The best wedding and elopement venues in North Wales
For adventurous & laid-back nature-loving couples dreaming of a super scenic wedding or elopement in Eryri (Snowdonia) or the Llŷn Peninsula elopement planning & photographynatural wedding photographyDreamy Small Wedding & Elopement Venues in North Wales – my Top Picks
I’m a wedding photographer lucky enough to call glorious North Wales home, and I also get to capture scenic elopements in Eryri | Snowdonia. Over the years, I’ve photographed many incredible weddings and elopements here and discovered some true hidden gems along the way – so I’ve put together this guide to share my absolute favourite wedding & elopement venues in North Wales!
If you’re thinking of getting married here, you’re in for a treat – we’re completely spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning beauty spots. North Wales is fast becoming a must-visit destination for adventurous couples, and it’s no surprise why. Some of the most breathtaking wedding venues and ceremony-only venues in the UK are right here, surrounded by jaw-dropping landscapes, dramatic mountain backdrops, and wild coastal scenery – beautiful settings for committing to each other and romantic vows.
You’ll also find magical little locations in this guide that are a little bit off the beaten path – some of them have become my absolute favourite wedding & elopement venues in North Wales and are great for couples dreaming of a romantic, just-the-two-of-us legal ceremony in Wales.
Not quite sure what an elopement is? No worries! You’ll find everything you need to know to start planning your super dreamy elopement in Wales in the link below:
I absolutely love capturing both elopements and weddings, so I’ve put this guide together with the best wedding & elopement venues in North Wales, split into two sections. First up – my favorite small elopement venues for those dreaming of something intimate and romantic. Further down, you’ll find larger wedding venues for couples planning a bigger celebration!
Romantic Elopement Venues in Wales
If you’re looking for something a little different and more intimate for your wedding day, an elopement in Wales might be just what you’re after!
If you’d rather legally marry in one go instead of having a two-part wedding (legal ceremony one day, celebratory or symbolic ceremony another), you can tie the knot at a register office and head straight into your wedding day adventure afterward. And honestly – register office weddings have had a major glow-up! Gone are the days when they felt a bit meh – now, micro weddings and elopements in Wales are the fastest-growing way to get hitched – offering couples a more personal, stress-free, and adventurous way to get married, without the pressure of a big traditional wedding.
If you want to keep it small, romantic, and completely YOU, here are some of the best elopement venues in Wales – the ones I’d be looking at if I were getting married again!
Not sure exactly how to elope? Check out my post below and if you’re dreaming of eloping to Wales and want me to capture it for you check my availability – I’d love to help you plan an incredible, slightly wild, free-spirited, and adventure-filled wedding day!
The dreamiest spot to get married or elope in Eryri (Snowdonia) – Llyn Gwynant Barns, Gwynedd
This beautifully rustic barn wedding venue is perfect for both weddings and elopements, sitting in what is (without a doubt!) one of the most breathtaking valleys in North Wales. The Grade II listed stone buildings are surrounded by private fields, offering incredible views across the lake – a truly magical setting for your wedding day.
The big barn is fully licensed for weddings, so you can bring your whole wedding squad and camp out in tents or vans for an unforgettable adventure camping wedding. Or, if you’re dreaming of a more intimate Just Us elopement, I’ll happily capture your love story on select weekdays when the venue is at its most peaceful.
Llyn Gwynant Campsite, Nant Gwynant, Caernarfon, LL55 4NW | t: 01766 890302 | barns@gwynant.com
For more pictures of this dreamy venue, check out my Llyn Gwynant Weddings page below:
A dreamy historic wedding venue for romantic micro weddings & elopements in Wales – Penarth Fawr, Llŷn Peninsula
If you’re dreaming of an intimate, storybook wedding in Wales, this stunning historic house is the perfect setting – the timber-structure hall was practically made for romantic small weddings and micro ceremonies.
