Fort Belan
A unique eighteenth century fortress, built in 1775 by Thomas Wynn, who later became Lord Newborough, in response to a perceived threat to the British mainland during the American war of independence.
Llanwnda, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 5TP
Licences
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Civil
Venue Types
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Marquee space
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Outdoor / garden
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Unusual venue
Fort Belan is an unspoilt and unique 18th century Grade 1 listed fort. The surroundings are of natural beauty and this, combined with the remote position and panoramic views provide a most attractive and unusual venue which will ensure that your special day will be unforgettable.
The Fort has five cottages within the walls set round a central courtyard. In addition there is a sixth cottage in the Dock area a short walk away. Each cottage has its own particular character and décor and retains many original features.
Rather than having a strict package, the venue is something of a blank canvas as we like to hear your ideas and try to accommodate your suggestions.
Our galleried music room is able to accommodate up to 120 guests, it is licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies. The wedding could be followed by a champagne reception on the gun battery and, if you wish, flags flying from the flagpole. The views are stunning! Across the waters of the Strait is Anglesey, to the west towards the open sea and Llanddwyn Island, whilst Caernarfon Castle and the Snowdonia range of mountains lie to the east.
A buffet reception for a number of guests could take place in the fort or we can arrange a marquee on the green between the fort and dock in the months of June and September. We can also provide tables and chairs as well as champagne glasses. Caterers of your choice may supply food.
The venue being so very different provides the opportunity for unusual wedding pictures in such places as on the battlements by the cannon, in the courtyard garden, or by the picturesque 19th-century dock with sailing boats.
* Professional photographer can be recommended and samples of his work can be provided, we have battlements which are excellent for photographs, overlooked by a tower which the photographer can ascend to take panoramic wedding pictures.
*The cottages of the Fort together with Dock Cottage can accommodate up to 45 guests.
*It is possible to have late night music and fireworks.
As for bride and groom we have a small cottage, a studio for two with a super-king-size bed, adjoining living room, kitchen and bathroom.
A breakdown of the prices for the houses may be supplied. We can also provide a price for hosting the wedding ceremony, needing first to understand the detail of what you require.
We held our wedding at Fort Belan in September 2023. We had been previously twenty years prior and even named our dog after the fort so it had a special place in our hearts already. When my mother suggested it, we immediately knew this was the place we should celebrate.
We held the ceremony up by the beach outside. We had a beautiful setting with the water and beach through the arch and the guests even saw porpoises swim by just before we began walking down the ‘aisle’. We had reception drinks up in the fort walls under the summer sun and held the meal and party within the fort in the courtyard. We had the cannons go off after the ceremony which was incredibly fun, starting our marriage with a bang. It was the most special day and the venue was a huge part of that. Every guest was so amazed by the scenery and the building and how vast it was. We could make it completely our own. It was unlike other venues which sometimes make you use their caterers or their decorations etc. - we had a completely blank canvas so we could do what suited us best. It also meant we could have an open ‘bar’ and just hired a local hand to serve the drinks and a local band who played into the night inside the fort bouncing off the fort walls. It has its quirks too which we love. The £1 for the electricity (You use the same £1 to reload you don’t keep paying), the drive which gets washed up by the ocean at high tide. Thank you to Chris for helping so much with various pre - wedding planning, he was very patient with us and responded in a timely manner. It is a little hidden gem in the north of Wales, we are so lucky to have found it and wouldn’t have changed a thing.
