Wales is also known as the land of castles, as more than 400 castles stand or are in ruins across the country. This shows just how much amazing history Wales has, which you’ll find set among incredible landscapes, including scenic beaches, rolling farmlands, craggy mountains and lush forests. Peppered among this fabulous countryside are villages, towns and cities teeming with proud locals. Wales is known for everything from its centuries of industrial history to fabulous food and sports fans excited to cheer on their heroes. All these points and more make Wales an amazing choice of wedding destination, with so many locations and venues to choose from.
Our 2025 Wedding Report discovered that 4% of all UK weddings take place in Wales, and more than four out of every five (83%) local couples choose to stay in the area for their big day. The average cost of a wedding in Wales is £18,368, which is almost £2,500 less than the overall average couples across the UK pay, at £20,822. This means that not only can you have the wedding of your dreams in Wales, but you can also pay much less at the same time.
Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony in Snowdonia, a beachside wedding on the Gower Peninsula or a grand celebration in a centuries-old castle, Wales offers something truly special for every couple, no matter what you’re looking for and what your budget is.
Wales’ thousands of years of history, strong local identity and breathtaking countryside are shaping wedding trends across the country. Many couples draw inspiration from Wales’ heritage by going for grand castle venues or incorporating traditional Welsh elements, whether it’s a harpist playing classic melodies, a red and green colour scheme, or handcrafted Welsh love spoons as cute little wedding favours.
Rural celebrations remain a firm favourite, with many couples choosing barn venues or outdoor ceremonies to make the most of Wales’ stunning landscapes. Picture saying ‘I do,’ with rolling green hills and towering mountains as your backdrop, which would undoubtedly make for an unforgettable setting that blends intimacy with grandeur.
Festival-style receptions are also gaining popularity, with couples loving to hire street food stalls and live music to produce a laid-back atmosphere, especially during the evening reception. Of course, with Wales’ famously unpredictable weather, it’s always wise to have a backup plan in case the skies decide to open, so you need to make sure your chosen venue also has indoor space.
Sustainability is another major focus, with eco-conscious couples opting for environmentally friendly venues, locally sourced catering and minimal-waste decor to create a wedding that’s as kind to the planet as it is beautiful.
With locations filled with proud Welsh history, boutique inner-city hotels and manor houses deep in the countryside, Wales has an amazing variety of wedding venues, catering to every style and budget.
Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country, which is why it’s such an amazing country to explore if you’re a history buff. And you can incorporate that history into your wedding day, with so many castles also making for truly stunning wedding venues. Hensol Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan is an incredible Gothic castle surrounded by 650 acres of beautiful countryside. Ruthin Castle, Hotel and Spa in Denbighshire lets you have a luxurious or flamboyant wedding day, with the added bonus of having an on-site spa. Cardiff Castle is a world-famous site in the Welsh capital, with over 2,000 years of incredible history. And there’s Pembroke Castle, a jaw-dropping venue on the banks of Mill Pond, which was the birthplace of King Henry VII.
If you love the thought of a historic building playing a role in your special day but would prefer something more in line with the aristocracy rather than royalty, Wales also has thousands of manor houses and stately homes. Many of these also make for the most incredible wedding venues, including Brynkinalt Hall, Talhenbont Hall and Caer Beris Manor, which really need to be seen to be believed.
The Welsh countryside is among the most memorable in the whole UK, so why not make it a focal point of your wedding during the warmer late spring summer and early autumn months? Wilde Lodge, The Secret Garden and Slebech Park all do an amazing job of showing off the real beauty you can find across Wales.
With so much local passion and friendly people around Wales, the country also has its fair share of interesting and unique wedding venues. The National Library of Wales is one of the country’s most iconic buildings, which you’ll find just a stone’s throw from the coast in Aberystwyth. Parc Y Scarlets in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire is home of the Scarlets, but also often hosts the national football team, making it a great venue for sports fans. Canada Lodge and Lake just outside Cardiff is on the banks of a lake and is quintessentially Welsh. There’s also Talyllyn Railway Company in Tywyn, a quirky and fun venue which is perfect if you love old-fashioned steam trains.
Already being one of the most affordable regions in the UK, you’ll find plenty of lower-cost venues across Wales, making it ideal if you don’t want to spend too much but still have an amazing wedding. Check out venues like Plas Maenan in Conwy, Ridgeway Golf Club outside Cardiff and Llyn Gwynant Barns Gwynedd to see exactly the sort of thing even a smaller budget can get you.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Wales is £5,924, which is in line with the overall UK average of £5,945. However, couples will save money on other vendors and suppliers, which is why you’re likely to spend less on your entire wedding day than couples in other regions across the UK.
Thanks to the variety of venues and vendors, as well as the affordability, Wales is a popular wedding destination, with many venues having a lead time of between 12 and 18 months. You may also find this can be two or more years for the most sought-after venues, or you’re looking to get married at peak times, such as during the summer or at the weekend.
