Because some brides are just born with alternative kick-ass style in their veins.
When it comes to wow factor, the Irish wedding scene has seriously upped its game over the last two years. Catering to the onslaught of engaged couples seeking something a notch above your average ballroom celebration, the industry has ditched tradition and embraced change.
With each wedding more distinctive than the next, we decided to share some of our favourite alternative wedding venues in Ireland right now. If you’re searching for something one-of-a-kind, you’ll definitely want to take note of these spectacular settings.
Titanic Belfast
Our inner 10-year-old self is literally dying right now. Yes, you can actually get married at Titanic Belfast and strike a pose in front of a replica of the world’s most famous staircase! Inspired by the Titanic’s opulent interiors, we couldn’t think of anywhere more romantic to steal a kiss as newlyweds, just like Kate and Leo did in the movie. Swoon! The iconic building offers a breathtaking range of contemporary settings for you to choose from, including The Titanic Suite, exclusive hire of the SS Nomadic and a pre-dinner drinks reception on The Bridge offering panoramic views of The Titanic slipways, Belfast Lough and Cavehill beyond.
Langton House Hotel
Langton House Hotel will steal a piece of your heart. Totally unassuming from the exterior, this wedding venue packs a mighty punch inside. With jaw-dropping interiors and a different surprise lying around each corner, it is guaranteed to leave your guests in awe. Situated in the medieval city of Kilkenny, the luxurious four-star hotel is bursting with character with the spectacular Langtons Ballroom boasting impressive 20ft ceilings, ornate cornicing and intricate hand-painted wallpaper – perfect for an art deco style NYE bash! But it’s the Set Theatre that really steals the show for a civil ceremony at Langton House. A truly one-of-a-kind setting created by London-based designer, David Collins, it must be seen to be truly appreciated.
Langton House is delighted to launch their Winter Wedding Sale for new bookings in January and February 2018. Price on request. Call Seán on 056 7765133 for more details or to book an appointment at Leinster’s Top Rated Venue.
Station House Hotel
Station House Hotel is the epitome of quaint cuteness. Equally spectacular during every season, the venue offers a fairytale winter wonderland backdrop when peppered with a delicate blanket of snow. While during the warmer summer months, you and your guests can wander into the nearby enchanted forest for an Al Fresco civil ceremony. Steeped in history, the restored station house is nestled in the heart of the Boyne Valley. The original signal box is one-of-a-kind in Ireland and has been converted into a unique two-storey honeymoon suite, providing complete privacy for the newlyweds on their wedding night. Quirky characteristics aren’t short here, The Carriage Suite was formally the engine and goods building at Kilmessan Station. Now available for indoor ceremonies and evening receptions, it has been lovingly refurbished with the original stone, crafted timberwork, and luxurious finishes; presenting a warm and welcoming atmosphere. For more information on weddings at the Station House Hotel, email weddings@stationhousehotel.ie or call (046) 902 5239.
Thomas Prior Hall
A hidden gem set in Dublin’s leafy suburbs, Thomas Prior Hall is home to the city’s most dramatic setting for a wedding. Originally built as a Masonic girls school in the 18th century, its chapel-like ballroom boasts an electrifying atmosphere for a civil ceremony and evening reception. Blessed with light-filled stained glass windows, ornate oak-paneled walls, an impressive choir balcony and a vaulted wooden ceiling, the space reflects the charm of a forgotten era. Equally romantic and mystical, it is completely versatile for those seeking an alternative and Gothic style setting or in contrast a whimsical fairytale venue. The blissful blossoming gardens and delightful water fountain provide a tranquil haven for the newlyweds to escape for a treasured few moments alone between the ceremony and drinks reception.
the g Hotel & Spa
Undisputedly, Galway’s most stylish wedding venue, the g Hotel & Spa provides a five-star experience unlike any other. And, it just jumped to the top of our wedding bucket list. Oozing glitz, glamour and art deco elegance, the g is the stuff of wedding dreams AND a spectacular backdrop for a royal girly getaway to celebrate your sophisticated hen party. Pushing the boundaries and style, the super chic hotel was designed by milliner to the stars, Philip Treacy. The property’s signature lounges are a mirage of exciting and extravagant features. Timeless and muted, The Grand Salon is a classical option for your arrival drinks reception beneath the space’s stand-out feature; 300 twinkling mirrored balls. While the bright pops of colour decorating the g’s Pink Lounge go hand-in-hand with a luxurious cocktail. For your evening meal, the g Suite caters for up to 180 guests, where they will be mesmerized by the room’s modern features and navy, white and silver colour palette. We’re sold!
