Wales Wedding Photography Archives - Page 2 of 19

Enchanting winter micro wedding at Penarth Fawr

What exactly is a micro wedding?

A small wedding like this enchanting winter micro wedding at Penarth Fawr, is a lovely and intimate way to get married. Micro weddings, unlike elopements (which are often just the couple, and sometimes a witness or two) are perfect for couples who don’t want it to be just the two of them but who also don’t want to share their wedding celebrations with lots of guests and so they only invite between 10-30 of their closest family and friends.

Intimate weddings in Wales

I’ve been lucky enough to photograph a few micro weddings at Penarth Fawr and other small wedding venues and it’s easy to see their appeal – with a focus on intimacy and less fuss, couples can truly enjoy spending more quality time with every single one of their guests, making their wedding day feel more personal and meaningful to them. And just because micro weddings usually feature less guests – it certainly doesn’t mean your wedding day will be less beautiful or memorable; rather, it allows you to be more thoughtful when it comes to how you’d like to spend your time and money.

Small micro wedding venue for 20 guests in Wales

Offering greater flexibility in terms of choice of venue given that beautiful smaller spaces become workable options for smaller gatherings, micro weddings open up possibilities for locations that wouldn’t necessarily be able to accommodate larger groups. This could include historic house wedding venues like Penarth Fawr on the Llŷn Peninsula, enchanting castle wedding venues like Gwydir Castle, art galleries, or even an outdoor setting that becomes a perfectly intimate space for saying your I do’s.

I’ve seen a growing trend towards micro weddings, especially in light of global events such as the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. Many couples just like Seb and Holly on the pictures below hoping to get married in Wales find that a micro wedding aligns much more with their values and desires as it focuses on what truly matters: celebrating their union in a way that feels true to them, surrounded by those who matter the most.

So how do you plan a micro wedding?

Planning a micro wedding can be less complex than organising a large-scale event, still – it doesn’t need to be daunting! If you’re a couple who prefers a straightforward, intimate ceremony with minimal frills or if you’re flexible about details like the venue and date, planning a simple micro wedding can be relatively quick. Without the need to book a large venue well in advance or coordinate with multiple suppliers, the planning process can be streamlined significantly and as you’ll only need 29 days to give notice (which just means signing a piece of paper to declare to the authorities that you are considering getting married) – it’s totally possible to plan a micro wedding in Wales with a short timeline of 1 – 3 months; here’s your basic guide:

1. Define your vision

Begin with envisioning what you want your wedding day to look and feel like. Consider the level of formality, and what aspects of a more traditional wedding you want to keep or forego. You can then use this vision as your go-to guide for all your decisions moving forward.

2. Set a budget

Despite being smaller in scale, spoiler alert – micro weddings still have costs associated with them. Setting a budget early should help you to prioritise your spending so that you can splurge on some aspects while saving on others. Remember, fewer guests can mean a higher budget per guest, or you could spend the extra cash towards more luxurious group accommodations and/or activities.

3. Stick to a small guest list

One of the most significant advantages of a micro wedding is the intimate atmosphere. Carefully select guests who are most important to you and your partner. A smaller guest list not only makes the event more personal but also more manageable and often more meaningful.

4. Choose your perfect micro wedding venue

Look for venues that specialise in smaller events or spaces that naturally fit a smaller guest count. With a micro wedding, you can consider unique venues and locations that may not accommodate larger weddings, such as private gardens, art galleries, or even a family home. If your perfect location isn’t licensed for legal weddings – book a slot at the nearest registry office in the morning and celebrate with friends & families wherever and whichever way you like in the afternoon; you can even arrange for a symbolic ceremony at the bottom of a mountain or on a beach with the help of a celebrant or friend.

5. Select suppliers who specialise in small weddings

Even with a smaller wedding, you may still want to involve talented suppliers like a photographer, catering, hair and make-up and a florist. Opt for suppliers who have experience with or even specialise in smaller weddings and are flexible in customising their services to suit your needs. As a wedding photographer based in North Wales who specialises in photographing small weddings and can also help you plan an elopement, my photography packages are tailored to suit couples looking for shorter and/or more adventurous wedding photography coverage so it’s worth getting in contact with me to see how I can help document your beautiful micro wedding in Wales.

6. Plan the ceremony and what to do afterwards

Decide on the structure of your ceremony and reception. A micro wedding allows you to be creative with the flow of the day. You might opt for a relaxed ceremony followed by sharing a feast with your guests or a more casual gathering on a beach or at the foot of a mountain.

8. Manage logistics

Even a small wedding has logistical considerations, such as accommodations for out-of-town guests, transportation, and dinner reservations. Ensure you have a plan in place to manage these details smoothly or ask a friend or relative to help you.

9. Communicate with your guests

Keep your guests informed about the wedding details, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding in Wales or if there are specific arrangements they need to be aware of. A wedding website or digital communication can be an efficient way to keep everyone updated.

And finally – remember to enjoy the process and your special day! A micro wedding is all about celebrating your love with those closest to you, so make sure you take in every single moment of your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day in Wales!

Fab & Holly (and their super cute Dachshund Gus) stayed with Holly’s parents at the cottage at Penarth Fawr before their wedding and moved to the shepherd’s hut on the day. Fab’s family joined the couple for their ceremony, followed by sandwiches and drinks and the couple and their guests went for dinner at the Potted Lobster in Abersoch in the evening. Despite a storm playing havoc on their winter wedding day, Holly & Fab decided to go ahead with the plans we’d made for a mini adventure along the Llŷn Peninsula and didn’t regret getting soaking wet one little bit – it was a fabulous day!