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

Your 2024 Guide to deciding the best time to elope in Wales

With a local elopement photographer based in Wales by your side, elopements in Eryri (Snowdonia) offer a unique opportunity for beautiful and romantic wedding experiences in one of the UK’s most magnificent national parks. I often get asked when is the best time to elope in Wales and in my experience – this very much depends on your own preferences for weather, scenery, and level of solitude and what feelings & emotions each season brings out in you. I’d go as far as saying that there really is no wrong or right time to elope in Wales – each season comes with its pros and cons and so the best season for you to elope is the one that works best for you. It’s as simple as that.

If you’re stuck for ideas on when to elope to Wales – check your calendar and see when you will have the most time to travel to Wales at your own pace to get married intentionally here. You don’t want to feel rushed on your elopement wedding day. We have many amazing places to visit here in Wales so make sure you leave enough time to enjoy your trip rather than rush around. If you can’t make up your mind or haven’t fully decided yet – let me help. I highly recommend eloping to Wales on a week day in spring or autumn but if that doesn’t work for you, here’s a breakdown of the seasonal changes and the best time for you to elope to Eryri (Snowdonia):

Spring Elopements (March to May)

My birthday is in March and we also chose to get married in March and so it may not come as a total surprise that I absolutely love (LOVE!) a spring elopement in Wales. Temperatures usually start to become slightly milder, there are fewer tourists in the area and most things in nature start to wake after a long winter sleep. Your elopement pictures will have a fresh & dreamy vibe and be full of blooming flowers, green landscapes, and possibly snow-capped mountains in the distance, depending on the exact location and timing of your elopement.

Spring typically brings milder weather and with it being a transitional season, you might experience a range of conditions from late winter chills to early summer warmth – all in one day. It’s wise to be prepared for a bit of unpredictability, including rain or late snow so as far as things to wear for an elopement are concerned – think layered clothing, waterproof boots and a flexible plan in case the weather ends up being worse than expected.

Eloping in Spring is a great option for those seeking a quiet & intimate wedding experience. Most places are generally less crowded compared to summer, offering more privacy and more opportunities to find secluded spots for you to exchange your vows and have your photographs taken. Wondering what florals would suit a spring elopement in Wales? Use seasonal flowers such as Lily of the Valley, tulips, daffodils (the national flower of Wales), forget-me-nots, snowdrops and ranunculus and add spring foliage such as apple or cherry blossoms – perfect for an oversized bouquet that looks stunning in photographs.

The days in spring are generally getting longer, offering more daylight for your ceremony and a chance for your elopement photographer to head out to a beautiful location with you for those epic sunset photos without it being too late in the day. This should also leave you more time to spend in your super romantic log cabin or Air BnB which could potentially be cheaper given that you are booking it outside of the peak tourist season. Dog people: spring elopements are great for your dog given that temperatures are still on the lower side. Considering an elopement with your loyal companion by your side? Read My 2024 Guide – Eloping with your dog in Wales.

Pick spring for your elopement in Wales if you:

• Are okay with a bit of a mixed bag in terms of weather. It can turn out variable, with a mix of rain, some snow in early spring, and increasing warmth.
• Prefer your scenery fresh: Spring blooms, greener landscapes, lots of cute little lambs and other baby animals to see.
• Prefer solitude: Fewer tourists, making it a good time for privacy and possibly cheaper accommodation rates.

To see real spring elopements, head to Josh & Rachael’s beautiful elopement at Penarth Fawr or Nathan & Ellie’s spring elopement on the Llyn Peninsula.

Summer Elopements (June to August)

Summer is a great time to elope to Wales if you want to fully experience the park’s breathtaking beauty, its lush grass, golden brown hills, blooming wildflowers, and clear, flowing streams.

Although the weather in Wales can be unpredictable in any season, summer generally offers milder temperatures and a higher chance of sunny days, making it the perfect season for outdoor ceremonies with a good chance that you’ll stay dry, even if you’re planning on having a picnic after your ceremony. With daylight hours being the longest in summer, you could have a later ceremony if you prefer a summer elopement in Wales, hoping to capture beautiful photos during the golden hour, just before sunset, when beautiful light illuminates the landscape and our mountains.

The warmer summer months work really well for outdoor enthusiasts who want to incorporate some of their favourite activities like hiking or kayaking into their Welsh elopement experience. But summer is also the most popular time for tourists in Eryri (Snowdonia) and some of the more popular areas around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) may be crowded which can sometimes make finding parking quite difficult. Booking your accommodation and elopement suppliers well in advance is advisable, and you may also have to rely on your elopement photographer to find more secluded spots for your elopement if you prefer privacy; so do make sure you pick a local one who knows the area really well.

