Pembrokeshire's top 11 most photogenic Wedding Venues
Pembrokeshire is known for it's outstanding natural beauty, so it will come as no surprise to find there are some incredible places to get married or hold a wedding reception within the county.
In the 16 years I've been a wedding photographer I've been very lucky to shoot at some of Pembrokeshire most photogenic locations. With this experience in mind I've put together my picks of the bunch when it comes to photo opportunities. There are some old classics that have been running for years, some newbies as wedding venues, as well as a few lesser know options that you might never have heard of!
If you are planning your wedding at one of these venues then you'd no doubt like to see how photography translates to your chosen location, so for that reason I've also included links to recent shoots. Follow these links to see more images at these stunning occasions.
Fforest, Cilgerran
https://www.fforestweddings.co.uk/
Fforest is an absolute stand out venue for its natural surroundings, relaxed atmosphere and incredible style. It's popular amongst couples looking for an alternative to more formal venues, and most weddings seem to gain an almost festival like feel. Most couples take advantage of the onsite accommodation, turning their wedding into a weekend long event.
Owen Howells Photography | Jessie & George @ Fforest, Ceredigion
Jessie & George took advantage of great weather to have an humanist ceremony in the spectacular quarry setting, although for rainy days the venue does offer other equally romantic settings under cover.
Manorbier Castle
https://manorbiercastle.co.uk/
Manorbier Castle is the first of a few fantastic wedding venues that I'm lucky to live just down the road from. Towering above Manorbier beach, it's hard to think of more romantic setting. I particularly love the 12th Century Vaulted Chapel which, thanks to only light restoration, features ancient old stones and rustic fireplace that makes a fabulous contrast to immaculate wedding dresses and floral arrangements. Other photographic highlights include the long path to the entrance, the main tower and for those willing to talk a short walk there is the opportunity for wedding photos on the beach.
Owen Howells Photography | Korey & Rebecca - Spectacular Castle Wedding @ Manorbier
Rebecca & Korey gave us a great example of just how "fairytale perfect" a wedding at Manorbier Castle can be
The Grove of Narberth
https://grovenarberth.co.uk/
When it comes to lavish perfection look no further than The Grove of Narberth. Nestled in the countryside near Templeton with views over the Preseli Hills, The Grove is it's own exclusive, tranquil oasis. Everything beyond it's automated steel gates is perfectly curated, from the food, to the interior styling, to the acres of gardens, and it's all done with a style that feels natural and welcoming.
See Holly & Aroon arrive together in style at their outdoor wedding ceremony on the front lawn.
Owen Howells Photography | Outdoor Ceremony at The Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire
Cardeeth Farm
www.cardeeth.co.uk
Relatively new as a wedding venue, Cardeeth has quickly established itself as being very popular with brides and it's easy to see why. It's rural farm setting offers a relaxed feel, and the huge wooden barn is very customisable as well as offering the perfect space for a for a big reception and party. Outside there are a number of potential outdoor ceremony locations as well as lots of great photo opportunities in the grounds.
Sarah & Paul celebrated their wedding at Cardeeth in style after a church ceremony just down the road at Carew Cheriton.
Owen Howells Photography | Musical themed spectacular - Wedding Photography at Cardeeth Farm
Slebech Park
https://slebech.co.uk/weddings/
As I'm writing this list keep being reminded just how spoilt we are for venues, and Slebech Park is another great example for this. I absolutely love shooting photos here as the grounds offer so many different looks and viewpoints using the estuary, tiered gardens and historic buildings, including the spectacular church ruins which can also be used for outdoor wedding ceremonies.
Amber & Harvey's wedding at Slebech Park is an example of my favorite type of wedding to shoot...starts off as beautiful & intimate, then descends into an all out party that gets wilder as the night goes on!
https://www.owenhowellsphotography.co.uk/blog/2021/10/beautiful-outdoor-ceremony-at-slebech-park---harvey-amber
The Old Castle Site, Lawrenny
https://www.littleretreats.co.uk/
Seeing as this venue is the location for The Big Retreat Festival, it should come as no surprise that weddings at this venue usually have a festival feel to them. It's also another venue which just happens to have a beautiful old church next door, meaning you can arrive at your reception on foot. There are walled gardens and dense woodlands, but undoubtedly the crown jewel for scenery is the epic view from the terrace where you can see for miles across the Cleddau estuary, even as far as Carew Castle on a clear day.
