A BEAUTIFUL MEADOW

Tie the knot in a glorious garden

PENCOED HOUSE ESTATE, CF5 6JR

02921 678 090 www.pencoedhouseestate.co.uk

Pencoed House Estate is an idyllic property situated at the end of a tree-lined driveway and majestic arched entranceway. The 36 acres of grounds encompass well-groomed lawns, fl owers, shrubbery, a babbling brook, a play area and ancient woodland. If you’re lucky, you may even come across wild rabbits, squirrels, birds and the resident ducks.

The main house dates back to 979AD and was used as a monastery. Throughout the years, there have been plenty of residents, including a member of parliament, sheriffs of the county, ministers of the church, the King of Glamorgan and legend even dictates that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere lived there.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Boasting original stone walls, the stately Old Hall has a striking vaulted ceiling, wooden beams, a roaring log fi re and room for 120 guests throughout the day. Adjacent to the hall is the Woodland Bar, a cosy self-contained bar which serves as the perfect location for pre and postwedding drinks.

There are two outside reception spaces available that can each seat 40 loved ones.

WE LOVE... The happy couple will receive a wine tasting session, complimentary services of a wedding coordinator, staff to manage all guest parking on the day and carefully selected caterers.

www.darrenthomasphotography.com www.darrenthomasphotography.com

BRYNGARW HOUSE, CF32 8UU

01656 729 009 | www.bryngarwhouse.com

Combining country house charm and character with modern elegance, Bryngarw House is a beautiful property within 113 acres of parkland. Whether you’re looking to exchange your vows in the classic French-styled Traherne Suite or host your wedding breakfast in the spacious marquee, the all-inclusive packages have been designed to make planning every aspect of your big day as easy and stress-free as possible. Just a few minutes drive from the M4, the house is easily accessible yet feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

There are 18 en-suite bedrooms for the wedding party and guests, a sweeping staircase that looks stunning when adorned with fl owers, a private space for the groom to prepare for the big day and a dressing room for the bride. Outside is an ornamental bridge, oriental style tea house and exquisite display of trees, plants and fl owers.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE The Treharne Suite, a French antique styled ceremony room fl ooded with natural light from the fl oor-to-ceiling windows and stunning chandeliers, can accommodate 120 guests.

Overlooking the lawns and decorated with glistening chandeliers and Chesterfi eld chairs is the Conservatory where the canapés and drinks reception will take place.

The wedding breakfast and evening celebration are held in the permanent marquee. This solid structure has elegant drapes, a large bar and a twinkling dancefl oor with space for 250 guests.

WE LOVE... The venue offers couples a complimentary tasting evening and a honeymoon suite on the night of the wedding.

TALL JOHN’S WEDDINGS, LD3 7PX

01239 821 143 | www.talljohns.wedding

The manor house is set within exquisite private grounds with fi ne lawns, mature trees and exceptional views across the valley. The working walled garden is complete with a lovers rose bower, a silver birch bower, a double swing hanging from a beech tree and rose climbers.

The restored Welsh barn looks across the Black Mountains with an enchanting courtyard and a wooden gazebo that can be decorated with fl owers and covered in Perspex if the weather is unkind. There are also wooden benches, stone seating and olive trees in barrels that look beautiful in photographs. Inside the barn are plentiful electric points, underfl oor heating, insulation, hard fl oors, integral toilets and a catering area.

Guests will love the on-site accommodation. Included in the venue hire is two nights in the Honeysuckle Cottage, which sleeps eight people on a selfcatering basis, and the couple will be able to spend the wedding night in The Coachmans. The house is also available for up to 20 guests on a staffed basis, with breakfast included.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Civil or humanist ceremonies take place in the wooden gazebo in the garden with optional steps to the natural grassed stage where the bride and groom are in full view of the guests.

The barn is licensed for 160 people and is ideal for a big reception with a bar and dancing.

Alternatively, the gorgeous split level Granary with its canopied beams and light stone fl oor can hold 80 guests downstairs, but some friends and family can also stand in the gallery above.

Intimate services are held in the Drawing Room, inside the manor house, with up to 20 nearest and dearest.

www.ramphoto.co.uk

MANOR PARC, CF14 9UA

02920 693 723 | www.manorparc.com

Manor Parc is an independent family-run venue built before 1850. Known as a country manor house called Y Parc, the property was renamed in 1984 and transformed into the current establishment. Outside are terraces, a new seating area, balconies, gardens and Cedar trees alongside 200 free car parking spaces. Inside there are 21 bedrooms available at a discounted rate for guests, an impressive staircase and original oak fl ooring. CELEBRATE IN STYLE Couples can tie the knot in The Orangerie. Boasting a glass-domed ceiling and patio doors that open onto the grounds, this space can hold 110 guests for the ceremony, 80 for the wedding breakfast and 110 in the evening.

Alternatively, The Cedar Room, benefi ting from two large bay windows that overlook the two Cedar trees, can accommodate 110 loved ones throughout the day and 160 for the reception.

WE LOVE... Newlyweds will have access to a suite on the night of the wedding and a discounted rate for the night before.

www.joeclarkphotography.co.uk

ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND DRAMA, CF10 3ER

02920 391 440 | www.rwcmd.ac.uk

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama sits in the heart of Cardiff’s city centre and is surrounded by white Portland-stone 19th century civic buildings on one side and the grounds of the magnifi cent Cardiff Castle on the other. Situated at the end of an impressive tree-lined avenue, guests will arrive from within Bute Park with the castle in view. This entrance can accommodate traditional wedding cars, tuk tuks or horses and carts. The park is situated on the river, which runs down to Cardiff Bay, so it’s possible to have a water taxi bring the bride and groom to and from the wedding.

The college is made up of two buildings encompassing both historic and contemporary styles. The Anthony Hopkins centre is the original Cardiff Castle Stables and boasts a historic open-air courtyard. In addition, the contemporary glass-walled entrance hall and open-air terrace overlooking the Grade I listed Bute Park, create a stunning backdrop for those allimportant photographs. CELEBRATE IN STYLE The Anthony Hopkins Centre has two elegant rooms that are available for ceremonies, one can seat 85 guests, and the other can hold 60.

The World-Class Concert Hall can accommodate up to 250 loved ones, and the Richard Burton Theatre has room for 130.

Intimate receptions take place in the stables with 50 nearest and dearest, and large celebrations are held in the glass-walled entrance hall and openair terrace with 200 friends and family.

Up to 300 people can dance the night away in the glass-wall atrium, which has a fully-stocked and licensed bar as well as a dancing area, cloakroom and bridge decorated with fairylights.