St Fagans: National History Museum

The feel

With over 40 enchanting buildings that represent the evolution of Welsh life throughout history, St Fagans: National History Museum provides a unique wedding experience.

Situated just outside the centre of Cardiff, St Fagans is one of the world’s leading open-air museums and is situated within the beautiful grounds of St Fagans Castle.

Gifted to the people of Wales in 1946 by the Earl of Plymouth it is renowned for its fairytale ambience which delights visitors young and old. Set over three floors, the grade I listed Elizabethan building, with its opulent rose-wood and oak furniture, represents classical taste and style and creates a magical atmosphere for weddings.

The Museum offers a number of outstanding venue options to help couples tailor make their dream wedding whatever that may be.

Wedding ceremonies are licensed to be held in a two locations in the museum grounds – St Fagans Castle Hall and Oakdale Workmen’s Institute Main Hall.

The Castle Hall is ideal for smaller weddings; the room can hold up to 40 people and receptions can be held in the Castle dining room, which also holds 40 seated guests.

The Oakdale Workmen’s Institute Main Hall can hold up to 100 people for a ceremony (up to 90 for dinner) and having been once used a focus for social and cultural life in the early 20th Century coalfields the room’s spacious sprung-floor and stage is ideal for evening entertainment and dancing.

Couples chose to decorate the rooms in keeping with their wedding and it is extremely flexible in its layout enabling it to be arranged to suit the needs of any particular wedding.

Larger wedding receptions can be accommodated through the hire of a marquee on the St Fagans Castle Lawns, which can hold up to 140 seated Guests.

Guests enter the marquee through double wooden doors and the marquee is decorated with ivory colour linings complete with wooden floors and carpet. There is also a choice of coloured overlays available at an extra cost. Chandeliers and uplighters light the marquee to carry on through the magical feel of the venue.

A dancefloor is installed in the marquee with the option of star lighting over the dancefloor for the evening. A double fronted bar is installed and tables are provided for cake stands and signing of guests books or presents.

Additional extras include: a luxury mobile toilet unit and a plasma screen link from the Castle to the marquee.

Intimate receptions can also be held in the Gwalia Tea Room for up to 30 guests and couples can also choose to have a wedding blessing in Capel Pen-rhiw which will hold 100 seated guests.

The open-air elegance of St Fagans is one of its most exquisite offerings. The charming formal gardens, woodland walks and spectacular historic buildings paint the perfect canvas for wedding photography and create a real talking point for loved ones who attend the delightful occasion. For anyone wanting to use the Castle Gardens purely for wedding photography there is a £50 charge.

Wedding menus have been developed with award-winning arts/heritage specialist caterer, Elior UK Ltd, using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Guests can also enjoy a range of canapés to suit all tastes, the innovative selection includes: St Fagans sausage, caramelised black pudding and apple to crispy Pembrokeshire potato, Caerphilly cheese and chive.

Award winning onsite caterers, Elior, can also craft a personal wedding menu to suit the tastes of the bride and groom. All food includes the freshest ingredients as possible.

Reception drinks range from champagne to Pimms’s and lemonade and a wide range of international wines can also be chosen for the special day.

Photography- with thanks to:

Two Cats in The Yard Photography: www.twocatsintheyard.co.uk

Aled Garfield Photography:www.aledgarfieldphotography.co.uk

My big day Photos: www.mybigdayphotos.co.uk