Wales has a rich history of wedding traditions and customs that date back centuries. Weddings in Wales were and continue to be, a time of celebration and joy, with many unique and beautiful traditions that make them stand out. In medieval Wales, weddings were often celebrated over several days and were a time of great feasting and merriment. The bride and groom were often presented with gifts of food, drink, and livestock to help them start their new life together. One unique tradition was the "crib y ffordd" or "roadside crib" where the groom would build a shelter by the side of the road for his bride and their guests to rest on the way to the wedding.

In the Victorian era, weddings in Wales became more formal and elaborate. Brides wore white dresses, and church weddings were the norm. The bridal party would often travel to the church in a horse-drawn carriage, and the wedding breakfast would be a grand affair with many guests.

 Today, weddings in Wales continue to incorporate many traditional customs, but with a modern twist. Couples often choose to include Welsh elements in their weddings, such as a traditional choir or Welsh cakes served at the reception. Welsh love spoons are still given as gifts, but now often have a modern design, such as engraved initials or wedding dates.In conclusion, weddings in Wales have a rich history of customs and traditions that have evolved over the centuries. From the "crib y ffordd" to the "crowning ceremony" and love spoons, these traditions add to the beauty and uniqueness of Welsh weddings. Today, couples can choose to incorporate these customs into their wedding celebrations, adding a touch of Welsh heritage and history to their special day.

Chapel weddings in Wales are often more traditional and formal than other types of weddings. The ceremony typically begins with the bride and groom entering the chapel separately, accompanied by their respective attendants. Once they are both inside the chapel, they meet at the front of the church and walk down the aisle together. Welsh chapel weddings offer a unique and beautiful way to celebrate marriage and Welsh heritage.  The ceremony itself is usually quite simple, with the exchange of vows and rings being the focal point. Traditional Welsh hymns are often sung during the ceremony, and the couple may choose to include other elements of Welsh culture, such as a Welsh love spoon or a reading in the Welsh language.

One of the most unique customs in Welsh weddings is the "crowning ceremony" or "coronau". This is where the bride and groom are crowned with a wreath of flowers, representing their new union. The crowning ceremony is often accompanied by traditional Welsh music and singing.  Another Welsh custom is the "love spoon", a hand-carved wooden spoon given as a gift to the bride by the groom. The love spoon often features intricate designs and symbols that represent the couple's love and commitment to each other.The "calon lân" or "pure heart" is a popular Welsh hymn often sung at weddings, which speaks of the desire for a pure and honest heart in marriage.

In modern times however, even though there are not so many traditional chapel weddings anymore, Wales is known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, making it a popular for destination weddings. There are many unique and beautiful wedding venues in Wales that offer something special for every couple, from Castles to barns to country houses and even beach wedding venues such as Oxwich Bay Hotel, Portmeirion, the cliff hotel and spa, St Donats Castle and the stunning Plas Glynllifon Mansion in North Wales!

Welsh wedding traditions

Victorian era weddings

Welsh chapel weddings