At several points in my own wedding planning, I was stressed out and ready to scrap all our plans to elope for a simple wedding ceremony, just the two of us, somewhere beautiful. We didn’t for various reasons, but the idea of eloping has always appealed to me. Two of our businesses – who happen to be run by a husband and wife team – have put together a tempting package for those couples who want a truly down-to-earth and intimate wedding.

Daniel and Jemma, along with their little girl, run Nantwen, an idyllic rustic wedding venue and honeymoon cottage in rural Pembrokeshire. In addition to the gorgeous barn and cosy cottage, Jemma also runs Slade Fine Jewellery handcrafting eco-chic engagement and wedding rings. For those couples wanting an intimate wedding, they saw that they could combine their businesses to offer a runaway wedding package that includes the ceremony, a few nights stay in their romantic cottage, and bespoke rings made in eco gold or silver.

“We think this package would suit a couple who want something really special, who are brave enough to choose a secret venue, with wedding rings there waiting for them.” How romantic!

An intimate elopement wedding

Daniel and Jemma describe Nantwen as a “small wild site” and that as an already successful place for couples to escape for their honeymoon, it only seemed natural that you might want to escape here to quietly get married. I’m envisaging a modern day Lorna Doone and John Ridd running away to get married here in a wildflower glade.

As well as couples looking to elope, Nantwen also attracts guests who want a quiet ceremony but who want to surprise their family – secret weddings in all sorts of guises! Daniel and Jemma tell me that the very fact that Nantwen is hidden away (many locals don’t even know exactly where it is!) adds to the mystery of the place and it’s attraction as an elopement venue.

The runaway wedding package

If you are interested in the runaway wedding package, the details are as follows: the package includes the ceremony, a 2 nights stay at Nantwen’s cottage and a pair of bespoke handmade rings. If you want a truly intimate elopement, Daniel and Jemma are able to be witnesses for the wedding. Jemma can make the rings in a choice of Eco recycled silver, 9ct or 18ct yellow or white Eco recycled gold.

For the ceremony, 2 nights stay and a pair of 9ct Eco gold wedding bands the cost is £1,580. If you prefer the 18ct gold wedding bands plus the ceremony and 2 nights stay, the cost is £1,880. Couples can also increase their stay for £110 per night, and they can decorate the hall or the cottage for your wedding, depending on where at Nantwen you choose to get married.

For examples of some of the weddings rings that Jemma has created for couples, check out her galley over at her Slade Fine Jewellery page on our directory.

Booking your runaway wedding

If you have any questions about the Runaway Wedding package, then please contact Daniel and Jemma at Nantwen by email info@nantwen.co.uk or telephone 01239 821 139.

Images: (1) Clare Richardson; (2 – 23) Owen Howells Photography