Intimate Wedding Venues in County Cork

Discovering the perfect intimate wedding venue in Cork is a truly exciting part of your planning. This vibrant county offers a wealth of charming and exclusive settings, from historic city-centre hideaways to scenic countryside retreats. Whether you envision a cosy celebration with your closest friends and family or a chic, small-scale affair, Cork provides a stunning backdrop for your special day.
These smaller venues specialise in creating a personal and unforgettable atmosphere. Explore unique spaces like boutique hotels, private country houses, and stylish restaurants, each offering bespoke packages for a more intimate gathering. Cork's reputation for fantastic food and warm hospitality ensures your small wedding will be both elegant and memorable, reflecting your unique style.
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Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa

Cork, Cork
(19)
Viewing Dates Available
Bridebook Deal Available
Upcoming Event
Say "I do" at the Radisson Blu, where romance and elegance meet in a stunning 18th-century Georgian house. Your dream day is waiting. ✨:)
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  • 400
  • 126 Bedrooms
  • €75 – €105
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Sea Church Ballycotton

Ballycotton, Cork
(13)
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Sea Church, a beautifully restored venue in Ballycotton, offers a unique coastal setting for ceremonies and receptions. With bespoke decor, tailored menus, and exceptional service, we create unforgettable wedding experiences in a stunning setting.
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  • 130
  • 6 Bedrooms
  • €2,750 – €25,000
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Barnabrow Country House

Cork
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Barnabrow Country House, located in East Cork, Ireland in an idyllic, country setting can be exclusively yours: our intention is to wrap you in a cocoon of intimacy.
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  • 150
  • 22 Bedrooms
  • From €1,000
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Dunowen House

Clonakilty, Cork
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Dunowen House is an historic 1700s West Cork country estate, a gastronomic coastal hideaway for exclusive hire and intimate wedding celebrations. We provide you with the opportunity to create the type of event you want, small but perfectly formed.
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  • 30
  • 9 Bedrooms
  • €7,500 – €9,000
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The Maritime Hotel

Bantry
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Congratulations on your Engagement and Thank You for considering The Maritime Hotel in West Cork for your upcoming Wedding Day.
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  • 280
  • 110 Bedrooms
  • €79 – €129
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Firgrove Hotel

Mitchelstown
Our Coolnanave Banqueting Suite can cater for parties of up to 350 guests, and opens out onto beautifully matured landscaped gardens and private patio, which is the ideal backdrop for your wedding album.
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  • 350
  • 14 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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Seaview House Hotel

Bantry
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Bridebook Deal Available
Seaview House is the perfect location for your boutique country house wedding in West Cork catering for up to 75 guests.
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  • 75
  • 28 Bedrooms
  • €14,500 – €15,250
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Imperial Hotel Cork

Cork
Imagine your wedding car arriving at the entrance of the hotel, you step out onto a luxurious red carpet with your guests waiting to toast your arrival with elegant flutes of champagne.
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  • 50
  • 123 Bedrooms
  • Luxury ($$$)
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O'Mahony's of Watergrasshill

Watergrasshill
Bridebook Deal Available
With Granny's Garden, the Bar and The Courtyard there are lots of different areas and spaces to suit all sizes of celebrations and wide range of menus to suit all types of event.
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  • 100
  • Affordable ($)
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Jurys Inn Cork

Cork
We know the little details matter, and that’s why we have everything from stylish yet comfortable rooms, on-site restaurants, events spaces and more at our hotel in Cork.
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  • 133 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in County Cork

Cork is a fantastic choice for an intimate wedding, offering a blend of city chic and rural romance. Smaller weddings allow for a more personal experience, greater flexibility with your budget, and more quality time with each guest.

Venue Styles to Explore:

  • Boutique Hotels: Many city-centre hotels offer elegant private dining rooms perfect for smaller receptions.
  • Country Houses: Exclusive-use country manors provide a luxurious home-from-home feel for you and your guests.
  • Gourmet Restaurants: Cork's renowned food scene means you can host your reception in an award-winning restaurant with a private space.
  • Historic Pubs: For a truly authentic Irish experience, consider a cosy, historic pub with a private function room.
  • Coastal Retreats: The county's stunning coastline offers unique venues with dramatic sea views for a memorable backdrop.

