De Courceys Manor wedding photographer (Cardiff) is a search we see for a reason – this place is pure romance with a brilliant flow to the day. De Courceys is an award-winning, family-run venue in South Wales with exclusive use, beautiful ceremony options (including the Secret Garden and the Floral Room), and loads of space for guests to relax.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). Our style is DOCU-ART: real moments, real energy, and cinematic portraits that still feel like you. We’re also TWIA National Winners as “The Mays” and now TWIA judges, so you’re in very safe hands.
QUICK ANSWER
If you want natural, unposed wedding photos at De Courceys Manor, plan your ceremony around your preferred space (Secret Garden vs Floral Room), give yourselves 10–15 minutes for golden-hour portraits, and let the rest unfold.
De Courceys works beautifully for DOCU-ART coverage because everything is in one place, which means less rushing, more breathing space, and more real moments.
Why De Courceys Manor is brilliant for DOCU-ART wedding photography
De Courceys has that rare mix: it feels elegant, but it also feels warm. Because it’s exclusive use, your guests aren’t sharing the space with anyone else, and the whole day relaxes faster. That’s when DOCU-ART magic happens – people stop “performing” and start celebrating.
Also, De Courceys is built for a smooth timeline: prep, ceremony, drinks, speeches and party can all happen on site. Less travel = more moments you’ll actually want to remember.
KEY FACTS
Where: Pentyrch (Cardiff), South Wales
Ceremony options: Indoor Floral Room + outdoor Secret Garden
Vibe: Exclusive-use luxury, family-run, very guest-friendly
Good to know: Confetti permitted, pet-friendly, fireworks allowed (venue rules apply)
Ceremony choices: Secret Garden vs Floral Room (how to pick)
The Secret Garden is perfect if you want that open-air, emotional, “everyone leaning in” feel. It photographs beautifully because reactions travel – you get laughs, tears, and those tiny glances without anyone feeling boxed in.
The Floral Room is ideal if you love a classic, elegant indoor atmosphere (and if you want a weather-proof plan without losing the vibe). It’s a great option for intimate ceremonies and bigger guest counts.
9 photo spots we always look for at De Courceys Manor
- The walk into the ceremony (guests + nerves = incredible moments)
- Secret Garden “just married” exit (pure joy, zero posing)
- Floral Room aisle + that first look during vows
- The manor exterior for a clean, timeless portrait
- Gardens for relaxed couple photos (we keep it quick + fun)
- Drinks reception energy (hugs, chaos, sunglasses, canapés)
- Speeches (this venue + good food = top-tier reactions)
- Twilight portraits outside (10 minutes, cinematic payoff)
- Night party photos (the “carefree joy” bit – we stay because this is where the real day shows up)
A calm timeline that works (and keeps photos natural)
- Prep: 60–90 minutes of coverage is usually plenty (real moments > “every item laid out”)
- Ceremony: pick Secret Garden or Floral Room, then plan your confetti straight after
- Drinks reception: this is where your gallery becomes a story (guests + hugs + laughter)
- Couple portraits: 10–15 minutes, max. We’ll guide you with movement, not posing.
- Golden hour: even 5 minutes is worth it
- Party: if you want the wild dance-floor story, don’t end coverage too early
“We don’t want to pose” – perfect. Here’s how we shoot it.
Most of our couples tell us they feel awkward in front of a camera. So we don’t treat your day like a photoshoot.
Instead:
- we blend in and watch for real moments,
- we keep couple photos short, guided, and movement-based,
- and we let your guests forget we’re even there (until they see the gallery).
That’s DOCU-ART: documentary heart, cinematic edges.
FAQs
Is De Courceys Manor exclusive use?
Yes, De Courceys is positioned as an exclusive-use venue, which makes the day feel more relaxed.
Can we do an outdoor ceremony?
Yes, the venue highlights the Secret Garden as an outdoor ceremony option.
Is confetti allowed?
Confetti is listed as permitted (always follow the venue’s current rules).
Is it pet-friendly?
Pet-friendly is listed as a feature.
Do you cover South Wales from Hereford?
Yes, we photograph weddings across Wales and the Welsh borders regularly.
Planning your De Courceys Manor wedding?
If you’re getting married at De Courceys Manor in Pentyrch (Cardiff) and you want wedding photos that feel like the day felt – joyful, emotional, and properly alive – we’d love to hear what you’re planning.
Check your date with The Mays (Marta May Photography) and tell us what matters most to you: the people, the party, the quiet moments, or all of it.
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
