The Swan at Hay – A Beautiful, Historic Wedding Venue in Hay-on-Wye
- Ian Bennett
- 58 minutes ago
- 4 min read
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day filled with countryside charm, elegant interiors, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, The Swan at Hay in Hay-on-Wye is a venue that simply stands out. Perfectly positioned on the edge of the breathtaking Brecon Beacons and nestled in the world-famous “Town of Books,” this stunning Grade II listed Georgian coaching inn is the ideal setting for couples who want a romantic celebration with plenty of character, warmth, and personality.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lively evening reception for up to 200 guests, The Swan at Hay offers incredible flexibility, exceptional service, and the kind of timeless beauty that makes for magical wedding photos and unforgettable memories.
🌿 A Venue Full of Character and History
Built in the 17th century and lovingly restored, The Swan at Hay is packed with Georgian charm — high ceilings, historic architecture, elegant light-filled rooms, and beautiful walled gardens that feel worlds away from the rush of modern life.
Hay-on-Wye itself adds to the romance: quaint streets, artisan shops, and postcard-perfect scenery. For couples who love a mix of rustic charm and literary heritage, there simply isn’t another venue quite like it.
💍 Ceremony Spaces to Suit Every Style
The Swan at Hay is fully licensed for civil ceremonies, giving you the option to host your entire day in one beautiful location. Choose from:
⭐ The Garden Room (up to 90 ceremony guests / 50 dining)
Bright, elegant, and overlooking the stunning walled gardens. A perfect balance of indoor comfort and outdoor beauty.
⭐ The Coach House (up to 120 reception guests)
Spacious and versatile, ideal for evening receptions, larger celebrations, and plenty of dancing room.
⭐ The Heron Room (up to 20 guests)
Cosy, atmospheric, and perfect for smaller ceremonies or elopements.
⭐ The Walled Gardens
A truly romantic setting for photos, drinks receptions, or those quiet moments together. If the weather plays up, the hotel’s interiors are equally beautiful alternatives.
Whether you're hosting 20 or 200 guests, the venue’s layout makes everything flow beautifully.
🍽 Locally Inspired Catering & Exceptional Hospitality
The Swan at Hay is known for its superb food. Their culinary team creates mouthwatering menus using quality local ingredients from Herefordshire, Powys, and surrounding areas.
Wedding packages include:
A three-course wedding breakfast
Menu tasting before your big day
Tailored menu options
Special dietary requirements catered for with ease
For couples and guests staying overnight, the venue offers 19 individually designed en-suite bedrooms, including a beautifully appointed bridal suite.
🛌 19 Bedrooms for Family & Friends
One of the biggest advantages of The Swan at Hay is having everything — ceremony, reception, dining, dancing, and accommodation — all in one place.
Guests can relax, unwind, enjoy the bar, and wake up the next morning to a delicious breakfast in the heart of Hay-on-Wye. It’s the perfect “wedding weekend” venue.
🌟 Venue Highlights at a Glance
Exclusive Use: Celebrate your day privately with your chosen guests
Historic Grade II Listed Building with bags of character
Licensed for Civil Ceremonies
On-site Parking
Landscaped Walled Gardens
Wedding Coordinator Included
Pet-Friendly Venue
Evening Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Optional Coach House Reception Space
The Swan at Hay beautifully combines tradition with contemporary comfort, making it a venue that truly adapts to your vision.
🎧 DJ Review of The Swan at Hay (From a Working Wedding DJ)
As a DJ who regularly works across Wales, Shropshire, and the West Midlands, I always appreciate venues that make the entertainment side straightforward — and The Swan at Hay is generally a good venue to work at, with a few things couples should know so they can plan confidently.
Here’s the full DJ-focused breakdown, based on NeedADisco reports and my own industry experience:
🎶 FUNCTION ROOM / SETUP EXPERIENCE
👍 The Good
Permanent wooden dancefloor — fantastic for energy, movement, and keeping the dance area defined.
No sound limiter — this is a big win. DJs can adjust volume properly without worrying about power cuts mid-song.
Adjacent parking — makes load-in and load-out much easier.
👎 The Bad
No in-house lighting effects
No air conditioning — something to be mindful of in summer months (especially with 80–120 guests dancing!).
Haze and smoke prohibited — not uncommon, but worth knowing if you love atmospheric lighting.
😕 The Ugly
No stage area — DJs set up on floor level, which is completely fine, but something to factor into your room layout.
⚡ Power Supply
Ample power adjacent to the DJ setup areaNo extension nightmares — which is always appreciated!
📦 Access
A couple of steps into the function roomOR
Access through the courtyard and hotel
It’s best to confirm the route with the venue in advance.
🔊 Sound Advice
Bass bins (subs) recommendedThis tells me the room likely absorbs low frequencies — adding subs makes the music feel full and energised, especially for evening celebrations.
📝 Final Thoughts – Why The Swan at Hay is a Fantastic Wedding Venue
If you're looking for a wedding venue that blends history, beauty, flexibility, and old-world romance, The Swan at Hay is one of the finest choices in Powys and the surrounding region.
You get:
✔ gorgeous ceremony spaces
✔ beautiful Georgian interiors
✔ a dedicated wedding coordinator
✔ onsite accommodation
✔ excellent food
✔ stunning gardens
✔ flexible reception options
✔ good DJ working conditions with a permanent dancefloor
It’s the perfect combination of charm, convenience, and country elegance — ideal for couples who want a relaxed yet stylish wedding day in one of Wales’ most picturesque settings.
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