It’s a popular ceremony-only venue for adventurous couples looking to elope legally, offering a gorgeous blend of history, charm, and relaxed coastal vibes. Nestled along the Llŷn Peninsula, it’s just a stone’s throw from Nefyn (home to the 3rd best beach bar in the world!), making it an incredible spot for wedding photographs with a scenic, seaside backdrop.
It’s kid & dog-friendly – bring your whole crew, paws included!
Stay in the cosy cottage (dog-friendly) or the romantic shepherd’s hut, complete with an outdoor hot tub – brilliant for stargazing on your wedding night.
Giving relaxed, intimate vibes for couples who want a stress-free, scenic elopement.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, historic venue that feels wild, romantic, and effortlessly magical, this could be the one!
Penarth Fawr Medieval House, Chwilog, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, Wales, LL53 6PR | t: 01766 810880 | penarthfawr@gmail.com
real weddings & elopements at Penarth Fawr
Gwydir Castle – a ceremony-only fairytale wedding venue in the heart of Eryri | Snowdonia
Tucked away in the foothills of glorious Eryri | Snowdonia, this beautiful historic Welsh house is one of the most atmospheric castle wedding venues in Wales – a super romantic setting for your wedding day.
Step inside the early Tudor ground-floor hall, where you can say your vows in a stunning ceremony room with an open log fire, flickering candlelight, and an air of timeless romance. Afterward, enjoy a champagne reception in this enchanting space before exploring the ten acres of breathtaking gardens.
And the best part? You’ll be sharing your day with beautiful peacocks, freely roaming the grounds, adding an extra touch of magic to your wedding photos.
If you’re dreaming of a romantic castle wedding with historic charm and fairytale vibes, Gwydir Castle in Conwy is your best choice.
Gwydir Castle, Llanrwst, Conwy, LL26 0PN | 01492 641 687 | info@gwydircastle.co.uk
Discover the most scenic & romantic wedding and elopement venues in North Wales
Bach Wen – a relaxed & scenic wedding venue in North Wales
If laid-back, scenic “wedding by the sea” vibes are your thing – Bach Wen is a true hidden gem on the stunning Llŷn Peninsula, offering breathtaking coastal views, plenty of charm, and a beautifully relaxed atmosphere.
Nestled between rolling green hills and a private beach, this one-of-a-kind North Wales wedding venue is great for couples who want a wedding day that feels natural, intimate, and totally stress-free.
Why choose Bach Wen for your wedding or Just Us Two day?
Unbeatable coastal views – imagine walking directly from your hut to the beach to say your vows with panoramic sea views, the waves rolling in behind you, and golden sunsets stretching across the sky;
Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere – no stiff traditions, just a beautiful, free-spirited celebration in a place that feels like home;
Barns, cottages & outdoor spaces – from a rustic barn for your reception to cosy on-site cottages for you and your guests, and plenty of space to put up a tipi – Bach Wen has everything you need for a relaxed wedding weekend with the fam;
Pet & family-Friendly;
Not gonna hold back here – Bach Wen is a photographer’s dream! Dramatic cliffs, open fields, mountain views and a private beach, this place has it all!
Bach Wen Farm and Cottages, Clynnog-fawr, Caernarfon, LL54 5NH, Wales | t: 01286 660336
Ready to find the wedding or elopement venue in North Wales that’s 100% YOU?
Here in North Wales we have SO many stunning venues to choose from, there’s something for every couple – whether you’re dreaming of a rugged mountain elopement, a coastal wedding with ocean views, or a charming historic venue full of character. From hidden gems in the countryside to epic castle backdrops and intimate barn spaces, the possibilities here are endless.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, your wedding or elopement deserves to feel authentic, effortless, and completely YOU.
Need help choosing the perfect venue? I’ve spent years exploring and photographing the most breathtaking locations across North Wales, and I’d love to help you find the best fit for your dream day. Whether you want location recommendations, planning advice, or a photographer who captures your day exactly how it feels, I’m here to make your wedding experience stress-free and unforgettable.
Get in touch today, and we’ll start planning your once-in-a-lifetime wedding adventure in North Wales (almost) straight away.
