Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Local supplier spotlight: Carl Woodward Photography

Carl Woodward Photography is a talented wedding photographer based in Rhondda Cynon Taf, covering all of South Wales. Carl's style is modern and relaxed, making it perfect for capturing your love story in a natural way leaving you with images that you'll treasure for years to come. Using creative flash techniques alongside a documentary approach, Carl ensures you can fully relax and enjoy your wedding day without ever feeling conscious of the camera.

Carl tells us: "The part I love most about a couple's wedding day is the portrait session. It's a chance for you to enjoy a quiet few moments together as a married couple, while I capture the happiness and excitement of those tender moments."

Claire Hill Designs offers collections that are perfect for weddings

Claire Hill Designs, a British demi-fine jewellery brand, offers collections that are perfect for weddings. Designed in Wales and ethically handcrafted using recycled silver and gold vermeil, each piece is rooted in symbolism, texture and emotional meaning. Founder Claire Hill, a former journalist and award-winning TV producer, brings her storytelling background beautifully to the work, creating pieces inspired by the written word, hidden messages and modern talismans.

At the heart of the brand is the trademarked Shorthand Coin Necklace, which transforms Teeline shorthand into discreet, reversible jewellery. One side features a hidden symbol, while the other showcases a lapis North Star, representing direction, intent and self-belief.

The modern alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook

If your camera roll is full of moments you never look at again, Mosaic Journal offers a simple way to turn them into something you'll treasure forever. Mosaic Journal is a photo journal subscription that prints one of your favourite photos each day and delivers them to your door every month, ready to place into a beautifully crafted linen-bound book. The result is a growing collection of real, printed memories; from everyday joys to once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

Experts reveal Wedding Gifts Couples Secretly Don’t Want

In the weeks following Valentine's Day, newly engaged couples start planning their weddings and guests begin quietly doing the maths on a year full of invites. With wedding gift etiquette still causing confusion, gift-giving experts at Personalised Bee have shared their guide on which presents are best avoided and what is more likely to earn a genuine smile on the big day.

ITV Studios - Childhood Sweethearts

Are you and your partner childhood sweethearts? Are you ready to test your relationship? ITV studios are looking for childhood sweethearts aged 21+ for a new TV series. This potential life changing social experiment will give you the opportunity to rediscover who you are, reignite what brought you together and prove that absence can really make the heart grown fonder. If you and your partner are up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the get in touch now

Local supplier spotlight: Norton House Hotel in Swansea

Norton House Hotel was built in 1790 as a seaside country house and has since been renovated to a high standard, offering modern comforts without compromising its historic charm. This Grade II–listed venue boasts elegant windows, 17 individually designed bedrooms, and an impressive entrance. Thoughtfully refurbished with weddings in mind, the private grounds, including a secluded lawn, original raised patio, and wide stone steps, provide a stunning backdrop for photographs.

This award-winning property is home to an on-site AA Rosette restaurant, where culinary excellence meets coastal charm. Surrounding the hotel are leafy, private gardens, accessed directly from both the elegant ceremony room and the airy function room. Just a short stroll away lies the charming village of Mumbles, renowned for its boutique shops and restaurants.

Beautystyle Wedding Hair & Makeup has won three awards

Charlotte Perrott of Beautystyle Wedding Hair & Makeup has won three awards at the Welsh National Wedding Awards. She took home Best Regional Wedding Hairstylist, Best Regional Wedding Makeup Artist, and the National Award for Best Wedding Hairstylist in Wales – congratulations! The awards were voted for by clients, alongside a mystery guest.

Charlotte tells us: "The recognition felt particularly meaningful and unexpected. My work focuses on refined, timeless wedding hair and makeup, with an emphasis on calm, considered luxury and a highly personalised experience for each bride."

Best UK Venues for a Bridgerton-Style Wedding 

If your dream wedding leans into the romance, grandeur and timeless elegance of Bridgerton, then choosing the right venue is everything. Think Gothic Revival and Georgian architecture, sweeping lawns and deer-park vistas, dramatic ballrooms, and that effortless Regency charm that would make Lady Whistledown blush. Below, Nick from Country House Weddings has curated five fantastic UK venues, each perfect for a Bridgerton-inspired celebration, whether you're wanting dramatic ballrooms, actual sets from the show, or exquisite gardens for your big day.

2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing

Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.

Venues in Cardiff

Vibrant, stylish and full of character, Cardiff offers a dynamic backdrop for weddings that blends historic grandeur with modern city flair. From iconic landmarks and elegant civic buildings to contemporary venues and waterfront settings, the Welsh capital caters to celebrations of every style. Whether you're planning a glamorous city affair or a relaxed gathering with a distinctive edge, Cardiff provides memorable settings that feel both exciting and effortlessly romantic.

