Oddwalls Leisure Wedding Venue, Gower.Wedding Venue Review

As you can see Oddwalls Leisure certainly has an enviably beautiful location! There's a whole series of small lakes behind the main complex with views to the common and hills beyond. There isn't anything else in the Swansea area that can complete on the beauty stakes. There are a series of cottages around a small courtyard, down a short lane from the main north Gower Road. There is also The Oak Room - a handsome oak-framed, pointed arch room ideal for a wedding breakfast. An adjoining marquee is provided for  larger receptions and evening events, large enough to contain a band if you so wish. Nearby Llanrhidian Church is as old as they come around here - it even has a 9th century carved stone in the doorway, known as the Lepers Stone. The church also has an enviable position looking out over the Lougher Estuary towards Bury Port and a couple of standing stones framing the path across the village green.

Upside.

• Small enough for the cottages to be block booked by the family and a few friends (maybe) which makes for an intimate location. 
• Helpful and conscientious staff
• Beautiful location 
• Attractive dinning room 
• Top quality marquee

Downside.

• Drainage of the grounds seemed to be a bit of an issue on the day I was there. To be fair this was at the end of October and it had poured down the night before. But it was both muddy and puddly getting to the lake for the above shot and little better in the immediate grounds.
• Much of the lake is fenced (for safety) but the wood and in places wire fence doesn't make a great backdrop for your wedding photos. 

What if you have wet weather?

This is always a tricky question and it's usually one of the first issues I'll discuss with my clients. The Oak Room is quite spacious and very attractive so there'd be space and light to get some poses for the bride and groom. It might be a bit more tricky if it's laid out for dining as the space would be tight for anything except smaller groups. If you have a marquee then there'll be much more space, but as with the oak room if it's laid out for dining larger groups would be difficult.

Insider knowledge.

Save some time to visit Weobley Castle, it's just around the corner, has grand views over the estuary. You know it would make a great spot for some photos. 

Conclusions.

Overall a really good place, a bit more paving and / or drainage might help, but that shouldn't be a problem in normal Summer weddings, but you know this is Wales!

If you'd like to see some more photos a wedding at Oddwalls Leisure or to book me as your phtotographger then take a look at http://www.cardiff-weddingphotographer.com/

Rob Hudson