Swansea wedding photography at The Observatory
D&D themed wedding photos from Clyne Farm and the Swansea Observatory
This wedding had hilltop sea views, a Dungeons and Dragons theme, two very important dogs, a hand forged mini sword and possibly the hottest weather Swansea has ever produced.
The ceremony took place at Clyne Farm Centre, with the reception at The Observatory, sitting right on the promenade overlooking Swansea Bay. It was bright, joyful, slightly chaotic in places and completely unapologetic about being different.
Ceremony at Clyne Farm Centre with Views Over Swansea Bay
Clyne Farm Centre gave us sweeping views across Swansea Bay and a proper sense of space. The stone building, hilltop setting and coastline backdrop made it feel relaxed from the start, even though the temperature was climbing fast.
It was officially the hottest day of 2025. Guests came armed with colourful paper fans, wafting themselves dramatically while laughing about the heat.
The ceremony space was simply decorated with crochet flowers on the back of each chair and a backdrop of streamers moving gently in the breeze. Wildflowers and handmade details ran through everything.
Percy and Mash, the couple’s two very sweet dogs, were given extremely important roles walking down the aisle. They were keen to congratulate their humans immediately after the vows, and the bride happily let them climb onto the dress for a cuddle. It was joyful, slightly chaotic and completely perfect. When it came to confetti outside the Clyne Farm stone building, colourful paper filled the air and the couple were so excited they ran straight through it laughing. They moved so quickly the first time that we had to do it again.
A Fully DIY Wedding with Friends Pitching In
This wedding was proudly DIY. Decorations were handmade by the bride, with friends and family helping to lay out decor, assemble details and serve champagne to guests relaxing outside in the sunshine.
At one point, the wedding party took on the job of setting up a gazebo for shade. There were poles everywhere, instructions being handed around and a few slightly confused faces. Eventually, it stood. It was absolutely needed to shade the sun.
Some of the younger guests handled the heat by heading down for a dip in the sea. When your reception venue is directly on the Swansea promenade, that is a strong option.
Dungeons and Dragons Details and Mario Kart
The couple had told us before the day that they love expressing their interests in a quirky way and were not shy about sharing that. They are avid Dungeons and Dragons players, along with many of their friends, so the theme ran confidently through the styling.
Handmade table features nodded to D and D, colourful garlands and fans added movement and personality, and guests could play Mario Kart on a pop up screen during the reception. It felt interactive, relaxed and completely reflective of who they are. They cut their wedding cake with a mini sword that they forged themselves. The cake by Cakes by Katy did not stand a chance.
Couple Portraits at Clyne Gardens
We headed to Clyne Gardens for couple portraits, seeking shade on the Chinese bridge while the sun blazed overhead. The greenery gave us a welcome break from the heat and softened the light beautifully.
They wanted to look back at their photos with smiles and laughter, and that guided everything. Movement over stiffness. Personality over posing.
Reception at The Observatory, Marine Quarter
The reception at The Observatory in the Marine Quarter brought everything together. Sitting directly over Swansea Bay, it gave guests space to relax on the terrace with champagne, taking in the views and cooling down slightly as the day rolled on.
Emotional speeches were given outdoors before the first dance, striking the perfect balance between laughter and tears. As the couple stepped into their first dance on the terrace, the sun dipped behind them, creating a natural flare and golden glow over the bay.
Catering was provided by The Observatory, flowers by Florence and Flowers, the dress from White Orchid Bridal with tailoring by Lisa’s Sewing Bee, and the suit from Dyfed Menswear. Favours were lovingly created by Aunt Emma Heaven, adding another layer of family involvement to a day already full of it.
Inclusive Wedding Photography in Swansea
This wedding did not follow a traditional template. It focused on shared interests, handmade details, beach views, dogs, and celebrating with the people who matter most.
We photograph weddings for all couples, with no assumptions and no one size fits all approach. Whether your wedding includes crochet flowers, forged swords, Mario Kart or something entirely your own, it should feel like you.
If you are planning a wedding at Clyne Farm Centre in Swansea or a reception at The Observatory overlooking Swansea Bay, and you want natural, documentary wedding photography that captures the heat, the laughter and the real emotion, we would love to hear from you.