Local supplier spotlight: Hensol Castle

Hensol Castle is perfect for those planning a fairytale wedding in a grand setting. This 17th-century property is set within 650 acres of Welsh countryside, offering plenty of picturesque spots for photographs. Sympathetically renovated with modern décor throughout, the castle features arched windows, oak panelling, and sweeping staircases ideal for a grand entrance. End the day in one of the new luxury bedrooms, each with bespoke features such as roll-top baths and cosy four-poster beds. Re-group the next morning over a delicious breakfast in the orangery and continue the celebrations.

If you're planning an outdoor celebration, the bandstand, which offers impressive views of the Welsh countryside, is ideal.

The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry

In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.

Venues in Monmouthshire and Brecon

Rich in natural beauty and steeped in history, Monmouthshire and Brecon offer a truly magical backdrop for weddings. From elegant country houses and ancient castles to breathtaking mountain views and riverside settings, this area blends rural romance with timeless character. Whether you're envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate escape surrounded by nature, Monmouthshire and Brecon provide unforgettable settings where every moment feels special.

Amy Mair Couture is hosting a London showcase

South Wales bridal designer Amy Mair Couture has announced an exclusive four-day London preview event, giving brides-to-be a rare opportunity to experience her handcrafted couture gowns in an elegant central London setting.

Taking place from 20–23 March 2026, the showcase will be hosted at the Miro Hotel London, within the hotel's beautifully appointed Templeton Garden Suite. Known for its contemporary design and tranquil private garden, the venue provides a refined backdrop for Amy Mair's artistic and nature-inspired couture collections.

The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026

For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.

Win an unforgettable wedding in Mid Wales

Pen y Garreg Dam has partnered with the four-star Metropole Hotel & Spa to offer one lucky couple the chance to enjoy the ultimate wedding package.

Exchange your vows inside the iconic and historic Pen y Garreg Dam, surrounded by striking Victorian engineering and breathtaking scenery. The celebration then continues in style with a wedding reception at The Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells, just a 25-minute drive away, where grand Victorian elegance meets award-winning service.

Worth £4,000, the prize includes exclusive use of Pen y Garreg Dam; transport from Elan Valley Visitor Centre to the dam; an intimate ceremony for up to 30 guests; a glass of Prosecco or orange juice for guests on arrival; and elegant wedding decorations.

The ultimate commitment: What couples must know before buying a home

For decades, the "gold standard" of commitment was a ring. Nowadays, many are opting to get on the ladder first, before considering a bigger wedding celebration. What's important to remember however is that while a wedding is a promise to each other, a mortgage is a legal commitment with your lender or bank. You aren't just responsible for your half of the loan; you are both legally liable for every penny of it. So, if you're planning to make the ultimate commitment this Valentine's Day, Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together shares his top four tips for navigating the path to co-ownership:

Venues in Vale of Glamorgan

With its rugged coastline, rolling countryside and elegant market towns, the Vale of Glamorgan offers a wonderfully romantic setting for weddings. From clifftop venues with sweeping sea views to historic houses and charming rural retreats, this part of South Wales blends natural beauty with timeless elegance. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, the Vale provides unforgettable backdrops that feel both relaxed and effortlessly special.

Trending Stag Do Destinations for 2026

2026 looks set to be the year of the European stag weekend, with more guys looking at heading abroad than staying in the UK. Yes, according to one of the UK's leading stag do providers, a whopping 59% of stags are jetting off to celebrate in Europe with Benidorm, Albufeira, Prague and Lisbon all top choices for the groom's big send-off. "With the rise of budget air travel and comparatively cheaper costs abroad for food and drinks, it's no huge surprise more stags are looking at a weekend away over staying in the UK," said Jon Stainer, Creative Director at StagWeb.co.uk.

Bramble Cottage is a romantic cottage in Wales

Bramble Cottage is a quirky romantic hideaway for two (and one well-loved dog). Set within a traditional Welsh longhouse on a peaceful smallholding, designed for slow, intimate escapes. Arranged in a charming topsy-turvy layout across two floors, Bramble Cottage blends warm wooden interiors with thoughtful luxury, from its indulgent bathroom to its cosy living and sleeping spaces.

Upstairs, the living room and bedroom open out towards a private garden, where guests can soak in a wood-fired hot tub or gather around the firepit as darkness falls. With open fields beyond the garden and star-filled skies overhead, evenings here feel quietly magical — a place to unwind, reconnect and savour the simple pleasures of being away together.