Planning your wedding in Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Ready to take that next step and propose? Or maybe you’ve already presented your loved one with a ring and now have the daunting task of planning the perfect day. Whether you’re looking for the perfect romantic place to propose or the wedding venue of your dreams, here are our top tips for planning a memorable wedding in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

Top proposal spots

Ready to pop the question? Here are some of the region’s most romantic places, perfect for a proposal! Just make sure to have a camera on hand so you can capture a picturesque backdrop that will really make the ring pop!

Symonds Yat
With far reaching views, this is a truly magical place for a proposal and if you’re a couple that loves being outdoors and being active, it’s even better as you can even enjoy a canoe trip in the region as part of the day!

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
While a popular spot, there are lots of secluded areas in the heart of the forest for you to get down on one knee and it is certainly a pretty location.

Cannop Ponds
Whatever time of year you visit Cannop Ponds you can be sure of an idyllic view, in the autumn there are incredible russet colours, while in the spring and summer it is all green reflecting back at you from the ponds.

Find the perfect venue

One of the most important aspects of your wedding day is the venue – no matter whether you want a grand affair at a stately home, a small and intimate one at a registry office or you want to bring elements of your faith or heritage into the ceremony at a religious building or somewhere grand like a castle. Whatever kind of ceremony you are looking for, the first place you should start is with the venue.

If you’re looking for a registry office:

Forest of Dean Registration Office, Cinderford

Gloucester Registration Office, Gloucester
Stroud Registration Office, Stroud

If you’re looking for a church:
(Please be aware that churches may require you to be a member or a resident to be married there)
Christchurch, Gloucestershire
St Mary the Virgin, English Bicknor
Holy Trinity Church, Drybrook

You can find a list of amazing venues across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley here.  

The wedding checklist

You’ve decided to get married but here’s where the real work starts – planning a wedding can be incredible daunting, so to help you out, here is our checklist of everything you need to have the perfect day!

• Set the date

• Draw up a guest list

• Send out save the dates

• Book your venue

• Appoint members of the wedding party, bridesmaids, best man etc

• Book a photographer

• Meet your minister/registrar

• Book entertainment

• Book a caterer

• Book your cars

• Book your florist

• Book a toastmaster

• Take out any insurances you need

• Buy your wedding outfits

• Book a honeymoon

• Order your invites

• Order the cake

• Get your accessories, shoes, button holes etc

• Get the rings

• Send the invitations

• Organise a theme and get your decorations

• Decide on a gift list

• Book your hen/stag parties

• Buy gifts for the best man, bridesmaids etc

• Have fun!

Don’t stress though, there are loads of venues who offer wedding planners as part of the package, so all you have to do is guide them so they can create your dream day!

Packing list

If you’ve chosen to get married in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and are travelling to your venue, make sure you have everything you need!

• Any legal documents you might need

• Table plan

• Booking confirmations

• The outfits

• The rings