As a destination wedding photographer, I spent an entire week deep in the UK during December, and it was quite the adventure. We roadtripped straight from London Heathrow, and if you haven’t had the pleasure yet to drive on the opposite side of the road–it’s an all-out adventure, to say the least. I spent the week primarily in Wales, and stopped with Bri & Ben in the most gorgeous area–Elan Valley, where we set up a styled (mocked) adventure elopement to showcase the area, landscape, and how easy it really is to plan your own UK adventure elopement here.
As an international and destination wedding photographer, this isn’t my first rodeo photographing overseas, and I wanted to be sure that we showcased Wales in the true, earthy, stripped down setting it really is. You don’t have to add a ton of stylized elements to elope, and having an alternative wedding doesn’t mean you have to do something that no one has ever seen before; it just means that you have to do this your way, in a place that makes your heart sing. For me, Wales is really that kind of place, and I’d really love to bring you with me back here someday soon.
Bri and Ben, two rebels in love, ditched the traditional wedding scene and said “I do” in the wilds of Elan Valley, Wales, UK. They actually were already married, and because we styled this to look like a real wedding but it was shot with a real couple, their photos reflect a true love story, they just finally have updated wedding photos! As their destination wedding photographer, I was beyond thrilled to capture the raw emotion and untamed beauty of their mocked elopement, so that I can show you how easy it would be to elope overseas.
Located in the heart of Wales, Elan Valley is a nature lover’s paradise. The area is home to a series of reservoirs and dams that were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and is now a protected nature reserve. It’s a secluded haven for those looking to escape the mundane and embrace the natural world.
We spent the day exploring the area and taking in the sights. We hiked along the reservoirs, admiring the clear blue water and the surrounding mountains.
As the sun began to set, we returned to the spot where they exchanged their vows. I captured the way the light danced on their faces as they sat and watched the sunset together, holding hands and talking about their future under the historic chapel.
Eloping in Elan Valley is a one-of-a-kind and rebellious way to start a marriage. The secluded and natural setting, combined with the beautiful scenery, makes it the perfect location for couples who want to break away from the norm and start their lives together in a peaceful and natural environment.
The raw emotion and untamed beauty made for some truly stunning photographs and a wedding day that was anything but ordinary. As your destination wedding photographer, I’m here to help you along the entire process, because you can do this too. I’m here to be your elopement Gandalf throughout this process so that we can make your UK elopement dreams come true, together.
Want to see Bri and Ben’s full gallery? Click here.
Want to start planning your destination elopement together? Let’s do this.
Photographer
HENNESSY PHOTO CO
Host / Styling
Thistle & Pine Photo, Scott Photography Co
Floral
Sweet Water Flower Market
Floral Expressions UK
Location
Elan Valley
Wales, UK
