Caerphilly Castle: A Wedding Venue in Caerphilly, South Wales
The south side of Caerphilly Castle: The venue takes wedding bookings year-round except for January.
One of South Wales’ top wedding venues, Caerphilly Castle is located in the small market town of Caerphilly, a few miles north of Cardiff. It is an impressive focal point of the town and holds the largest castle’s accolade in Wales. It’s the second largest in the UK (Windsor being the first).
As a Wedding Venue: Surrounded by a large moat and with its 14th century Great Hall, Caerphilly Castle is a must-have wedding venue for couples who want something just that little extra special on their wedding day. The venue opens for wedding bookings most of the year but the month of January is the exception when the Great Hall closes.
View My Prices>> Caerphilly & South Wales Wedding Photography Prices
The Great Hall is immediately striking in it’s the grandeur and sense of history.
It seats up to 200 people, although for very formal occasions, the advice is for a maximum of 150.
Once the venue books a wedding, the couple may organise their catering service. Rare for a venue like this but very cost-effective.
The Leaning Tower leans at a more exaggerated angle than the Leaning Tower of Pisa! There is now a large sculpture of a man holding the wall up – cue some daft wedding shots!
Really Excellent Service…
Guy photographed our wedding at Caerphilly Castle – he was very helpful and flexible. On the day he was not at all intrusive and took wonderful photos – they were ready for us in just a few days. Really excellent service!
– Morgan & Tom
Wedding Photography at Caerphilly Castle
Happily, the presence of your wedding photographer is positively encouraged at the castle.
The venue allows the couple and their photographer access to any public areas for photographs and portraits. With the numerous rooms and features - I love the fireplaces - there is infinite scope for the photographer to take a great set of wedding photographs.
These complement any natural shots taken at the ceremony and the Great Hall during the wedding breakfast.
Two large wooden thrones are available for the couple to sit on throughout the meal - this, however, is optional and I have known some couples politely decline! As a wedding photographer though, I find the idea of photographing newly-weds on their thrones in the Great Hall of a medieval fort rather fun!
**Please note: The Cadw website states that Caerphilly Castle is no longer taking bookings until further notice for 'developmental reasons'.**
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Caerphilly Castle - A Potted History:
- The first record of a settlement on the site was in AD75 when the Romans built a fort there.
- However, it wasn't until 1268 when Gilbert de Clare, Lord of Glamorgan started building his castle that the settlement's future development into the town of Caerphilly was determined.
- The castle was only briefly used for the purpose it was designed for (as a defence against Llywelyn ap Gruffydd - Llywelyn The Last). King Henry III mediated in the dispute and sent a bishop to take control of the castle.
- De Clare quickly took back control, but Llywelyn fell out of favour, with the King, stripping him of his Lordship. It left de Clare with less need for such a strong fortress. Instead, he used it mainly as a family home.
- In 1326, Edward II briefly sought refuge in the castle from the army of his wife, Isabella. He ultimately met his end the year after in Berkeley Castle.
- It was primarily vacated by the 15th century.
- After the Civil War, the Roundhead army of Oliver Cromwell reputedly tried to blow it up with gunpowder, which may have resulted in the Leaning Tower. What a shame there wasn't a photographer around at the time to document the occasion! Other theories as to why the Tower leans include subsidence when draining of the lake took place. Subsequent removal of stone to build additional properties resulted in further dilapidation of the castle.
- Eventually, the medieval enthusiast the Third Marquess of Bute started restoration on the site in the late 19th century.
- In 1950, the 5th Marquess gave the castle to the state. So now the Welsh heritage trust Cadw manage the site in trust for future generations to enjoy.
Inside the castle walls, there are many historical backdrops for your group wedding portraits
The Caerphilly Castle Wedding Package Includes:
- The Great Hall with kitchen for your caterers to use.
- Bar area for the use of wedding guests throughout the reception.
- Up to 180 chairs for seated guests around 23 round tables.
- Access to all public areas available for wedding photography.
Shot from the north side: the wall looks very rural but is adjacent to the town centre. What a fantastic spot for some of your Caerphilly Castle wedding photography!
Also, Consider>> Penallta House for Your Wedding Ceremony.
Seagulls circle above and around Caerphilly Castle's imposing Main Gatehouse during a winter snowstorm: Imagine having your wedding portraits in front of there - minus the snow - probably!
The side aspect of the Castle and bridge shot from the south-west.
Caerphilly Castle,
Castle St,
Caerphilly.
CF83 1JD.
