How to Legally Elope in Wales: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, adventure-filled wedding in the stunning landscapes of Wales, you’re not alone! Eloping in Wales is an incredible way to celebrate your love—just the two of you, surrounded by breathtaking mountains, wild coastlines, or ancient castles. But before you pack your bags and head to Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons, let’s talk about the legal requirements for eloping in Wales to ensure your marriage is official.

I’m a photographer who would love to focus on helping couples elope in Wales. So, in this guide, I’ll walk you through the legal side of things—from giving notice to choosing a ceremony location—so you can focus on what really matters: your love and the epic adventure ahead!

Is Eloping in Wales Legal?

Yes! You can legally elope in Wales, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Unlike in Scotland, where you can legally marry almost anywhere, Wales requires you to have your ceremony at an approved venue or register office.

This means that while you can exchange vows on a remote mountain or windswept beach, you’ll need to have a legal ceremony first at a licensed location. But don’t worry! Many couples opt for a simple legal wedding at a register office before heading into nature for a stunning, personal vow exchange.

Step 1: Giving Notice of Marriage in Wales

To get legally married in Wales, you and your partner must give notice of marriage at a register office at least 29 days before your wedding date.

How to Give Notice:

✔ Book an appointment at your local register office.

✔ Attend in person (both partners must go).

✔ Declare your intention to marry and provide the required documents.

Your notice is valid for 12 months, so you must marry within that timeframe.

What You’ll Need:

✔ Passport or birth certificate (proof of identity)

✔ Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or driving license)

✔ Proof of immigration status (if applicable)

✔ Divorce or death certificate (if previously married)

💰 Cost: The fee for giving notice is £35 per person (£47 if one of you is from outside the UK and subject to immigration control).

Step 2: Choosing a Legal Elopement Ceremony Location

In Wales, your legal marriage must take place in a licensed venue. Luckily, there are plenty of stunning locations that allow you to legally elope while still enjoying breathtaking scenery.

Option 1: A Register Office Wedding

For couples who want to keep things simple, a register office ceremony is a great option. You can say your vows in a short, legal ceremony and then head off for a romantic outdoor photoshoot in Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons, or the Pembrokeshire Coast.

💰 Cost: Prices start at around £57 for a basic register office wedding.

Option 2: A Licensed Wedding Venue

If you want to get legally married in a breathtaking location, consider a licensed venue such as:

🏰 Castles & Historic Sites – Castell Coch, Carreg Cennen Castle, or Caerphilly Castle.

🌿 Countryside Retreats – Rustic barns and lodges in Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons.

🌊 Coastal Venues – Clifftop locations overlooking the sea in Pembrokeshire or Anglesey.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re dreaming of eloping in the wild, choose a venue with outdoor ceremony options—many have gardens, terraces, or woodland areas for a magical setting!

Option 3: A Religious Ceremony

If you prefer a religious wedding, your ceremony must take place in a registered place of worship. Some churches and chapels in Wales offer elopement-friendly options, but you’ll need to check specific requirements with the venue.

Step 3: The Ceremony & Witnesses

For your marriage to be legally binding, you’ll need:

✔ A registrar or religious officiant to conduct the ceremony.

✔ Two witnesses (aged 16+) to sign the marriage register.

✔ To say the legal vows required by law.

Step 4: Getting Your Marriage Certificate

After your ceremony, you’ll receive a marriage certificate, which costs £11 per copy. It’s a good idea to order a few copies, especially if you’ll need them for name changes or visa applications.

What About Outdoor & Adventure Elopements in Wales?

If you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on top of a mountain, by a waterfall, or on a secluded beach, you totally can! However, since these locations aren’t legally recognized, most couples choose to:

1️⃣ Have a simple legal ceremony at a register office.

2️⃣ Plan a personalized vow exchange in their dream outdoor location.

3️⃣ Celebrate with an epic adventure photoshoot in Wales’ most stunning landscapes!

This means you can say your vows anywhere—on a misty peak in Snowdonia, in a hidden forest in Brecon Beacons, or on a windswept beach in Pembrokeshire—without worrying about legal restrictions.

Cost of a Legal Elopement in Wales

💰 Here’s a breakdown of typical elopement costs:

• Giving Notice of Marriage – £35 per person

• Register Office Ceremony – From £57

• Licensed Venue Ceremony – £500–£1,500+

• Marriage Certificate – £11 per copy

For budget-conscious couples, a register office wedding + adventure vow exchange is the perfect way to elope affordably while still having an unforgettable experience!

Eloping in Wales as a Non-UK Resident

If one of you is from outside the UK, you may need a Marriage Visitor Visa or Fiancé(e) Visa, depending on your plans. You’ll also need to provide extra documents when giving notice of marriage.

Make sure to check the UK government website for the latest visa requirements.

Final Checklist for Your Legal Elopement in Wales

✅ Give notice at least 29 days before your elopement.

✅ Choose a licensed venue for your legal ceremony.

✅ Book a registrar or officiant.

✅ Arrange two witnesses.

✅ Bring all required documents.

✅ Plan your dream vow exchange and adventure elopement shoot!

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Ready to Elope in Wales? Let’s Capture Your Love Story!

Eloping in Wales is all about intimacy, adventure, and creating memories that truly reflect your love. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a wild coastal cliff, in an ancient castle, or deep in the mountains, your elopement should be as unique and meaningful as your relationship.

As a couple photographer, I specialize in capturing authentic, emotional, and adventure-filled love stories. If you’re planning to elope in Wales and want breathtaking photos that reflect your connection, I’d love to help you create something truly magical.

📩 Get in touch today and let’s start planning your dream elopement in Wales!