Oldwalls Gower wedding photography is at its best when it feels real – wind-in-your-hair moments, big laughs, and a bit of cinematic drama when the Welsh weather shows up. We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur) – and we photograph weddings in a DOCU-ART style (documentary storytelling with artistic, film-like portraits). We’re TWIA National Winners (as “The Mays”) and current TWIA judges, and we love how beautifully Oldwalls flows from ceremony to party in one place.
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If you want relaxed, natural photos at Oldwalls Gower, plan for 10 minutes of couple portraits on the lakeside paths, then (if you fancy it) a short “escape” for dramatic Gower scenery. The Oakroom is gorgeous for ceremonies because it’s bright and airy, and the marquee gives you loads of space for big energy later on.
Oldwalls Gower wedding venue
Oldwalls Gower is one of the most luxurious wedding venues in South Wales and is located only just a one hour drive from Cardiff. One of the most amazing advantages of this venue is its proximity to Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay which are a dream location for a wedding photo shoot. We also used Maen Ceti, Arthur’s Stone area and loved the dramatic portraits we managed to create there just before the storm.
Key facts about Oldwalls Gower (for couples):
Location: In the heart of the Gower (Britain’s first designated AONB), with beaches nearby for epic portraits.
Ceremony space: The Oakroom has big light + views across the lakes (great for intimate ceremonies).
Reception: A spacious marquee with views across the grounds (ideal for a lively dance floor).
Photography style: DOCU-ART = real moments + cinematic portraits (no awkward posing).
Us: Marta May Photography = The Mays (TWIA National Winners, now judges).
Oldwalls Gower wedding photography – the ceremony
THE OAKROOM
The Oakroom is just perfect for your wedding photography because of the natural light streaming in through the windows. No flash is needed at all so your wedding ceremony will be truly intimate and special.
Your wedding breakfast and party – the marquee
We love this elegant and spacious marquee. Plenty of space for all your day guests plus in the evening there is even more space for your evening guests and all the dancing. Our couple had a big wedding with a proper cèilidh dance – they REALLY needed that space and it worked perfectly.
7 stunning photo spots at Oldwalls Gower (that still feel natural)
1) The Oakroom ceremony space (reactions + light)
The Oakroom is brilliant for documentary storytelling because you get clean light and clear sightlines to faces. That means real tears, real laughs, and those tiny “hand squeeze” moments without anyone feeling watched.
2) The lakeside paths (10 minutes = cinematic portraits)
If you want couple portraits that don’t feel posed, the lakeside paths are perfect. We’ll take you for a short wander (literally 10 minutes), keep you moving, keep you laughing, and you get that calm, cinematic feel without missing your own party.
3) The water reflections (hello “film scene”)
Any time we can use water, we do. Reflections add instant depth and atmosphere, and it still looks completely natural, not “try-hard”. It’s one of our favourite tricks for DOCU-ART portraits.
4) The gardens in between moments (the real story lives here)
Some of the best frames happen when you’re not “doing photos”: guests chatting with drinks, hugs, kids running, someone fixing a buttonhole. The gardens give you space for those honest, in-between documentary moments.
5) The marquee at golden hour (warm, glowy, joyful chaos)
When the sun drops, the marquee area starts to glow, and it’s perfect for those warm candids: clinking glasses, people spilling outside for air, and that “we’re properly celebrating now” energy.
6) Doorways + covered edges (the rain plan that actually looks amazing)
If it rains (and it might), we use sheltered doorways and covered edges for quick portraits and group photos. Rain adds mood, umbrellas add movement, and everyone ends up closer together, which always looks and feels more emotional.
7) Night-time party frames (this is where the real day shows up)
Oldwalls parties are made for us. The dance floor energy, the hugs, the chaos, the “I can’t believe this is happening” faces, it’s carefree joy and it’s pure documentary gold. If you want photos that feel alive, don’t end coverage too early.
Mini tip (add as a one-liner under the section)
If you’re dreaming of a few beachy, windswept portraits, Oldwalls is close to the Gower coastline — we can plan a quick, low-stress “escape” into your timeline (optional, but very cinematic).
Real Oldwalls Gower wedding
Our couple’s Oldwalls Gower wedding was awesome! At this wedding for the first time in our wedding photography career we saw a REAL cèilidh dance! That was quite an experience! Usually at weddings you get a band with instructors and they demonstrate how to dance and then the guests learn. This lot didn’t need any instructors and it was so great to watch them and photograph this awesome group.
Of course we love weddings where the cèilidh dance is taught and then danced too but this particular wedding was just a really unique experience. I wish I lived a bit closer to Scotland! Take a look at our wedding photography slideshow featuring photos from that amazing wedding:
Oldwalls Gower wedding photography – the couple portraits
The weather was rather crazy – a bit sunny at first, really windy and then there was only wind and rain. Our favourite type of weather actually! We managed to get some lovely shots near King Arthur’s Stone and after that the heavens opened and we were on our way back to photograph the evening of this epic Oldwalls Gower wedding.
Couple portraits – so much fun!
I will never forget that little trip. We all had so much fun there. Weddings are happy occasions, and a couple shoot on a wedding day should be FUN and that particular shoot was just that – a definition of a great photo session. Add a bit of rain, a bunch of friends and it is PERFECTION!
FAQ:
Do we need to pose loads at Oldwalls?
No, we’ll guide you gently, but most of your gallery is real moments, plus a short “fun + movement” portrait window.
Is the Oakroom bright enough for ceremony photos without flash?
It’s known for being naturally light-filled, so it’s ideal for an intimate feel.
Can we nip out to the beach for photos?
Yes – Oldwalls is close to iconic Gower beaches, so it’s doable if you build a little time into the schedule.
What if it rains?
Rain is a vibe. We’ll use covered spots, doorways, window light, and you’ll get the most atmospheric, film-like frames.
How much time do we actually need for couple portraits?
10 minutes for “on-site magic”. 20 minutes if you want a little wander. Anything extra is optional.
Do you travel for Wales weddings?
Yes, we photograph weddings across South Wales (and we’ve built a full Welsh cluster on the blog).
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Planning your own Oldwalls Gower wedding? If you love relaxed DOCU-ART photography (real moments + cinematic portraits), we’d love to hear about your day. And if you’re still choosing locations, here’s our full guide with real Welsh weddings: Welsh wedding photography.
