6 Of Ireland’s Coolest And Quirkiest Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Venues

In the last few years, it became A-OK by the Attorney General to have wedding ceremonies take place outdoors. Which was pretty big news, because al fresco nuptials are pretty fecking fabulous.

Fair enough, you’re taking your chances with an outdoor wedding in Ireland, but as long as it’s dry, no matter what time of year you have it, you’re laughing. 

A clear winter’s day or a bright, fresh autumn one be would be divine – and the natural light will look incredible in your snaps.

And before you write it off, note that these six venues all have a back-up option for your ceremony in case it lashes rain.

So, if the Child of Prague doesn’t do the job on the day, you’ll be grand.

1. Keadeen House

If you’re after a vintage-inspired wedding ceremony, Keadeen House in Newbridge, Co. Kildare has a specially designed wedding garden on-site, complete with an amazing wedding Victorian-esque wedding dome. 

And just think of the atmosphere at night when the strings of fairy lights that festoon the garden are switched on – magic.

It's only 30 minutes up the road from Dublin too, making it a handy choice for couples living in the capital.

2. Drenagh House

How deadly is this: a secret garden wedding ceremony in Limavady's Drenagh House’s Moon Garden in Co Derry. There’s absolutely nothing about that sentence we don’t like. We’re talking a fairy tale hideaway with stone walls, lush creeping greenery and that amazing full moon-shaped stone feature.

The garden is perfect for an intimate wedding and if you were going for a boho, shabby chic or even modern minimalist theme, this gorgeous little space will do all the hard work for you. 

And there’s no need to hire chairs yourself – the guys at Drenagh can organise seating for you in the garden, as well as an al fresco drinks reception for when the knot is tied. Yes please.

3. Athenaeum House Hotel

This elegant and classy Georgian boutique hotel – tucked away beside the River Suir in Waterford City – is just the job for a chic intimate do, not least because of the stunning outdoor ceremony set-up in the back garden. Set at the bottom of the gently undulating lawn is a white archway, where you can say your vows overlooking Ireland’s oldest city.

Our favourite bit? That class view of Reginald’s Tower. Built in 1914 by the Vikings, it's Ireland’s oldest civic building. Where else would you get it?

4. Ballyscullion Park

Ballyscullion Park in Magherafelt, Co. Derry, has three quirky options for your nuptials: the Ringrose Room, the stables in the Georgian Coach House, or our favourite, the garden. 

The elegant Strawberry Garden is specially designed for wedding ceremonies and is nestled in the estate's extensive lawns, giving it a charming air of seclusion.

There’s a real other-worldly, secret garden vibe going on here with the surrounding trees, the beech hedges that frame the space and the gorgeous archway.

5. The Millhouse

The guys at The Millhouse in Slane, Co. Meath, have long been on our radar for their commitment to helping couples create unique, bespoke weddings – as their awesome civil ceremony and blessing options highlights. 

You’re spoiled rotten for choice really, whether you plump for the amazing Mill ceremony room indoors, the gazebo on the front lawn, or the stunning blossom-filled orchard. 

6. The Haven Hotel

Dunmore East in Waterford is one of Ireland’s most beautiful seaside villages, and thanks to The Haven Hotel's epic location (and we swear in this case that definition is not hyperbolic), you can say your vows outside on the hotel’s lawn with an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean.

And on top of this, a mere hop across the road is a seaside park that leads to the steps of a tiny private beach - perfect for your wedding snaps. 

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