However, if you’re flexible with your date and you don’t have a specific venue in mind, you may find last-minute availability within 6 to 12 months, particularly for midweek weddings or during off-peak seasons. You’re also likely to pay less if you do it this way, and have your pick from a wider pool of vendors.
Welsh weather can be unpredictable, but each season brings its own charm. And the various regions of Wales can be different too, for example, the higher the elevation, the foggier it’s likely to be, and the further south you go, the more sun you can expect. But, wherever you choose to get married in Wales, the seasons follow the same sort of pattern.
Spring (March – May) is a beautiful time to get married, with lush green landscapes and blooming flowers. Temperatures range from 8°C – 15°C (46°F – 59°F), and while rain is always a possibility, the natural beauty of the countryside makes up for it. Make sure you head out to capture some photos, like at the amazing Brecon Beacons, where you can see for miles on a clear day.
Summer (June – August) is the most popular wedding season in Wales, with longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures (16°C – 22°C / 61°F – 72°F). This is the best time for outdoor weddings at venues such as The Barn at Brynich and Slebech Park, to make the most of the incredible countryside Wales has to offer.
Autumn (September – November) is when Wales fills stunning golden and red foliage, making for beautiful wedding photos when in a countryside setting. With cooler temperatures (10°C – 17°C / 50°F – 63°F), it's a great time for cosy, atmospheric weddings at a venue with indoor space like St George’s Hotel and Four Saints Brig Y Don.
Winter (December – February) may be cold, with temperatures ranging from 2°C – 8°C (36°F – 46°F), but the Welsh coast and mountains become beautifully dramatic. The only thing to bear in mind is that you’ll need to choose a venue with a warm and inviting indoor space, so you and your guests can escape the cold as you party the night away.
Many areas around Wales are easily accessible from across the UK, with good transport links by road, rail and air.
If you're travelling by train, major cities like Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Bangor have direct rail connections to London, Birmingham and Manchester.
For those driving to Wales, major roads like the M4, A55 and A470 provide convenient routes to venues across the country. It’s usually easier to drive to and around Mid and North Wales as many areas are more remote, which is something to bear in mind if you have guests who will rely on public transport.
For international guests, Cardiff Airport (CWL) offers flights from European and domestic destinations, and Manchester Airport (MAN) provides a convenient alternative for North Wales-based weddings.
Wales has plenty of places to stay, including luxury hotels, charming countryside B&Bs and all the well-known budget chains. Many hotels also have their own wedding venues, making them a great choice if you’d like to spend your entire day in one super convenient location. Hotels including Chateau Rhianfa on the Isle of Anglesey, The New House Country Hotel in Cardiff and King Arthur Hotel in Swansea are all amazing wedding venue hotels you definitely need to check out.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you can only legally wed by the sea if you take your vows in a licensed venue on the beach with a solid roof. This leads to some couples having a beachside blessing only to be married before or after at an official ceremony at a licensed venue. If you would like an all in one seaside venue on the wales coastline then take in the panoramic North Gower views surrounding Ocean View, Windmill Gower or The Beaches Hotel in Prestatyn. By booking a beachside wedding venue you will be able to celebrate indoors easily if the weather takes a turn as well as being able to enjoy the stunning views of the welsh coastline.
If you dream of a Church wedding in Wales, the vicar will be able to guide you and get you ready for the big day. Everything must adhere to all applicable Church of England and UK legislation. The majority of Church of England weddings call for the publication of banns prior to the ceremony. Banns won't need to be set up until roughly four months before to the wedding but by speaking to the Vicar of your chosen church you will be able to get a better idea of what's needed. Remember to bear in mind that you will also need to find a suitable venue to celebrate in with your guests. This could be anywhere including a restaurant, hotel or purpose-built wedding venue anywhere in Wales.
Favors with a local or specific theme are a great way to include Wales on your wedding day. A lovely favour could be a jar of local honey or some homemade jam if the wedding is in a rustic country setting. Alternately, emphasize wales’ foodie roots by serving a local delicacy like miniature Welsh cakes. Traditionally you could also opt for Welsh love spoons to be given to your guests as a sign of your love for one another. You could always look to bring a hint of the Welsh language to your wedding venue by including little touches your guests will love. Anyone for a Cwtch?!
The busiest time to get married in Wales with always be the summer months June, July and August. If you are looking to opt for a time a little outside of the box then how about a May wedding, as a May wedding falls slightly out of peak season you may be able to negotiate some discounts when it comes to your wedding venue. Another bonus to getting married in May is that it's been found to be the driest month throughout the UK! If you are aiming for a summer wedding be sure to book your wedding venue well in advance as many couples will flock to Wales for their wedding and you don't want to miss out on the venue of your dreams. As a rule of thumb look to book your wedding venue at least twelve months in advance to be able to secure your top spot and beginning.
