Your South Wales Wedding news and ideas from around the area

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.

I SA-y yes! How soon-to-be wedded couples and newlyweds can use their ISAs 

From venues and catering to the dress and rings, wedding expenses can quickly add up. With the average cost of a UK wedding now more than £20,000, and with so many other pressures on our finances, putting money aside for your special day can feel challenging. A Cash ISA can be an efficient way for couples to save for their big day. With the Personal Savings Allowance limited to £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, the tax-free allowance in an ISA has the potential to help you reach your goals sooner. Chris Henderson, Save and Pay Director at Tesco Bank, shares his top tips on how couples can save for a wedding and beyond.

Venues in Pembrokeshire and Swansea

From sweeping coastlines and golden beaches to rolling countryside and character-filled city spaces, Pembrokeshire and Swansea offer some of Wales's most breathtaking wedding settings. Think dramatic sea views, historic venues rich with story, and contemporary spaces that make the most of their natural surroundings. Whether you're drawn to a coastal celebration, a rural escape or a stylish city backdrop, this region delivers unforgettable scenery and a sense of occasion at every turn.

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Lots of people are ditching traditions when it comes to modern weddings and marriage - one of which quickly losing favour is the tradition of taking your partner's surname. In a recent survey carried out by Pandora UK, almost nine in ten (88%) women said they think that attitudes to married names are changing in 2026 ¹. When asked, over a quarter (26%) of unmarried women said they'd keep their last name if they got married, whilst less than half (45%) said they'd take their partner's name. This is indicative of the shift in opinion in recent years, as when married women were asked, only a sixth (17%) of women said they kept their maiden names when they got married, whilst the majority (78%) took their partner's surname, with just 4% choosing to double-barrel their last name with their significant other.

Love is in the air: Eden Mill and COCO Chocolatier partner to create the perfect Valentine's bundle

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based artisan, COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle just in time for Valentine's Day - featuring award-winning gin and a luxurious chocolate bar. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier Bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's iconic Love Gin with a bespoke bar of Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate. Designed with gifting in mind, the chocolate is presented in stunning, custom packaging inspired by the Love Gin's romantic aesthetic, beautifully merging the two brands.

Local supplier spotlight: Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa

Nestled within the village of Wolfscastle, the family-run Wolfscastle Country Hotel & Spa is an award-winning property set within a former Victorian vicarage, boasting impressive views of the surrounding woodland landscape and the awe-inspiring Treffgarne Rocks.

The hotel offers 20 en-suite bedrooms, a boutique spa, a contemporary brasserie, and a two AA rosette restaurant to enjoy in the run-up to the big day.

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Looking for a wedding memento that really stands out from the crowd? As wedding season comes back around, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has unveiled a new addition to its hugely popular Cat Tin collection. Say hello to White Rose, the enchanting wedding Kit-Tin. Marking the brand's first foray into the wedding space, the elegant keepsake has been beautifully designed as the perfect wedding favour, whilst also serving as the sweetest engagement, bridesmaid or wedding gift.

Lush Spa Cardiff has launched 13 spa treatments

Lush Spa Cardiff has launched 13 spa treatments that make the perfect pre-wedding gift for any bride- or groom-to-be. From a hot chocolate body scrub enjoyed under a warm duvet and a Scottish stone reading hot stone massage to a facial accompanied by a soundtrack of positive affirmations, there's something to suit everyone.

With prices ranging from £40 to £275, there are plenty of standout options, including the Book A Bath: Sticky Dates experience. This private, self-led bathing ritual is an ideal gift for anyone who loves to indulge in a long soak, or perhaps doesn't have the luxury of a bath at home.

2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

For many couples, choosing the perfect first-dance track is a heartfelt decision, the song that will forever anchor the memory of their wedding day. Grace Loves Lace, the bridal company renowned for its effortless, romantic designs, has released a first-of-its-kind "Spotify Wrapped" for first dance songs. The new exclusive study analysed more than 70 of the most popular first dance playlists, listing over 3,800 unique songs, to uncover the best first dance tracks of all time. "Music is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, and the first dance sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration," comments Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace. "It's fascinating to see the patterns emerge across genres, it mirrors how our brides approach dress selection. There's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect choice is simply the one that feels like you."

