Sophie & Hywel’s Oxwich Bay Hotel Wedding

Sophie and Hywel’s wedding at Oxwich Bay Hotel brought together everything that makes a Gower wedding feel special: a relaxed day, plenty of genuine moments and the beach only a short walk away. I photographed the day naturally, letting them enjoy the celebration with their family and friends while I captured the story as it unfolded.

A relaxed wedding morning at Oxwich Bay

The morning began with the little details and the people closest to Sophie and Hywel. I always keep this part of the day calm and unobtrusive. There is no need to manufacture moments when so much is already happening around you, from the finishing touches to the excitement building before the ceremony.

An Oxwich Bay Hotel ceremony

Oxwich Bay Hotel has a lovely intimate feel, surrounded by greenery with the Gower coast just beyond it. Sophie and Hywel’s ceremony was full of warm reactions, smiles and the kind of small in-between moments that make every wedding completely its own.

Confetti, family and natural photographs

After the ceremony we kept the group photographs simple and efficient, leaving plenty of time for Sophie and Hywel to talk, laugh and celebrate with their guests. That is always the balance I aim for. You get the important family photographs without your wedding day turning into a long photoshoot.

Wedding photographs on Oxwich Bay beach

One of the best things about getting married here is having Oxwich Bay on the doorstep. We slipped away for a short walk and a handful of relaxed portraits by the sea. There was no awkward posing and no disappearing for hours. Just a little time together, natural conversation and the Gower coastline doing the rest.

More moments from Sophie and Hywel’s wedding

Planning an Oxwich Bay Hotel wedding?

If you are planning your own celebration on the Gower, have a look at my Oxwich Bay Hotel wedding photographer guide for more photographs and useful venue information. You can also explore my South Wales wedding venues guide or see my clear 2027/28 wedding photography and film prices.

I photograph weddings in a relaxed, documentary way, with minimal posing and plenty of room for you to enjoy the day. It’s a wedding, not a photoshoot. If that sounds right for you, get in touch and tell me what you are planning, or head back to Carl Woodward Photography.

Featured in Your South Wales Wedding Magazine

Sophie and Hywel’s beautiful Oxwich Bay Hotel wedding was selected for a multi-page real-wedding feature in Your South Wales Wedding Magazine. The feature shares their story and some of my favourite photographs from their relaxed coastal wedding in Swansea.

Read the full magazine feature: https://www.county.wedding/image-upload/flippingbook/YSWW107/33/

Sophie and Hywel’s Wedding Suppliers

Venue and catering: Oxwich Bay Hotel — https://oxwichbayhotel.co.uk/
Photographer: Carl Woodward Photography — https://www.carlwoodwardphotography.com/
Bride’s dress: Laura May Bridal — https://lauramaybridal.co.uk/
Bride’s jewellery: Lily & Roo — https://lilyandroo.com/
Groom’s and groomsmen’s suits: Hawkes Bespoke Outfitters — https://www.instagram.com/hawkes_bespoke_outfitters/
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Azazie — https://www.azazie.com/
Wedding rings: Dot Jewellery — https://dotjewellery.com/
Hair stylist: CW Hairdressing — https://www.instagram.com/cw_hairdressing/
Makeup artist: Astonishing Make Up — https://www.facebook.com/megastonmua
Bridesmaids’ hair and makeup: The Bridal Gals — https://www.instagram.com/thebridalgals/
Fairylights: The Wedding Business — https://www.instagram.com/_theweddingbusiness/
Band: The Midnight Fiddle Band — https://themidnightfiddleband.com/