A Sun-Soaked Pembrokeshire Wedding at The Cliff Hotel: Dolphins, Coastal Views & Pure Summer Magic

If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, romantic coastal wedding for 2026, let me take you to one of the most unforgettable days I photographed this year; a sun-drenched celebration at The Cliff Hotel in beautiful Pembrokeshire. With endless sea views, golden light, and even dolphins making an appearance, this wedding truly captured everything we all love about summer on the Welsh coast.

From the minute I arrived, I knew it was going to be a special one. It was officially the hottest day of the year in July, with the sun glowing over the turquoise water and a warm, salty breeze rolling in from the ocean. The Cliff Hotel’s dramatic coastline and secluded coves created the perfect backdrop for a day full of love, laughter, and spontaneous moments.

Editorial style image of a brides shoes and jewellery thrown across a green sofa in the bridal suite at the cliff hotel and spa.

A landscape image taken from The cliff hotel and spa, showing a dolphin swimming just off the coast.

Dolphins From the Bridal Suite — A Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment

Bridal prep started in one of The Cliff Hotel’s bright, sea-view rooms. While the girls were getting ready, excitement suddenly erupted as someone spotted movement in the water below.

Sure enough - a pod of dolphins was swimming along the cliff line.

Everyone rushed to the cliff, champagne glasses strewn aside, watching these beautiful creatures glide through the calm morning sea. It set the tone for the whole day: peaceful, joyful, and full of magic. Not many couples can say they saw dolphins on their wedding morning!

This is exactly why I love coastal weddings - nature always has surprises waiting. Also a little reason that I'm moving myself over to Australia in September 2026!

An emotive black and white image of a tearful groom to be wiping his eyes with a tissue as his bride walks down the aisle towards him.

A bride and groom sharing their first kiss as a newly married couple, at the cliff hotel and spa in cardigan, Wales.

A Ceremony Overlooking the Sea

The ceremony was bathed in sunlight, with clear skies stretching all the way across the horizon. Guests fanned themselves in the heat, smiling as the couple said their vows with the views of waves crashing against the shore just outside.

Intimate couple portrait of a bride and groom sharing a kiss at their beautiful summer wedding venue in Cardigan, Wales.

A beautiful family portrait of a bride, groom, and their two flower girl daughters, in front of the welsh cliffs

Golden Light, Wild Cliffs & Portraits by the Sea

After the ceremony, guests sheltered under parasols and enjoyed ice-cold drinks during the reception as the sun beamed overhead. Once things cooled down (even as slightly as it did…), we took a walk along the cliffs for portraits.

This is one of my favourite parts of photographing at The Cliff Hotel - the surrounding coastline is rugged, dramatic, and completely unique.

We wandered across sun-baked paths, laughed through the wind, and captured natural, unposed moments that truly reflected the couple and the mood of the day. The sunlight shimmered off the water, creating that warm, glowing look that only comes with a real summer wedding.

If you’re a couple who loves the outdoors, the sea, or anything a little wild and adventurous - this venue is a dream.

A black and white image of a bride, groom & their bridal party

An energetic image of a groom to be with his groomsmen, ahead of his wedding at the cliff hotel and spa In Cardigan, Wales.

A Warm Summer Evening Filled With Joy

As the sun dipped lower, the entire venue turned golden. Guests relaxed, music drifted out across the terrace, and the couple enjoyed a quiet moment together before heading in for speeches and dancing.

Heatwave weddings have a unique energy to them - everything feels slower, softer, and somehow more joyful. This one was no exception. Every hug lingered a little longer (and sweatier), every sunset moment felt cinematic, and every guest soaked up that rare Welsh sunshine with complete delight.

A gorgeous black and white image of a bride, groom and their children playing In the shallow water.

Why The Cliff Hotel Is Perfect for Your 2026 Wedding

If you’re currently planning your 2026 wedding and imagining something coastal, relaxed, and full of natural beauty, The Cliff Hotel has so much to offer:

Panoramic views over Cardigan Bay
Beautiful outdoor, and indoor, ceremony spots
Spacious prep rooms with sea views
Dramatic cliffs perfect for portraits
A relaxed, calm atmosphere
Endless photo opportunities
The chance (just maybe!) to spot dolphins and seals

For couples who love the sea, adventure, or simply want a destination-feel wedding without leaving Wales, it’s a venue that truly delivers.

A Birds Eye view portrait image taken of a bride, groom and their two children on a beach at Cardigan bay.

Planning Your Pembrokeshire or Coastal Wedding?

If this wedding story has you dreaming of your own sun-soaked celebration, I’d love to capture it for you. I photograph weddings across Pembrokeshire, South Wales, and beyond, and my approach is relaxed, docu-editorial-style, and focused on real, natural moments, that still look visually stunning.

A posed image of a bride and groom embracing on a rocky beach in Cardigan Bay.

Now booking 2026 weddings — especially summer and coastal celebrations.

If you’re still looking for your photographer, you can enquire here:

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Let’s create something magical together. ✨