Can we please talk about Irish castle weddings?
Okay, so here’s the thing. Most of the readers of this blog are located in North America. In particular, the US and Canada. And, of course, we don’t have a lot of castles here. Castle weddings may not even be on our radar. Wineries, golf courses, and hotels, yes. But not castle weddings.
However, after connecting with Laura from My Wedding Whizz, a company that helps create custom wedding websites in minutes and provides digital wedding organization, products, and physical prints, I’ve learned that Irish castle weddings are quite common. Intrigued, I had to learn more on the prevalence and logistics of having your wedding at an actual castle.
All About Irish Castle Weddings (From Irish Wedding Experts!)
This post is going to tell you all about Irish castle weddings, strait from Ireland. I want to give a big thanks to Laura, and the rest of My Wedding Whizz, for this post’s content. It was very generous of them to share details with me, and I hope that everyone gets the chance to check out their website and their super popular Instagram page (among other socials).
Now, let’s get into it!
ABOUT MY WEDDING WHIZZ
Before we delve into Irish castle weddings, let me share a little bit about My Wedding Whizz.
My Wedding Whizz is an Ireland based company, with a mission to make weddings more sustainable and easier to plan. They understand that couples want things convenient, efficient, and eco-friendly, so they have designed services to help with each of these goals. A quick glance at their website showcases digital services such as wedding website development, guest lists, save the dates, invitations, RSVP’s, a digital post box, and thank you cards. My Wedding Whizz even has the ability to print physical copies, if a couple needs them.
After collaborating with Laura, I can truly see how easy it is to work with My Wedding Whizz on a personal level. If I was planning a wedding, I’d check out their website service, where you can showcase your love story, share details, and interact with your guests. You can even send invites strait from your site to your guest’s inboxes. Additionally, their unique Digital Wedding Post Box allows guests to create and send digital cards with their cash gifts to the couples.
If you’re shopping for a wedding website provider or digital products, definitely check out My Wedding Whizz! Plus their Digital Wedding Post Box is perfect for guests who are looking to give monetary gifts!
Alright, on to the meat of this blog’s topic – Irish castle weddings!
WHY HAVE AN IRISH CASTLE WEDDING?
When you think of an Irish castle wedding, what images come to mind?
For me, it’s all about the fairytale. Stone facades, tall arches, impeccable gardens, and enchanting landscapes. It’s no wonder that getting married at a castle, while in Ireland, is very popular. According to Laura, Ireland provides such a rich history and magnificent castles that many couples make it their dream destination for their weddings.
Among the appeal is the ability to exchange vows in the grandeur of centuries-old castles, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and immersed in the charm of Irish heritage. The romance and captivating experience is enough to settle the decision to get married at a castle for many couples.
ARE IRISH CASTLE WEDDINGS COMMON?
Among my questions for Laura included how common Irish castle weddings are.
What I found out is that they are indeed quite common in Ireland.
As Laura shares, Ireland is renowned for it’s historic castles and offers a wide selection of castle wedding venues. The size of each castle varies, from very intimate settings to grand, sprawling fortresses. This means that couples, with any size wedding, have numerous options to choose from. Many of the castles in Ireland have been meticulously restored and converted into luxurious wedding venues. Each has it’s own distinctive character with ranging facilities and offerings.
For example, a castle may have a beautiful garden, a romantic banquet hall, or overnight accommodations. Some popular ones that Laura shared with me include Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Dromoland Castle in County Clare, and Luttrellstown Castle in County Dublin.
WHAT KIND OF SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT CASTLE WEDDINGS?
As there are many castles in Ireland, there is a huge range of services that are provided for weddings.
Depending on the venue, they may include catering, event planning assistance, décor, or overnight accommodations for the couple and their guests. Some castle venues have dedicated wedding planners, or work closely with external planners to help couples have a seamless and memorable experience. As with any type of wedding venue, the services range and should be explored if a castle wedding appeals to you.
If you’d like help deciding if a “blank slate” wedding venue is right for you, check out this post.
HOW MUCH DOES A CASTLE WEDDING COST?
When I asked Laura how much castle weddings cost, she let me know that the costs can vary greatly. It all depend on location, size of the castle, services provided, guest count, and time of year.
Most castle weddings are considered luxury events. Expenses involved may include rental fees, catering, décor, entertainment, photography, and more. Laura’s recommendation was to consult with specific castle venues or wedding planners in Ireland to gather more accurate pricing.
That said, a quick search online revealed that you can find castle wedding locations that offer packages as low as about $5,000. However, you would have to look into what that amount includes, the actual location, and if it works for your wedding. My hunch is that castle weddings may start that low, and can be exponentially more, depending on the location and wedding.
HOW BIG OR SMALL DOES A CASTLE WEDDING HAVE TO BE?
As mentioned above, castle sizes in Ireland vary significantly.
Some castles are smaller and more intimate, and great for small weddings. Others are expansive and are perfect accommodations for a large group of guests. In short, whether you have a few dozen wedding guests or are celebrating with several hundred attendees, chances are there is a castle that is the right size for your wedding.
WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE IDEAS FOR A CASTLE WEDDING?
Laura let me know that castle weddings can truly spark creative and unique ideas.
Some fun ones that she’s seen include medieval-themed weddings with period costumes and live music performances in castle courtyards. These weddings may also include fireworks, outdoor garden games, traditional Irish dances, and guest activities. One common activity is a falconry experience, where handlers bring big and beautiful birds to the wedding for guests to interact with.
CAN I STAY AT THE CASTLE I’M GETTING MARRIED AT?
As mentioned above, many Irish castle wedding venues offer accommodation options for couples and their guests.
The great thing about this is that it allows couples to extend their celebrations over a wedding weekend, providing a memorable and immersive experience. I mean, it sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Guests can enjoy the castle’s luxurious rooms and amenities while being surrounded by the historical ambiance. Plus, it makes it super easy for them to get to and from the wedding.
WHAT ARE SOME ADDITIONAL IRISH WEDDING TRADITIONS?
For some added context and fun, I asked Laura about Irish wedding traditions, and she offered up some great ones that I’d love to explore further in the future.
For example, Laura told me about handfasting ceremonies, where the couple’s hands are symbolically bound together. This is a traditional Irish ritual and often seen at weddings. Another tradition is the Claddagh ring, often used as a wedding or engagement ring. It symbolizes love, loyalty, and friendship. My sister actually used to wear a Claddagh ring, which indicates if you’re single or taken, depending on the direction it’s placed in.
THOUGHTS ON IRISH CASTLE WEDDINGS
Friends, after learning more about Irish castle weddings, I really want to visit Ireland. Not only because it’s a beautiful country with a rich history, but because I want to check out the castles! It all sounds so magical and romantic, right? I’d like to thank Laura from My Wedding Whizz again, for all her knowledge that she generously shared with me for this post. If you haven’t already, check out their website for your digital wedding needs! Happy wedding planning!
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