The Ultimate Snowdonia Elopement Guide - updated for 2025

5 good reasons why you should elope to Eryri | Snowdonia

1. You’re dreaming of a mini wedding adventure in Wales!

The beautiful Snowdonia National Park offers so many epic spots and real hidden gems away from the more popular (and often busier) tourist hotspots like Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) & Cwm Idwal. Having spent many happy hours exploring well hidden and utterly charming mountain ranges and deserted glacier lakes in Snowdonia with our dogs – I’ll happily share some of my absolute favourite Snowdonia locations with you for a once in a lifetime elopement adventure in Wales!

2. You’re not fazed by the weather on your wedding day.

Admittedly, our weather can be a little bit, urm….let’s call it *unpredictable*. It’s not unusual to experience all 4 seasons in one single day. But instead of letting that put you off – why not fully embrace it! Rain, wind, or a sudden burst of sunshine all add a touch of magic to your day (and make for the best stories to share later). Imagine laughing together years from now, reminiscing about how your legs were freezing in the wind chill that day – only for the clouds to part and the sun to warm your faces a few minutes later. It’s those perfectly imperfect moments that make your elopement even more memorable.

3. You’re dreaming of epic scenery.

Snowdonia’s scenery is mind-blowingly insane! With its rugged charm and wild romance, this is one of the UK’s last true wildernesses, and it’s guaranteed to blow your socks off. And even though it’s currently not legal to get married anywhere you like – you can totally embrace a simple, meaningful & mindful ceremony at a local registry office! Then all you need to do is pick a stunningly remote spot for exchanging your vows in the wilderness, just the two of you – how utterly romantic!! Beautiful beaches, remote glacier lakes, – I guarantee Snowdonia has a backdrop that will tick all your boxes!!

4. You’re craving a mindful & stress-free wedding experience in Wales.

Planning a big wedding can be overwhelming – taking 7-12 months and costing anywhere from £15k to £32k. But an elopement in Snowdonia allows you to shift the focus entirely to you two. Imagine a wedding day that’s all about doing things your way, without the pressure of being the center of attention.

Invite just your closest loved ones to a simple, heartfelt ceremony and spend the rest of the day doing things that bring you joy. How about a romantic riverside picnic with a carefully prepared hamper? Or a peaceful stroll through Snowdonia’s stunning landscapes, soaking in every moment together.

5. You’re dreaming of a wedding or elopement Just for Two in the UK.

Escape to Snowdonia for the ultimate romantic elopement weekend. Picture this: a cosy lodge or cottage tucked away in the mountains, a glass of your favourite drink in hand, relaxing in an outdoor hot tub under a blanket of stars. The perfect way to kick off your adventure together.

Wake up the next morning and share simple yet special moments – a delicious Balkan Breakfast of fresh bread, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and cured meats (the perfect fuel for an adventurous wedding day) before getting dressed together, no rush, no stress. A scenic hike through Snowdonia’s breathtaking landscapes before heading to the local registry office to make it official.

Start your elopement day with a scenic hike through Snowdonia’s breathtaking landscapes before heading to the local registry office to make it official. Spend the rest of your first day as a married couple exploring some of the most stunning scenery the UK has to offer. Just you, your love, and glorious Snowdonia. Honestly, what could be more romantic?

Curious but not sure how this would work for you? I’ve helped dozens of adventurous couples find their perfect location and plan a truly intentional and beautiful wedding day in Wales already. Elopements in Snowdonia are my passion, and I’d love to help you create a day that feels uniquely you.

Can you legally marry outside in England & Wales?

The short answer: yes, you can! Since 1st July 2021, couples can finally legally marry outdoors in England and Wales – a game-changer for outdoorsy couples dreaming of tying the knot surrounded by nature.

However, there’s a catch. In Wales, this new rule only applies to licensed venues. So, if you’re planning to elope to Wales, you’ll still need to do the legal part first at a licensed venue like Penarth Fawr or a local register office. Unlicensed locations, unfortunately, aren’t included yet.

