I’m a massive fan of out-of-season weddings, mainly because I’m obsessed with soft lighting. Like those perfect moments when it’s just rained and the clouds disappear leaving this incredible golden autumnal light that smashes through the clouds. This light also helps accentuate the tones of the golden yellow, red and brown autumn leaves, nothing is better (well okay maybe 28° at 8pm on an empty beach for sunset, but it’s definitely a close second).

The colour of the season

Everyone loves autumn and its gorgeous colours; think dried flowers, big orange pumpkins, golds, crisp reds and browns.The autumn leaves provide a dreamy outdoor backdrop for your wedding photographs. Or if you are heading to the coast for your couple photos then the coastal foliage of rusty brown bracken creates a dramatic autumnal vibe.

The Food is better

Us Welshies like a roast for our wedding breakfast. Trust me, I have had a lot of wedding food, and I can say that a 3-course meal with all the trimmings tastes and feels so much better in Autumn & Winter.

Lighting will be a dream…

So yeah, I love autumn lighting! The days are shorter and the light so much softer, which means that you can get those beautiful sunset portraits before you’ve had too many tequilas. Also, there will be no squinting, hiding in the shade, and overexposed backgrounds for your family photos.  

It could rain!! Amazingly, I LOVE THE RAIN (being Welsh it’s in the blood, I suppose).

Don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed if it rains because you and I will be prepared for it. The issue with summer weddings, as great as they are, is that everyone thinks the sun will shine. As you know this is often not the case, this is Wales after all, so it’s best to be prepared for it to avoid any unwanted stress on the day.

Fewer Tourist

We can go to the most beautiful locations in West Wales and be ALONE, very tricky in the summer months.  I mean in the middle of summer I can photoshop out most but this way you won’t have to get the romance on while being watched by 10 children covered in ice cream. Also, it is much easier for your friends and family to find local accommodation, oh and Autumn is cheaper and you won’t have to book 2 years in advance!

Availability

Yep, your dream venue, wedding photographer and videographer and even your florist could still available for next year! But you could book a wedding today and be married within a few months. Seriously, I just asked the wedding coordinator at Gellifawr in Pembrokeshire, and they have availability this season!

So let’s think about your guests, who won’t be on summer holidays, and their kids will be back in school. Also, it won’t be a Christmas break so your loved ones will be more available.

Outfits

Layers, sleeves, and shawls, maybe even a faux fur wrap. We all know how on-trend long sleeves are and gives you more fabric to swoon over.

So where’s the best Autumn wedding venue in West Wales?

Well, if you’re looking for Autumn magic, you’ll want a woodland wedding wales, and I recommend one that captures all the trees and golden lighting. So, @gellifwarwoodlandreteat is top of my list, and actually where all these photos were taken. It is situated in the Gwaun valley.  

Are you looking for a west wales wedding photographer? I would be delighted to capture your big day! Contact me at christina@ymor.uk