Irelands top wedding venues
Every single one of the venues below offer something special for a wedding film. The key is always matching the venue's personality to the couple's story, finding the best light, and capturing the genuine moments that unfold within these incredible settings. It's a joy to have such diverse and beautiful canvases to work with in Ireland.
Ashford Castle, Mayo
Ashford Castle has that undeniable 'wow' factor the moment you see it emerge beside Lough Corrib. It feels ancient and grand. Filming here is about capturing history and majesty. The interiors are rich and atmospheric – think wood panelling, chandeliers, and suits of armour. The Oak Hall, where ceremonies often happen, has incredible character, though sometimes requires careful lighting management depending on the time of day.
What sets Ashford apart for filming is the sheer variety of locations and activities on the estate. Drone shots over the castle and the lake are simply spectacular. Capturing the couple during a falconry display, taking a boat trip on the lough, or simply walking through the woods provides incredible footage that adds layers to their wedding story. The slightly wilder landscape compared to Adare offers a different kind of Irish beauty. It’s a venue that encourages exploration, and following the couple as they discover its nooks and crannies makes for authentic, engaging film.
Powerscourt House, Wicklow
Powerscourt House and Gardens is a magnificent 18th-century estate situated in the heart of Wicklow, known as the "Garden of Ireland." The venue features a grand ballroom, elegant terraces, and enchanting gardens, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for your special day. One of the standout features of Powerscourt House is its magnificent gardens, which are widely regarded as some of the most beautiful in the world. Spanning over 47 acres, these meticulously landscaped gardens offer a stunning array of picturesque locations for capturing your wedding day. From the Italian Gardens with their terraced lawns and tranquil fountains to the serene beauty of the Japanese Gardens, the estate provides endless opportunities for breathtaking shots that will make your wedding film a true work of art.
The sweeping views of the Wicklow Mountains, the gentle flow of the River Dargle, and the majestic backdrop of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain create an enchanting atmosphere that is both romantic and timeless. Whether you're exchanging vows under the shade of ancient trees, enjoying a quiet moment by the lakeside, or dancing under the stars in the garden's elegant marquee, Powerscourt House offers a setting that is as magical as your love story.
Adare Manor, Limerick
Shooting at Adare Manor feels like stepping onto a movie set designed for pure fairytale romance. The sheer scale and meticulous restoration are breathtaking. As a filmmaker, the visual opportunities are almost overwhelming – in the best way possible. The long, dramatic driveway makes for epic establishing shots, especially with a drone. Inside, the Great Hall and the Gallery are just magnificent, with huge windows bathing everything in gorgeous natural light, which is a dream to work with.
The grounds are equally impressive: the perfectly manicured formal gardens, the River Maigue flowing through, the ancient ruins, the championship golf course – each offers a distinct backdrop for couple portraits. Capturing the couple walking through the cloisters or sharing a quiet moment in the walled garden feels inherently cinematic. The challenge here isn't finding beautiful shots, it's choosing from the abundance and capturing the feeling of unparalleled luxury and romance without it feeling stiff. The staff are incredibly professional and used to high-end productions, which makes the logistics smooth.
Luttrellstown Castle, Dublin
Luttrellstown Castle is a historic gem nestled just beyond the bustling city of Dublin, and provides an unparalleled setting for a wedding steeped in history and natural beauty. This 15th-century castle, a testament to enduring craftsmanship, offers a secluded little haven, surrounded by 560 acres of wooded parkland. The castle's imposing Gothic architecture, with its soaring towers and stonework evokes a sense of timeless elegance.
Inside, the castle boasts a series of beautifully appointed reception rooms, each possessing its own distinct character, perfect for hosting different aspects of your celebration. These spaces, filled with natural light, are ideal for everything from a champagne reception to a lavish banquet. The expansive gardens, meticulously maintained, provide a serene backdrop for outdoor ceremonies or simply a tranquil escape for guests to enjoy. The sheer scale of the estate, coupled with the castle's dramatic presence and the diversity of its natural features, from ancient woodlands to manicured lawns, provides an abundance of visually captivating locations for capturing stunning photos and film.
Luttrellstown Castle offers a level of intimacy that is rare. With 12 individually styled bedrooms, each a unique sanctuary, the castle provides luxurious accommodation for the wedding party and close guests. Whether you envision an intimate gathering of your nearest and dearest or a grand celebration for up to 180 guests, Luttrellstown Castle can be tailored to suit your vision, ensuring a truly memorable and bespoke wedding experience. The castle's dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed, allowing you to relax and savour every moment of your special day.
The College Green, Dublin
Located in the heart of Dublin, formerly The Weston, The College Green Hotel offers a more urban, sophisticated setting with the opulent Banking Hall being the perfect backdrop for your prestige wedding celebration. The cityscape and bustling streets add a dynamic feel to any wedding film. The Banking Hall, with its ornate ceiling and imposing marble pillars, can host up to 170 guests for a seated dinner. The hotel's central location makes it easy for guests to explore Dublin's attractions.