Local supplier spotlight: EDIT Photography

EDIT Photography is run by the talented Elina Thomas, a specialist in wedding photography. We asked Elina what piece of advice she would give couples to help their day run smoothly and look great in photos.

She shared her expert insight: "If you start to feel nervous or a little awkward in front of the camera, the best thing you can do is turn toward each other and reconnect. Hold hands, share a touch, lean in – anything that brings you back into the moment together. Your body language shifts the second you focus on each other instead of the camera. And remember: your photos will reflect the energy of your day. If you're soaking it all in and genuinely enjoying yourselves, that joy will naturally shine through in every image."

Norton House Hotel has won an award

Norton House Hotel, a Georgian seaside retreat, has won Best Boutique Venue 2025 (South and Central Region) at the Welsh National Wedding Awards – congratulations! The hotel offers the perfect blend of history, comfort, and culinary delight. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a relaxing break, or a base for exploring the coastal region, Norton House Hotel provides an unforgettable experience.

The team shared their excitement about the win: "We are absolutely bursting with pride to announce that we won. This award genuinely means the world to the entire team. It's a true testament to the dedication, passion, and love we pour into every single wedding hosted here. Thank you to every single person who voted – your support means more than we could ever put into words. This one is for our amazing couples."

What’s next for weddings? The Wedding Shop reveals all

Multi-award-winning gift list service, The Wedding Shop has revealed new data, showing the trends that are shaping weddings and couples' gift lists for 2026. Based on information from over 80,000 couples gathered since 2019, the leading personal gift service has looked at changes in how couples are choosing to celebrate, and how their dearest and nearest are gifting them to mark their special day with some surprising results.

Local supplier spotlight: DJ Sound & Lighting

DJ Sound & Lighting is a much-loved Welsh wedding entertainment company built on one simple idea: create nights people never forget. The team's reputation has been repeatedly recognised, earning Best Wedding DJ in Wales not only in 2025 but also in 2024, along with Best Regional Wedding DJ for an impressive eight consecutive years. In 2025, they celebrated two major wins at the Welsh National Wedding Awards – Best Regional Wedding DJ and the overall Best Wedding DJ in Wales.

"These awards matter so much because they're voted for by the couples, venues, and suppliers we're lucky enough to work with," says founder Darren Tipples. "It's their trust that keeps us growing."

Getting married soon? Sort finances before saying 'I do'

A wedding is a promise of a shared future, but concerningly, especially when it comes to retirement, many couples delay discussion of how they'll plan for their future finances. Mapping out your finances to track life's milestone moments long before the big day is important to ensure both partners feel confident and prepared - from the prospect of taking a possible career break, to job loss, potential illness and being comfortably affording retirement.

Amy Mair Couture is hosting a showcase

Amy Mair Couture is hosting a showcase in London from 20th–23rd March 2026, highlighting Amy's range of beautiful dresses. The brand specialises in couture wedding gowns that are handmade with precision and artistry. Each dress reflects the individuality and unique style of its brides, offering a bespoke experience that elevates wedding fashion.

Based in Barry, brides begin their experience with an initial consultation, where they discuss their vision and inspirations for the gown. This is followed by the selection of fabrics, laces, and embellishments, before multiple fittings ensure a flawless look.

The UK Hen & Stag Destinations Everyone’s Booking for 2026

Once dominated by big nights out and budget flights abroad, hen and stag parties in the UK are having a rethink, and things are now looking very different. Research suggests that pre-wedding celebrations could be completely sober as early as 2040, with groups instead embracing alcohol-free celebrations that they're more likely to remember. Also, rising travel costs, tighter schedules and a growing appetite for wellness experiences are pushing more groups to stay closer to home.