Home to a diverse range of wildlife and plants, summer in Eryri is an excellent time to see the park’s flora in full bloom and possibly spot local wildlife and that could be very special on your elopement day. Try to incorporate local flowers or wildflowers from the area – sustainable and budget-friendly – to add a unique and personal touch. A summer elopement in Wales is great for those who love flowers such as roses, peonies, dahlias, hydrangeas, lilies and sunflowers, and bright and vibrant colours with bold hues like fuchsia, orange, or yellow. For a softer look, pastel shades like blush, lavender, mint, or peach always look super romantic in pictures.

As for summer elopement outfits, try to balance style with comfort and practicality, especially given the region’s diverse landscapes and weather conditions. Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics dresses that allow you to move around freely and also pack light jackets or shawls to keep you warmer in the evenings. [link to what to wear once finished]

Pick summer for your elopement in Wales if you:

• Want to play it kinda safe with the weather: Warmest months, though still prone to rain.
• Prefer the scenery to look: Lush & green landscapes, everything in full bloom.
• Don’t mind the crowds: Especially in popular areas. This can also be seen as a positive though as there are more eateries open

Winter (December to February)

Eloping to Eryri (Snowdonia) in winter can be a truly unique and enchanting experience, distinctly different and way more dramatic than elopements in any other season. There’s a possibility of snow so just imagine Eryri blanketed in frost or snow, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Snow-capped mountains and frost-covered trees create a magical and romantic setting for your ceremony and  photographs taken during the winter months are always breathtaking and dramatic and the thought of taking them in often adverse weather conditions always excite me!

If you can cope with adventuring around Eryri in colder temperatures, don’t mind an inpromptu storm and love expecting the unexpected – winter is the off-peak season for tourism in Snowdonia, meaning you’ll likely have much of the area all to yourself making your elopement in Wales a truly once-in-a-lifetime and unforgettable experience. The winter season often brings a sense of peace and stillness to Eryri (Snowdonia), allowing you to truly soak in the moment and the majesty of your surroundings without the hustle and bustle of peak seasons.

Pick roses, eucalyptus, fresias, anemones and ranunculus for your florals and experiment with warm wedding outfits for your winter elopement in Wales, accessorised with shawls, coats, and rich, luxurious fabrics to keep you warm.

As winter is the (s)low season for tourism, you might have a greater choice and find romantic & cosy accommodation at more competitive rates, allowing you to get more value for your budget. But bear in mind that with less tourists in the area this also means that some restaurants and stores are closed during the winter months in more touristy areas, especially along the Llŷn Peninsula.

While a winter elopement in Eryri requires careful planning, especially considering the weather and potential travel disruptions, it can provide an incredibly romantic, intimate, and memorable experience, set against one of the most stunning natural backdrops in the UK.

Pick winter for your elopement in Wales if you:

• Can cope with: The cold, with higher chances of snow, especially in the higher regions.
• Fancy frosty landscapes: Snow-capped mountains, dramatic landscapes.
• Considerations: Fewest tourists, offering the most privacy. Days are shorter, and weather can be challenging with potential Storm season with low temperatures (good for dramatic photography).

How to decide the best time for eloping in Eryri (Snowdonia):

• Personal Preference: Consider what kind of backdrop you prefer for your ceremony and photos.
• Weather Tolerance: Be prepared for the unpredictable Welsh weather, especially if you choose spring or autumn.
• Crowds: Summer offers better weather but more tourists. Winter provides solitude but challenging conditions.
• Accessibility: Some locations in Snowdonia may be less accessible in winter due to floods/snow.

Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Research and possibly visit your preferred area beforehand or work out locations with your elopement planner or photographer (I offer both services).
• Pick a weekday for your elopement in Wales: Mondays and Tuesdays are generally considered the cheapest days to get married, along with Friday 13th – great if you’re not superstitious.
• Hire Local Suppliers: Always consider booking local photographers, celebrants, and others familiar with the area and conditions.
• Pack Appropriately: Weather-appropriate clothing, especially sturdy footwear, is essential and non-negotiable.
• Stay Flexible: The weather in Snowdonia can change rapidly, so having a flexible plan is crucial.
• Sunrise/sunset lovers: if you’re keen to include photos at sunrise or sunset on your elopement day – I’ll happily help you plan the perfect elopement itinerary! I also know how and where to avoid those unwanted tourists traps.

Ultimately, the best time to elope in Eryri is a balance between your dream scenery, weather preference, and tolerance for crowds or solitude. Each season has its unique charm, making Eryri (Snowdonia) a great UK destination for elopements all year round.

Start Your Welsh Elopement Journey Here

Are you dreaming of running away to Wales for a once-in-a-lifetime elopement experience here? 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!

More beautiful elopement inspiration in Wales

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