Wales Wedding Photography: The Ultimate Guide + Real Welsh Weddings (The Mays)

Wales wedding photography is pure cinematic magic – castles and candlelight in Cardiff, wild coastlines in the Gower, woodland romance up north, and those big Brecon Beacons skies that make everything feel like a film (even when the weather decides to be dramatic).

We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur), a husband-and-wife team shooting in our DOCU-ART style: real, unposed moments first, then relaxed, cinematic portraits that still feel like you. We’re TWIA National Winners (as “The Mays”) and now TWIA judges, so you’re in very safe hands, especially on fast, emotional days in tricky light.

We’re based in Hereford (right on the doorstep of Wales), and we photograph weddings across South Wales, West Wales, North Wales and the Welsh Borders. Below you’ll find real Welsh weddings we’ve photographed, venue-by-venue, plus practical tips to help your day feel effortless and look unforgettable.

Quick Answer

This Wales wedding photography hub is a collection of real Welsh weddings we’ve photographed – from Cardiff Castle and Hensol Castle to Fforest Farm, Oldwalls Gower, Tyn Dwr Hall and the Brecon Beacons. We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur), and our DOCU-ART style blends natural documentary moments with relaxed, cinematic portraits.

You’ll find venue-by-venue inspiration, practical planning tips (especially for Welsh weather), and links to full wedding stories to help you picture your own day.

Before you dive in, here’s the easiest way to use this page: I’ve grouped our Wales wedding photography stories by region, so you can jump straight to the vibe that fits your day – castles and city elegance in South Wales, coastal party energy in the Gower, nature-led magic in West Wales, woodland romance in North Wales, and mountain-border beauty in the Brecon Beacons / Welsh Borders.

best wales wedding photography

Each section includes a few real weddings we’ve photographed there, plus quick notes on what the venue feels like in photos, so you can picture your own day (and steal ideas without the stress).

Key facts (Wales wedding photography)

Coverage: Weddings across Wales, including South Wales, West Wales, North Wales and the Welsh Borders

Style: DOCU-ART – documentary storytelling + relaxed, cinematic portraits
Team: Marta + Artur (aka The Mays) – photo, or photo + film
Authority: TWIA National Winners (as “The Mays”) and now TWIA judges

Best for: Couples who want natural, unposed photography that feels fun, emotional and real

South Wales weddings (Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan)

Cardiff Castle wedding photography
Vibe: proper fairytale drama in the heart of the city – history, atmosphere, and interiors that feel like a film set.
Photo highlights:

  • The Undercroft ceremony is moody, romantic, and ridiculously cinematic
  • The Library / Banqueting Hall / Arab Room give you jaw-dropping indoor portraits (weather-proof magic)
    Read the full story: Cardiff Castle wedding photography
wales wedding photography Cardiff Castle

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama wedding
Vibe: modern city elegance with a creative edge – sleek spaces, big emotions, and a “Cardiff culture” feel.
Photo highlights:


Hensol Castle wedding photographer
Vibe: classic Welsh castle romance – lakeside calm, sweeping grounds, and timeless “storybook” energy.
Photo highlights:

  • Lake and pontoon backdrops for relaxed, cinematic portraits
  • Beautiful castle interiors when the weather does its Wales thing
    Read the full story: Hensol Castle wedding photographer
couple shoot Hensol Castle wedding photographer

De Courceys Manor weddings (Cardiff)
Vibe: warm, welcoming, and full of character – a countryside-feeling venue with a really relaxed pace (but still polished).
Photo highlights:

  • Lovely spaces for candid storytelling through the day
  • Golden-hour portraits work beautifully here (soft, glowy, romantic)
    Read the full story: De Courceys Manor weddings Cardiff

West Wales weddings (Pembrokeshire & coastal vibes)

Fforest Farm wedding photography
Vibe: outdoorsy, laid-back, and completely nature-led – the kind of place where the day feels like your favourite weekend away, but with everyone you love in one spot.
Photo highlights:

  • Forest textures, open skies, and that effortless “everyone’s actually relaxed” energy
  • Gorgeous documentary moments because guests are always moving, chatting, laughing (never stuck in one room)
    Read the full story: Fforest Farm wedding photography
Fforest Farm wedding photography

The Gower weddings (Swansea coast)

Oldwalls Gower wedding
Vibe: big coastal energy with a proper party spirit – relaxed, emotional, and full of those “everyone’s all-in” moments.
Photo highlights:

