Considering getting married abroad? We’ve put together some reasons to choose Ireland.
Stunning backdrops for photographs
Ireland is home to some truly beautiful landscapes, and whether you decide to get married in the middle of the country or closer to the sea, you’ll find a spot that makes for romantic and dramatic photographs. Head over to the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary or visit the magnificent Skellig Islands in Kerry, an uninhabited island that’s a retreat away from everyday life.
Breathtaking wedding venues
One reason why Ireland is so popular for overseas weddings is because it’s home to some truly inspiring wedding venues. Carton House, for example, offers space for up to 300 guests and has an elegant Silver Ballroom which is like something out of Downton Abbey. Culloden Estate and Spa, on the other hand, dates back to 1867 and sits on twelve acres of secluded gardens and woodland, making it the ideal spot for your loved ones. And yep, you guessed it – before or after your wedding, you and your guests can treat yourselves to an Irish facial.
Be closer to your heritage
Perhaps one of the most obvious reasons for getting married in Ireland is to be closer to friends, family, and heritage. Many Americans are part-Irish, so going back to your roots is a great way to celebrate how far you’ve come – and give loved ones a reason to return home.
Romantic wedding traditions
Though you don’t need to be in Ireland to incorporate some of their traditions into your big day, there’s something special about harking back to the past and deciding how you can pay tribute to the country during your nuptials. Claddagh Rings has put together this fantastic guide to Celtic wedding traditions to give you some food for thought – sure, they won’t all work for your wedding plans, but you can incorporate one or two of them into your big day.
The start of a great honeymoon
Finally, getting married on the Emerald Isle gives you a great starting point for a vacation of a lifetime. Honeymooners often explore Ireland for a few days before heading to the United Kingdom, then onto Europe, taking in France, Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands. You can create your own itinerary – and the best part is, air travel in Europe is very affordable when booked in advance, so a beautiful honeymoon doesn’t have to cost a million dollars.
There you have it – just some of the reasons why you should consider Ireland for a wedding venue. Let us know what you think and check back soon for more wedding tips and tricks.