Still, this change is a huge step forward, paving the way for more flexibility in the future. Who knows – maybe one day you’ll have total freedom to legally marry anywhere you choose in Wales, just like you can in Scotland or Ireland. 

For now, this is your chance to mix legalities with a bit of outdoor magic in Wales’ stunning landscapes. 

Wedding ceremonies in Wales – can you have a beautiful wedding without a venue? Absolutely!

If you’re planning to get legally married in Wales but don’t want to pay for a venue, a register office ceremony is your best bet. There’s a common misconception that weddings are only beautiful and romantic if you’re in a designer dress at a stunning venue, but let me tell you – that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Having witnessed countless register office ceremonies, they’re just as romantic and tear-inducing as any more traditional event – if not more so! The simplicity and intimacy of it all make them truly special.

And who says you can’t add your own flair? Slip into a stunning elopement dress for your register office ceremony, then head into the wilderness to exchange private vows. Picture hiking up a hill in your wedding outfits, standing at the summit, and saying your vows while taking in those breathtaking views. Now that is a wedding moment you’ll never forget!

Pro Tip from your future elopement photographer in Wales: you do not have to exchange rings for your ceremony at the register office to become legal so save this bit for the mountain.

Keen to add more personal elements to your ceremony? Not sold on the register office bit? You could always book a picturesque ceremony-only venue like Penarth Fawr, a small historic hall on the Llyn Peninsula practically made for an uber-romantic coastal elopement in Wales.

After taking care of the legalities, head to your chosen spot and create the ceremony of your dreams. Whether you’re surrounded by loved ones or it’s just the two of you, this is your moment to make it personal and meaningful.

Write personal vows and read them to one another in the beauty of Snowdonia’s stunning landscapes. Want to add a special touch? Include a Celtic handfasting ceremony to quite literally tie the knot!

Be as relaxed and creative as you like – there are absolutely NO rules when it comes to getting married or eloping in Snowdonia. Invite friends and family to celebrate with you, or enjoy an intimate day, just the two of you. It’s your day so make sure it’s everything you’ve ever dreamed of!

Legalities & paperwork

Anyone can get married or elope to Wales, as long as you’re 18 or over and not already married. To legally elope in Wales you need to give notice which basically means you must submit a Notice of Marriage or Notice of Civil Partnership to the local register office at least 29 days before your ceremony – this probably sounds way more complicated than it actually is. You’ll simply sign a legal statement at your chosen register office stating your intent to marry or form a civil partnership. Then you must hold your ceremony within 12 months of ‘giving notice’ or you’ll have to repeat the process. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to apply for a visa so do check with your chosen registry office first to be absolutely sure you’ve got the right paperwork.

You can find more info on this subject, especially if you are not a UK resident, in my post about how to elope anywhere in the UK.

How much does it cost to give notice?

The cost of giving notice is £35 per person (or slightly more if you’re not a UK citizen). You’ll also need to pay for a registrar to conduct your ceremony (£46) and you need to bring 2 witnesses. I’d be happy & honoured if you wanted to involve me in your ceremony to tick this off your elopement planning list. Check the official Gov.uk website for what documents you need to bring to give notice. Just imagine this: if you wanted to plan an epic elopement in Snowdonia but not wait super long – you could theoretically pull off a dreamy elopement in Wales in just 29 days. Exciting!

Quite a bit of semi-boring info to digest but it’ll be totally worth it, I promise. Head to my post about elopement costs in 2025 if you want to read more.

Planning Your Snowdonia Elopement Budget

A Snowdonia elopement is going to cost far less than a traditional full-scale wedding day, but it’s still a good idea to sit down together and decide what matters most to you. Pro tip: maybe skip the bottle of wine during this chat – personal experience says wine has a way of making budgets magically expand….

The great news is that Snowdonia is easily accessible from most parts of the UK, making it a cost-effective alternative to eloping in Scotland or Iceland. Less travel time, fewer expenses, and all the stunning landscapes you could ever dream of, win/win!

