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Some of my favourite intimate wedding venues in North Wales

As a wedding photographer in North Wales and Cheshire, I’ve had the privilege of capturing weddings in some of the most breathtaking venues in the area. For couples dreaming of a romantic, intimate wedding, North Wales offers an array of stunning settings, each with its own unique charm. Here are some of my favourite wedding venues that are perfect for an unforgettable small-scale celebration.

Soughton Hall- North Wales/Cheshire border


Nestled on the border of Cheshire and North Wales, Soughton Hall is a stunning Georgian country house brimming with charm and elegance. This exclusive-use venue offers couples a truly intimate setting, with grand yet welcoming interiors, beautifully manicured gardens, and a sense of seclusion that makes every wedding feel extra special. Soughton Hall boasts sweeping staircases, chandeliers, and period features, creating an unforgettable backdrop for romantic wedding photography. Outside, the picturesque grounds and tree-lined driveway offer endless opportunities for couples’ portraits.

Whether you’re exchanging vows in the atmospheric dining room or celebrating under a marquee in the gardens, Soughton Hall is a perfect choice if you’re seeking a sophisticated yet cosy wedding venue in North Wales.

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Ruthin Castle, North Wales

If you’re looking for a wedding venue with history, grandeur, and romance, Ruthin Castle is a dream come true. Nestled in the heart of Denbighshire, this 13th-century castle exudes old-world charm and elegance. The intimate indoor spaces, with their grand fireplaces and stone walls, create an atmospheric setting for exchanging vows. Outside, the lush gardens and castle ruins provide the perfect backdrop for romantic wedding portraits, making every shot look like something out of a fairytale.

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Tower Hill Barns, North Wales

For those who love a rustic yet elegant setting, Tower Hill Barns offers a stunning blend of countryside charm and modern luxury. Set against the rolling Welsh hills, this venue features beautifully restored barns, exposed brickwork, and oak beams that create a cosy, intimate feel. The outdoor ceremony space, complete with a charming railway bridge, provides a unique and picturesque spot for saying “I do.” The warm, golden light at sunset makes for some truly magical couples’ portraits.

Château Rhianfa, North Wales

Perched on the banks of the Menai Strait, Château Rhianfa is a fairytale French-inspired chateau that’s perfect for an intimate wedding. The stunning architecture, elegant interiors, and breathtaking views of Snowdonia make it an incredible location for romantic wedding photography. Whether it’s an intimate indoor ceremony in the opulent drawing room or an outdoor celebration with the sea as your backdrop, this venue offers endless opportunities for capturing beautiful, timeless moments.

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Tyn Dwr Hall, North Wales

 

Tyn Dwr Hall is a hidden gem in North Wales, offering a stunning woodland setting with a touch of luxury. The historic mansion, set amongst private gardens and ancient woodlands, creates a magical and intimate atmosphere for weddings. Whether it’s a candlelit ceremony in the grand hall or a romantic photoshoot by the cascading waterfall, this venue is a dream location for couples who want a fairytale setting for their special day.

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The Quay Hotel, Deganwy

For couples who love coastal romance, The Quay Hotel in Deganwy is the ideal choice. Overlooking the Conwy Estuary, this stylish and intimate venue offers breathtaking sea views, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed yet elegant wedding. One of the highlights of choosing this venue is the opportunity for a stunning couples’ photoshoot on the nearby beach: just imagine capturing those romantic moments with the golden sand and rolling waves as your backdrop.

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Wedding photographer North Wales

Intimate weddings allow for a deeper focus on personal moments, and North Wales has some of the most beautiful settings to make those moments truly special. Whether you dream of saying your vows in a historic castle, a cosy barn, or a seaside retreat, these venues offer the perfect blend of romance and character. As a wedding photographer in North Wales, I love capturing the unique beauty of each couple’s story in these stunning locations.

If you’re planning an intimate wedding in North Wales and want a wedding photographer who understands how to make the most of these breathtaking venues, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch today to discuss your plans.

My top intimate Cheshire wedding venues

Over the past few years, intimate and ‘micro’ weddings have become more and more popular. Many couples are choosing smaller celebrations with their closest friends and family, focusing on quality over quantity. An intimate wedding allows for a more personal and meaningful experience, with fewer distractions and more time to enjoy each special moment.

What makes the perfect intimate wedding venue?

When planning a small wedding, the venue is key. In my experience as a wedding photographer, the best intimate wedding venues offer:

  • A warm and inviting atmosphere
  • Beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces
  • Flexible options for seating and dining
  • A sense of exclusivity, allowing couples to truly make the space their own

Smaller venues often allow for more creativity with décor, personalised touches, and the ability to spend quality time with every guest.

Why wedding photographers love intimate weddings

As a wedding photographer, I love capturing intimate weddings because they provide a relaxed and emotional setting. With fewer guests, couples often feel less pressure, leading to more natural and heartfelt moments. The connections between the couple and their guests shine through, creating stunning, candid images. Additionally, smaller venues often have charming details and unique lighting that make for beautiful wedding photography.

