After spending almost two years working in the wedding industry within Pembrokeshire I've had chance to visit plenty of venues all over the county! I'm lucky enough to spend the whole morning with all of my brides - this means that I see the ins and outs of what goes on during the last few hours before they say 'I do'.
The wedding venue is ultimately one of the bride's first go to when booking and securing their wedding. Often, many brides already have an idea of what wedding venue they would like and have a dream in mind of how their morning will go!
I often get asked which wedding venues I love the most, the reasons why and where I'd want to get married if I had the choice so I thought I'd compile a list of my top wedding venues in Pembrokeshire that I have visited over the last few years in order to help future brides! The venues won't be listed in order by numbers as each wedding venue is unique and has something different to offer however, I will add bullet points below each venue for a quick read on my favourite bits!
Gellifawr Woodland Retreat, Gwaun Valley
I wouldn't be able to write about Pembrokeshire's best wedding venues without mentioning Gellifawr -a beautiful country house & cottages set in the serene woodland of Pembrokeshire's National Park! Winners of The Best Wedding Venue in The Welsh Wedding Awards 2018 Gellifawr is perhaps one of my most visited locations. It's absolutely perfect if you are planning a rustic style wedding and have the desire to get married outside. Every time I have been to the venue the bridal party have noted how attentive the staff are and how gorgeous the location is! Breakfast in the form of continental or cooked is usually brought up to the guests - allowing the bride and her bridesmaids to relax in peace. + Perfect for a rustic style wedding
+ Outdoor ceremony option
+ Experienced wedding venue
+ Rustic cottages for large groups to stay together
The Cliff Hotel & Spa, Cardigan Bay
The Cliff Hotel & Spa is a recently renovated hotel that has proven to be extremely popular with brides - most likely due to the spectacular view overlooking Poppit Sands and Cardigan Island. The rooms are luxurious especially the bridal suite which is quite possibly the largest bridal suite I have ever been in - containing a balcony which includes a hot tub that has panoramic views of the coastline. As the hotel has been refurbished the facilities such as the restaurant and spa are very modern and have a high standard of finish giving it that boutique hotel vibe! It has 76 rooms which means there is plenty of room for all your guests to stay especially as it is a little bit further out with a drive of around 60 minutes to Haverfordwest! + Spa on site + Coastline views
+ Luxurious re-furbishment
Crug Glas Country House, St Davids
Set in 600 acres of land in the sought after area and the UK's smallest city St Davids Crug Glas is a stunning family run Georgian Country House. Each room has be designed and furnished differently to the most luxurious feel such as four poster beds, copper free standing baths and beautiful draped curtains and bed linen! It is smaller than a few other venues mentioned here but it creates a personalised atmosphere as all the guests staying in the country house are part of the wedding. Outside it hosts The Cow Shed a converted barn with extensive grounds for capturing those perfect wedding images. As a family run business they obviously have attention to detail and are set on making sure your day is as perfect as you imagine. They are full licensed which means you don't even have to leave the venue if you wish to get married and have your wedding reception in the same place!
+ Bespoke rooms
+ Private venue
+ Sought after location
https://www.crug-glas.co.uk
Nantwen, Newport
This unique little venue is a new one to my radar in 2019 and it quite certainly left it's mark! Nantwen is an intimate wedding and elopement venue set in a private location run by the most down to earth, lovely family. The gardens are all tended to by the family and the accommodation is absolutely beautiful. The elopement weddings that I was lucky enough to be part of were possibly some of the most magical ones I have been too, it could be the excitement of the secrecy or the raw love that the couples share for each other in allowing them to spend this moment alone just the two. Nothing is too much hassle for Daniel & Jemma (owners of Nantwen) and they are very accommodating of dogs and children. The owners also offer fabulous options such as having your wedding rings and cake handmade by them as part of your package as well as flowers for your day from their gorgeous garden.
+ Small & Elopement venue
+ Personalised options
+ Family run
Trefloyne Manor, Tenby
Trefloyne Manor is set in the Ritec Valley near the seaside town of Tenby. It's a 15th century country manor that now has a beautifully kept golf course on the grounds, an AA rosette restaurant inside an Orangery, The Dovecote relaxation rooms and luxury, elegant accommodation. It is safe to say it has one of the most impressive drive ups and it's worth a visit just to take a look at the rooms themselves -a slightly higher end venue in Pembrokeshire which is perfect for a classy bespoke wedding.
+ Golf course attached
+ AA rosette restaurant
+ Marquee option
Of course, there are plenty of other wedding venues in Pembrokeshire that are fantastic in their own right which haven't been mentioned here - I thought it was best to narrow it down to my favourite 5 that have impressed me the most over the last few years! As said previously, each wedding venue caters to a different style!
When looking for a wedding venue it's really important to get a good feeling when you visit for the first time as well as taking note in the way the owners/managers/wedding co-ordinaters consult with you over the minor details is also essential,
I'd be really interested to hear if you have had your wedding at any of the above venues and what your experience was like or if you have had a fantastic experience at another venue that hasn't been mentioned!
A x