Top 10 Irish Wedding Venues for Small Weddings
In light of the recent announcements from the government it looks like small weddings are going to be the norm for the next while. Weddings with 50 people or less can still be the party you want it to be. You’ll have to be a little more selective with your guest list, which for some, may be a blessing in disguise. With that in mind, I’ve pulled together some of Top 10 Irish Wedding Venues for Small Weddings who are nailing intimate weddings.
A small wedding means you can spend more on things you may not have been able to afford before. You can splash out on the venue, food, photography (ahem), booze, whatever floats your boat. When working out wedding budgets you always multiply everything by the number of guests you’re having, less guests means getting more out of your budget.
Irish Wedding Venues for Small Weddings
Horetown House, Co. Wexford
OK I’m slightly biased on this one, we got married here last summer and we had the time of our lives. Horetown House is a private country house wedding venue surrounded by lush green countryside. They have plenty of options for small weddings, with no minimum numbers Monday – Thursday. I fell in love with their White Room when I visited first. It’s perfect for your indoor ceremony and can hold up to 50 for dinner. They can also reduce the size of the Garden Room to make a smaller cosy space for 50 guests. Spoiled I tell ya!
Waterford Castle, Co. Waterford
I’m not exaggerating when I tell you I’d move in to Waterford Castle if I could. Set on its own private island, you’ll have exclusive use of the 16th century castle for your intimate wedding day. Waterford Castle Hotel is approved for civil ceremonies. Exchanging vows in the the grand entrance hall, in front of the open fireplace in the company of family & friends sounds pretty romantic to me.
Coolbawn Quay, Co. Tipperary
This venue has everything you need to host your small wedding in Ireland. It’s your own private village on Lough Derg with spectacular scenery no matter which way you look. They have the perfect ceremony space meaning you can get married right on the water, they have a clear marquee they can erect if it rains so you won’t get wet but still have the amazing views. They have multiple options for downsized weddings including the Lakeshore Pavilion and their Drawing Room with Georgian windows, open fire and dimmed lighting creating the perfect mood for your intimate wedding.
Boyne Hill House, Co. Meath
This elegant manor house set in spectacular grounds has everything you need for your intimate wedding. This Georgian venue is exclusively yours for the duration of your wedding providing a relaxing space for you and your guests. The manor house is perfect for your small wedding ceremony and drinks reception. There’s 8 bedrooms in the manor house but fear not, the rest of your guests can stay in one of the 35 guest rooms in the courtyard. My absolute favourite part of Boyne Hill House is the secret tunnel linking the manor house to the Conservatory where the party kicks off and you can dance until either the band or barman kicks you out.
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin City Centre
I shot my first wedding in The Merrion Hotel a while back and I’m obsessed. They only ever did small weddings so their old hat to them at this stage. I dunno about you but getting married in a 5 star luxury hotel steeped in history surrounded by family and friends sounds pretty perfect to me. They grand salons of The Merrion have a separate entrance with so many options that each wedding is unique to each couple. The attention to detail at The Merrion Hotel is second to none, you’d be hard pressed to find a better wedding venue for your small, intimate wedding in Dublin City Centre.
Kilshane House, Co. Tipperary
When I tell you Kilshane House is a magical place to hold your intimate Irish wedding I’m not telling fibs. They have such a broad range of spaces you’ll be spoiled rotten for choices. I’m obsessed with the Conservatory for an indoor ceremony and the pagoda which looks like it’s floating above the water is the perfect setting for your outdoor ceremony!
Photos courtesy of Airfield Estate
Photos courtesy of Airfield Estate
Airfield Estate, Dublin
If you’re looking for a laid back intimate wedding venue, Airfield Estate has you covered. They will work with you to create a bespoke wedding day which is a reflection of you both. They have a one wedding a day policy meaning the place is yours for the whole day. Not only is it a beautiful place to say your ‘I dos’ it’s a social and charitable hub, investing in people and initiatives that reach every corner of their community.
Ashley Park House, Co. Tipperary
Ashley Park House is a luxury country house wedding venue set in 76 acres of private woodland and formal gardens on the shores of Lough Ourna close to Nenagh Town. Their Boathouse ceremony room means you can get married ON the lake with your drinks reception a short stroll through the walled garden on the lawn or veranda of the house itself.
Photo by Brooke Cox Photography
Photo by Brooke Cox Photography
Ballybeg House, Co. Wicklow
Ballybeg is a home away from home for intimate and unique weddings. This wedding venue has literally everything you need on site for your small Irish wedding. It even has it’s own old Irish bar, the Shebeen. SOLD! The Ayers ceremony room is a converted barn with exposed stone walls, candle chandeliers and open fires making it a perfect setting for your intimate wedding ceremony. With a choice of reception spaces from the house to the Victorian style marquee you won’t know what to do with yourself with all the choice.
Borris House, Co. Carlow
Where do I begin with Borris House? First off, it’s not a hotel, it’s a family run country house in the heart of the Carlow countryside. The state rooms are furnished with original antiques, family paintings and even a piano for you to tinker away on should it take your fancy. They’ve a choice of spaces for your wedding ceremony, indoor and outdoor as well as a number of different spaces to host your reception dinner. The lace garden for your ceremony and the ballroom for your dinner both get my vote for perfect intimate wedding spaces.
If you want to see some small weddings I’ve shot, check out these guys here.
Irish Wedding Venues for Small Weddings
I absolutely loved this blog post! The selection of Irish wedding venues for small weddings is so charming and intimate. Katie’s photography captures the beauty and essence of each location perfectly. I can’t wait to explore these venues for my own wedding!