Snowdonia Elopement Photographer & Guide
For couples choosing each other in the wild Explore how to elope in SnowdoniaWhy Elope to Eryri | Snowdonia
There’s a reason so many couples who feel most at home outdoors are drawn to Eryri | Snowdonia to elope or to exchange their vows in nature – it’s a place that feels both wild and deeply peaceful. Snowdonia is more than a backdrop – it’s where everything slows down and the quiet moments start to mean even more.
Think early-morning mist over Yr Wyddfa, still reflections on Llyn Dinas, or the hush of a forest glade in Cwm Idwal. It’s the kind of landscape that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and just be together.
If you’re already picturing yourselves eloping here, the next step is simple – finding the spot and type of ceremony that feels most like you.
how to elope in snowdonia – a short, simple guide
The Best Time of Year to Elope in Snowdonia
Snowdonia’s light changes everything – it’s soft and hazy in spring, golden and lingering in summer, rich and moody in autumn, and quite wild but quiet in winter. Each season brings its own rhythm to your photographs and gently shapes your elopement experience around the ever-changing landscape.
If you’re curious about how each season really feels – from quiet winter light to the golden calm of late summer – take a look at my comprehensive guide (link below). It dives a little deeper into what to expect throughout the year, so you can choose a time that fits the atmosphere you’re drawn to most.
Snowdonia’s Best Elopement Locations
Some favourite places to exchange your vows:
- Cwm Idwal – cradled by cliffs and still water, peaceful and accessible;
- Cadair Idris – dramatic ridges and sweeping views for adventurous souls;
Some of the more popular spots get really busy, especially in summer, but finding quieter, more personal hidden gems is what I do best. I’ll help you find a place that feels like yours – maybe a secret lake, a tucked-away valley, or a quiet path above the peaks.
Planning tips for your Snowdonia Elopement
- Keep it unfussy and grounded – fewer moving parts mean you can be fully present;
- Be weather-ready: pack layers, waterproofs, and spare socks or a dry change of clothes;
- Stay nearby to begin the day slowly and soak in the peace;
- Respect the land – no confetti, no trace, just footprints that fade.
- Bring a flask or snacks – small comforts make a big difference outdoors.
All this sounds exactly like you but you have no idea where to start? Let me help you plan a joy-filled ‘Just the Two of Us’ Elopement or adventurous Small Wedding day in Wales.
Planning a small, intimate wedding should be effortless, exciting, and completely stress-free. Whether you’re exchanging vows at a registry office before heading to a breathtaking outdoor spot, or skipping tradition altogether with a symbolic ceremony, I live and breathe 100% stress-free & joy-filled wedding experiences. From being out photographing hidden vow spots at sunset to braving all kinds of unpredictable weather (and let’s face it – we know a thing or two about unpredictable weather in Wales!), I’ve pretty much seen it all. That means I don’t just photograph your wedding day – I can help craft the entire experience to be effortless, meaningful, and 100% YOU.
about your snowdonia elopement photographer
I’m Babs – a photographer for couples who want their wedding day to feel free, simple, and deeply personal.
I create and capture intimate, nature-led elopements across Snowdonia (Eryri) for those who’d rather spend the morning walking through misty hills than sitting in a crowded venue. Who find beauty in stillness and connection, and for those who care more about how their day feels than how it looks online.
Based in North Wales, I’ve spent years exploring Snowdonia’s off-the-beathen-paths; camera in hand, waterproofs packed, always chasing that quiet awe with my collies in tow. Photographing elopements here never feels like work; it feels like sharing a secret.
My approach is gentle and intentional. I’ll help you plan a day that reflects who you are, suggest hidden spots, and photograph your connection as it naturally unfolds – simple, emotional, and rooted in meaning, not performance.
I work with couples who value presence over perfection and care about treading lightly on the land. Every elopement I photograph is different and shaped by the wild beauty of Wales – honest, emotional, and grounded in nature.
If that sounds like you, I’d love to help bring your Snowdonia elopement to life – thoughtfully, gently, and with care. For couples drawn to a slower, more intentional way to celebrate their love, the wedding experience I’m passionate about creating is rooted in stillness, honesty, and the quiet beauty of Wales.
Real Snowdonia Elopement Moments
Quiet mornings above the clouds. Sometimes it’s a soft sunrise breaking through mist; other times, a wild gust on an empty ridge or golden light spilling over still water. Every Snowdonia elopement unfolds differently – shaped by the weather, the light, and the two people at its heart. That’s the beauty of it: raw, unfiltered, and never the same twice.
It’s about SO much more than ‘just photos’ – it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
I’ll be your go-to for the BEST off-the-beaten-path locations – from iconic landscapes to hidden gems, I’ll help you find a stunning location that matches your vision, whether it’s a wild mountaintop, a secluded lake, or a dramatic waterfall.
100% stress-free approach – no awkward posing “for the photo”, no rigid schedules – just a relaxed & joy-filled experience so that you can soak up every moment, no pressure.
