When you think of Ireland, you probably imagine rolling green hills, dramatic coastlines, and historic castles. Well, that is correct. It's no wonder that couples around the world dream of having a destination wedding in this charming country. While Ireland is famous for grand, historic wedding venues, it's also home to some of the most beautiful, intimate spaces, perfect for couples planning a more personal wedding.
The key features of small wedding venues are exclusivity and romantic setting. These are the places where you can celebrate your day without feeling surrounded by strangers. Many small venues in Ireland offer complete privacy, ensuring your wedding feels personal and memorable. Because of their size, these venues often provide a level of warmth, detail, and customization that larger venues can't match.
So if larger weddings are not your thing and you're imagining a wedding where every guest matters and each moment feels meaningful, you should go for exclusive wedding venues. In this article, we see in detail the best small wedding venues Ireland offers.
1. Luttrellstown Castle
When you hear of a castle, you often think of something grand and big. Surprisingly, there are castles in Ireland that are perfect for micro weddings, like Luttrellstown. Located just outside Dublin, Luttrellstown Castle offers a fairytale setting for your wedding.
Despite its size, Luttrellstown specializes in small weddings, giving couples exclusive use of the castle for their day. Whether you're having a small ceremony in the cozy chapel or an intimate dinner in one of the grand rooms, the experience is nothing short of magical.
Luttrellstown Castle offers an exclusive-use wedding package, which means you and your guests have the entire castle to yourselves. This castle has a capacity of a minimum of 30 guests up to 140 guests, depending on how intimate you want your wedding celebration to be. Their wedding packages typically include the use of the castle and grounds for your ceremony and reception and gourmet catering.
Pricing for a small wedding at Luttrelstown varies with the package you choose, usually €90 to €115 per person. The number of people you invite to your wedding will affect the overall price. Keep in mind that additional packages, such as flowers, entertainment, and photography, cost extra.
2. Ballynahinch Castle
Over the west of Ireland, in the stunning Connemara landscape, is Ballynahinch Castle. This luxury castle feels like a hidden treasure, offering an intimate setting with stunning views of the surrounding forests and rivers. The castle is grand and welcoming, with a cozy feel and a warm reception. It's just a perfect location for smaller weddings.
If you and your partner are interested in having your wedding in this stunning location, you can have your ceremony in its historic gardens, with the sounds of the nearby river adding a natural feel to your day.
Ballynahinch Castle provides exclusive use of the venue, including accommodation for guests, catering, and the option for outdoor or indoor ceremonies. However, to host a wedding here as a private venue, you'll need to book all 48 bedrooms for at least two nights exclusively for your wedding party.
For the wedding, expect to pay about €170 per guest, which can increase depending on the time of year and any extras you wish to include. Note that accommodating each guest will cost about €305 per room, so you can do a total account based on the number of guests you invite.
3. Waterford Castle
Waterford Castle is the perfect venue if you've ever dreamed of getting married on a private island. The thing about this place is that you can only get there by ferry. It's a 16th-century castle that beautifully sits on its island at the estuary of River Suir, giving it an idyllic setting.
With its medieval architecture and modern comforts, Waterford Castle offers a magical, intimate setting for small weddings. You'll have exclusive use of the castle, so whether you're planning a small ceremony or an intimate dinner, it's just you, your guests, and the breathtaking beauty of the Irish landscape.
Having a capacity for a maximum of 120 guests, Waterford Castle's wedding packages usually include exclusive use of the castle and its grounds, with accommodation for up to 19 guests in the castle itself.
Waterford offers amazing service and unique wedding packages. These generally include catering, venue decoration, and a wedding planner to help with the planning process. Depending on the wedding season and package you're going for, pricing for a small wedding at the Waterford Castle starts at around €110 per person.
4. Ballyvolane House
If castles aren't your style but you still want a mix of history and elegance, Ireland's manor houses, like the Ballyvolane House, offer a perfect blend of intimacy and grandeur. They're a perfect setting for small weddings of up to 25 guests.
Want a perfect venue that combines unique charm with luxury? The Ballyvolane House offers just that. This countryside manor has a relaxed and welcoming feel but is also incredibly stylish and sophisticated. The Ballyvolane House is not just great for an intimate celebration; It's famous for hosting Ed Sheeran's wedding, so you know it's something special.
A small wedding package typically includes exclusive use of the house and gardens, catering with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, and accommodation. For smaller weddings of 25 guests, renting the Ballyvolane house for a night or two costs around €5000.
5. Charlotte Quay
Charlotte Quay is one of the restaurants in Ireland that hosts weddings. This elegant but modest restaurant is located along the scenic Grand Canal in Dublin, an excellent option for intimate weddings. With stunning floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking views of the canal and the Dublin skyline, this venue creates a romantic backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. The contemporary decor and welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for couples looking for a stylish celebration with a personal touch.
The restaurant can accommodate up to 100 guests for seated receptions, with options for an outdoor ceremony on the terrace. While there is no on-site accommodation, its central location provides easy access to nearby hotels. Charlotte Quay offers customizable wedding packages starting around €5,000 for the exclusive use of the venue, with catering options typically ranging from €70–€100 per guest. Also, there is a team of dedicated planners committed to making your day unforgettable while creating a unique and memorable wedding experience. For more information on pricing and availability, you can request pricing on Charlotte Quay's website.
