Your Guide to outdoor weddings in Wales: legal ceremonies, symbolic celebrations, and stunning locations

When you imagine saying your vows in Wales, maybe you’re picturing yourself on top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Llanddwyn (Newborough) Beach, or in the middle of a flower-filled meadow. But can you legally marry anywhere outside in Wales? The answer is both, a “yes, sort of” and a “not quite yet everywhere.” Here’s everything you need to know – and I’ll also throw in some creative solutions for both legal and symbolic ceremonies.

The legal side of outdoor weddings in Wales

In Wales, outdoor weddings became legal in 2021 but certain conditions had to be met. Yes, you can get married outside in Wales in 2025, but there’s a catch: the location must be part of a licensed venue approved for marriages. These outdoor spaces could be:

  • A gorgeous garden at a historic house;
  • A rustic barn located in a scenic valley with incredible mountain views;
  • The grounds of a historic castle.

This is fantastic news if you’ve always envisioned the sun shining down on you as you say your vows (remember though, this is Wales – not California, and a little rain is always on the cards!). However, this doesn’t mean you can simply pop up a wedding arch in any picturesque field or forest. The location you choose still needs to meet legal requirements to host a wedding. Spoiler alert: stunning spots like Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) or Aber Falls unfortunately don’t qualify for legal ceremonies – but don’t let that stop you from making them part of your day in other ways!

Symbolic ceremonies: the “anywhere” solution

If you’ve fallen head over heels for a spot that isn’t part of a licensed venue – like the breathtaking mountain ranges of Eryri (Snowdonia), a cascading waterfall, a secluded cove, or even your family’s cherished picnic meadow – you can still make it a meaningful part of your day with a symbolic ceremony.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Legally marry first at a registry office or licensed venue (this can be a simple and quick “I do” without much fuss OR a super romantic ceremony in a ceremony-only venue);
  2. Host your symbolic ceremony in your dream outdoor location. This could be on the same day OR sometime before/after your legal ceremony and could include personalised vows, meaningful rituals like a handfasting ceremony, and everything that makes the moment feel official for you – even if it’s not legally binding.

Stunning locations for your outdoor adventure wedding in Wales

For legal ceremonies (just the two of you or only a few friends & family):

  1. Llyn Gwynant Barns, Eryri (Snowdonia)
  2. Penarth Fawr Historic House (Llyn Peninsula)

For symbolic ceremonies:

  1. Anglesey: Long sandy beaches with golden sands and breathtaking views;
  2. Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park: exchange vows in the shadow of Wales’ highest peak.

Important tips for adventurous outdoor weddings in Wales

  1. Don’t worry about the weather! The Welsh weather is (in)famously unpredictable. Rain, sunshine, wind – sometimes even all in the same day! It doesn’t matter how carefully you plan; nature will always do its thing. But don’t stress – fully embracing the elements can actually add a magical, spontaneous vibe to your day and your photos will be talked about for many many years! An experienced elopement photographer is key here.
  2. Get local experts on board: From navigating rugged coastlines to suggesting hidden gems in Eryri (Snowdonia), having local elopement experts on your team is a game-changer. An elopement photographer who knows the Welsh terrain and weather patterns will ensure everything runs smoothly and not only do they know how to make the most of quickly changing conditions but experience will have taught them to always have a solid backup plan in place. They’ll make sure your day truly is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration (for all the right reasons!), no matter what the day throws at you. They’ll know the best times of day for soft, dreamy lighting and can recommend unique, off-the-beaten-path locations for stunning shots. Plus, their familiarity with the area means you can relax and enjoy your day, knowing you’re in good hands. 100% stress-free.

The bottom line

So, can you legally marry anywhere outside in Wales? Not quite everywhere just yet – but with a bit of planning, you can absolutely find a magical outdoor spot that works. Whether it’s a licensed venue for a legal ceremony or a stunning location for a symbolic one, Wales offers endless options for making your wedding day unforgettable. Dream big & plan smart, and don’t forget to pack a couple of brollies – just in case!

Are you picturing a specific location already? Let me know – I’d love to help bringing your vision to life!

More helpful information on outdoor weddings and elopements in Wales:

What are the ceremony options for your elopement in the UK?

What is an elopement and is it for me?

Elope, just the two of you – how to have an intimate & meaningful wedding day;

How much does an elopement cost – understanding the real cost of eloping in 2025;

Elopement Wedding Dresses – how to pick one that’s perfect for you.

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