7 Unique and Intimate Wedding Venues In Ireland (That Aren’t A Church)

Since time immemorial, sacred houses of worship have always been the top venue for wedding ceremonies. For most people, getting married in a church, temple, or mosque is an ideal way to feel the presence of the Almighty as people are grounded by religion, manifested through sacred rituals and religious artifacts. 

Fast forward to the 21st-century, officiating the union of two people who are deeply in love doesn’t necessarily have to be done in a religious site. While traditional church weddings are still favored by some, a growing number of couples are opting to ditch the tradition and opt for a more modern ceremony in a relaxed, unorthodox venue. 

Ireland has a wealth of beautiful and unique wedding venues for couples who want things unconventional. If you and your partner want your wedding day to be modern, intimate, and memorable, here are alternative Irish wedding venues to put your rings on. 

1. Have a glam wedding in an elegant 19th-century manor house or mansion

If your idea of a perfect wedding venue involves a romantic 19th-century Victorian or Georgian mansion and picturesque gardens, then look into Irish manor houses. Mansions like Kingswood House, Longueville House, Tyrrelstown House, and Thomas Prior Hall are just a few of the jaw-dropping venues you can book for your dream wedding. 

2. Let your "happily ever after" begin in a castle

In Ireland, you can fulfill a romantic, fairytale-like wedding of your dreams: in a real grandiose castle. You don’t have to have royal blood to be married in a castle, but of course, you might need to have a fatter bank account. 

Some of the best castles for weddings include Glin Castle, Kilkea Castle, Bell Isle Castle, Clontarf Castle, Ashford Castle, and Dromoland Castle. 

3. Check out gorgeous hotels in scenic locations 

Not just any hotels but the ones that have a combination of elegant architecture, tasteful interior design, and picturesque grounds and surrounding natural views. A majority of boutique hotels in Ireland are great wedding venues, but take your time touring the properties to make sure they’re a good fit for your dream wedding.  

A hotel in Carlow, for instance, offers a stunning Killenshin hills backdrop along the River Barrow. You may also look into house hotels situated in the heart of a nature park or near a beach. 

4. Make your dream rustic wedding take place in a barn and farm

Browse wedding inspirations on Pinterest and you’ll see one thing in common: they are so obsessed with rustic weddings! What better way to have a rustic, woodsy wedding than getting married in a real barn or farm? 

Ireland has a wide array of barns, including the barn at Borris House which has beautiful oak beams, rugged stone walls, and picturesque greenlands which make a perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. If you want to go too far with the “rustic” theme, check out Rock Farm Slane, where you'll have hay bales for seats and a hay barn for dancing. 

5. Say your "I Do" in a zoo

If you’re an animal-loving wedding couple, you wouldn’t mind getting married at Dublin Zoo. No, the ceremony won’t take place in the middle of an elephant’s yard --- it will be held in the elegant historical Haughton House, nestled in the leafy and woodsy part of the property. What’s exciting is you can make a resident animal make an appearance as your VIP guest. 

6. Celebrate an intimate wedding in an Irish pub 

In Ireland, pubs don’t only cater to fun, beer-loving folks who’d drink and socialize until the wee hours. Irish pubs are actually family-friendly social venues, which can also host birthday celebrations, funerals, and even weddings. 

Pub weddings are perfect for couples who want to keep things intimate and a little more laidback than overly rehearsed ceremonies. Vaughan's Pub, The Abbey Tavern, and Lukers Pub & Restaurant are some of the best pubs for celebrating your nuptials. If you love the idea of getting married in a cool, historic underground vault in the city, check out Urban Brewing and Stack A Restaurant. 

7. Exchange your promises at Titanic Belfast, like Jack and Rose

If you’re a 90’s kid who can’t get over from Titanic (and will never be), then you’d love to exchange your vows in Titanic Belfast. The site has opulent interiors inspired by the classic movie plus an impressive replica of Titanic’s iconic staircase. 

Another popular alternative wedding venue in the Belfast Titanic quarter is the SS Nomadic, Titanic’s original tender ship, and the last remaining White Star Line vessel. 

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a passionate travel blogger who loves street photography, food trips, and writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Woodford Dolmen Hotel Carlow.