Manorbier Castle Wedding Photography

Manorbier Castle or Castell Maenorbŷr, as it is know in Welsh, is a Norman fortress located in the village of Manorbier, approximately five miles southwest of Tenby in West Wales. It was originally built on land granted to Odo de Barri, a Norman knight, at the end of the 11th century. In 1146 Gerald of Wales, the scholar known as Geraldus Cambrensis was born at the castle, who wrote of his birthplace, “In all the broad lands of Wales, Manorbier is the most pleasant place by far”. Perched high above Manorbier beach, this Norman Castle can only be described as a unique wedding venue, providing an idyllic setting for a Pembrokeshire wedding photographer.

Manorbier is an enclosure-style castle with curtain walls and a combination of round and square towers, which now provide the structure for the cottages that can accommodate up to twenty people. The main entrance to the inner ward is a tower gateway featuring a portcullis, a roof, embrasures, and a sturdy iron and wooden door that leads into the enclosed garden area. Here drinks can be served on the lawn and an elegant marquee can be pitched to accommodate the larger events and weddings.

The castle also boasts its very own chapel, which can be used to host a wedding ceremony for up to 70 people, renowned for its elaborate vaulting and plasterwork, was constructed around 1260, and some of the original medieval frescoes are still visible today, though with a rather more rustic overall aesthetic. For smaller weddings of up to forty people there is a vaulted undercroft, below the chapel that can be utilised to serve the wedding breakfast.

Additionally, a postern gate provided direct access to the beach and sea. It is bit of a walk to the beach area and not all bride and grooms wish to spare the time away from guest to visit this. Though one of the benefits of this privately owned castle, is that they are willing accommodate you over the whole weekend giving the freedom to enjoy the area at your leisure.