Wales is made for intimate weddings. With its stunning coastlines, sweeping valleys and fairytale country houses tucked into green hills, this beautiful country offers a huge variety of small, character-filled venues that are perfect for a more personal celebration. Whether you’re planning a romantic ceremony for two or a relaxed gathering with your closest friends and family, Wales has a venue to suit all tastes, styles and budgets.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that the average cost of a wedding in Wales is £18,368. This might be over £2,000 less than the overall UK average of £20,822, but it’s still a rather hefty price tag. That being said, that amount takes into consideration all weddings that take place across the UK, and because intimate weddings are often held at smaller venues with a limited guest list, the costs often reflect this. After all, with fewer guests, less food to prepare and fewer professionals to hire, there will naturally be fewer outgoings.
From rustic barns and boutique hotels to historic manors and woodland retreats, Wales is filled with places that offer warmth, charm and stunning scenery. All that can come at an affordable price, and just because you want an intimate wedding, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality and luxury. And many of these intimate locations specialise in small weddings, offering tailored packages that help you bring your unique vision to life.
Wales is filled with character and charm, as well as some absolutely stunning locations, from the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons to the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast. Among all that is a wide selection of wedding venues that are ideal for an intimate wedding. From country manor houses to pristine gardens, there’s something for everyone in Wales.
Just because you’re looking to have an intimate wedding, it doesn’t mean you can’t go for a manor house, of which, of course, there are plenty dotted around the country. Lanelay Hall Hotel & Spa dates back to 1871 and has everything you need to spoil yourselves. Crogen Estate may be big and grand with sprawling gardens, but it has some great interiors that are spot-on for something intimate. Malpas Court is a Tudor-style mansion and has some beautiful, picturesque views. Penmaenuchaf Hall Hotel is set among landscaped gardens and has some incredible spots for your photographs. And there’s Felin Newydd House at the foot of the Brecon Beacons, surrounded by 50 acres of stunning grounds.
A popular choice for couples looking to arrange an intimate wedding celebration in Wales is a hotel. Not only are many hotel venue spaces smaller, allowing you to connect with all of your guests, but they also help you manage cost and are super convenient. Hotels including Trecastell Hotel, Castlebank Hotel and Tyddyn Llan Restaurant with Rooms are all perfect if you’re looking for something all-in-one. Another common choice for couples, especially those who would prefer a registry office wedding, is a pub or restaurant for the reception, which is often a far more cost-effective choice, too. Take a look at The Stonemill at Rockfield, The Dragon Inn, The West Arms Hotel and Restaurant 1861.
It’s no secret that Wales has some truly stunning countryside. And one way to celebrate that is by having an outdoor wedding, which is great during the spring, summer and early autumn months. Venues such as Cobbles, Hafod National Trust, Gallery Events and Gerddi Plas Brondanw Gardens all have beautiful outdoor ceremony and reception spaces which really do the Welsh countryside justice and are great for intimate weddings.
With so many interesting places and so much character around Wales, you might want to make sure your wedding day reflects your interests or is something a little different. And it’s not just the bigger venues that are quirky and fun, but so too are many of the intimate wedding venues around Wales. Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture is ideal if you’re looking for something fun and quirky for your intimate celebration. Judge’s Lodging is a lovely period setting with various options to choose from, including the Courtroom and the Withdrawing Room. Or if you’d like to incorporate your passion or hobby into your special day, you could choose venues like Talyllyn Railway Company or Llandaff Rowing Club.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Wales is £5,924. This is in line with the overall UK average of £5,945, but does cover venues of all types and sizes. Often, the more intimate the venue, the smaller the cost, so you can expect to find a venue that fits with your vision but doesn’t even come close to the average cost.
Because they're not as common as larger weddings, intimate weddings often come with more flexibility. If you’re not fixed on a particular date or venue, you may be able to secure a beautiful location with just 6 to 12 months' notice, especially if you're open to midweek dates or off-peak seasons like early spring or late autumn. These quieter times often come with lower price tags, and you’ll likely have more choice when it comes to local vendors, too. Or, you might be able to secure a pub or restaurant venue for a date just a few weeks from now.
However, if you’re after a key summer or weekend date, or you know your number one venue is particularly popular or hosts only a limited number of weddings a year, this could be as long as two years.
Intimate weddings in Wales are growing in popularity, with more couples choosing to celebrate their love in a way that’s personal and relaxed. With its rolling hills, woodlands and coastlines, Wales provides a dreamlike backdrop for smaller-scale weddings that don’t compromise on beauty or meaning.
Nature-inspired and romantic themes are especially popular among couples planning intimate celebrations. Forest clearings, quiet beaches and wildflower meadows are often the settings for heartfelt outdoor ceremonies, with receptions held in converted barns, countryside restaurants or even under the stars with romantic lighting and fire pits. The emphasis is on the connection between the couple and their guests, and the environment around them is absolutely vital.
Local, personal touches bring added warmth and authenticity to intimate Welsh weddings. Couples often incorporate elements such as handwoven Welsh blankets, native wildflowers and traditional harpists or folk musicians. Homemade decor and locally made favours add to the charm, as well as local food like Welsh cakes as either favours or tasty desserts. Many couples also choose eco-friendly venues and wedding packages that prioritise local and seasonal catering and reduce waste.
