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20th December 2016
12:10am GMT
The way Irish couples are getting married has changed dramatically in recent years.
So, while church weddings are beautiful, couples are increasingly looking for alternative venues IN which to get spliced.
However, this can cause anxieties of its own.
If we can’t get married in a church, then where? Is a registry office with manky torn carpet our only choice?
Not at all. We're here to tell you that civil ceremony venues can be just as beautiful and romantic as churches, as these stunning gems prove:
We Dublin denizens are so lucky that such a divine, iconic venue is open to the public for weddings – it’s that pretty. We’re talking creamy white pillars, marble frescoed floors, and the piece de resistance, the gorgeous domed ceiling. Bang slap in the middle of Dublin City on Dame Street, it’s the perfect venue for couples who want a cool, urban wedding of up to 200 people.
University College Dublin’s Newman House on Stephen’s Green is pure class, from its elegant interiors to the 18th-century plasterwork. Comprising two Georgian townhouses, the House is pulsing with literary history. In fact, James Joyce studied there (graduating with a BA in 1902), so where better to tie the knot if you’re a pair of bookworms?
Featuring two light-filled rooms, The Whaley Room and The Old Physics Theatre, you can hold a stunning ceremony for up to 120 people.
The gorgeous Ballsbridge-located Thomas Prior Hall can hold up to 160 guests and is impressive enough to give your wedding day the gravitas it deserves. Formerly an 18th century Masonic girl’s school, the Hall still retains many of its original features, like ornate panelled walls, stained glass windows, chandeliers and vaulted ceilings. Glorious.
If you want to wow your guests, you won’t do much better than this droolsome gem. The 18th century neo-classical Casino is located off the Malahide Road, just three miles from the city centre, but if you ask us, it calls to mind the splendour of the Pantheon in Rome.
Think a classy, stylish ceremony amidst splendid pillars, shiny wood floors and period furniture. Oh Dublin, how we love you.
Hold on now. We’re not suggesting that you pop in between the monkeys and pledge yourself to your one and only. Dublin Zoo in Phoenix Park is actually home to Haughton House, a gorgeous restored building featuring a huge wraparound balcony and views of the zoo. A brilliant choice if you’re after something quirkier than the norm.
This beautifully restored Georgian house is another prime example of how Dublin couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to stellar civil ceremony venues. Diminutive in size, the classy house at No. 5 South Leinster Street is perfect if you’re looking for a venue for an intimate ceremony of 40 people or less. And to make your day even more special (read: boozy), the guys can organise a swanky drinks reception on site once the knot has been tied.
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