Thinking about eloping in Pembrokeshire? Good. It is one of the best decisions you can make. No stress, no expectations, no performing for a room full of people. Just the two of you, the coastline, and a day that is completely yours.

This is everything you need to know. From the legal bit to the best spots, the best venues, and what it is actually like to spend a day together on your day.

Your day, your way

Deciding to elope is one of the most freeing things you can do. You strip the wedding back to what actually matters and do it exactly the way you want it.

In Wales you’ll need a registered venue for the legal ceremony, but that’s the easy part. Most couples keep that bit simple and small, then head out into the landscape for the part that really feels like theirs. A clifftop, a beach, a quiet stretch of the coast path. They go for a pint, have bubbles and brownies on the beach, make a whole day of it.

Modern elopements don’t have to mean disappearing entirely either. Plenty of couples bring a handful of the people who matter most, keeping it intimate, intentional, and completely on their own terms.

And if you’d rather deal with the legal side on a completely different day, the world is your oyster. A personal ceremony anywhere you like. A clifftop, a beach, a field, a favourite spot on the coast path, someone’s garden, a bloody garden shed. Wherever feels like you.

The legal bit — your options in Pembrokeshire

Right, let’s talk legals. It’s actually a lot simpler than most people think.

Registry office

Give notice at least 28 days before your date, turn up, say the legal words, sign the bit of paper. That’s it. It can be just the two of you and two witnesses — the whole thing takes about twenty minutes. The Pembrokeshire register office is at Pembrokeshire Archives in Haverfordwest. Everything you need to know is here: pembrokeshire.gov.uk/marriages-and-civil-partnerships

One thing worth knowing — registrars charge more on Sundays. Midweek or Saturday is usually the sweet spot.

Approved venue

If you want the legal bit to feel like more of an occasion, Pembrokeshire has over 50 approved venues where a registrar will come to you. Castles, coastal hotels, woodland retreats — the full list is here: approved venues Pembrokeshire

Celebrant ceremony

This is where it gets good. A celebrant can take you absolutely anywhere — a clifftop, a beach, the Preseli hills, a favourite cove that means something to you both. Completely personal vows, no venue restrictions, no rules. The only thing is that a celebrant ceremony isn’t legally recognised in Wales yet, so you’d still need to visit a registry office at some point. Most couples do that bit quietly on a different day and then have their real day however they want. I recommend – https://heartofpembrokeshireceremonies.co.uk/ https://serencelebrants.com/

Dual ceremony

Worth knowing — Pembrokeshire Council actually offer a dual ceremony option. A celebrant-led celebration, wherever you choose, combined with a simple legal registration in their ceremony room. Both done in one day. Drop them an email at ceremonies@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or call 01437 775176 and ask about it.

How I photograph an elopement

As a Pembrokeshire elopement photographer, I know how much fun and such an honour it is to be part of. When it’s just the two of you everything is real. Just you, the landscape, and whatever the day brings.

But to be honest, if it’s just the two of you, you’re going to know I’m there. This isn’t a big wedding where I can disappear into the crowd. On an elopement I’m part of your day, just like your registrar or your witness. We’re in it together.

Which means finding a photographer you actually want to spend the day with matters. Someone whose company you enjoy, who makes you feel relaxed, and who you’d be happy spending a few hours on a Pembrokeshire clifftop with.

I like to think that’s me, but you should get that feeling yourself before you book. That’s why I always suggest a chat before anything else.

On the day I’m relaxed and responsive. I’m watching, moving, and waiting for the real moments. But if the light is doing something brilliant or I know a spot that’ll make a great photograph, I’ll say so. I direct just enough to get the best out of the day without it ever feeling staged.

Where to elope in Pembrokeshire

If you want to be legally married on the day, you’ll need a registered venue, but that doesn’t mean compromising on atmosphere. In Pembrokeshire, you’re spoilt for choice, from castles and cliff tops to venues built specifically for couples who want something small and intentional.

Nantwen

Tucked away at the end of a private track near Newport, Nantwen is one of the only venues in Wales built entirely around elopements. It’s an approved civil marriage venue within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Meadows, woodland, and mountain views on the doorstep. They’ll even provide witnesses if it’s just the two of you, and if I am the elopement photographer, then I will be the other witness.

