ALI LOMAS - DERBYSHIRE BASED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
A moody, romantic elopement tucked within the ancient walls of Cardiff Castle - romantic lace and vows whispered in shadows.
Gothic details, quiet love, and the kind of magic that lingers.
Hidden within the timeless stone walls of Cardiff Castle, two souls chose to marry in a way that felt true to them: quietly, intimately, and with unapologetic romance. This gothic elopement embraced shadow and stillness — low lights flickering against velvet, a lace gown draped across royal carpets, vows exchanged in whispered tones, and every detail steeped in emotion. Nestled in the heart of the Welsh capital, the castle is layered with over 2,000 years of history, from Roman fort to medieval stronghold to a lavish 19th-century transformation under the Marquess of Bute.
Inside, richly decorated interiors tell stories in stained glass, gold leaf, and intricate woodwork. Outside, the imposing keep rises above lush grounds, offering a sense of drama and scale perfect for romantic, atmospheric weddings and elopements. It’s a place that feels both timeless and cinematic — full of character, shadow, and story. For couples drawn to gothic elegance, historic detail, and the magic of something a little different, Cardiff Castle offers a setting unlike any other.
As a Wedding Photographer, I’m drawn to stories that unfold naturally, without pressure or performance. This day was exactly that. No crowded audience, no grand spectacle — just two people, completely present, completely in love. The atmosphere was soft and surreal: dark florals, romantic textures, and the moody grandeur of the castle setting. The couple moved slowly through the space, wrapped in silence and sincerity, and I followed quietly — documenting the way their hands reached for each other, the subtle glances, the stillness between spoken words. We trailed through the darkness of tunnels and up hillside for the backdrop of the Gothic buildings, capturing moments where eyes met, dancing along pathways, catching the moment lips were to touch - realising this was the start of forever with each other.
This is the kind of wedding that lingers. Not because it was loud, but because it was real.
I believe in capturing the feeling beneath the moment — and this elopement was full of them. If you’re dreaming of a day that’s deeply personal, creatively styled, and rich in emotion, let this be your reminder: your wedding can look however you want it to. And I’d be honoured to help you remember it.
Venue: Cardiff Castle
