Did you spot Court Colman Manor in the grand finale of Gavin and Stacey? The Bridgend venue was the backdrop for the show’s unforgettable wedding scene. We caught up with Olivia, the hotel’s duty manager, to find out what it was like being part of such an iconic moment.
Keeping It Under Wraps: The Secret Life of a Duty Manager
Imagine being asked to be part of a Gavin and Stacey wedding shoot and having to keep it under wraps for months. That’s exactly what happened to Olivia and her team. “We had to keep it a secret since July,” she reveals. “Staff who knew had to sign NDAs, so it was tough! Especially as some of us were working during the three days of filming—my family would ask what I was doing, and I had to pretend it was just ‘another long conference.”
The challenge of staying tight-lipped was real, but as Olivia explains, the excitement was palpable. “It was such a huge opportunity for us, and the fact that we got to be a part of it was incredible. We were all thrilled, but also a bit nervous when we were asked to be supporting artists.”
Lights, Camera, Action!
The filming days themselves were a whirlwind. While the team worked behind the scenes, Olivia and a few colleagues found themselves stepping into supporting roles. “It was busy but relaxed, everyone was so amazing. We were nervous at first, but the crew and cast made it feel like a fun and positive experience.”
And yes, there were a few hilarious moments. “One day, Erin had to carry a tray of Prosecco glasses down our grand staircase, but after a few takes, the glasses fell off and smashed! The whole crew was super chill about it and even helped clean up. James Corden came over to check if Erin was okay, telling her not to worry. It was such a lovely moment.”
Starstruck: Meeting the Cast
The best part of being on set? Meeting the stars of the show! Olivia and the team had the chance to meet the cast as they grabbed a break. “It was surreal,” she admits. “On the first day, it was just us and the cast and crew in the hotel, so it was kind of like a private little world. We’d casually bump into them while getting our morning coffee. It felt like a dream.”
The Big Reveal: Social Media Goes Wild
When the Gavin and Stacey finale aired, the response was nothing short of overwhelming. “As soon as the hotel appeared on screen, our Instagram just exploded,” Olivia says. “People were tagging us, messaging non-stop. Everyone was so excited to see our venue on TV! Our family and friends were blown away that we’d managed to keep it all a secret.”
It wasn’t just the fans who were excited—the staff were just as thrilled to see their venue on national TV. “We had recently re-done the Ballroom where the ceremony was filmed, and watching it on TV, it looked stunning,” Olivia shares. “The décor was done beautifully by Attention to Detail and Dazzleevents. We were so proud to have them involved too, as we work so closely with them.”
Gavin and Stacey Fans Flock to Court Colman
Since the episode aired, Court Colman Manor has seen an influx of couples wanting to tie the knot in the same place as Gavin and Stacey’s legendary wedding. “Yes, we’ve had lots of show-arounds and bookings!” Olivia says. “Brides and grooms are contacting us because they can’t believe they’re getting married in the same place as the finale. Some of our couples who had already booked are even asking about the décor that was used. It’s been incredible.”
The Secret to Court Colman’s Charm
So, what makes Court Colman such a sought-after venue? “Everything!” Olivia exclaims. “We’re lucky to be set in the beautiful Court Colman estate in Pen-Y-Fai, surrounded by quiet grounds. We can accommodate up to 240 guests, but it’s just as perfect for more intimate gatherings. The team here is fantastic—we really go the extra mile to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s a small team, so we work closely together and feel like a big family.”
Whether you're dreaming of a grand affair or a cosy celebration, Court Colman offers the perfect backdrop. “We have stunning function rooms and exceptional service—all at an incredibly affordable price,” says Olivia. “It’s just the perfect place to make your day special.”
Wedding Packages Tailored for You
If you’ve been inspired by the Gavin and Stacey wedding magic, Court Colman offers two all-inclusive wedding packages to make planning your big day stress-free. “We’ve got a Twilight Wedding Package for £5,999, which includes 100 guests, and a Midweek Wedding Package for £8,500, which covers 50 day guests and 100 evening guests,” Olivia explains.
But that’s not all! For an extra touch of fun, couples can take advantage of quirky extras like canapés, a sweet cart, or even an ice cream tricycle.
Proud to Be Part of TV History
For Olivia and the team at Court Colman, being featured in such an iconic show has been a career highlight. “I didn’t believe it at first,” Olivia admits. “We’re so proud to be part of the finale. For Sanjeev and Elinor, who run the manor, it’s a huge achievement too. It’s not every day your venue gets to be part of TV history!”
So, if you're a Gavin and Stacey fan and planning your own wedding, Court Colman Manor is the perfect place to host your big day.
Visit their website or give them a call to discover more about their stunning venue and packages. But be quick—after the Gavin and Stacey finale, dates are filling up fast!
