Top 5 Engagement Shoot Locations in South Wales

Before we get to the where, let's start with the when..

You will always hear photographers talking about light. We're a little bit obsessed with it. Light determines the mood and feel of an image. It can be the difference between a good and a great photo. For engagement shoots, I love the late evening and just before sunset gives you golden hour. Perfect for warm and golden tones and sunset images. A top tip would be that its worth hanging around a little after for the soft light blue hour brings. Arranging your shoot for this time does give you the best opportunity for excellent light but, then again its not the only kind of amazing light. We also know that in Wales, the weather doesn't always play ball so 'golden hour' might not even happen. In this case, capturing beautiful photos of this special time in your relationship is still doable if you're at the right location. Besides, it's also worth bearing in mind the words of World famous Wedding Photographer, Gabe Mclintock, 'the worse the weather, the better the photographs'.

What to look for in a location?

As a photographer, I like locations that have a good variety. I have also chosen places that are within a reasonable walk from a car park (all are dog friendly). Finally, we are blessed in Wales with epic landscapes so it makes sense to make the most of it on these shoots and a bit of 'wow' factor is never a bad thing. It also makes sense to go somewhere you'd actually want to be so it's just like going for a stroll instead of a formal photoshoot.

Let's get to it..My Top 5 Engagement Shoot Locations in South Wales

#5 Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal | Brecon Beacons

After recently photographing an engagement shoot here, I couldn't leave it off the list. There is about 35 miles of canal to choose from but these particular images are from Llangattock, just west of Abergavenny. The canal boats, arching trees, stone bridges and evening dappled light through the overhanging trees make for lots of great shots. Although on this particular stretch there was something else that was a little bit special. The Giant Sequoia (Redwood) is the 5th largest tree in Wales and makes you feel like you could be in Northern California. It was a great spot to stop, chat and get some natural images of the engaged couple. For more shots from this engagement shoot, click here.

#4 Pembrey & Burry Port | Carmarthenshire

Being from the Llanelli area, I couldn't not choose a location local to me. Cefn Sidan beach in Pembrey is a contender for the greatest beach ever (I may be slightly biased) and you're close enough to hop in the car and head to Burry Port lighthouse for some variety if you have the time. Dunes, shipwrecks and miles and miles of pristine sand. What's not to love?

Nearby Locations: Ferryside, Llanelli Beach, Pembrey Country Park

3# Sgwd Gwladys | Brecon Beacons

This epic waterfall is about a 30 minute walk from the car park and has flat terrain as well as the most magnificent waterfall at the end.

Nearby Locations: Melincourt Waterfall, Dinas Rock, Pontneddfechan

3# Sgwd Gwladys | Brecon Beacons

This epic waterfall is about a 30 minute walk from the car park and has flat terrain as well as the most magnificent waterfall at the end.

Nearby Locations: Melincourt Waterfall, Dinas Rock, Pontneddfechan

#2 Craig Cerrig Gleisiad | Brecon Beacons

This little spot will be the least well known on the list however it is an absolute hidden gem. So much so that I contemplated not sharing it - but here it is, the secret is out!

So, why is it so fantastic? Well, to start with, it's extremely easy to get to from the road. Even though its so close to the road, after a 5-10 minute walk you can feel like you're in remote mountain terrain. It's just a short drive down the road from Pen y Fan, there's parking in a lay-bye. If you're feeling adventurous you can follow the contour of the mountain to get to higher ground. But really, its so beautiful from low down, there's no need to.

Nearby Locations: Llwyn Onn Reservoir, Talybont Reservoir, Llyn Llangors

Craig Cerrig Gleisiad | Brecon Beacons

#1 Three Cliffs Bay | Gower

It had to be, didn't it? There's a good reason this one is popular. The amazing sand, variety of photographs and of course there's the unmistakeable backdrop of the Three Cliffs.

The walk to the beach can be done in several ways. For a cliff top route you can park in the National Trust carp park and walk over from from Southgate. Click here for the full directions.

If you're looking for a more direct route to the beach (and less of a walk), approaching from the other direction is a great option. Park up at SA3 2HH and follow the path.

Nearby Locations: Rhossili, Mumbles,