To arrange a private consultation, please contact the g Wedding Team on 091 778454 or weddings@theg.ie
Hillgrove Hotel, Leisure & Spa
The fabulous and funky four-star Hillgrove Hotel, Leisure & Spa in Monaghan isn’t short of surprises or potential photo backdrops. From the moment you drive past the giant 12-foot pink chair, the oversized colourful flowers and heart shaped plants at the entrance, you know something different and utterly glamorous awaits. Recently awarded Ulster’s number one wedding venue for the second year running, the hotel are guaranteeing a 20 per cent allowance on Sterling for 2017 & 2018 prospective wedding couples. Only one hour from both Dublin and Belfast, the expert team have been planning weddings for nearly 45 years.
They say the devil is in the detail, and weddings at Hillgrove Hotel are a simply spectacular celebration. Adding a sprinkle of magic to your special day, little details such as fairy light backdrops, giant thrones, enormous stilettos and a bath in the bridal suite bedroom, will add an extra wow factor. Wedding menus starting from €37.50 per head midweek, with full packages from €48.00 on selected dates. No two weddings are the same at Hillgrove Hotel and the team will go above and beyond to cater to your individual requests, including offering a basic package that you can build on yourself. Call the team on +353 47 81288 or email weddings@hillgrovehotel.com for more details.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Glenlo Abbey Hotel is a heavenly escape with the wildness of Connemara on its doorstep. From the moment you drive through the magnificent cast iron gates, you will be captivated by the beauty of this enchanting lakeside estate overlooking Lough Corrib. The hotel features its very own 18th Century Abbey which is a beautiful venue for an intimate civil ceremony or wedding banquet. While the Corrib Suite boasts panoramic views of the estate and can cater for up to 160 of your family and friends. A photographer’s dream, the Pullman Restaurant, which was once part of the original Orient Express, adds an air of romantic whimsy to this elegant five-star wedding venue.
To arrange a private viewing of the Glenlo Abbey Hotel and a personal consultation with Cathy or Maura, the hotel’s dedicated wedding coordinators, call +353 91 519669 or email events@glenloabbey.ie
Kingswood House
Raw, rugged and rustic is where it’s all happening right now – and Kingswood House is on the money when it comes to nailing this current trend. The latest addition to the hotel is the Locke Suite, an intimate and inviting New York style loft featuring polished wooden beams and exposed brickwork. Catering to 120 guests, it offers something new and totally different compared to other venues located on the outskirts of Dublin City. We predict big things from this modern space, it’s definitely one to watch!
Now taking bookings for winter 2017 starting from €79.00 per person, including; a pre-wedding tasting menu for the happy couple, winter wonderland centrepieces & chiavari chairs, a four-course wedding dinner with half bottle of house wine per guest and much more. Email Shweta on shweta@kingswoodhotelcitywest.com for more details or to book an appointment.
Dublin Zoo
Full of fond childhood memories, Dublin Zoo is the ultimate choice for the animal-loving wedding couple. And what better way to impress friends and family than by having a resident animal make an appearance as your VIP guest of honor!? Sounds pretty epic to us! Not only will your day be filled with fun and fabulous photographic opportunities, the historical Haughton House will add a touch of elegance to your special day. Hidden behind the leafy trees and surrounded by lawns, you and your other half can escape into the wild away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Last year, we held our collaboration Wedding Workshop with Oh Me, Oh My DIY at Dublin Zoo. Be inspired by our tropical wedding theme here.
St Peter’s Cork
Cork’s best kept wedding secret, if you haven’t thought of St Peter’s Cork as a possible location for your special day, then you need to add it to your list of potential venues ASAP! A stylish and contemporary blank canvas, the versatile space will enable you to put your own stamp on your day, totally transforming its interiors to suit your wedding theme. A former medieval church, its air of modern freshness mars perfectly with its ancient architecture. The open hall can accommodate weddings of up to 300 people and caters for civil ceremonies, civil partnerships and humanist ceremonies as well as receptions and after parties.
Your wedding day can be designed exactly as you wish at St Peter’s Cork thanks to the helpful and friendly team available to assist in planning the perfect occasion for you. A number of locations within the venue itself can be set up depending on your requirements. Why not get married in their intimate little alcove with your nearest and dearest, or on the main ground with the sunlight streaming down through the beautiful medieval windows? All your dreams can become a reality at St. Peter’s Cork.
For more details about planning your wedding at St Peter’s Cork, email info@stpeterscork.ie or call (021) 427 8187.
