There are few Welsh wedding venues as special as Gellifawr Woodland Retreat. In fact, I think there are few venues in the whole world as special as Gellifawr, thanks to its completely magical feel and one-of-a-kind vibe. If you’re on the hunt for a wedding venue that’s unique and unforgettable, then you may have just found it – so here’s everything you need to know. 

Gellifawr Woodland Retreat

Location, location, location

Here in West Wales we’re pretty blessed with stunning scenery wherever we look – from the Pembrokeshire coast to the Preseli Hills and beyond. But Gellifawr’s setting is particularly breathtaking, as it’s nestled in the outstanding Gwaun Valley. It’s a rural idyll teeming with the very best of Wales’ wildlife, tucked away so that your wedding can feel exclusive and intimate no matter how big your guestlist.

Gellifawr Woodland Retreat wedding spaces

Not only is Gellifawr in the most stunning location, but it itself is the most stunning location! As a woodland retreat, it offers multiple spaces to ensure your day is exactly as you dreamed it.

Woodland outdoor ceremony space

The outdoor ceremony space is an exciting new addition to the Gellifawr wedding ceremony options. Located in the woodland close to the treeline, you can say your “I do”s in front of the handcrafted wooden wedding arch for contemporary rustic wedding vibes.

Seren Yn Codi

Seren Yn Codi is the breathtaking newly built indoor ceremony space at Gellifawr. With huge windows and light beams, it’s an airy, romantic space, and thanks to its elevation has gorgeous views across the Gwaun Valley.

Landscaped gardens and pond

Being close to nature is at the heart of Gellifawr’s offering, and with this in mind the grounds are your oyster. During your portrait session, we can stroll through the landscaped gardens and alongside the beautiful ponds.

Terrace outdoor reception space

And, of course: how could I forget the outdoor reception space? If you’re lucky with the weather, you can opt to have your full Gellifwar wedding outdoors, if you wish. That’s because the terrace comes with a canopy, a fire pit, and your own private outside bar.

Accommodation

As well as plenty of wonderful spaces to get married and celebrate in, Gellifawr offers a number of spaces for your guests to stay in comfort and style too.

The Main House

As well as a roaring log fire and bar, the main country house has seven en-suite bedrooms that ooze relaxed grandeur. There are also a couple of communal spaces, which are perfect for hosting smaller events the night before.

The cottages

Alternatively they also have 15 cottages onsite, all finished with flat screen TVs and cosy log fires for heavenly stays.

Why I love Gellifawr Weddings as a Pembrokeshire wedding photographer

As a Pembrokeshire wedding photographer, Gellifawr weddings will always have a special place in my heart. It’s truly such a gorgeous venue inside and out – and by that I mean in both aesthetic and feeling, as well as indoors and outdoors!

A totally relaxed wedding vibe

This means that as well as the backdrop of your photos being the best they can be, you’ll be at your very best too. That’s because your very best = your most you, and Gellifawr’s flexibility means that can happen easily, just as you want.

An incredible team

The Gellifawr wedding team, and the wider venue staff too, are the best people to have on your team whilst you’re planning your day. Emily and the team go over and above to make sure your day is exactly as you want it to be, whilst still maintaining a relaxed vibe that keeps stress to a minimum. 

Delicious food and drink

With a focus on locally sourced produce, the food and drink at Gellifawr is out of this world. Opt for one of their curated menus, or work with head chef Dave to put together something bespoke (from recreating Mamgu’s traditional welsh cakes to a nine course Italian menu!)

Plenty of space at Gellifawr Woodland Retreat

Despite feeling so intimate and secret, Gellifawr is really spacious and airy. The light is beautiful, with options for both full sun or shade photography-wise, and there are plenty of places for people to sit around and enjoy themselves, either close to the bar or close to the dance floor. 

Another thing I love about Gellifawr weddings is that they have space for both of you to get ready. So often venues prioritise just one getting ready room – which they automatically often call the Bridal Suite – but here, there are two, purposeful rooms for both parties to get ready. This means no-one is stuck getting ready in their bedroom! 

Planning a Gellifawr Woodland Retreat wedding?

If you’ve fallen head-over-heels with the idea of a Gellifawr wedding and are looking for a relaxed, fun wedding photographer to capture it in all of its glory, I’d love to chat. I’m lucky enough to have shot a few weddings there now so I know it well, but still look forward to finding something new every time! You can get in touch to tell me all about your plans, and check availability, here. 

(Looking to get married somewhere else? I’d still love to hear all about it!)