Intimate Wedding Reception at Hunter Lodges, Celtic Manor

Not every wedding follows a traditional timeline, and that is exactly what made Cara and Harrison’s day so special.

With plans already in place for a larger wedding celebration abroad next year, the couple chose to officially marry in South Wales surrounded by their closest family and friends before gathering for an intimate wedding reception at Hunter Lodges, Celtic Manor.

Following their ceremony at St Cadoc’s Church in Caerleon, guests made their way to Celtic Manor Resort where the celebrations continued with couple portraits, canapés, speeches and an afternoon filled with meaningful moments.

For couples considering a wedding reception or post-ceremony celebration, Hunter Lodges offers a wonderful setting that combines the beauty of Celtic Manor with a more intimate atmosphere.

Couple Portraits Around Celtic Manor

Before joining their guests, we spent some time exploring the grounds of Celtic Manor for portraits.

One of the reasons I love photographing weddings at Celtic Manor is the variety of backdrops available within a short walking distance. From open lawns and mature trees to landscaped pathways and sweeping views across the resort, there is no shortage of beautiful locations for relaxed wedding portraits.

Cara and Harrison wanted their photographs to feel natural and authentic, so rather than focusing on formal poses, we simply took a walk together and allowed the moments to unfold naturally.

The result was a collection of elegant portraits that captured not only how the day looked, but how it felt.

Why Hunter Lodges are Perfect for an Intimate Wedding Reception

Nestled within the Celtic Manor estate, the Hunter Lodges provide a warm and welcoming setting for smaller wedding celebrations.

While many couples immediately think of the larger reception spaces at Celtic Manor, Hunter Lodges offers something a little different. The atmosphere feels relaxed and personal, allowing couples to spend quality time with the people who matter most.

For Cara and Harrison, this was exactly what they wanted.

With family and friends gathered together, the afternoon flowed effortlessly from drinks and conversation into speeches and celebrations. The smaller guest list created a wonderfully relaxed environment where everyone could truly enjoy the occasion.

Candid Moments, Speeches and Celebration

One of my favourite parts of the day was documenting the genuine interactions between guests.

There was no rush and no strict timeline. Instead, the afternoon unfolded naturally, creating countless opportunities for candid photography.

Guests enjoyed canapés and drinks, shared stories from throughout the couple’s relationship and celebrated this important chapter before the wedding abroad next year.

These unscripted moments often become the photographs couples treasure most because they capture the atmosphere of the day exactly as it happened.

Planning a Wedding Reception at Hunter Lodges, Celtic Manor?

Whether you’re planning a legal ceremony before a destination wedding, an intimate reception with family and friends, or a smaller celebration that focuses on meaningful moments rather than tradition, Hunter Lodges at Celtic Manor is a wonderful choice.

With beautiful surroundings for portraits, flexible reception spaces and the renowned service that Celtic Manor is known for, it provides everything needed for a relaxed and memorable wedding day.

Cara and Harrison’s celebration was proof that wedding days do not need to be large to be unforgettable.

Sometimes the most meaningful celebrations are the ones shared with the people closest to you.

Celtic Manor Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning a wedding reception at Hunter Lodges or a wedding at Celtic Manor Resort, I’d love to hear about your plans.

My approach combines natural documentary storytelling with elegant editorial portraits, creating images that feel timeless, relaxed and authentic.

Hunter Lodges | Celtic Manor Resort