Getting Married in Ireland: Where to Start
Whether you’re coming home to Ireland for your big day, have Irish heritage, or just want an incredible destination wedding experience, getting married in Ireland is a great choice. Of course, there’s a fair amount of legwork and decision making that goes into planning any destination wedding. But don’t be overwhelmed! Here are a few first steps to get you started. Follow these, and you’ll be well on your way to a memorable and successful destination wedding in Ireland!
Work out the basics
First things first! Sit down as a couple and discuss what kind of wedding you both want. Church or civil ceremony? Intimate celebration or big bash? Indoors or outdoors? Which season or time of year? And crucially: what is your budget? Once you have the basic parameters worked out, it’s a lot easier to narrow down your choices and find what’s perfect for you.
Identify possible locations and venues
The location you choose for your wedding will determine the mood and style of the event. If you’re getting married in Ireland, you have your choice of grand country houses, ancient castles, and modern city venues, for example. Start a shortlist by Googling wedding venues in Ireland and looking at venue websites and real celebrations on wedding blogs.
Plan a visit
If at all possible, I would recommend planning a trip to Ireland at the start of your wedding planning. Although virtual venue tours are increasing in popularity, there’s nothing quite like touring a property or area in person. It will also allow you to meet local suppliers in person, and get a sense of the experience you’ll be giving your guests.
Consider the wedding date carefully
Before you pick a date, be sure to factor in bank holidays, as well as special dates in Ireland (and in your wedding destination in particular). For example, St Patrick’s Day, the festive season, and both the August and June bank holidays are particularly busy. This will usually make flights and accommodations more expensive for your guests. It’s also a good idea to talk to your venue or wedding planner about the weather at that time of year. Although when you’re getting married in Ireland, a little rain is always a possibility!
Research legal and religious ceremony requirements
Having your legal ceremony in Ireland can be complicated, and having a Catholic ceremony even more so. That’s why it’s important that you start organising the legalities as early as possible so that all the paperwork is in place. You can also choose to get married in your home country in a private ceremony and have a symbolic ceremony in Ireland.
Get some help
You don’t have to do it all alone! Hiring a wedding planner in Ireland may be the best decision you make (apart from saying ‘I do’, of course!). We have local contacts and experience, can take care of all the details and logistics, and save you money, hours, and stress. And if you can’t tour a venue in person, you know we can do it for you and share our first-hand experiences from today and any from the past too.
Slán go Fóill,
Tara
Image by Lisa O’Dwyer and Photogenic Photography