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Outdoor Wedding Proposal Ideas

South Wales has it all. Fairy tale castles, cascading waterfalls, golden beaches, plunging valleys. It’s not surprising that the Celtic region has become quite the idyllic backdrop for romantic wedding proposals and indeed, the driving force behind some incredible outdoor wedding proposal ideas.

To many, the proposal is just as important as the day you tie the knot. And with that comes a great deal of pressure. You’ve decided you want to spend the rest of your life with your other half. Cue the secretive planning, the anxiety that comes with trying to pick the perfect ring, the sleepless nights as the day draws closer and closer. The all-encompassing wave of relief when you hear that highly anticipated ‘yes’ you’ve been thinking about for weeks. Maybe even months. Or years.

With Spring at our doorstep and Summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to pop the question. And what better place to do it than in the great outdoors, surrounded by natural beauty, ancient landmarks and stunning scenery? Whether you’re planning a grand gesture accompanied by a wild declaration of love or a smaller, more intimate affair, we’re sharing a few of our favourite outdoor wedding proposal ideas in South Wales, all within reach of Court Colman Manor.

Fairy Tale Proposal
Fairy Tale Proposal

Is there a better way to proclaim your love than by getting down on one knee in front of a Welsh castle? A mixture of enchanting and tasteful, a castle proposal is a dream come true for history lovers, architect enthusiasts and fairytale fanatics looking for their happily ever after.

High on our list is the stunning Castell Coch, a timeless gothic structure built during the 19th century near the village of Tongwynlais. The castle resides close to the enchanted woodlands of Fforest Fawr and can be seen poking through the trees from afar. The conspicuous towers, pointed spires and rustic weathervanes resemble something out of an old storybook, making for a dramatic proposal backdrop.

South Wales is also home to the 2nd largest medieval fort in Britain, otherwise known as Caerphilly Castle. Surrounded by a glistening lake and 30 acres of beautiful scenery, the castle dates back to 1268 and sets the scene for a truly magical proposal.

Picnic Proposal
Picnic Proposal

When it comes to proposing, you can’t go wrong with a romantic picnic accompanied by delicious food, blue skies and pretty views. Whether you opt for the privacy of your back garden with a takeaway pizza or you go all-out with a homemade cheese board and candles, a picnic is completely customisable yet equally as romantic.

Pack a basket filled with your partners favourite food (try to avoid anything messy - we recommend finger sandwiches, chocolate coated strawberries and light nibbles) and don’t forget the champagne! For some extra fun, perhaps even consider hiding the ring amongst the food - in the champagne flute, or in a slice of cake. Just be careful not to accidentally eat it.

One of our favourite picnic locations includes the beautiful Dryffyn Botanical Gardens, situated just 30 minutes from Court Colman Manor. The gardens are immaculately maintained all year round and overlook a striking Edwardian mansion. As you explore the grounds you’ll discover hidden paths that lead to archways and beautiful garden rooms containing all kinds of exotic flowering plants. The gardens really come alive during Spring, making it an ideal setting for your picnic proposal.

The Mon & Brec Canal and Poetry Trail
The Mon & Brec Canal and Poetry Trail

Nothing quite sets the scene for an unforgettable proposal like cruising along the Mon & Brec canal as you pass through the Brecon Beacons. The historic waterway stretches to over 35 miles of unspoilt Welsh countryside and industrial landmarks. Enjoy a delightful afternoon boating along the canal before popping the question, or for a little more privacy, hire a private boat and soak up the scenery from your own little slice of heaven.

For the those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are a number of charming waterside walks along the bank, so you don’t have to worry about getting seasick. If a romantic stroll beside a glistening canal wasn’t romantic enough, Brecon has its very own poetry trail that takes you through the charming streets and riverbanks of the market town.

Dotted along the trail are verses and poems carved into slate plaques, which is enough to make any literature lover swoon. After all, poetry is the language of love. If you’re feeling creative, why not ask your partner for their hand in marriage over your own loving verse? That’s enough to make anyone fall head over heels.

Activity Proposal
Activity Proposal

There are plenty of ways to turn your outdoor proposal into an activity. A scavenger hunt has become a popular way to pop the question. Whether you’re opting for a stroll along the Brecon Promenade or a hike along the Beacons Way, consider leaving clues or questions for your partner to find during the journey. This is a great way to have fun whilst also looking back on your relationship and highlighting the good times you and your partner have spent together.

Check out our blog on the best walks in the Brecon Beacons to start planning out your scavenger hunt.

Also nestled away on the edge of the Brecon Beacons lies one of the most beautiful gems in South Wales. The Waterfall Country, a must-visit for all, is a stunning location for an adventurous couple looking to inject some fun into their proposal. With narrow footpaths, fast running streams and slippery surfaces, the Waterfall Country is a challenging area to navigate, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Wales’ most spectacular gorges, rivers and waterfalls.

Stargazing on the Brecon Beacons
Stargazing on the Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons is impressively the first International Dark-Sky reserve to be established in Wales. This means that if you find yourself out on the mountains after dark, you’ll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the stars in all their glory.

Thanks to the Dark-Sky Association, the lack of light pollution on the Brecon Beacons provides spectacular views of outer space, creating the perfect atmosphere for you to lie back with your partner and look out for constellations or shooting stars. There are plenty of campsites on and around the Brecon Beacons for you to pitch a tent, cosy up and pop the question under the stars.

Tie the knot at Court Colman Manor
Tie the knot at Court Colman Manor

Once you’ve officially become a newly engaged couple, let the wedding planning commence! We’re here to take some of the pressure off with our all-inclusive wedding packages, each curated to suit your preferences. Situated in the Garw Valley in an Edwardian country manor, Court Colman is the ideal setting to tie the knot.

Pop over for a show round and explore the six-acre grounds for yourself, or call us on 01656 720212 to discuss your options with our expert wedding coordinators.