Focus on what makes your elopement special for you – whether it’s a stunning venue for your legal ceremony, a cozy cottage for your getaway, or some unforgettable extras like adventure photography or a celebratory picnic. A little planning goes a long way to creating an unforgettable day without breaking the bank!

Eloping in Eryri | Getting Here

Getting here is easy and offers several options depending on your starting point:

By air:
The closest airports are Manchester and Liverpool. From there, you can hire a car and enjoy a scenic drive to Snowdonia, which should take just over 1.5 hours depending on where you’re staying. If you’re travelling from abroad, remember that we drive on the left-hand side of the road in the UK.

By train:
Direct train services connect popular North Wales coastal destinations to most parts of Britain. From there, take the Conwy Valley Line, which runs through the heart of Snowdonia National Park, stopping at Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

By road:
Driving is likely the easiest way to reach Snowdonia. Major routes include the M1, the M6, and then the A5, which brings you directly into the region. From London, the drive is just 3.5 hours, making it a surprisingly accessible escape for your big day.

No matter how you get here, remember that the journey is the start of your adventure so enjoy it.

Where to stay for your elopement in Snowdonia.

For a country as small as Wales – we have some pretty awesome & super romantic love shacks for you to stay in! Cosy little cottages with outdoor hot tubs – perfect for weekend elopement celebrations in Snowdonia! Or remind yourselves of holidays spent in Wales as a kid on adventurous camping trips. For epic movie vibes book a stay at the campsite of Llyn Gwynant. It’s where Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie filmed Lara Croft Tomb Raider. And don’t forget to put wild swimming in a glacier lake on your dream elopement in Snowdonia bucket list. Rawer than the Lake District, staying in Snowdonia usually involves cosy wooden lodges, adventurous camping or clamping sites and self-catering accommodation. Roaring log fires in autumn and winter and glorious sunsets in mountain and 60km of beautiful coastlines in spring & summer.

What food can we expect to eat if we elope to Wales?

Wales is a foodie’s dream! Expect dishes made from fresh, organic ingredients and hearty portions that celebrate the country’s culinary heritage.

Must try:

• Welsh Lamb: for all the obvious reasons.
• Wagyu Beef: Snowdonia Wagyu beef is a must-try for any meat lover!
• Fresh Mussels: I can’t get enough of them!! If you elope in the winter (October – March) – pick them straight from Newborough Beach or sustainably hand-raked from a pier in Conwy – couldn’t think of a more romantic DIY dinner for two.

Pair these with a pint of locally brewed Welsh ale, and you’ve got the recipe for a meal that’s equal parts rustic and romantic. Because the way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach, right?

Pro Tip for the Full Welsh Experience:
Find a cosy Airbnb to prepare and enjoy your meal together. While you’re at it, impress the locals by learning a few Welsh phrases:

• Bore Da (Good Morning) – bor-er dah
• Diolch (Thank You) – di-olk
• Iechyd Da (Cheers) – yah-key-dah

When and where to have your Snowdonia wedding and elopement ceremony.

There are plenty of off-the-beaten-path locations to choose from for your totally bespoke Snowdonia elopement. Remote glacier lakes, unspoiled mountain scenery, and ruggedly charming castles. As the top Wedding & Elopement Photographer in Snowdonia I’m more than happy to be your Snowdonia guide. I can take you to some of the most stunningly beautiful hidden gems we found on our walks! Or book one of the qualified mountain leaders in my husband’s Mountain Rescue Team for a totally unique elopement adventure in Snowdonia! And unlike our friends across the Scottish border, we don’t really have the midge problem here in Snowdonia from May onwards either so picking a date is pretty straightforward. It’s true what they say though – it does tend to rain a lot in Snowdonia. Pick warmer rain in summer and deal with the colder stuff in winter.

When is the best time to elope to Snowdonia?

The best time to elope in Wales in my experience 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. For more information on what season is best and how to decide which one’s right for you – head on over to my post on seasonal changes and the best time for you to elope to Eryri (Snowdonia).

