Planning a destination wedding in Ireland is that once-in-a-lifetime magical experience with lush landscapes, iconic cliffs, historic castles, and exciting culture all around you. It’s a gift you give yourselves and your wedding guests – to experience a local Irish pub, a tour of the Guinness Brewery, a stay in an ancient castle, and enjoy a trip to the Cliffs of Moher to take in the sights. You could even golf across the country if that suits you!
So if you want to say “I do” to Ireland, how do you ensure everything is a seamless experience? First, enlist the help of a destination wedding planner who knows the area, logistics, and opportunities, inside and out. Enter Tara Fay, of Tara Fay Events, Ireland’s very first wedding and event planner, known for her role on a top-rated wedding reality show in the UK and the producer of the finest galas on the Emerald Isle.
We asked Tara to help us prepare for a destination wedding in Ireland and here’s what she had to say.
What makes Ireland so special for a destination wedding?
Where else do you have a country where you can have a full village wanting to take part in a wedding?! The people, culture, beauty, experiences, historic sites, and more. Ireland has it all for groups who want to celebrate right.
What are some of your favorite venues for weddings in Ireland?
That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child! There are so many amazing locations throughout the island of Ireland and each are so different and can be made so personal for each couple. That’s part of the charm of where we live. From grand churches and ancient castles to lush gardens and world-class hotels – city or countryside, there’s something for everyone.
How do you make it legal when getting married in Ireland?
Notice has to be filed a minimum of three months in advance and also requires an in-person meeting with a registrar to obtain the physical marriage license. This has to then be filed within a month of the wedding. Instead, most of our clients opt to have their legal ceremony in their country of origin and then a blessing ceremony or recreation in Ireland. In addition, not all venues in Ireland are licensed for weddings, so by having your legal ceremony before you arrive, you have more flexibility to select any venue of your choosing!
What about the weather? What can couples expect?
The reality is you don’t come to Ireland for the weather, we get four seasons in one day, so you really need to lean into it and have lots of plans for all eventualities. Having a wedding planner helps with this process so you don’t have to think about it. And trust me, if it does rain, your photos will be that much more magical.
What are some ways to infuse the Irish experience into a destination wedding?
I always tell our clients to embrace the full culture – from the music, the poetry, food, drinks and the people. That’s what makes Ireland so special. Your guests have likely traveled a long way to experience a new place with you so showcase what the region has to offer and lean into the local traditions and highlights. We often incorporate an Irish blessing into a ceremony and serve local favourites in the menu at a reception. Cocktail hour is a great place to entertain with Irish musicians and dancers. You can also offer or encourage tours of famous landmarks leading up to the wedding day and even host a welcome party at a local pub. Each town has its own unique offerings for couples so come for a site inspection or ask your wedding planner how you can showcase what’s most special for your guests.
Anything else couples should know in advance before planning a destination wedding in Ireland?
Like with any international destination wedding, currency fluctuations are always something to be aware of, as are shipping of gowns or personal effects into and out of Ireland. These will be treated as an import and export even if for personal use so it’s usually best to buy locally (with the help of your wedding planner on the ground) and travel with your belongings when you come.
For more information on how to plan a destination wedding in Ireland, visit Tara Fay’s blog with more insights and ideas for your “I do’s.”