The Shelbourne, Dublin
The Shelbourne is an iconic hotel with a blend of historic and modern luxury. The elegant rooms and suites, along with St. Stephen's Green, provide a variety of chic backdrops for sophisticated wedding films. The hotel has hosted numerous celebrity weddings and important historical events. The Constitution Room, where the Irish Constitution was drafted, is available for intimate ceremonies, while the Great Room can accommodate up to 350 guests for a grand reception.
Kilkea Castle, Kildare
One of Ireland's oldest inhabited castles, Kilkea has undergone significant restoration, blending its ancient structure with modern luxury. We love shooting here, it offers every film a powerful sense of history. The stone walls, the keep, and the overall medieval feel provide a dramatic backdrop. Capturing the couple against the ancient textures of the castle exterior is always impactful.
Inside, the Baronial Hall makes for a grand reception space. The challenge and opportunity lie in balancing the historic, sometimes darker interiors with capturing light and emotion. The grounds offer variety, from manicured areas near the castle to the golf course and surrounding woodlands. Drone footage really helps to show the castle's impressive structure and its place in the landscape. It’s a venue that feels both imposing and romantic, allowing for a film with a strong sense of place and history.
Tankardstown, Meath
Tankardstown offers refined country house elegance. It’s chic, well-maintained, and feels luxurious yet welcoming. The main house is beautiful for drinks receptions and smaller gatherings, with lovely light in the drawing rooms. For filmmakers, the jewel is often the Orangery, where larger receptions are held. Its glass walls and ceiling flood the space with natural light, making it fantastic for capturing speeches and reactions, even into the evening.
The walled garden is another key feature, providing a gorgeous, secluded spot for couple portraits and often outdoor ceremonies. The surrounding woodlands and rolling fields add to the picturesque setting. Drone shots can capture the house nestled in the landscape and the layout of the gardens. Tankardstown has a great flow between the different spaces, which helps in capturing the natural progression of the day. It’s a venue that consistently delivers beautiful, light-filled, elegant wedding films.
Ballymagarvey Village, Meath
Ballymagarvey Village is a charming 18th-century estate that combines rustic elegance with modern amenities. The venue offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including a beautiful walled garden and a cozy stone barn, making it perfect for intimate and personalized weddings. The restored Mill Loft Banquet Hall can seat up to 170 guests, while the Ceremony Room in the Main House is ideal for indoor ceremonies. The venue also offers on-site accommodation for up to 65 guests.
Ballynahinch Castle, Galway
Set in the heart of Connemara, Ballynahinch Castle is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and woodlands. The rugged beauty of the landscape is ideal for capturing dramatic and atmospheric footage. The castle offers 48 rooms and suites with stunning views of the surrounding nature. Couples can choose from various ceremony locations, including the riverside pavilion or the cozy Owenmore Restaurant for intimate gatherings.
Castle Leslie, Monaghan
Castle Leslie oozes character and personality. It's not pristine or overly polished; it feels lived-in, eccentric, and full of stories, which is fantastic for filmmaking. Each room in the castle itself is unique, filled with antiques and history. This offers incredibly rich B-roll opportunities – capturing details that speak to the venue's quirky charm. The Lodge and the Old Stable Mews offer different vibes within the same estate.
The equestrian theme is strong here, and if the couple is inclined, incorporating the horses or the stables into the film adds a unique dimension. The lake provides a beautiful, serene backdrop, perfect for reflective moments. Filming a ceremony in the Castle Gallery or reception in the Pavilion works well logistically. It’s a venue where you can capture both grandeur and intimacy, often with a touch of whimsy. Drone shots over the Glaslough lake towards the castle are always beautiful.
The Cliff at Lyons, Kildare
Cliff at Lyons is utterly unique. It's not a single building but a collection of historic rose-clad buildings, including a mill and a former dovecote, set around canals and a waterfall. Filming here is like stepping into a picturesque, slightly eccentric village. The visual texture is incredible – stone walls, waterways, flowers everywhere, quirky details.
The Orangery is a stunning ceremony and reception space, filled with light and plants. The Mill, often used for banquets, has a more dramatic, industrial-chic feel with its high ceilings and water features. Capturing the couple walking along the canals, under the archways, or by the waterfall offers endless romantic vignettes. The challenge can be navigating the different spaces, but the reward is a film filled with unique angles, beautiful light, and a truly distinct atmosphere. It’s whimsical, romantic, and very photogenic.
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Each of these venues offers unique elements that can help create a compelling and beautiful wedding film. As a videographer, the key is to blend the natural beauty and architectural grandeur of these locations with the personal and intimate moments of each wedding, ensuring a timeless and evocative film that couples will cherish forever.
