A real wedding: Undercroft ceremony + Corporation Yard party (Cardiff)
Cardiff Castle wedding photography is pure magic – dramatic history, fairy-tale towers, and some of the most jaw-dropping interiors in Wales. We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur), and we photograph weddings in a DOCU-ART way: real moments first, then cinematic portraits that still feel like you. We’re also TWIA National Winners and now TWIA wedding photography judges, so you’re in seriously safe hands when the light gets moody and the day gets fast.
In this guide, you’ll see a real wedding day at Cardiff Castle (ceremony in the Undercroft, portraits in the Library / Banqueting Hall / Arab Room), plus the practical photo tips that help your day feel relaxed and look unreal.
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If you’re getting married at Cardiff Castle, you’ll get the best photos by planning for two things: the light and the flow. The Undercroft is moody and romantic for ceremonies, while the Castle interiors (like the Arab Room and Library) give you stunning portrait backdrops even if it rains.
There is something truly unique about castle weddings. All that history of the place makes you feel like being a part of a fairy tale. Cardiff Castle wedding photography is absolutely perfect for capturing such feelings. The stunning architecture and ornate details of the place create a truly magical backdrop for your wedding photos.
There are countless beautiful spots to take wedding photos around Cardiff Castle, so we can help you pick the perfect spot for your wedding day. We’ll also capture all the important moments of your day, from the arrival of your guests to the signing of your marriage certificate. So whether you’re looking for breathtaking castle wedding photography or simply stunning wedding photos in Cardiff, we are here to help.
Planning a wedding in Wales? See more real Welsh weddings here:
- WALES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
- Hensol Castle Wedding Photography
- Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Cardiff wedding
7 Unforgettable Photo Tips
1) Plan 10 minutes alone in the Undercroft
It’s naturally atmospheric and romantic, and those “first exhale” moments after the ceremony are pure gold.
2) Use the Castle rooms for weather-proof portraits
Library / Drawing Room / Banqueting Hall = instant editorial-meets-documentary portraits without needing sunshine.
3) Don’t skip the “interior wow”
If it’s open in your timeline, the Arab Room is one of the most spectacular interiors in the Castle, it photographs like a jewel box.
4) Give yourselves a tiny portrait window (15 mins is enough)
You don’t need a big photoshoot. You need a small pocket of time where you can breathe, walk, laugh, and we’ll do the rest (DOCU-ART style).
5) Ask your coordinator where confetti is allowed before the day
Castles often have preferred spots, when you know the plan, you get bigger smiles and zero faff.
6) If you’re doing a second venue (like Corporation Yard), do Castle portraits first
Do your “castle story” while everyone’s still fresh – then you can go full party mode later (best of both worlds).
7) Night photos: don’t overthink it
A 3–5 minute “outside for air” moment can give you unreal cinematic frames, especially with castle atmosphere in the background.
Key facts for couples planning Cardiff Castle photos:
Licensed ceremony spaces:
The Undercroft (and other rooms) are licensed for weddings/civil partnerships.
Great indoor portrait options:
Arab Room, Library, Banqueting Hall = weather-proof beauty.
Guest sizes:
Cardiff Castle hosts weddings from smaller groups to larger gatherings (venue guidance).
Best “DOCU-ART” moments here:
Arrivals through the city, ceremony reactions in the Undercroft, and quick portraits in the Castle rooms before you rejoin guests.
Cardiff Castle Wedding Photography – the real wedding
Are you planning your own wedding at Cardiff Castle? You might be planning a longer stay at the castle, or just use it for your wedding ceremony. But whatever your plans, we can help you capture unforgettable photos that will last a lifetime. We photographed a beautiful wedding ceremony there and the day went like this:
Getting ready at Hilton Hotel Cardiff
The bride had a nice and relaxing morning at Hilton Hotel nearby and then we drove to the castle. Arriving in style felt so special!
Wedding ceremony in the Undercroft
The ceremony was held in the Undercroft – and was very romantic. The atmosphere was perfect and we got some amazing shots of the bride and groom exchanging their I dos.
Wedding pictures in Cardiff Castle
After the ceremony we had a bit of time before the reception started, so we took a wander around the castle and took some lovely pictures with some stunning backdrops. The library, the banqueting hall and the Arab room were a truly stunning backdrop. Cardiff Castle wedding photography is truly unique, and perfect for capturing that fairy tale feeling on your wedding day.
Cardiff Castle wedding spaces (what they feel like in photos)
The Undercroft
The Undercroft is all stone vaults, moody texture, and that candlelit, intimate energy that makes a ceremony feel like a little secret. It’s one of the oldest-feeling spaces in the Castle, with a stone-vaulted ceiling that instantly adds drama to your photos.