Local bride Ffion got ready at home, just down the road from the church, so it was only a short walk to the church and an even shorter walk to her reception.
Owen Howells Photography | Tom & Ffion - Wedding Photography at Lawrenny Church & The Old Castle Site
The Cliff Hotel (Ceredigion)
cliffhotel.com/
Ok, so the Cliff Hotel is not technically a Pembrokeshire wedding venue, but it's in a fabulous location and photos on their lawn will likely have Pembrokeshire in the background so it just sneaks onto this list! For the more adventurous couples there is also a beautiful little secluded beach which is a favourite amongst photographers.
Ieuan and Emma had incredible conditions for their mid day photoshoot at the beach, with a sea mist rolling in bringing in extra atmosphere to their photos
Owen Howells Photography | Summer cliff-top wedding photography at The Cliff Hotel, Ceredigion
Waterwynch House
https://waterwynch.com/
Any venue that includes it's own private beach on the Pembrokeshire Coast is going to be included on this list by default, but there are also lots of other reasons to love Waterwynch House. The amazing views, plush decor, private gardens and numerous large communal rooms which lend themselves perfectly to not just a wedding but a weekend long party with all your friends and family.
Gareth & Chris' outdoor ceremony on the lawn at Waterwynch House really shows off the best of this stunning location.
Owen Howells Photography | Gareth & Chris - Wedding Photography at Waterwynch House
Gellifawr
gellifawr.co.uk/
Nestled deep in the Preseli Hills, Gellifawr will definitely have a few of your guests wondering if they're put the right address in their sat nav! The journey is worth it however, as not only does it offer a beautiful remote location, lots of renovations over the years means it's very well equipped for all kinds of weddings. A particular highlight is the covered outdoor ceremony location, which means if the Pembrokeshire weather does let you down you can still get married outdoors.
Nia & Joe's winter wedding had a ceremony just down the road at the beautiful Nevern Church, before family & friends migrated to a cosy reception at Gellifawr.
Owen Howells Photography | Joe & Nia - Winter Wedding Photography at Nevern Church & Gellifawr Woodland Retreat
Rhosygilwen
https://retreat.co.uk/
Another gem hidden in rural Pembrokeshire, Rhosygilwen's huge mansion house has gothic styled rooms with huge windows as well as a spectacular wooden staircase. The estates expansive grounds offer endless opportunites for outdoor shots, with seasonal blooms, charming stone pathways and walled gardens, with the interior of the mansion taking care of the rainier days.
Jen & Dan's special day matched perfectly to the classic surroundings, and we took advantage of the best that Rhosygilwen has to offer in terms of backdrops for wedding photos.
Owen Howells Photography | Dan & Jen - Wedding Photography at Rhosygilwen
Stackpole Walled Gardens
https://www.stackpole-walledgardens.co.uk/
Stackpole Walled Gardens isn't well known as a wedding venue, simply because they don't openly advertise them! But take it from me, if you are willing to arrange your own marquee (and you ask them nicely!) you can have your reception within the beautiful grounds. It will obviously be a bit more work than a ready made wedding venue but the results are certainly worth it. Not only are the grounds themselves spectacular, they are right next door to the simply stunning Stackpole Estate.
Will & Laura got married at the nearby Stackpole Church, an equally charming location hidden away near the Pembrokeshire Coast, before their teepee reception at the Walled Gardens
Owen Howells Photography | Wedding Photography at Stackpole Walled Gardens
Monkhaven Manor
https://monkhaven.co.uk/woodland-garden-wedding-venue/
One of Pembrokeshire's best kept secrets, located far away on the Dale peninsula, Monkhaven Manor offers everything you need for a perfect wedding day. With a Medieval Church a dozen footsteps away, picturesque wall gardens and it's own secluded beach, it's the epitome of picturesque Pembrokeshire.
This list was created by wedding photographer Owen Howells, based in Pembrokeshire.