2024 guide - the best places to elope in wales

These are some of (what I think are) the best places to elope in Wales in 2024. Magical glacier lakes in Eryri (Snowdonia), breathtaking views from Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), dreamy beaches in Pembrokeshire, the wild waterfalls of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and general wilderness and wondrousness! Wales sure has it all, making it one of the ultimate elopement locations in the world – I’d go as far as calling it the most charming and best elopement location in the UK!

The Ultimate Snowdonia Elopement Guide

Croeso I Cymru – Your 2024 Guide to the most scenic and romantic places to elope in Wales

Dreamy elopements in Wales are beautiful! With over 1,680 miles of coastline and mountains as high as Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), this small but mighty fine country, ‘Cymru’ in Welsh and, of course, often referred to as the land of the dragons – is truly magical!  

Ultimate Elopement Locations in Europe

Wales is, without doubt, one of THE best places to elope in the UK and deserves to feature highly on the list of ultimate UK elopement locations! If you love the sound of a bespoke elopement experience in Wales but you’re not quite sure where to start – I’m here to help! I’ve already helped dozens of couples just like you plan the elopement of dreams here and found some incredible locations along the way.

From the sandstone slopes of the Black Mountains in the east to the Pembrokeshire Coast with its 11 Blue Flag beaches and the ruggedly charming and truly magnificent landscapes Eryryi | Snowdonia boasts at every turn. There are so many options for you to have a once-in-a-lifetime elopement here!

If you’re new to the idea of a UK elopement and have just started planning yours, I recommend you read my guide on How to Elope in Wales next. It covers everything from why you should elope, how to elope, and when is the best time to elope.

Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography

1. Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park – one of the best places to elope in the UK!

Head to the northwest of Wales to find the mountains and glacial landforms of the beautiful Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Deeply steeped in history and with landscapes that are ruggedly charming and instantly draw you in, Eryri (Snowdonia) is only a 5-hour drive from London with the ability to make you feel like you have entered one of the last remaining true wildernesses in the UK.

Snowdonia is easily accessible by air, road & sea – it’s much quicker to get here for an adventurous wedding than travelling to Scotland, Iceland or Las Vegas to elope and while the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Wales’ highest mountain, can get pretty busy – particularly during the summer months – many other spots in Snowdonia lend themselves perfectly to a magical and super romantic elopement in the British Isles.

With stunning views across the sea to Ireland, over 100 lakes, and rugged peaks like Cadair Idris and Tryfan – Snowdonia is undoubtedly one of the most charming places to elope in the UK!

Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide
UK Elopement Photographer | Best places to elope in the UK in 2024
Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide
Wales Elopement Photography

What are the best months to elope in Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri (Snowdonia National Park)?

Avoid high summer if you can; things can get a tad busy around here. But if you have your heart set on a summer elopement and no other season will do, consider getting up early to exchange your vows & rings at sunrise or stay up late and end your day by watching the sun go down – super romantic!

What type of weather can you expect on your elopement day in Wales?

We like to keep things a little unpredictable around here so it’s difficult to predict with 100% certainty what the weather is going to be like. Expect more than 50 days of (often heavy) rain during the winter months (December to February) falling to 35 days on average in the summer (June to August). Temperatures in Spring range from 5-15C with lots of cute little lambs around and average 18C in Autumn when the sheep are a little bigger ;)

What are the best places to stay for a romantic elopement in Snowdonia?

Depends on what rocks your boat. And your budget, of course! From super romantic log cabins just for the two of you in the woods, by the sea or overlooking our glorious Welsh mountain ranges, to luxury hotels and dreamy cottages with incredible vistas – perfect for sharing with a few friends & your family. I’m happy to share the most incredible tried & tested locations with you once booked in. Just bear in mind that some of the best ones are often booked out 1-2 years in advance. I’ve never heard from anyone that they weren’t able to find an absolute banger at super short notice, though!

Where are the best places to eat in Snowdonia?

Share caviar on toast for brekkie, bring a picnic to enjoy while we’re out & about and order pizza if you don’t fancy cooking at night. Head out for dinner if you like – from seriously good brasseries like Catch 22 on Anglesey, bistros with great sea views such as Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay, to Michelin-starred experiences at Sheeps & Leeks in Caernarfon – the food scene in North Wales is pretty incredible!

Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
Best places to elope in wales - 2024 guide | How to elope with your dog

2. Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

You’ll find Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park) in the South, featuring the iconic skyline of Pen y Fan, Corn Du, and Cribyn. Head to the northern margin of the Black Mountains for Llyn y Fan Fach and the folklore of the lady in the lake.

This national park is famed for its breathtaking landscapes, offering a perfect backdrop with its sweeping hills, serene lakes, and panoramic views. The region’s natural beauty, with its lush valleys and dramatic mountain ranges is ideal for couples seeking a private and memorable elopement. The area is dotted with pretty little villages and historic landmarks, brimming with Welsh heritage and charm. Its accessibility, combined with the tranquil and picturesque environment, makes Bannau Brycheiniog a favoured choice for couples looking to celebrate their love in an enchanting location.

Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography

Where are the best places to eat in & around Bannau Brycheiniog?

For a Green Michelin Star experience head to Chapters restaurant in Hay on Wye which focuses on supporting local produce and the local economy. Or maybe, like me, you are a cheese lover? Try The International Welsh Rarebit Centre in Defynog if you’ve never had an iconic Welsh Rarebit before. Spoiler alert: it’s basically cheese on toast but much better, of course!

Where to stay for a romantic getaway in the Brecon Beacons?

You’re spoilt for choice in this Welsh National Park. Take a look at Pant Llewyn, a Welsh longhouse located on a working hill farm off the beaten track overlooking the beautiful Usk valley with varied walks straight from the door. Just imagine yourselves on Mynydd Llangynidr with nothing but silence and peace surrounding you on your wedding day – heaven.

Look for properties that offer hot tubs, cosy fireplaces, and beautiful natural surroundings for the perfect romantic getaway.

The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide
Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide

3. The beautiful beaches of Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire, in the southwest of Wales, is renowned for its breathtaking coastline, which forms part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This region is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the UK, offering a perfect backdrop for adventure elopements. The beaches stretch out for miles and vary from soft, golden sands to rugged, cliff-lined shores, offering a diversity of landscapes. Couples can choose from popular beaches like Tenby and Saundersfoot or more secluded spots like Barafundle Bay and Marloes Sands. Each beach has oodles of charm and character, allowing your elopement experience to be as unique as you. Pembrokeshire remains relatively uncrowded, especially outside peak tourist seasons – perfect for more private and intimate ceremonies. Depending on how adventurous you are, some beaches are easily reachable by car while you’ll have to hike out to others, adding an adventure element for those seeking it.

The natural scenery of Pembrokeshire’s beaches, with their dramatic cliffs, rolling waves, and often spectacular sunsets, provides an idyllic setting for wedding photography. The varying landscapes allow for a range of photographic styles, from romantic and serene to dramatic and adventurous.

Pembrokeshire generally enjoys a milder climate compared to other parts of the UK, making it a suitable destination for elopements throughout the year. While the summer months offer warmer weather and longer days, the off-season periods can provide a more dramatic seascape and quieter beaches.

The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Pembrokeshire Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Pembrokshire Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Pembrokeshire Elopement Photography
Pembrokeshire Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Pembrokshire Elopement Photography

4. The Llyn Peninsula

Nestled in the northwest of Wales, the Llyn Peninsula is a hidden gem known for its rugged landscape, rich history, and unspoiled coastal beauty. This area, extending into the Irish Sea, is an ideal destination for couples wanting to combine natural beauty with a sense of seclusion and romance.

Pretty little seaside villages like Criccieth and Pwllheli and their dreamy beaches and wild stretches of ruggedly charming coastline make the wildly beautiful Llyn Peninsula the perfect destination for a super romantic elopement or outdoor wedding in Wales. Iconic locations such as quaint fishing villages, and the dramatic views from the surrounding mountain summits provide a variety of scenic backdrops for you to exchange your private vows.