But do you actually need to book a wedding or elopement venue to legally marry in North Wales?
If you’d like an intimate, stress-free wedding day in North Wales and wondering whether you need to book a traditional venue to make it official – here’s some good news: you don’t! Unlike traditional weddings, where a venue booking is often the first step, eloping in Wales offers a more flexible and affordable way to get legally married without the need for a formal venue.
How to legally marry in North Wales without booking a venue
You have two main options for making your marriage legally binding in North Wales without booking a venue:
1. Registry Office Ceremony + Outdoor Vow Exchange
One of the most popular ways to legally marry in Wales without a venue is to have a simple, no-frills legal ceremony at a local registry office and then head to a stunning outdoor location for your vow exchange and celebration straight after. Imagine the possibilities!
How does it work?
First, book a basic civil ceremony at any local registry office (these can be as simple as signing paperwork with two witnesses). If you don’t live in North Wales – contact your local town hall or office, they will help you.
Then choose a breathtaking spot – on top of a mountain, a secluded beach, a hidden lake or waterfall in Eryri (Snowdonia) – for a meaningful, personal & wild vow exchange after your legal paperwork is complete.
2. Exchange your vows anywhere you want
If you go for a very basic ceremony to make your marriage legal you can have your dream wedding anywhere in Wales – without the restrictions of a licensed venue. Many couples choose to sign the legal paperwork back where they’re from or at a registry office near the location they’ve chosen for their vows beforehand and then have a beautiful, custom vow exchange in a location that truly resonates with them.
Why does this work?
No rules or restrictions on location. You can exchange your vows on a mountaintop, by a waterfall, in a forest, or on a quiet beach, Just the Two of You, with your friend(s), your dog(s), your kid(s) and/or a small number of family or none of them – whatever feels right for you with personalised vows.
Why skip a traditional venue?
If you’re not set on a big, traditional wedding, there are so many benefits to skipping the venue altogether and embracing a more personal, location-based elopement instead:
Keep costs down – booking a wedding venue can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, but you can legally marry in Wales without a venue and spend more money on your honeymoon or a house instead;
More freedom – instead of choosing from a venue’s pre-set packages, you get to create a day that 100% reflects what you love (or don’t) – from the location to the timeline.
Breathtaking locations – why limit yourself to saying your vows inside four walls when you can stand on top of a mountain, beside a waterfall, by a lake, or on a dramatic coastal cliff in North Wales?
Go on an adventure – whether it’s just the two of you or you’re inviting a handful of loved ones, an outdoor elopement offers a deeply personal experience in a setting that means something to you.
Making it official: how to marry without a venue in North Wales
If you want a legally binding wedding day without booking a venue, here’s how to do it:
- Give Notice of Marriage – Visit your local registry office at least 29 days before your wedding to give notice (fancy term for signing a piece of paper);
- Book a simple civil ceremony – choose a registry office ceremony for the legal part (this can be a basic, low-cost appointment).
- Plan your dream outdoor vow exchange ceremony – pick your perfect wild vow spot in North Wales for your personal vows and celebration.
- Capture every moment – choose a local elopement photographer in North Wales who knows THE best elopement locations can help you plan a relaxed timeline and document your adventure beautifully. We do this for a living, are passionate about picking the best spot for the best light & weather conditions and are the people who turn your vision into reality, why would you trust anyone else to pick a location for you??
So, do you need to book a venue?
No! You can legally marry in North Wales without booking a traditional wedding venue by having a registry office ceremony first or signing the paperwork separately – this will give you complete freedom to exchange your vows anywhere that feels meaningful to you.
If a wild, romantic, and stress-free wedding experience sounds like your kind of day, North Wales – especially Eryri (Snowdonia) – is an incredible place to make it happen! With jaw-dropping landscapes and ever-changing weather, our scenery rivals the epic beauty of Scotland and Iceland – but with the added bonus of being far easier to reach.
Need help planning your venue-free elopement? Get in touch – I’d love to help bring your vision to life!
INSTAGRAM @babsboardwellphotography