What is the Best Month to Get Married in Ireland?
If you’re considering an Irish destination wedding, you’re probably wondering: what is the best month to get married in Ireland? Of course, there’s no right answer to that question, as so much depends on your personal preferences. A winter wedding might be magical to one bride while the next dreams of sunny skies. Logistics will also play a factor. For example, some Irish castle wedding venues only offer exclusive buyouts off-season. But whatever your circumstances, there are a few factors you should take into account when deciding what is the best month to get married in Ireland. Here are the questions to consider.
Which month has the best weather in Ireland?
When it comes to choosing a wedding date, the weather is usually the biggest deciding factor. But here in Ireland, the weather is far from predictable! (Which is probably why we love to talk about it so much!) Rain can (and does) fall throughout the year. Sometimes you’ll even have four seasons in one day on your wedding day! The best thing you can do is to embrace the Irish weather and allow it to charm you, while planning for all eventualities. That said, from May through to October are usually the best weather months in Ireland, with July and August being the warmest months of the year. January and February are the coldest.
What are the most popular months for getting married in Ireland?
Before COVID, the most popular months for weddings in Ireland were June, July, and August. August was the most popular. January was the least popular month, with only 569 ceremonies in 2019.
Are there any wedding dates you should avoid?
Another thing to consider for a destination wedding is whether there are any major holidays or events on the same date as your big day. These can really drive up the price of accommodation and affect the availability of everything from the venue to the suppliers. The major holidays in Ireland include: New Year’s Day, St Patrick’s Day (17 March), Easter, Christmas and St Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day on 26 December. Bank holidays also occur on the first Monday in May, June, and August. While a holiday wedding can be fun, it may be best to avoid these dates.
Can I have a winter wedding in Ireland?
Yes, absolutely! I’ve planned some incredible winter weddings over the years in a variety of Irish wedding venues from castles to manor houses. It’s all about making sure your guests are cozy and warm while also embracing the winter aesthetic and all those lovely comforting aspects of winter like hot drinks and roaring fires.
What is the best month to get married in Ireland on a budget?
As I’ve mentioned, getting married in the middle of wedding season or on a holiday can drive up the cost of your wedding. It can also make it more expensive for your guests, who have to pay for flights and accommodation to attend your destination wedding. If budget is a concern for you, one of the best ways to save is to book your wedding out of season. January to April and especially October and November are the key off-peak months. You can often save further by choosing a day other than Saturday for your wedding.
If you’re still not sure, then why not look towards Irish wedding traditions for advice? This little verse sums it all up well!
Marry when the year is new, always loving, kind and true
When February birds do mate, you may wed, nor dread your fate
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you’ll know
Marry in April when you can, joy for maiden and for man
Marry in the month of May, you will surely rue the day
Marry when June roses blow, over land and sea you’ll go
They who in July do wed, must labour always for their bread
Whoever wed in August be, many a change are sure to see
Marry in September’s shine, your living will be rich and fine
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry
If you wed in bleak November, only joy will come remember
When December’s rain fall fast, marry and true love will last.
Slán go Fóill,
Tara
Images by Christina Brosnan