Nolton Coast

A 400-acre working farm perched on the clifftops above Drewisdton beach, with views of the endless sea. Whether you’re planning a quiet elopement or a small gathering, the setting does most of the work. Nolton Coast: The kind of place that feels wild and genuinely Pembrokeshire.

Manorbier Castle

A 12th-century castle sitting right next to the sea, with a chapel, vaulted rooms, and gardens that are hard to beat for drama and atmosphere. If you want history and coastline in the same frame, Manorbier delivers both.

Twr y Felin, St Davids

A converted 1806 windmill in the heart of St Davids, now Wales’ first contemporary art hotel. For an elopement it’s just the two of you in the Windmill Tower Suite — a three floor space with its own observatory and 360 degree views across the St Davids peninsula, out to Skomer, Grassholm and Ramsey on a clear day. Twr y Felin Ceremony, champagne, and a three course dinner in Blas restaurant all in one place. As far as elopement venues go, it’s pretty hard to beat, and it’s literally five minutes from the coast path and my house!!

Hilton Court, Roch

An approved civil ceremony venue near Roch with woodland, lily-filled ponds, a tropical glass dome, and sea views across St Brides Bay. Hilton Court Gardens. You can legally marry pretty much anywhere within the grounds — by the pond, in the woodland, inside the dome. It’s got a completely different feel to the coastal venues, wilder and more tucked away, and the photography opportunities are genuinely brilliant.

Penally Abbey Hotel

A beautiful coastal hotel near Tenby with a dedicated elopement offering, offers ceremonies in their private courtyard or on the grounds, with up to six guests welcome alongside you. Penally Abbey. It’s on my list of places I’m genuinely keen to shoot. It looks extraordinary, and the setting feels properly special.

Why Pembrokeshire

I grew up here, spent time living and travelling elsewhere, and then chose to come back. Seeing it again with fresh eyes made me realise just how much variety there is in this place. Wild coast, hills, woodland, open countryside, all constantly changing with the light and the seasons.

The coast is where I feel most at home. Calm and wild at the same time, and I love it just as much in grey January as I do in bright August.

Local knowledge really matters here. Knowing how the landscape and weather behave, where the light works best, and when to lean into the elements rather than fight them can make all the difference. I also know where to get the best coffee, which frankly is equally important.

If you’re here, it’s probably because you feel the same way about this place. You’re choosing Pembrokeshire for the landscape and the feeling it gives you.

If that’s the case, I’d love to be your Pembrokeshire elopement photographer and guide.

Everything you need to know about eloping in Pembrokeshire

Can we legally elope in Pembrokeshire?

Yep, you’ll need to give notice at your local register office at least 28 days before the date, and your ceremony needs to take place at an approved venue. There are plenty of brilliant registered venues across Pembrokeshire to choose from. FYI, registrars charge LOADS more on Sundays, but venue charges less.

Do we have to get married on the same day as our photos?

Absolutely not. Lots of couples choose to do the legal bit quietly at a registry office and then have their elopement day, the adventure, the coastline, the photographs completely separately OR not…. There are no rules here.

How many people can come to an elopement?

As many or as few as you like. Some of my couples are just the two of them. Others bring a handful of family or close friends. It’s your day — the whole point is that you get to decide.

Where are the best spots for elopement photos in Pembrokeshire?

Honestly, you’re spoilt for choice, this is why I love being a Pembrokeshire elopement photographer (apparently I need to say Pembrokeshire elopement photographer that 5 times in the bloody blog). Barafundle Bay, Strumble Head, the coast path near St Davids, Marloes Sands, Newport. The list goes on. I know this coastline well, and I’m happy to help you find the right spot for your day.

What time of year is best for a Pembrokeshire elopement?

Every season has something going for it. Summer gives you long golden evenings. Autumn brings dramatic skies and rich colours. Winter on the Pembrokeshire coast is raw and wild and genuinely stunning. Spring is quietly beautiful. I shoot all year round.

Do you travel outside Pembrokeshire?

Yes, I’m in St Davids as a Pembrokeshire elopement photographer, but I cover all of Wales and beyond. If you’ve got somewhere specific in mind, get in touch, and we’ll make it work.

How do we book?

Fill in the enquiry form on this page and tell me a bit about what you’re planning, I’ll check the calendar and get back to you within 48 hours.

Ready to elope in Pembrokeshire?

If you’re looking for a Pembrokeshire elopement photographer who knows this coastline and will make the day feel genuinely easy, you’re in the right place.

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