The area is steeped in Welsh culture and history, evident in its ancient castles, traditional Welsh villages, and the Welsh language spoken by locals. This cultural richness adds a unique and authentic touch to elopement ceremonies, offering an experience that is deeply rooted in the local heritage.

Elope legally at Penarth Fawr, a beautiful historic house conveniently situated not far from those pretty little beach huts at Llanbedr. Book a table at Bert’s Kitchen Garden, or pack a picnic for a trip to Nant Gwrtheyrn. Also, pop in at the Ty Coch Inn for a pint with a breathtaking view across the Irish Sea – voted one of the best beach pubs in the world!

Take a look at Lewis & Ella’s beautiful Llyn Peninsula elopement if you’d like to see a real Llyn Peninsula elopement, they chose to elope with just their super cute dogs and me by their side and it was an absolute dream.

Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide
Llyn Peninsual Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography

5. The Moelwynion Range

The Moelwyns sit between Capel Curig, Beddgelert and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and although the area is a little rugged – it’s also perfect for quiet walking. On sunny days it’s easy to spot the pyramidal peak of Cnicht from the south-west. Consider it one of the best places to elope in Europe for those wanting “The Welsh Matterhorn”, aptly named after its more famous alpine peak, as a backdrop on their elopement wedding photographs. 

The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Snowdonia Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Snowdonia Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
UK Elopement Photography

6. Romantic glacier lakes in Gwynedd

For a totally bespoke off-the-beaten-path elopement in Wales, that’s a bit wild and full of adventure, romantic lakes in Gwynedd and the folklore behind them are the stuff that dreams are made of! Plan to go hiking, biking, or rock climbing on your dream elopement day, or just hang out by a fishing lake and enjoy incredible views. Pack a blanket and a few sandwiches for a romantic picnic – being outdoors and feeling free takes away any anxiety or stress and enjoying a picnic together will give you some time to talk and relax in one of the best places to elope in the UK. And who knows – while admiring all those incredible views you may even get lucky and come super close to one of the fluffly locals.

The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Gwynedd Elopement Photography

For those looking for solitude, privacy and unrivalled views for their nature elopement in Wales, glacier lakes in Gwynedd, with their tranquil waters, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural significance, offer an idyllic backdrop. Providing the perfect blend of natural beauty, privacy, and adventure, lakeside elopements are perfect for couples dreaming of starting the rest of their lives together in the embrace of nature’s grandeur.

Gwynedd, with its blend of adventure, relaxation, culture, and natural beauty, offers couples looking for a super relaxed elopement wedding a diverse and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fueled activities, peaceful moments by the sea or in the mountains, cultural explorations, or culinary delights, Gwynedd provides the perfect setting to celebrate the beginning of married life. And with Snowdonia being one of only a handful of Dark Sky Reserves in the UK, this area is perfect for a spot of stargazing – just imagine how romantic watching the stars in the clear night sky together would be!

Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Snowdonia Elopement Photography
Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography

7. Enjoy the views across the valleys of the magnificent Cambrian Mountains

Follow in the footsteps of Owain Glyndŵr – the last native Welshman to hold the title of Prince of Wales – and plan a Welsh elopement along the peaceful Glyndŵr’s Way trail. This remote and sparsely-populated area is one of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in Wales – ideal for postcard-perfect UK elopements! For other stunning locations in this area check out the Cambrian Way and also more localised routes such as the Ystwyth Trail, the Rheidol Cycleway and the stunning Wye Valley.

Post Wedding Photography in North Wales
the most stunning and best places to elope in Wales
the best most stunning locations to elope in Wales
the best most stunning locations to elope in Wales

8. Wales Coast Path & Anglesey

Eryri (Snowdonia) is home to 200 miles of coast with more than 35 beaches and an elopement on the beach should definitely feature highly on this list of some of the best places to elope in Wales.

Spend a leisurely afternoon on the beach (in the sun, if you’re lucky). Harlech for instance, is home to the steepest street in the Northern Hemisphere and a medieval castle set on a rock and it has gorgeous sandy beaches. For the camping enthusiasts amongst us – Shell Island, one of Europe’s largest campsites, boasts stunning views of Cardigan Bay and the Eryri | Snowdonia National Park. Just imagine yourselves all snug in your tent with a glass of champagne in hand on the day of your elopement watching the sun go down over the sea – memories you’ll treasure forever!

