Cardiff Castle. Wedding Venue Review

Yes, you really can indulge all your Rapunzel fantasies and be rescued from the tower by a handsome prince! Or at least by your husband to be. Cardiff Castle, although dating from the Romans the walls and keep are a mostly Norman construction, but is perhaps best known for the fertile imaginations of the 3rd Marquis of Bute and his architect William Burges who built an elaborate house based on a fantasy version of the Middle Ages. That's not to say this is any Disney like confection, this was the arts and crafts movement in full swing with influences from Pre-Raphaelites abounding, Bute was also reputedly the richest person in Europe at the time (remodelling started in 1865) so no expense was spared. Outside is all towers and spires while the interior is a staggering  mix of carving, glass and colour.

Not only do you have the run of the house, but also the castle grounds, a substantial area within the walls and a huge parkland beyond which would be ideal for more photos. There are two rooms to choose from the Guest Tower which seats 30 and a larger room which seats up to 100.

Upsides. 

• City centre location, easy access by car, rail and bus.
• Wonderful architecture, interiors and grounds
• Really helpful and enthusiastic staff. 
• Prices are quite reasonable 
• Access to city centre hotels for a huge choice in reception locations
• Should the weather be inclement there are plenty of opportunities inside the main house for photos, but make sure you discuss it with the organiser when booking.

Downsides.

• Guest Tower is a very small room, when they say thirty they mean thirty! But it did give me the opportunity to take some unusually intimate photos during the service. 
• The grounds although substantial aren't visually exciting save for the architectural backdrop. 
• When I was last there they were setting up stands and marquees for a Cheese Festival for the following weekend, which compromised many of the best angles for photography.

Insider Knowledge.

• Check what events are planned and what impact this may have on your wedding photos. Events are frequent in the Castle grounds. 
• For something a bit different, ask one of the very helpful staff to arrange a falcon (falconry in the grounds) for the bride and groom to hold. As I did above. 
• Save time for a trip to adjoining Bute Park for a few more photos. 
• Take a walk across Cardiff (weather permitting) to your reception location for some great photojournalistic photos. 

Conclusions

There are so many advantages to Cardiff Castle it's hard to list them all, so don't be put off by a few niggles it's a great wedding venue and at a great price.

If you'd like Rob Hudson to take your wedding photos at Cardiff Castle or at any location across South Wales then visit http://www.cardiff-weddingphotographer.com/