A wholesome, fun and intimate wedding day with your children in glorious Wales

You’re getting married (congratulations!) and are currently navigating how to include your children in your wedding day in Wales – how amazing! If you’re considering having this beautiful celebration in Wales, against the backdrop of rolling hills, ancient castles, and breathtakingly magical landscapes – I can already hear the birds chirping and the gentle Welsh breeze kissing your cheeks!

Planning a small wedding with children can be such a special & heartwarming experience. It’s not just about two people uniting; it’s about making once-in-a-lifetime memories, and planning a wedding day with intimate, fun, and ‘oh-so-meaningful for everyone’ vibes – especially for the kiddos!

Let the magic of Wales set the scene

Wales is a small but mighty fine country straight out of a fairy tale (I mean, have you seeeeeeen our castles?!), giving off those epic wholesome vibes practically made for a wholesome small wedding celebration with your little ones. Just picture it: all of you saying ‘I do’ on a beautiful stretch of beach, a hidden cove and views that go on for days. From Eryri’s (Snowdonia’s) rugged mountains to the serene beaches along the Pembrokeshire Coast – it’s just so easy to find magical spots where your children can roam around freely and be mini explorers for a bit, before or after the ceremony.

Get your kids involved: make them feel like stars

This is their big day too and one of the best parts about having a small wedding is that everyone gets to play an important role. I bet your children’s faces will light up as soon as they find out that they get to be part of the magic. Let them help plan some details or give them their own special job during the ceremony. From flower girl to ring bearer – or even mini-best man or bridesmaid – let them share the spotlight. Just imagine how special they’d feel if they get to walk you down an imaginary aisle! And how deeply emotional (happy tears incoming!) a family procession with everyone walking together would feel? It’s such a powerful symbol of the new adventure you’re embarking on as a family.

Family vows? Yes, please

I’m pretty sure this one will make everyone cry (in the best possible way!). In addition to your vows with your partner, consider exchanging vows with your children. Promise to always be there for them, to love them unconditionally, and to make them feel cherished as part of your family. You could even get your kids to write their own mini vows too – nothing too long, just a little “I promise to always share the cookies with you”, or “I vow to keep giving you goodnight hugs.” Can you imagine just how adorable and heart-melting that would be?!

A Welsh-inspired picnic reception

Since we’re going small and intimate, you may also want to keep the reception cosy and relaxed. Imagine a picnic-style set-up on a beach in the afternoon sun – super relaxed wedding day vibes! Sit on soft blankets and enjoy your kids’ favourite sandwiches followed by Welsh cakes for dessert. I also think a family-friendly wedding day definitely needs fun & laughter so consider playing games that everyone can play together – build a sandcastle or play catch, go crabbing and obviously enjoy running wild in the sea.

Capture the love with a first-look-type photo opportunity

Your wedding day is about the whole family, so make sure your photos capture those sweet, candid moments between you and the kids. Whether it’s them giggling during the ceremony, hugging each other watching you exchange rings, or jumping around with joy after the ‘I do’s’ – you want to treasure those memories forever. How about a ‘first look’ with your children before the ceremony – I bet those precious, wide-eyed expressions of awe and joy will melt your heart.

Close the day with a family toast (and a dance-off!)

End your magical day with a family toast. Raise a glass (or a juice box) to the new chapter of your life. Ask your kids to share what the day meant to them – whether it’s a goofy, heartfelt, or slightly random sentiment, it’ll be the perfect way to seal the day with love. And hey, why not finish it all off with a mini family dance-off? Crank up the tunes and let loose with your children on the beach. Don’t forget to make a wedding playlist together ahead of your big day – let your kids choose a few songs, so they have their moment to shine (and show off their best dance moves, too!).

Love, laughter, and family – what more could you need?

Planning a small, intimate wedding with your children in Wales is not just a celebration of love between two people – it’s about your family coming together in the most beautiful, heartfelt way. Whether you’re saying ‘I do’ on a glorious beach or in a quiet meadow surrounded by wildflowers, the day will be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments and you and your children will cherish these memories forever. So, go ahead, embrace the magic, and make it a day that’s truly yours!

I’m an elopement photographer & planner based in North Wales and if sharing a super romantic wedding day just with your children in Wales is for you – I’m happy to exchange ideas and previous experiences to help you plan your own family wedding, it’ll be a day full of love and inspiration.

You may also find this interesting:

Seaside romance: the magic of coastal elopements in North Wales;

What is an elopement and is it for me?

How to include your kids on your wedding day – elope to Wales with your children;

Eloping with your dog in Wales – 2024 Guide;

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

The best places to elope in Wales;

Seasonal changes and the best time for you to elope in Eryri (Snowdonia).

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