Manorbier Castle

Situated within ancient castle walls, this Norman fortress boasts a dramatic cliff-top position above a crinkled coastline overlooking the Atlantic Sea. Forming part of the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, it gives way to the lush historic village of Manorbier beyond and is only a short scenic stroll down to an idyllic sandy beach.

Manorbier Castle has an enviably long family heritage spanning 800 years. The privately-owned castle is approached up a long, sweeping drive that climbs through wild moorland dotted with trees. As you reach the castle, be prepared to step back in time as you cross over the moat along an old wooden bridge, into the inner bailey. On the day of the wedding, the happy couple could even arrive by horse and carriage!

Within the part-ruinous castle fortress, delightful gardens fringe an open lawn, through which narrow paths lead to the old vaulted chapel, the keep and the beautiful exclusive-use five-bedroomed Victorian accommodation. The latter is named Castle House and forms part of the outer castle wall. Enjoy three nights of luxury and romance in this cosy dwelling as you embark on your wedding weekend, making memories to cherish. Manorbier Castle offers a charmingly unique and secluded setting for your wedding and a one-of-a-kind experience of living in a castle with exquisite ocean views across the incomparable Welsh coast.

Your wedding ceremony

The rich history and romantic atmosphere of Manorbier will continue to enthral you and your guests as you use and explore areas of the fortress during your wedding day. The ceremony may take place either in the 12th-century chapel or the historic vaulted room. The former can accommodate up to 70 guests with the option of seating an additional 30 guests in the adjacent Solar. The latter can accommodate up to 40 guests and is located on the ground floor of the castle.

Spill out onto the lawn in warmer months for your drinks reception; the flora and fauna against the ancient walls can create lovely formal photograph opportunities whilst the spectacular sea and coastal backdrop is a refreshing alternative.

Your wedding breakfast and reception

Smaller weddings can venture into (or stay within) the traditional surroundings of the vaulted room for the wedding reception. This charming space seats up to 40 guests and a fabulous stone fireplace combined with the vaulted ceiling gives it a sense of intimacy and warmth. Imagine your choice of seasonal wedding flowers, candelabras and centrepieces adding even more romance to this magical setting.

A more spacious option is Manorbier Castle’s bespoke tipi, which can seat up to 100 guests for your wedding breakfast. Situated in the glorious castle gardens, it provides a flexible canvas for your celebrations depending on your chosen theme. From classic to rustic to bohemian, the dedicated team at Manorbier will help you to create your dream wedding setting.

Into the evening

Manorbier Castle is a wonderfully theatrical place to celebrate your love for one another. As celebrations lead into the evening, your wedding guests are encouraged to further explore the atmospherically-lit fortress and grounds. Be swept away to a bygone era, admiring the exposed stone walls, climbing the ancient steps and wandering through romantic archways. Imagine taking in the splendour of your day, and a glorious sunset over the sea, as you walk hand-in-hand on a moonlit stroll.

Accommodation

Accommodating twelve guests within the historic castle walls, Castle House is filled with natural light, elegantly decorated and features five spacious bedrooms alongside a host of welcoming and comfortable living areas. The lounge has been stylishly dressed using period furniture and heirlooms reflecting the castle’s rich legacy. Walls feature refined, gilded-framed family portraits just waiting to tell their stories whilst a traditional wood-burning stove and deep sofas create an inviting haven within which you and your closest guests can relax. Gather around the dining room’s long oak table over breakfast and enjoy a morning coffee as you watch the day unfold out in the private courtyard.

The bedrooms at Castle House are beautifully decorated to accentuate their period features and are modernly equipped for the ultimate comfort of guests during your wedding weekend.

Additional accommodation can be offered in the nearby village comprising of the delightful one-storey May Cottage (sleeping four guests) and Castle Lodge (also sleeping four people) featuring glimpses of the sea.

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