Finding your Dream Wedding Venue
Let’s be honest, when it comes to wedding planning, one of the first things we do (before the spreadsheets, the guest lists, or the panic-Google at 2 a.m) is imagine the day. We picture the dress, the walk down the aisle, the way the room is styled, and yes, of course we picture the backdrop. That dream wedding venue. It’s the scene where all the magic unfolds.
So how do you go about finding the right one?
Main Image Photo Credit: The Johnstown Estate
Start With the Dream Vision
Before you deep dive into packages, availability or guest numbers, I always say, take a step back and think about what kind of visual vibe you’re drawn to. Is it something scenic and remote? Urban and elegant? Modern, boho, quirky, classic? There’s no right or wrong here, it’s just about what feels like you as a couple.
Dreaming of Space and Seclusion?
Farnham Estate, Cavan: Set on 1300 acres of land. It has that ‘grand estate’ feel without ever feeling over the top. Picture long tree-lined drives, an old-world manor house, and the feeling that you’ve stepped into your own private world. It’s luxe without being flashy. Think fireside cocktails, lovely garden photos, and destination wedding vibes… without needing a passport.
Learn More About Farnham Estate
Clonabreany House, Meath: Where you get full exclusive use, creating a private estate feel with character-filled buildings, courtyards and one of the most beautifully intimate ceremony spaces around.
Photo Credit: Ireland Wedding photographer
Learn More about Clonabreany House
The Abbey, Kildare: Another gem, an old convent turned dedicated wedding venue, complete with a real Abbey and original features. This is a unique atmosphere you just won’t find anywhere else.
Read my review of The Abbey
Johnstown Estate, Meath: A beautiful blend of old and new. The Georgian house gives you the period charm, while the luxe modern interiors and spa elevate it into something seriously fresh and special. It works perfectly for couples who want timeless elegance with a contemporary twist.
Learn More About Johnstown Estate
Thomas Prior Hall, Dublin: A true hidden gem in Ballsbridge. It’s a venue that surprises and delights, especially for Dublin-based couples looking for something unexpected but still central. I can guarantee you have driven by this venue before and haven’t even notices the treasure behind the doors!
Learn More About Thomas Prior Hall
Want a Setting with a View?
The Four Seasons Carlingford: I fell in love with this venue the first time I visited. Nestled between the mountains and the sea, the views are unreal. Whether you’re on the balcony or in the ballroom, the surroundings do half the styling for you.
Learn More About Four Seasons Carlingford
Fota Island Resort, Cork: The definition of a destination feel on Irish turf. If you want your guests to feel like they’ve just arrived at a five-star getaway, this is your wedding venue. Iconic interiors, a woodland backdrop, and all the luxury trimmings. It’s the ultimate balance of sophistication and nature, making it one of the most memorable wedding venues around!
Read my Review of Fota Island Resort
Charm, Quirk and a Bit of Fun
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Templepatrick: Now this is a wedding venue with personality. If you’re not into tradition and want something more playful, you have to see this venue. It’s bold, playful, and anything but boring. With an outdoor hot tub, quirky interiors and an overall boutique feel, It’s the poster child for quirky done well. Think elegance, edge, and individuality all rolled into one.
Read my Review of The Rabbit Hotel
The Station House, Kilmessan: It’s a one-of-a-kind! Once a functioning railway station, now a charming venue with whimsical gardens and a restored turntable in the woods for your ceremony. This venue is full of personality, history and those picture-perfect moments you want from your big day.
Read my Review of The Station House
Heart, Soul, and Community Feel
Westgrove Hotel, Clane: There’s something very special about venues that are rooted in their community, and the Westgrove Hotel is exactly that. This wedding venue is warm, welcoming, and well-known for its dedicated team who genuinely care. It’s classic, well-run, and fuss-free in the best way.
Learn More About The Westgrove Hotel
Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells: Family-owned and absolutely full of heart, this hotel is a true gem in Meath. It has its own private chapel (yes, on-site!), great food, and the kind of team that pulls it off with charm. You could drive by this venue a million times but its only when you physically walk through that you get to enjoy what they have. On top of the private Chapel, they have a secret garden too.
Learn More About Headfort Arms Hotel
Going Regal
Markree Castle, Sligo: Ireland is renowned for its wealth of stunning castles, and Markree Castle is the ultimate example of regal elegance. But it’s not just about the royal experience, this venue has so much heart. With its warm, genuine Irish welcome, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular choice. For those dreaming of a true princess or queen moment, this breathtaking backdrop will bring that vision to life.
Read my Review of Markree Castle
And for Something Wildly Different…
Hotel Doolin, Clare: The first carbon-neutral hotel in Ireland, and one of the coolest barn-style wedding venues in the country. This vibrant wedding venue is fully sustainable, full of personality, and brings such a relaxed energy to the day. If you want a wedding with heart, soul, and serious style, this is the one.
Read my Review of Hotel Doolin
But It’s Not Just About the Look…
Once you find your dream backdrop, the next layer is connection. How do you feel with the team? Are they listening? Can you trust them to bring the day to life? And just as important, does the package work for your budget?
Even the most stunning wedding venue won’t be the right fit if the vibe doesn’t match yours or the team isn’t tuned into your needs. Take the time to chat with your coordinator, ask about flexibility, and don’t be afraid to ask those tricky questions (yes, even about corkage!).
And let’s not forget the wedding suppliers. Your florist, your photographer, your stylist, they’ll all bring the space to life in their own way. Ask the venue who they love working with (those preferred supplier lists are gold), but don’t be afraid to bring in your own dream team either.
Final Thoughts
Your venue sets the tone for everything, so start with the vision, then let the practicalities follow.. And if you’re on the hunt, have a scroll through the Venue Listings over on The Aisle by Sara Kennedy, every single venue I feature is one I stand over and would recommend without hesitation. Or pop over to Instagram and check out some behind-the-scenes tours, I share lots of little walkthroughs to help you visualise the spaces.
And remember, the perfect venue is the one that feels most you. You’ll know it when you see it.
