The Best Wedding Photo Locations in and Around Cardiff
- Shawn Eastman
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Planning your wedding photography is such an exciting part of the big day - and as a professional wedding photographer based near Cardiff, I’m often asked: “Where are the best places for wedding photos around Cardiff?”
The truth is, South Wales is absolutely bursting with stunning backdrops, from dramatic castles to romantic parks, and breath-taking coastal views. Whether you’re dreaming of timeless elegance, fairy-tale vibes, or something natural and relaxed, Cardiff and its surroundings have you covered - no matter where in or near the city you choose your wedding venue.
In this guide, I’ll share a few of my favourite Cardiff wedding photo locations - plus insider tips to make your photo session smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable!
Table of Contents
Why Cardiff and South Wales Are Perfect for Wedding Photography
Cardiff and its nearby areas offer a fantastic mix of historic architecture, lush gardens, rugged coastlines, and urban cityscapes - all within a short drive. It's this variety that makes it one of my absolute favourite places to capture weddings!
Some reasons couples love choosing Cardiff for their wedding photo shoot locations:
Huge variety of landscapes within 20 minutes of each other
Beautiful spots for all seasons (whether it’s a summer wedding or a cosy winter celebration)
Iconic Welsh landmarks and hidden gems for more personalised photos
Easier logistics for city weddings with stunning locations nearby for portraits
The Best Wedding Photo Locations in Cardiff and Beyond
Below, I’ve rounded up the most picture-perfect locations for Cardiff wedding photos, including well-known favourites and secret local spots!
Cardiff Castle
📍 Location: Cardiff city centre
There’s something truly magical about having Cardiff Castle as your backdrop. With its medieval walls, Gothic towers, and leafy surroundings, it’s perfect for both grand formal shots and more relaxed, romantic portraits.
Top Tip: Consider taking some late afternoon shots here - the light filtering through the trees and stonework creates pure magic.
Bute Park
📍 Location: Next to Cardiff Castle
For a beautiful natural backdrop right in the heart of the city, Bute Park is hard to beat. The river, sweeping lawns, secret gardens, and ancient trees give you a dreamy woodland feel just steps from your venue.
Best Season: Spring and autumn are breath-taking here - think cherry blossom or golden leaves!
Roath Park & Roath Lake
📍 Location: North Cardiff
Roath Park is a classic Cardiff gem with its historic lighthouse, serene lake, rose gardens, and pretty footbridges. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed, timeless look to your wedding portraits.
Photography Tip: The lakeside shots at golden hour? Absolutely stunning!
Castell Coch
📍 Location: Tongwynlais, just outside Cardiff
Often called the "Fairy-tale Castle", Castell Coch offers enchanting red stone turrets set amongst dense forest. It’s the perfect location for couples wanting a real "storybook" wedding vibe.
Important to Note: You usually need permission for professional photography here - worth checking ahead.
Penarth Pier
📍 Location: Penarth, south of Cardiff
Fancy a few coastal shots without venturing too far? Penarth Pier is an iconic spot, offering charming Victorian architecture and sweeping sea views. Perfect for romantic, windswept portraits!
Bonus: Penarth Esplanade nearby gives you even more variety for your wedding photos.
Llandaff Cathedral
📍 Location: Llandaff, Cardiff
For a beautiful historic and religious backdrop, Llandaff Cathedral is spectacular. The surrounding village streets are also wonderfully quaint for candid walking shots.
Golden Tip: Sunset peeking through the cathedral’s stained glass? A photographer’s dream!
St Fagans National Museum of History
📍 Location: Just west of Cardiff
St Fagans National Museum of History is a stunning open-air museum that has historic buildings, lush gardens, and woodland paths - endless possibilities for diverse and charming wedding shots. A real hidden gem!
Important: A permit is needed for professional shoots - but it's well worth arranging!
Ideal Locations Table for Quick Reference
Here’s a quick overview of the best wedding photo locations in Cardiff and South Wales, the style they offer, and why they’re so perfect:
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photo Location
When picking your wedding shoot location around Cardiff:
Think about your style: Classic, modern, rustic, fairy-tale, natural?
Consider logistics: How far is it from your venue?
Check permits: Some locations require advance permission.
Time it right: Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives the most beautiful light!
My Final Thoughts
Wherever you choose, the most important thing is that the location feels meaningful and natural to you. It’s my job as your photographer to make the most of the setting, capture genuine moments, and create beautiful memories you’ll treasure forever. This is just a tiny snippet of the wedding photo locations available across Cardiff and surrounding areas of South Wales - if truth be known, the full list is exhaustive!
If you’d like to chat about finding your dream wedding photo locations around Cardiff, get in touch - I’d love to hear all about your plans!
