Wedding Destination: Ireland

The Enchantment of Ireland

By Ronda M. Parag

When planning a destination wedding, it is important to think of a place with stunning landscape and friendly people. Ireland offers a variety of landscape from picturesque castles and country homes, to the secluded chapels and ancient ruins. Getting married in Ireland will create memories of a lifetime for you, and your guests.

Did you always dream as a girl of getting married in a castle and wearing a princess wedding gown? Getting married in a castle in Ireland are stuff dreams are made of with romance abound. Secluded estates with beautiful lakes and scenery will make for stunning photos. Recommended are the luxurious five-star castles of Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Adar Manor in County Limerick, Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara and Ballygally Castle surrounded by the sea and mountains in County Antrim. Renting a private castle will allow complete privacy and exclusivity. Throughout the country there are castles for every style of wedding whether you want intimate and private, or grandiose. The Cloghan Castle in County Galway offers views of mountain vistas and dense woodlands. Bellingham Castle in County Louth is ideal for small weddings located on 17 acres and less than one hour drive from Dublin with 19 luxurious bedrooms for guests.

It is entirely up to you what type of wedding you decide to have. From rich and lavish to fun and quirky, Ireland offers lots of options. It can be as simple as a incorporating the Celtic hand-fasting ceremony (cords are wrapped around a couple’s hands to signify union) at an Early Christian round town, and then head to a local pub for a cozy reception. Exchange vows in Dublin City Hall or enjoy a romantic dinner at a restaurant or a luxury hotel in the heart of Dublin such as The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection Hotels. One consideration when planning a destination wedding, is to hire a local planner or work with hotels that offers planning and will handle the details.

Wherever you chose to get married, couples need to contact the HSE (www.hse.ie) to register. The HSE requires a minimum of three months notice, but 12 months is recommended. Couples can choose from a civil or secular ceremony in Ireland. Many couples choose to do the legal paperwork in their own country, and have a symbolic ceremony in Ireland. If you do choose to have a civil ceremony, you must meet the registrar in person five days prior to the wedding date.

While planning a destination wedding, it is important to create unique and lasting memories by including local customs in the ceremony and receptions with toasts, blessings, attire, rings, and music.

After the wedding, stay awhile and discover a beautiful country filled with diverse countryside, and warm and welcoming people. W+E

For more information, visit www.ireland.com.