Because the light is naturally lower, the vibe is romantic rather than bright-and-airy – perfect for couples who want atmosphere (and don’t mind a little cinematic shadow). It also has its own private bar and reception area, which means guests can flow in and out without the room feeling chaotic.
DOCU-ART-wise, this is a dream space for real reactions: tears, laughter, hands squeezing hands – all the good stuff.
The Arab Room
The Arab Room is the ultimate “how is this real?!” interior – pure jewel-box magic. It dates from 1881 and it’s one of William Burges’ most famous spaces, with a stunning muqarnas ceiling covered in gold leaf that catches light like glitter without ever looking tacky.
In photos it reads as rich, ornate, and completely transportive, especially if you can get a few calm minutes here for portraits or details. The colour, pattern and gilding give you instant visual storytelling, even with a very simple, natural pose.
If your timeline allows it, this room delivers the kind of “one frame = wow” images.
The Library
The Library has that warm, storybook feeling, quieter, softer, and incredibly beautiful for natural portraits. It still holds the original Burges bookcases and tables, with carved and inlaid details made for the room itself, which adds depth and character in every angle.
It’s perfect for a breather moment: a gentle walk-in, a lean-in, a laugh – nothing stiff, just you two being yourselves in a space that feels timeless. The textures photograph brilliantly, especially if you love images that feel intimate and “lived-in” rather than big-and-grand.
If you’re nervous about portraits, this is one of those rooms that makes everything feel calmer.
The Banqueting Hall
The Banqueting Hall is the Castle’s big statement room – epic scale, historic storytelling, and serious atmosphere. The décor leans into medieval history, with an impressive chimneypiece and murals that make speeches and wedding breakfast photos feel instantly cinematic.
It’s brilliant for documentary moments: reactions across long tables, hands clapping, people wiping tears, that one mate absolutely losing it with laughter mid-speech. The grandeur means you don’t need “decor heavy” styling – the room is the styling.
If you want your gallery to feel like a scene from a film (but still real), this is the room that delivers.
7 photo-planning tips for Cardiff Castle”
- Plan 10–15 minutes for portraits in the Arab Room/Library (it’s enough).
- Treat the Undercroft like a feature, not a compromise: lean into its atmosphere.
- Do group photos fast + close (Castle interiors make it easy).
- If you want outdoor shots, grab them immediately after the ceremony before guests scatter.
- Keep portrait time “human”: we’ll guide lightly, not pose you into a performance (DOCU-ART promise).
- Add a 2-minute “quiet reset” right after confetti – that’s when real emotion hits hardest.
- If your reception is elsewhere (like Corporation Yard), build a clean travel buffer so you’re not rushed.
Reception drinks, speeches and the party at the Corporation Yard, Cardiff
It was time to head to the party at the Corporation Yard. What a party it was – great speeches, delicious street food (you have to try it yourself!) was just unforgettable. The live band kept everybody on the dance floor too – they were amazing!
Street food
Sweet food
The party
Corporation Yard wedding photography
We had an amazing time photographing this beautiful wedding at Cardiff Castle. The stunning architecture, historical significance and relaxed atmosphere made for some truly unforgettable wedding photos. We also loved that unforgettable party at the Corporation Yard – something truly unique and original.
We’ve also created a short wedding slideshow for our couple. This is something we always do and we really like it:
FAQs
Which Cardiff Castle room is best for a ceremony?
The Undercroft is incredibly atmospheric, and the Banqueting Hall is a showstopper – it depends on your guest count and vibe.
What if it rains?
You’re covered – the interiors (Library / Drawing Room / Banqueting Hall) give you stunning portraits indoors.
Can we take photos inside the Castle rooms?
Yes, and it’s one of the biggest reasons this venue is so special for photography (especially the more ornate interiors).
We hate posing – will this still work?
Honestly, this is where DOCU-ART shines: we keep it relaxed, movement-based, and moment-led.
Can you photograph a split day (Castle + city venue)?
Absolutely, your gallery can feel like two worlds: historic romance first, then modern party energy.
Useful links:
- WALES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
- Hensol Castle Wedding Photography
- Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Cardiff wedding
How are you planning your wedding day at Cardiff Castle?
Are you going for a more traditional wedding celebration at the castle, or are you planning to incorporate a few different feels to it including travel and a party at a different venue? Whatever your plans, we would love to help. Our wedding photography style is natural and relaxed so you can fully enjoy your day. We are based in Hereford, only an hour away from Cardiff Castle, so give us a call today to chat about your Cardiff Castle wedding photography. We’d LOVE to hear your story!
Get in touch with us and let’s chat!