Top intimate wedding venues in Cheshire

I’m lucky to have been a wedding photographer in Cheshire for around 20 years, and have worked at the majority of Cheshire’s beautiful wedding venues. If you’re looking for a stunning yet intimate wedding venue in Cheshire, here are some of my favourites…

1. The Little Fox, Thornton Hough

Nestled in the charming Cheshire village of Thornton Hough, The Little Fox is a cosy and stylish venue perfect for small weddings. The rustic interiors, open fireplaces, and twinkling fairy lights create a romantic and intimate setting. With a dedicated events team and delicious dining options, this venue is perfect for a relaxed yet elegant wedding celebration.

2. Colshaw Hall, Cheshire

For couples wanting a touch of luxury, Colshaw Hall offers a stunning yet intimate experience. While the venue itself can host larger weddings, its Stables and Japanese-style gardens provide the perfect setting for smaller celebrations. With exclusive use available, you can create a private and magical atmosphere tailored to your vision.

3. Cock O’ Barton, Cheshire

This stylish country pub in Cheshire is ideal for couples who want a relaxed, informal wedding with plenty of character. Cock O’ Barton combines contemporary design with rustic charm, offering intimate spaces and a warm ambience. The food is fantastic, and the cosy setting ensures a truly personal and memorable day.

4. Abbeywood Estate, Cheshire

Surrounded by lush gardens and scenic countryside, Abbeywood Estate is a dream venue for nature-loving couples. The Glasshouse provides an airy and elegant space for small ceremonies, while the beautiful gardens offer endless photo opportunities. It’s an idyllic spot for a tranquil, intimate wedding with a touch of natural beauty.

Wedding photography in Cheshire

If you’re considering an intimate wedding in Cheshire, these venues offer the perfect mix of charm, character, and exclusivity. As a wedding photographer in Cheshire, I love capturing the beauty and emotion of small weddings in these incredible settings.

If you’d like to discuss your wedding photography, feel free to get in touch: I’d love to help capture your special day!

A wedding photographer’s guide to capturing the perfect ‘getting ready’ photos

The ‘getting ready’ part of a wedding day is full of excitement, anticipation, and beautiful candid moments. It’s a time of bonding, laughter, and those last few quiet moments before the day’s whirlwind truly begins. As a wedding photographer, I love capturing this part of the day. It’s a privilege to be with the bridal party- and sometimes the groomsmen- during this exciting and emotional part of the day. For me, the ‘getting ready’ time is about storytelling: documenting not just how everything looks, but how it feels.

Here’s my guide on how to create stunning, natural, and emotive ‘getting ready’ wedding photography that your couple will cherish forever…

 

1. Capture the dress, shoes and accessories before the bride puts them on

This is a great tip and something I love to do! Before the bride steps into her dress, take time to photograph the key details: her gown, shoes, jewellery, bouquet, and other accessories. These are sentimental items carefully chosen for the day, and capturing them beautifully will help tell the full story.

I always make sure that I hang the dress in a well-lit spot, such as a window, or even outside in the trees for a whimsical touch.

I’ll then lay out accessories elegantly on a table to create a luxurious, editorial feel.

Paying attention to textures, soft lighting, and composition all contributes to elegant images that act as a lovely memento of what the bride wore on the day.

 

2. Capture the little ones in the bridal party

Some of my very favourite shots are of flower girls and little bridesmaids! As well as being adorable, little ones can provide some very amusing photography moments!

If there are flower girls or little bridesmaids in the bridal party, they will add an extra layer of charm to the ‘getting ready’ shots. Photographing the bride, her bridesmaids, or family members helping them get dressed creates heartwarming, natural moments.

I love to capture playful moments with the flower girls twirling in their dresses or giggling.  It’s also lovely to capture the bride interacting with them, whether it’s fixing their shoes, adjusting a flower crown, or sharing a hug.

As a wedding photographer, I always keep an eye out for candid expressions: children often bring spontaneity and joy to these moments.

The bride looking in the mirror while her flower girl gets dressed

 

3. Group shots of the bridal party

The bridal party plays a huge role in the getting-ready preparations, offering support, laughter, and sometimes a few happy tears. Documenting their reactions and interactions makes for incredible storytelling.

I always enjoy taking photos during hair and makeup: soft, natural lighting works beautifully in these settings and I’ve captured truly beautiful shots of brides having their make up done. 

I also love to capture the moment that the bridesmaids see the bride in her dress for the first time: these reactions are often priceless and always really moving.



4. Make use of the surroundings

A well-framed image can transform a simple moment into something cinematic. I love to get creative in my photography, and I see the getting-ready space as a way to do this. For example, photographing the bride looking out of a window, lost in thought, is a perfect shot that captures anticipation.

I also like to use mirrors for interesting compositions, reflecting moments of final touches or last-minute adjustments.

I also like to incorporate natural light, shadows, and leading lines into my wedding photography, to enhance the mood of the shots.

 

Iscoyd Park Wedding Photographer

Wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales

The ‘getting ready’ part of the wedding day is a goldmine for genuine, emotional, and beautiful images. By focusing on details, emotions, and the surroundings, you can create a stunning visual story that the couple will look back on fondly for years to come.

I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Cheshire, North Wales, and Chester. If you’d like to discuss your wedding plans, get in touch: I would love to chat about ideas for your day.