Guidance every step of the way – need help choosing a ceremony spot? Wondering how you can have a legal ‘Just Us Two’ elopement in Wales? I’ll answer all your logistical questions so you can focus on the only thing that really matters – YOU!
Joyful moments, photographed naturally – I specialise in natural storytelling and focus on capturing the real feels – everything you two do that makes you YOU.
Even if they’re still a bit vague, we’ll figure it out.
What happens when you contact me? Here’s the process:
Step 1
We’ll start by saying hello & you sharing your plans with me (this can be pretty vague to start off with).
Fill out an inquiry form or send an email with your elopement dreams – just where, when, and what kind of adventure you’re imagining! I’ll reply if I’m available and answer all of your initial questions.
Step 2
We’ll secure your date
Once we’ve been in touch by email and/or phone/video and we’ve discovered that we’re a great fit and I’m the right photographer for you (yay), I’ll send over your contract & invoice for the booking deposit. Once signed and paid, your date is officially locked in!
Step 3
We’ll start turning your vision into reality
Creating your personal timeline, nailing down your dream locations, and fine-tuning all the details so that your day 100% reflects the real you. Quiet moments, stunningly scenic backdrops, everything will come together beautifully – all you have to do is soak it in and enjoy every second.
I am honestly SO excited for what’s ahead of you – Just the Two of You eloping in Wales or planning your super relaxed Micro Wedding will be the BEST thing you’ll ever do!
“We had the perfect day, despite the pouring rain, and I am so glad that we had our wedding our way. Every single person has commented on how incredible our photos are, and I certainly have to agree. We could not recommend Babs more!”
Elopement Photography & Planning in Eryri | Snowdonia
Every couple is different, and your elopement should fully reflect you – personal, relaxed, and true to how you connect in real life. What matters most to me is that it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s completely your own. I can simply photograph your ceremony somewhere in the wild, or help you plan the whole experience from start to finish. Whether you just want a few hours captured or a full day that unfolds slowly, it’s all shaped around what matters most to you.
What’s included
- 3 / 6 / 8hrs of coverage
- beautiful location suggestions away from the crowds
- mapping out your dream day for an easy flow
- I like to fly the drone whenever the weather and circumstances allow
- add-ons: 35mm and vintage camcorder clips
I wish I could give all the stars! My Wife and I decided to cancel our big wedding and have a tiny registry office wedding and then a post-wedding adventure trip to Snowdonia where we pencilled in a shoot in the mountains with Babs. We met at a little pub and drove up together to a spot near a lake where we clambered out and headed up for some photos! Babs brought her gorgeous dogs too which was a treat, they loved it as much as us!
Babs made us comfortable from the first second. She is the kind of photographer who runs her business like family, getting to know you personally before the big day. We had had loads of chats before we met so it kind of felt like meeting a friend! We were nervous and didn’t know what to expect but Babs made us feel so at home.. Which is kind of mad seeing as we were 100 miles from our home and up to our thighs in the middle of a lake in Wales!! Babs led the shoot with a comforting sureness, so we had no awkward moments of finding a good pose or spot ourselves. It was really easy. We treasure the memories of our adventure that day just as much as the photos. It was beautiful time with my new wife and a spectacular adventure. Even when it was pouring with rain!
I’m not even sure where to start with the photos that Babs captured. Oh my god, they are so dreamy, dramatic and stunning. I’m not sure if this will make sense.. but they *look* how it *felt* to be stood on a mountain kissing my wife. Just magic.
If you’re looking for a Photographer that will match your enthusiasm, plan something incredibly special and capture dreamy photographs for you.. I can promise that Babs is the right choice.
We had the absolute pleasure of having Babs as our wedding photographer, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience and the beautiful photos! From the moment she arrived at our ceremony, Babs was calm and made us feel at ease. She captured all the intimate moments of the ceremony beautifully, the photographs truly reflect the emotions of the day.
Afterward, we had an adventurous shoot at the beach, and despite the windy conditions, Babs remained enthusiastic and creative. We all embraced the elements, using the wind to our advantage! Her ability to make us feel comfortable in front of the camera made the whole experience so much fun
The photos turned out beyond our expectations—each one tells a story. We are so grateful to Babs for not only her talent but also her warm personality and positive energy. She truly made our special day even more memorable. Highly recommend her to any couple looking for a photographer!
Free Wales Elopement Guides
However you choose to celebrate – keep it simple, keep it honest, and make it yours.
If you’d like some gentle guidance bringing your Snowdonia elopement to life, take a look at the experience I offer – it’s where all those quietly beautiful stories begin.
And if you’d like to see what that looks and feels like in real life – the quiet moments, the laughter, the landscapes – you’ll find it all over on Instagram. That’s where I share glimpses of recent elopements, favourite wild corners of Eryri | Snowdonia, and what it truly means to marry simply, meaningfully, and in tune with nature.
INSTAGRAM @babsboardwellphotography