6. Cliff at Lyons
If you want your wedding in the Irish countryside, Cliff at Lyons is a great place. Located just 30 minutes from Dublin, Cliff at Lyons is a beautiful village-like estate that feels like a peaceful oasis. This beautiful venue is one of the small wedding venues in Ireland. It is known for its riverside setting and luxurious, rustic charm. It is a popular choice for couples looking for something elegant.
With various indoor and outdoor spaces, including the Orangery, a stunning glasshouse at this beautiful location, you can create a wedding that perfectly suits your style and guest list size. The venue's intimate atmosphere, beautiful backdrop, and breathtaking surroundings make it perfect for a small yet unforgettable celebration.
Cliff at Lyons offers wedding packages catering for 80-120 guests, costing about €35,000 and more. They even provide a more intimate wedding of about 25-45 guests, which costs a minimum of €10,000. Their packages often include exclusive use of the Orangery or Lyons Room for your ceremony and reception, gourmet dining experiences, and optional spa services for the bridal party.
7. Larchfield Estate
Set in the lush countryside, Larchfield offers the perfect backdrop for couples wanting a magical setting for their special day, making it ideal for good wedding photographs. Larchfield Estate in Northern Ireland is a rustic setting with a twist. Set within a beautiful private estate, Larchfield Estate combines the charm of a countryside wedding with the elegance of a stately home.
The stone barn is perfect for smaller ceremonies, and the surrounding gardens and grounds offer plenty of space for outdoor receptions. For couples who want an intimate wedding venue that feels both cozy and elegant, Larchfield Estate is a fantastic choice.
Larchfield Estate offers personalized planning services to create the wedding of your dreams. They offer customizable wedding packages that include exclusive use of the stone barn and surrounding gardens, with options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. They also provide catering services and accommodations for guests in their cottages. To get the pricing, you can fill out an online inquiry form.
8. Rathsallagh House
Here's another manor house and one of the most smaller wedding venues in Ireland that offers privacy and relaxation, perfect for your special day. This 17th-century property is surrounded by beautiful parkland and gardens, perfect for wedding photographs. If you want a venue that feels like a home away from home, Rathsallagh House is a top choice. In addition to the ambiance, the staff are experts in ensuring you get the wedding of your choice no matter the size you're going for.
Rathsallagh House offers a cozy yet elegant wedding experience, with several packages tailored for smaller weddings. At Rathsallagh, the wedding menu starts from just €92 per guest, and you can customize it however you like. Also, there's no extra charge for exclusive use or room hire. The best part is that the bride and groom get to stay here for free.
9. Loughcrew Estate
This charming and historic estate is perfect for intimate weddings and offers exclusive use throughout your stay. Surrounded by 200 acres of lush gardens and woodlands near the mystical Loughcrew Cairns, this venue offers a serene and magical atmosphere for a small celebration. The 17th-century house blends rustic elegance with modern comfort, providing a unique backdrop for indoor and outdoor ceremonies.
With indoor spaces like the Drawing Room, church ruins, and Banquet Room, along with outdoor options in its picturesque gardens, Loughcrew House accommodates a range of wedding styles. The venue can host up to 50 guests for the ceremony and reception while providing on-site accommodation for just 17 guests, ensuring a private and exclusive experience for close friends and family.
10. Fitzwilliam Place
Fitzwilliam Place might be the perfect destination if you're looking for a small but elegant city wedding. Located in the heart of Dublin, No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place is a Georgian townhouse. It has a warm and intimate feel and can accommodate small gatherings of around 60 guests.
Fitzwilliam Place is perfect for city weddings and offers a range of packages designed for intimate events. Their packages include exclusive townhouse use, catering, and a dedicated wedding planner. Prices start at €1,500 and can go up to €3,000. You'll also need to meet a minimum spend of between €5,000 and €9,000 on food and drinks, which varies based on the date, time, and number of your wedding guests; package prices per person range from €125 to €155.
11. Belleek Castle
Talk of historic charm and modern luxury, Belleek Castle has a lot to offer in that aspect. With a unique boutique venue, this castle feels more like a grand home than a formal venue, making it the right fit for an intimate wedding.
The Great Hall is an impressive spot for a ceremony, but the smaller rooms and dining areas ensure that your wedding still feels intimate and cozy. This castle is where you can get perfect spots for stunning wedding pictures..
Belleek Castle specializes in boutique weddings and offers packages that include exclusive use of the castle, gourmet catering, and use of their gardens and historic Great Hall for the ceremony and reception.
12. Burtown House & Gardens
Burtown House & Gardens is a small, family-run estate that feels like something from a storybook. The venue is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, providing a stunning backdrop for an outdoor wedding. If you're planning a summer wedding party, Burtown House offers the flexibility to create the day of your dreams.
Burtown House & Gardens is one of the smaller, more intimate wedding venues in Ireland. Its wedding packages usually include the use of the courtyard gardens for outdoor ceremonies, catering, and venue styling. They also offer accommodation for a limited number of guests. Pricing for smaller weddings starts at around €5,000–€7,500, depending on the season and the specific details of your wedding.
Conclusion
Ireland is a country known for its beauty, history, and charm, all of which come together in its small wedding venues. Whether you dream of a castle wedding, a countryside retreat, or a stylish city celebration, a small venue in Ireland will make your wedding day unforgettable.
So, if you're planning a small wedding, Ireland is the perfect place to celebrate your love in a setting as intimate and special as the day itself. All that's left to do is say “I do”!
