Description
Discover St Donat's Castle: A Timeless Wedding Venue
If you're dreaming of a wedding that blends history, natural beauty, and coastal charm, St Donat's Castle is the perfect choice. This stunning 12th-century castle sits on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bristol Channel in the Vale of Glamorgan, less than an hour from Cardiff and Swansea. With much of the medieval structure still intact, you and your guests will feel a deep connection to Wales’s rich heritage as you celebrate your new beginning.
A Romantic Setting with Breathtaking Views
The castle’s beautifully maintained Tudor gardens and sweeping lawns lead down to the sea, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the combination of historic architecture, lush gardens, and coastal scenery offers an unforgettable atmosphere. St Donat's Castle is available for exclusive hire from midday to midnight, giving you complete privacy throughout your special day.
Flexible Spaces for Every Part of Your Wedding
St Donat's Castle offers a range of elegant, licensed spaces for civil ceremonies and partnerships, suitable for both small and large weddings:
- The Bradenstoke Hall: This impressive hall features exposed Bath stone walls and soaring 20-foot ceilings. It comfortably seats up to 160 guests for your wedding breakfast and can host up to 200 for the evening reception. Its neutral tones provide a perfect canvas to style your dream decor.
- The Inner Courtyard: For couples who want an outdoor ceremony, this charming courtyard is licensed for up to 160 guests, offering a stunning open-air setting to say your vows.
- St Donat's Church: Located next to the castle, this Grade I listed church combines Norman and Victorian architecture and can accommodate up to 100 guests for a traditional ceremony.
- The Great Hall and Dining Hall: These additional spaces add character and warmth to your day. The Dining Hall is available on select dates and is ideal for larger wedding breakfasts.
Expert Catering and Trusted Wedding Services
To make your day truly seamless, St Donat's Castle partners with the award-winning Town & Country Catering. They offer exceptional service and a wide variety of menu options, from elegant canapés to hearty evening meals. While the castle doesn’t provide overnight accommodation, the team can recommend trusted local hotels and preferred suppliers for photography, entertainment, and more.
Planning Your Wedding at St Donat's Castle
The venue is primarily available for weddings from late May through the end of September, outside of the college term. If you’re planning a larger celebration, the extensive grounds can accommodate a marquee seating up to 400 guests, ensuring plenty of space for everyone to join your special day.
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Experience
Overview of St Donat's Castle, Atlantic College
Pricing for St Donat's Castle, Atlantic College
Reviews (3)
- EEmma - Google Review17/10/2023I highly recommend this place for weddingsI highly recommend this place for weddingsThis was my son's wedding venue and couldn't have been anymore perfect. Such a wealth of history and architecture everywhere you look. The roof of the banqueting hall ( taken from Bradenstoke Priory) needs to be seen to be believed. A beautiful terraced garden wanders down to eventually take you to the shoreline of the Bristol channel but the views on the way down are worth the steep walk up. I highly recommend this place for weddings and for tours on their open days.This was my son's wedding venue and couldn't have been anymore perfect. Such a wealth of history and architecture everywhere you look. The roof of the banqueting hall ( taken from Bradenstoke Priory) needs to be seen to be believed. A beautiful terraced garden wanders down to eventually take you to the shoreline of the Bristol channel but the views on the way down are worth the steep walk up. I highly recommend this place for weddings and for tours on their open days.
- HHaqq - Google Review17/10/2023Stunning!Stunning!Stunning wedding venue, beautiful grounds. Great view to the sea. Lots of greenery. Clean throughout. Had a great experience and parking is availableStunning wedding venue, beautiful grounds. Great view to the sea. Lots of greenery. Clean throughout. Had a great experience and parking is available
- NNathan & Lydia - Email17/10/2023St Donats was the perfect venueSt Donats was the perfect venueHey Les, Amy and the team! Just a quick one to say thank you so much for everything you have all done for our wedding. It’s really appreciated, and you were all fantastic from start to finish. We had a great day, as did all of our guests. St Donats was the perfect venue! Thanks again for all your help yesterday, it was much appreciated and we loved every second! Cheers, Nathan & Lydia Hey Les, Amy and the team! Just a quick one to say thank you so much for everything you have all done for our wedding. It’s really appreciated, and you were all fantastic from start to finish. We had a great day, as did all of our guests. St Donats was the perfect venue! Thanks again for all your help yesterday, it was much appreciated and we loved every second! Cheers, Nathan & Lydia
Location & Contact Details for St Donat's Castle, Atlantic College
Where is St Donat's Castle located for weddings?
St Donat's Castle is located at CF61 1WF, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, GB, perched on cliffs overlooking the Bristol Channel less than an hour from Cardiff and Swansea.
What types of wedding ceremony spaces does St Donat's Castle offer?
St Donat's Castle offers several licensed spaces for ceremonies, including:
- The Bradenstoke Hall – an elegant indoor space seating up to 160 guests for the ceremony and larger for the reception.
- The Inner Courtyard – a charming outdoor space licensed for up to 160 guests.
- St Donat's Church – a Grade I listed church next to the castle, seating up to 100 guests, ideal for traditional ceremonies.
Can I have an outdoor wedding ceremony at St Donat's Castle?
Yes, the Inner Courtyard at St Donat's Castle is a licensed outdoor ceremony space that can accommodate up to 160 guests, offering a stunning open-air setting surrounded by historic architecture and beautiful gardens.
Is St Donat's Castle available for exclusive wedding hire?
Yes, the castle is available for exclusive hire from midday to midnight on your wedding day, allowing complete privacy for you and your guests throughout your celebration.
What is the maximum guest capacity for weddings at St Donat's Castle?
For indoor ceremonies and receptions, the Bradenstoke Hall seats up to 160 guests for the wedding breakfast and can host up to 200 guests for the evening reception. For larger weddings, a marquee can be set up on the extensive grounds to seat up to 400 guests.
Does St Donat's Castle provide wedding catering services?
Yes, St Donat's Castle partners with the award-winning Town & Country Catering, offering a wide variety of menu options including elegant canapés and hearty evening meals to ensure excellent service on your special day.
Are there onsite accommodations available at St Donat's Castle?
St Donat's Castle does not provide overnight accommodations. However, the venue team can recommend trusted local hotels nearby to accommodate you and your guests comfortably.
When is St Donat's Castle available for weddings?
The castle is primarily available for weddings from late May through the end of September, outside of Atlantic College's academic term to ensure an uninterrupted celebration.
What makes St Donat's Castle a unique wedding venue in Wales?
St Donat's Castle offers a unique combination of rich 12th-century history, dramatic coastal cliffs, beautifully maintained Tudor gardens, and flexible elegant spaces, all providing a romantic and timeless setting that connects you to Welsh heritage.
Can St Donat's Castle accommodate both intimate and grand wedding celebrations?
Absolutely. Whether you envision a small, intimate ceremony or a grand celebration for hundreds, St Donat's Castle has flexible spaces including indoor halls, outdoor courtyards, and grounds for large marquees, making it suitable for weddings of all sizes.
