilio House and Pencoed House.
South Wales is famous for its passion and culture, and no more is that evident than in many of the wedding venues across the region. Sports fans, history fans and those with specific loves, passions and hobbies can make sure they’re included in their big day and have a wedding to remember. Venues like the Liberty Stadium, Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture, National Waterfront Museum Swansea and National Museum Cardiff are steeped in Welsh pride and are absolute must-sees.
Being such an affordable region to get married in, you won’t be surprised to know that many of South Wales’ wedding venues are also incredibly budget-friendly. By considering venues like The Bear Hotel, Ridgeway Golf Club and Quaint Country Weddings, you can have the wedding of your dreams but not have to pay more than you’d like.
The average cost of a wedding venue in South Wales is £5,924, which is actually only a little below the national average of £5,945. But, couples get to save in many other areas, which is why the region is the second most affordable in the country.
Because South Wales is a sought-after wedding destination, it’s best to book your venue at least 12 to 18 months in advance; otherwise, you risk losing out to other couples. If you have your sights set on a date during the summer weddings or at weekends, or you know your number one choice of venue is super popular, you may even need to book two or more years ahead.
However, if you’re flexible with your date, the season or the venue, you may find availability within six or so months. Midweek and off-peak weddings (particularly in autumn and winter) often have shorter lead times and more affordable pricing.
South Wales has mild but unpredictable weather, so one moment it might be glorious sun, and the next it might be grey and drizzly. And if you’re hoping to get some amazing wedding photos up one of the mountains, such as Pen Y Fan, just be prepared for it to be foggy, even on a glorious day! That being said, each season does come with its own beauty, which means a South Wales wedding is brilliant at any time of year.
Spring (March – May) brings lush green landscapes, blooming flowers and mild temperatures (9°C – 15°C / 48°F – 59°F) to the region. While showers are possible, it’s a great time for outdoor weddings with bright colours and crisp countryside air. Just make sure you have a plan B in case the heavens decide to open.
Summer (June – August) is peak wedding season in South Wales, with temperatures averaging 16°C – 22°C (61°F – 72°F). Longer daylight hours make it perfect for an outdoor wedding, but venues book up fast, so early planning is essential. Check out venues like The Secret Garden and The Barn at Brynich to see just how beautiful an outdoor wedding can be.
Autumn (September – November) offers beautiful autumn colours and cooler temperatures (10°C – 17°C / 50°F – 63°F). It’s a great time for a cosy and intimate wedding, with lower venue costs and fewer holidaymakers. With the weather taking a turn, you’ll want to consider venues with inside spaces like Portland House and Royal Welsh College Of Music and Drama.
Winter (December – February) is ideal for a frosty or festive wedding, with temperatures ranging from 3°C – 9°C (37°F – 48°F). Indoor venues with roaring fires, fairy lights and warm decor make for a cosy and romantic atmosphere, and you’ll have less competition, too. This time of year is when many venues truly shine, like Swansea Grand Theatre- Brangwyn Hall.
South Wales is well connected by road, rail and air, making it easily accessible for wedding guests. Just be aware that the further west you go, the less you’ll be able to rely on public transport. But, it’s worth it, and you might get a chance to see the puffins at Skomer Island!
For those travelling by train, towns and cities like Cardiff, Swansea and Newport are on major rail routes, with direct services from London Paddington to Cardiff taking under two hours. From Cardiff, it’s generally pretty easy to reach other areas of South Wales by train, bus or car.
For guests driving to South Wales, the M4 motorway provides a direct route from London, Bristol and other towns and cities in southern England. The scenic A roads through the Brecon Beacons and Gower Peninsula offer fabulous views along the way.
For international guests or those flying domestically, Cardiff Airport (CWL) offers direct flights from across the UK and Europe, and Bristol Airport (BRS) is another convenient option, just across the Severn Bridge (which is now free in both directions!).
When it comes to accommodation, South Wales offers everything from luxury hotels and boutique B&Bs to countryside cottages and seaside lodges. Many wedding venues also offer on-site accommodation, so you and your guests can party the night away before retiring right upstairs. Hotels like Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel Spa, Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel and The New House Country Hotel all have event spaces you should definitely add to your list.
Hotel venues are a common choice for wedding venues. Numerous beautiful hotels located around South Wales and elsewhere offer room for a variety of events. If you want a party atmosphere, consider hotels in the city centre, or take your guests out of the city for a memorable day in the country.
Holding your reception at a hotel has many advantages, including beautiful surroundings, the fact that the space is accustomed to hosting large crowds of people, and the ability for all guests to stay on site to save money on transportation on the big day.
If you want a laid-back and more personal wedding day, South Wales barn weddings are a terrific option. Barn wedding locations are frequently found tucked away in the middle of the countryside. Their owners have meticulously rebuilt them into lovely settings, often including some of the original details that provide for fantastic photo possibilities.
These kind of weddings are always enjoyable to attend because they are frequently held outside of urban centres, giving guests a reason to escape after the ceremony and stay the weekend at a hotel nearby. In many cases, holding your wedding reception in a converted barn necessitates hiring additional caterers and decorators.
You won't be let down when it comes to discovering a tonne of vendors willing to assist with your wedding arrangements if you're searching for something a little unique for your South Wales wedding! Consider some of the hidden treasures that provide the backdrop for a wedding that is a little out of the ordinary as a place to start your venue search, or go even farther and take your wedding photos in an unusual setting.
Serve sugar floss to visitors, hire stilt walkers, or even commission an ice sculpture to impress your guests as one of the fantastic odd wedding ideas to keep them entertained!
If you decide against being married in a church or other place of worship, you will be able to discover lots of fantastic locations. Gileston Manor and Pencoed House are popular locations for civil ceremonies in South Wales
Whether you want to have a civil ceremony or not, make sure to visit the venue first to get a sense of the area where you will be getting married. You should also pay attention to the legal details that are explained to you.
