Business Details
Award-Winning Wedding Venue in Pembrokeshire
Nestled in the heart of the Gwaun Valley within Pembrokeshire National Park, Gellifawr Woodland Retreat Woodland Retreat has established itself as a premier wedding destination. Our venue combines natural beauty with modern luxury, offering couples a magical setting for their special day. With 12 acres of landscaped gardens, woodland, and ponds, we provide both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, including our purpose-built Seren Yn Codi space and enchanting forest archway. Our dedicated team, led by award-winning Wedding Coordinator Emily Jolly, ensures every detail is meticulously planned.From gourmet locally sourced cuisine prepared by our experienced chefs to comfortable accommodation in 15 cottages and 7 en-suite rooms, we create unforgettable experiences. Recognised as Wales' Best Wedding Venue at the National Wedding Awards for six consecutive years, we pride ourselves on exceptional service, sustainability efforts, and community engagement through initiatives like sponsoring local inclusion football teams.
Services
Outdoor Ceremonies
Indoor Ceremony Space
Wedding Catering
Accommodation
Evening Receptions
Beauty Services
Venue Hire
Festival Weddings
Winter Weddings
Private Tours
Highlights and features
- We have won 'Best Wedding Venue in Wales' at the National Wedding Awards for six consecutive years.
- Our team includes an award-winning wedding coordinator with extensive industry experience.
- We offer gourmet menus using exclusively locally sourced ingredients prepared by dedicated chefs.
- Our venue provides both indoor and outdoor ceremony options with year-round flexibility.
- We maintain a family-oriented atmosphere with staff who have worked here for over 5 years.
What people say
Incredible staff
Breathtaking grounds
Excellent food
Seamless planning
Magical atmosphere
Services
Outdoor Ceremonies
Exchange vows beneath our handcrafted wooden arch adorned with seasonal flowers in our enchanted forest setting. The natural woodland backdrop with towering trees creates a romantic atmosphere for up to 150 guests. Our grounds team ensures perfect positioning for photography with mountain views and landscaped gardens.
Indoor Ceremony Space
Our purpose-built Seren Yn Codi venue offers rustic elegance with elevated valley views. This climate-controlled space accommodates 120 guests with comfortable seating and ambient lighting. The modern design features include soundproofing for clear audio and wheelchair accessibility for inclusive celebrations.
Wedding Catering
Our award-winning chefs create bespoke menus using locally sourced Welsh ingredients. Options range from formal multi-course meals to evening street food and hog roasts. We accommodate dietary requirements while maintaining culinary excellence, with three sample menus (Bedwen, Derwen, Gwernen) showcasing our seasonal offerings.
Accommodation
Luxury overnight stays available in 15 cottages and 7 en-suite rooms within the woodland retreat. All accommodations feature modern amenities while preserving rustic charm, with log fires and flat-screen TVs. Capacity for 70 guests ensures convenience for wedding parties and family members.
Evening Receptions
Extended celebrations with dance floor, fire pit, and dedicated bar service. Our sound system with wireless microphones supports live bands or DJs until midnight. Terrace space accommodates 150 guests with weather contingency plans for seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor areas.
People
Emily Jolly
Venue Director
With a vision to create the UK's best wedding venue, Emily leads our team while championing local community projects. Her leadership has secured multiple national awards and developed sustainable practices within the rural setting.
Rea Edge
Venue Manager
Managing over 200 weddings since 2021, Rea combines sales expertise with operational excellence. She plays a key role in marketing strategies while maintaining exceptional guest experiences during ceremonies.
Charlie
Head Chef
With 8 years' experience, Charlie leads our kitchen team creating innovative menus. His local knowledge and culinary skills ensure exceptional food quality, from formal dinners to casual evening fare, with emergency preparedness for any situation.
Pal
Head of Maintenance & Grounds
Essential to venue operations since inception, Pal maintains all facilities and grounds to perfect condition. His versatility ensures smooth running of events, from last-minute repairs to seasonal decorations.
Jo
FOH Supervisor
With 5 years' service, Jo ensures immaculate presentation of reception spaces. Leading housekeeping teams, she maintains high standards while mentoring her daughter Milly in hospitality operations.
Questions
How do I book a wedding at Gellifawr Woodland Retreat Woodland Retreat?
Contact us via our website or phone to arrange a private tour. Once you've chosen your date, we'll guide you through our booking process with flexible payment options.
What wedding packages do you offer?
We provide customizable packages including venue hire, catering, accommodation, and evening receptions. Sample menus and pricing options are available upon request.
Can you accommodate large weddings?
Our venue comfortably hosts 100+ guests with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We provide 15 cottages and 7 en-suite rooms for overnight stays.
Are you accessible for disabled guests?
Yes, our Seren Yn Codi ceremony space and main facilities include wheelchair access with prior arrangements for additional requirements.
Do you allow pets at weddings?
We welcome well-behaved pets with prior arrangement. Our grounds provide safe spaces for animals during ceremonies and receptions.
What happens if it rains on my wedding day?
Our indoor spaces and covered terrace ensure seamless transitions. We provide weather contingency plans without additional charges for booked dates.
Reviews (5)
Helen Fowler
Jun 17, 2022
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We've photographed and videoed a few weddings here. Beautiful location, lovely ceremony room, great bridal prep room and grooms room. The room for the wedding breakfast/disco is a good size. Outside you have another bar and covered seating area. Lovely grounds for photos too.
Doreen Conroy
Jun 12, 2022
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Myself and my husband had the pleasure of attending our friends wedding on June 13th 2022 it was just an amazing 2 days the bbq was the day before the big day, the staff could not have been more attentive and smiling all the time which is very difficult in the hospitality business the food was gorgeous I highly recommend this venue if you want a beautiful and memorable day thank you to all involved we loved every minute
Pete Langton
May 05, 2022
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Well away from the busltling world. A fantastoc experience, outdoor ceremony, ran like clockwork. Good food and even surorise entertainment! The main couple unlikely to ever forget!
Martin Dabek
Apr 19, 2022
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I had a pleasure to photograph wedding at Gellifawr last weekend. I was blown away! Beautiful venue, wonderful staff, amazing food and only 10 min drive from stunning coast. High five to the event team and I hope to be back soon.
Rhys
Mar 05, 2022
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Stunning place, friendly staff. Bed very uncomfortable and constant noise from upstairs guests made sleep impossible. Vegan food very hit and miss.