  • That Gower atmosphere (sea air, dramatic skies, golden light when it shows up) gives everything a cinematic edge
  • The evening here is made for documentary storytelling – speeches reactions, hugs, and a dance floor that doesn’t quit
    Read the full story: Kirsten + Rob Oldwalls Gower wedding
Oldwalls Gower wedding venue, wales wedding photography

North Wales weddings

Tyn Dwr Hall wedding photography
Vibe: woodland romance with a cosy, elegant feel – the kind of venue that’s full of warmth, fairy lights, and that “escape into nature” magic (without losing the luxury).
Photo highlights:

  • Forest backdrops + soft, natural light for relaxed, cinematic portraits
  • Beautiful indoor spaces for atmosphere when the weather turns (because… Wales)
    Read the full story: Tyn Dwr Hall wedding photography
North wales wedding photography at Tyn Dwr Hall

Welsh Borders & Brecon Beacons weddings

Glangrwyney Court wedding photography (Crickhowell)
Vibe: mountain-backdrop romance with that calm, countryside “breathe it in” feeling – the Brecon Beacons make everything feel bigger, softer, and more cinematic at the same time.
Photo highlights:

  • Epic scenery for story-telling frames (even a quick 10-minute wander looks unreal)
  • A relaxed pace that’s perfect for DOCU-ART moments: hugs, happy chaos, and those quiet in-between seconds
    Read the full story: Natalia + Matt Glangrwyney Court wedding (Crickhowell)
Wales wedding photography Pembrokeshire wedding

Why Wales photographs like a film

Wales has a way of turning a wedding day into a story with real atmosphere. The landscapes are dramatic without trying, the light changes constantly (in the best way), and every location feels like it has its own character, not just a “backdrop”.

The weather becomes part of the magic. Sunshine is gorgeous, obviously, but even mist, wind and rain can make your photos feel more cinematic – more real. Umbrellas, veils in the breeze, guests huddling in close… it all adds emotion and energy rather than “ruining” anything.

Castles and grand interiors are a gift in every season. If the forecast flips (classic Wales), you’re not stuck – you’ve got warm, beautiful indoor spaces that still look incredible in photographs, from candlelit stone rooms to ornate, historic details.

And then there’s the scenery. Coastlines, forests, and the Brecon Beacons give you those big “opening scene” frames, the kind that instantly place you in the story. Even a quick 10-minute wander can feel epic, and you never have to force it.

Wales wedding photography FAQs

Do you photograph weddings across Wales?
Yes, we photograph weddings across South Wales, West Wales, North Wales and the Welsh Borders, and we’re in Wales regularly (we’re based in Hereford, so it’s an easy hop over).

We hate posing… can it still look amazing?
Absolutely. That’s basically our thing. Our DOCU-ART approach is moment-led and relaxed, we’ll guide you gently with simple prompts, but nothing stiff or performative. Most couples tell us it felt more like a walk and a chat than a photoshoot.

What if it rains in Wales?
Then we make it part of the story. Umbrellas, wind, mist, and dramatic skies can look incredibly cinematic, and Wales also has some of the best interiors (castles, halls, staircases, window light) so you’ll still get beautiful portraits whatever happens.

How much portrait time do we actually need?
Usually 10–15 minutes is plenty for natural, gorgeous portraits – especially in Wales where weather and travel can change quickly. We’d rather keep it short and fun, then get you back to your guests.

Do you offer photo + film?
Yes, we’re a two-person team (Marta + Artur), so we can cover your day with photo only or photo + film in the same calm, story-led way (without a big crew).

Are Marta May Photography and The Mays the same team?
Yes, Marta May Photography is our studio name, and The Mays is how you’ll also find us (including at TWIA). It’s the same two of us: Marta + Artur.

Can you help us choose a Welsh venue that suits our vibe?
We can. If you tell us the feel you want (castle / coast / forest / mountains / city), we’ll point you towards real examples we’ve photographed, and what tends to work best for timelines, light and portraits.

More Wales & Welsh Borders wedding stories

If you’re planning something around the Welsh Borders (or a little further into Wales) and you want more real-life inspiration, here are a few extra wedding stories to explore:

beautiful bride in Pembrokeshire, wales wedding photography

Planning a wedding in Wales?

If you’re planning a wedding anywhere in Wales – castle, coast, forest, mountains, or the Welsh Borders – and you want photography that feels natural, emotional and properly you, we’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.

We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). We were TWIA National Winners (listed as “The Mays”) and we’re now TWIA judges, so you’re in very safe hands – especially when the light gets moody, the weather gets dramatic, and the moments come fast.

Get in touch to check availability

If you’d like to see how we work and what’s included, you can also explore our wedding photography prices & packages here.

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