My favourite Cardiff wedding venues

I've been fortunate to have covered well over 500 weddings in Wales with many of these working as a wedding photographer in Cardiff. Its always great to mix and match and switch up wedding venues from week to week so that we as wedding photographers get to work at not only new wedding venues but also get to be creative finding new places to shoot in new venues.

Cardiff being the capital city of Wales is super busy with weddings from the conveyor belt of Cardiff registry weddings at the grand City hall in the centre of the city that happen several times a day, everyday through to the lavish luxury hotel weddings and those popular wedding venues on the outskirts of Cardiff.

Below are some of my favourite wedding venues to work at as a wedding photographer in Cardiff

Hensol Castle:

Hensol Castle is a 17th-century country house located in the Vale of Glamorgan, on the outskirts of Cardiff. The original castle on the site was built in the 14th century, but it was destroyed during the Welsh rebellion of Owain Glyndwr in the early 15th century. The current Hensol Castle was built in the 17th century by the wealthy Mathew family, who were one of the most influential families in the Vale of Glamorgan. In 2003, Hensol Castle was purchased by the Leekes Group, who invested heavily in the restoration of the castle, turning it into a luxury hotel and conference centre. The castle has since hosted numerous high-profile events, including the 2010 Ryder Cup.Today, Hensol Castle is a popular wedding venue and tourist destination, known for its beautiful grounds, historic architecture, and luxurious accommodations.

I love working here mainly due to two outstanding photography locations; one is the jetty and lake which offers some dramatic wedding photography opportunities. Below is a Jetty photo from a recent wedding there. Also the grand staircase is wonderful and I have many amazing wedding photos from there too.

Llanerch Vineyard :

Llanerch Vineyard is a family-run vineyard located in the Vale of Glamorgan near Cardiff. Situated pretty much opposite Hensol Castle, the vineyard was established in 1986 by Welsh wine pioneer, Ryan Davies.Davies was a former Welsh rugby international who had a passion for wine and a vision of creating a vineyard in Wales. Llanerch Vineyard has been hosting weddings since 2012, when it opened its first wedding venue, The Glass House. The Glass House is a purpose-built event space that offers stunning views over the vineyard and surrounding countryside. Since then, the vineyard has become a popular wedding venue in South Wales, offering a range of indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings and other events. In addition to The Glass House, the vineyard also has a purpose-built marquee, a rustic barn, and a luxury hotel that can all be used for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The vineyard's picturesque location, combined with its high-quality food and wine, make it a popular choice for couples looking for a unique and memorable wedding venue.

Having an actual vineyard to work in as a wedding photographer is pretty unique and it offers many leafy green styled photo opportunities. Along with Hensol Castle Its one of my favourite Cardiff wedding venues.

St Davids Hotel, Cardiff bay

 St. David's Hotel is a luxury hotel located on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay. The hotel was built in 1999 and was designed by the architect, Patrick Davies. The hotel was named after the patron saint of Wales, Saint David. The design of the hotel was inspired by the sea and the sky, with the building resembling a large ocean liner. The hotel was built on the site of the former Cardiff Coal Exchange, which was a significant landmark in Cardiff's history as a major coal exporting port.St. David's Hotel has become one of the most iconic buildings in Cardiff, with its modern architecture and prime waterfront location. The hotel has won numerous awards for its design, including the prestigious RIBA Award for Architecture. Over the years, the hotel has been a popular choice for weddings and I've loved working here on wedding days. It has also been a favourite among tourists visiting Cardiff, offering breathtaking views of the Bay and easy access to the city's attractions.

Canada Lodge and Lake

This is a wedding venue located in Pentrych, Cardiff, Wales. The lodge is a historic building that dates back to the early 19th century and was originally built as a family home. The property was later purchased by the Powell family in the early 20th century, and they added a lake to the property, which is now one of the main features of the venue.In the late 20th century, the property was sold to a new owner who converted it into a wedding venue. Today, Canada Lodge and Lake is a popular wedding venue known for its picturesque surroundings, including the lake, woodlands, and gardens. The venue has undergone extensive renovations and upgrades to become a sought-after location for weddings, with indoor and outdoor ceremony options, reception areas, and accommodations for guests.

The venue has won numerous awards, including the title of 'Best Wedding Venue in South Wales' at the Welsh National Wedding Awards. The lodge has become a popular location for weddings due to its beautiful and romantic setting, as well as the high-quality services offered by its staff.

Below: A confetti and starburst sunset wedding photo at Canada Lakes and Lodge

New House Hotel, Thornhill, Cardiff

The New House Country Hotel is a hotel located in Thornhill, Cardiff, Wales. The hotel is situated on the site of a former manor house that was built in the 16th century. I've probably covered twenty to thirty weddings here of the years and the views over Cardiff city centre and spectacular! The manor house was owned by the Birt family for many generations and was known as Rhiwbina Hill. In the early 20th century, the manor house was purchased by the Cory family, who were prominent coal merchants and owned several coal mines in the area. They converted the manor house into a hotel, which they named the New House Hotel. The hotel was a popular destination for affluent visitors to Cardiff, who were attracted by its luxurious accommodations and beautiful location. Today, the New House Country Hotel is a four-star hotel that offers luxurious accommodations and amenities, including a restaurant, a bar, conference facilities, and wedding services. The hotel is still owned by the Reardon Smith Group and remains a popular destination for visitors to Cardiff.

De courceys Cardiff

De Courceys Manor is a wedding and event venue located in Cardiff, Wales. The manor house was originally built in the late 19th century by the Pryse family, who were wealthy landowners. The house was built in a Victorian Gothic style and was surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands. Again just like the other wedding venues in Cardiff I've covered many weddings here as a wedding photographer. Its always a lovely day working here and the staff and food are always first class. The architecture of the building and semi circular design of the main window in the ceremony room allows for a fantastic bridal back of the dress photo!

If you are getting married in Cardiff and would like to chat about your wedding I'm always free for a no obligation 30 minute zoom consultation anytime. With over 10 years experience working as a Cardiff wedding photographer you'd be surprised at how much knowledge I have on these wedding venues. I know some great off site locations too to catch a late sunset on your wedding day  ! .. Karl x