Other things to consider when planning an elopement in Wales.

You’ll need 2 witnesses. Bring a couple of friends with you or family members. I’m always happy and honoured to be asked to be a witness but as I’m shooting solo we’d have to find one more. I have shot an elopement in Gretna Green before where the bride & groom asked a random couple on the street to help them out. It was really fun and totally doable so don’t let the *no witnesses* scenario stop you from booking an elopement in Snowdonia.

Should I hire a local elopement photographer in Wales?

Absolutely! You don’t want to miss a single thing of your epic Snowdonia Elopement day. With invaluable knowledge of the local terrain, the best spots for those all important sunset shots (whenever the sun does make an appearance) and knowing how to quickly adapt to the ever-changing temperamental Welsh weather – you should most definitely invest in a local Snowdonia Elopement Photographer rather than hoping for the best travelling here with a photographer who is not based here.  As for other suppliers, I’ll happily recommend other local gems, from florists to hair + makeup, cake makers etc. I’d say let’s keep the footprint pretty low and use local suppliers only.

What to wear on your Welsh Elopement Day

Check the forecast. What is the weather usually like around the time you’ve chosen for your elopement? It’s always a good thing to cater to both dry AND wet days, just in case…. You don’t want to end up soaked through 2 minutes into your dream Welsh elopement! It’s never a bad thing to keep spare, warm & dry clothes and shoes in the car or in your backpack. If you feel more secure knowing you have some brollies to keep dry under – opt for transparent dome-shaped ones rather than plain black ones. The darker ones can cast a shadow or hide your beautiful faces fully and we want to make sure we capture ALL the emotions.

If your chosen spot calls for a bit of hike – let’s make sure you’re wearing sensible boots! They should support your ankles, have sufficient grip, and keep you safe. Nobody wants to unnecessarily call out Mountain Rescue – least of all a team member’s wife…. And if you really want a few shots in your fancy footwear – just put them in your backpack and let’s put them on for a couple of photographs on location before walking back in your walking boots. Happy days!

Head on over to my post on how to pick an elopement wedding dress that’s perfect for you to read more of my thoughts on this subject. At the end of the day – this is your day so it’s really entirely up to you what you want to wear! Just bear in mind that your dress is guaranteed to get a little muddy when you elope to Snowonia…. Dry cleaners these days are awesome though and there’s not many things they can’t clean so nothing to worry about, right?

Things to do after your elopement or on your honeymoon in Wales

Definitely make the most of your stay in beautiful Snowdonia! You may well end up wet & windswept. You may find yourselves on a busy Snowdon in the middle of summer. Or you may discover some talented artists and their creative art studios in Autumn. You may enjoy outdoor adrenaline-fuelled adventures on our lakes, mountains, and beaches. Or you may just get up at the crack of dawn to take in the most spectacular sunrises at peaceful glacier lakes that make your heart full. Whatever you do – I promise you’ll love it as much as your Snowdonia Elopement so make the most of it!

For more inspo, head on over to my post about the 15 best things to do in Snowdonia after your elopement or on your honeymoon.

So there we have it – the ultimate Snowdonia Elopement guide by your top Snowdonia Wedding & Elopement Photographer. And to me, love is love which is why I’m all-inclusive and a gay, lesbian & same-sex friendly UK Wedding & Elopement Photographer. If there’s anything else you need to go before you get planning your very own Snowdonia Elopement Adventure – contact me, I’m always happy to help!!

Need more info and real elopement inspo? Head over to my Snowdonia Elopement Photography page.

I’m an experienced and professional North Wales Wedding & Elopement Photographer based not far from Llangollen in the Clywdian Range. I photograph weddings, elopements, vow renewals, anniversaries and proposals in the local area and further afield, throughout Wales and the whole of the UK.  I specialise in photographing raw & natural moments – perfect for destination wedding & elopement photography in Eryri (Snowdonia).

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