Enchanting Island Elopements in Anglesey

Anglesey, an island off the northwest coast of Wales, offers a uniquely dreamy setting for elopements. Known for its stunning coastal landscapes, ancient history, and tranquil atmosphere, elopements on Anglesey are very romantic with endless opportunities for couples looking to exchange vows in a dreamy setting. From the sweeping sandy beaches of Newborough and Rhosneigr to the rugged cliffs of South Stack, the island offers a range of idyllic settings for a seaside ceremony. The slower pace of life and the less crowded nature of the island compared to mainland destinations make it an excellent choice for couples seeking a private and peaceful elopement. Try foraging for some mussels if you are planning a winter elopement; we love picking them in the mornings and cooking them in the van for a delicious lunch!

The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Anglesey Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Anglesey Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Anglesey Elopement Photography
Best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | Anglesey Elopement Photography

9. The Vale of Llangollen

Located in Northeast Wales, the Vale of Llangollen is a picturesque region known for its stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and its lush valley with the River Dee running through it against the backdrop of the Berwyn Mountains. Characterised by its lush greenery, rolling hills, and scenic vistas, couples can choose from a variety of natural settings for their ceremony, including amidst the ancient ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey, a truly idyllic setting for an adventure elopement. The area is steeped in history and culture, featuring landmarks like the Llangollen Canal and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The best places to get married in Wales - 2024 Guide | Llangollen Elopement Photography
Llangollen Elopement Photography
Llangollen Elopement | UK Elopement Photographer
Llangollen-Elopement-Photography
Llangollen Elopement | UK Elopement Photographer

10. Pistyll Rhaeadr

For a truly magical small wedding or elopement (How to plan a simple wedding quickly will help if you’re stuck for ideas) – head to the waterfall at Pistyll Rhaeadr! You’ll find Britain’s tallest single-drop waterfall in Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, in the heart of the Berwyn Mountains. And although the peaks in the Berwyn Range are generally a little lower than those in nearby Snowdonia, the views are just as stunning and the setting is enchanting!

Some other best waterfalls in Wales you could consider are Rhaeadr Ewynnol about two miles west of Betws-y-coed and Sgwd yr Eira in Ystrafellte, one of the gems on the Four Falls Walks near Aberdare.

The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide | UK Elopement Photography
The best places to elope in Wales - 2024 Guide
Pistyll Rhaeadr - one of the best places to elope in Wales | Wales Wedding Photographer
North Wales Wedding Photography | Pistyll Rhaeadr Elopement

There are so many more beautiful locations that are perfect for an elopement for two or a few here in Wales, think secret waterfalls, hidden caves, or mountain ranges that require a bit of a hike or would make the perfect destination for a dreamy elopement at sunrise or sunset so do let me know your preference when you enquire about my availability and I’ll happily send you some suggestions. 

Start Your Welsh Elopement Journey Here

Are you dreaming of an elopement in the breathtaking landscapes of Wales? Whether you’re enchanted by the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire, the mystical charm of the Llyn Peninsula, or the serene beauty of the Vale of Llangollen, I’m here to make your dream a reality.

I’m a UK elopement photographer based in the Berwyn Range and specialise in crafting bespoke elopement experiences that are as unique as your very own love story. With my deep knowledge of some of Wales’ most stunning locations and my passion for offering you a very personal experience and not just a bunch of random photographs from your wedding day, I want to make sure that every detail of your special day is handled with care and professionalism.

If you’d love to go on a once-in-a-lifetime wedding adventure with me – simply contact me today and you could be planning the elopement of your dreams in almost no time at all.

Your Welsh elopement awaits!

I’m an experienced and professional North Wales Wedding & Elopement Photographer based not far from Llangollen in the Clywdian Range. I photograph weddings, elopements, vow renewals, anniversaries and proposals in the local area and further afield, throughout Wales and the whole of the UK.  I specialise in photographing raw & natural moments – perfect for destination wedding & elopement photography in Eryri (Snowdonia).

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