The cost of an intimate wedding in Cork can vary significantly based on your choices. A smaller guest list often means you can allocate more of your budget to elements that matter most, like gourmet food or unique entertainment.

Key Cost Factors:

  • Venue Hire: Some smaller venues charge a flat hire fee, while others work on a minimum spend basis, especially restaurants.
  • Price Per Head: Expect to pay between €80 - €150+ per person for a full-day package at a premium venue.

Mid-Week Savings

Consider a Monday-Thursday wedding, as many venues offer reduced rates and more availability. This is often easier to coordinate with a smaller guest list.

Package Inclusions

Always check what's included in a venue's package. All-inclusive deals can offer great value, covering everything from the meal and drinks to decor and a wedding coordinator, which simplifies the planning process.

Cork's weather is typically Irish – changeable but beautiful! Each season offers a unique atmosphere for an intimate wedding.

Spring (March-May):

Gardens bloom and days get longer. Perfect for a country house wedding with fresh, vibrant colours and a sense of new beginnings.

Summer (June-August):

The warmest months are ideal for utilising outdoor spaces like terraces or coastal settings for your drinks reception. Book well in advance as this is peak season.

Autumn (September-November):

Enjoy rich, warm colours and cosy vibes. A historic pub or a manor with a roaring fireplace creates a wonderfully intimate setting for an autumn celebration.

Winter (December-February):

Embrace the romance of a winter wedding. Think candlelit dinners, festive decorations, and a magical, celebratory atmosphere. It's also a great time to find excellent value.

Getting your guests to your Cork wedding is straightforward.

By Air:

Cork Airport (ORK) has excellent connections to the UK and Europe, making it easy for international guests to join your celebration.

By Rail & Road:

Irish Rail connects Cork to Dublin and other major cities. The motorway network is also extensive, making driving a simple option for domestic guests. Taxis and bus services are widely available.

Accommodation options in Cork are plentiful and suit all budgets.

In the City:

Guests can choose from a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments, all within walking distance of city-centre venues.

In the Countryside:

For rural venues, recommend local B&Bs, hotels in nearby towns like Kinsale, or even booking a large self-catering property for a group of guests to share.

FAQ's

What is considered an 'intimate' or 'small' wedding in Cork?

Generally, a small or intimate wedding in Cork caters for fewer than 70 guests. Some of the most exclusive venues are best suited for groups of 20-50, allowing for a truly personal and detailed celebration where you can spend quality time with everyone.

Do small wedding venues in Cork offer all-inclusive packages?

Yes, many venues specialising in intimate weddings offer comprehensive packages. These often include venue hire, a dedicated coordinator, the wedding meal, a drinks reception, and sometimes even decor. These packages can simplify planning and offer excellent value.

Can we legally get married in any intimate venue in Cork?

For your ceremony to be legally binding, it must take place at a location registered by the HSE for civil ceremonies, or you can have a secular or religious ceremony with a registered solemniser. Many boutique hotels and country houses in Cork are approved venues. Always confirm the venue's status before booking.

Are there unique options for small weddings beyond traditional hotels in Cork?

Absolutely. Cork is home to many unique venues perfect for smaller weddings, including gourmet restaurants with private dining rooms, historic city-centre pubs, exclusive-use country manors, and even charming coastal retreats in areas like Kinsale or West Cork.

Is it more affordable to have a small wedding in Cork?

While the overall cost may be lower due to fewer guests, many couples planning a small wedding choose to reallocate their budget. This might mean spending more per head on an exceptional dining experience, premium drinks, or unique entertainment to create a more luxurious day.

How far in advance should we book an intimate wedding venue in Cork?

Even for a smaller wedding, it's wise to book your ideal venue 12-18 months in advance, especially for popular dates like summer weekends or bank holidays. Mid-week dates often have more short-term availability and can sometimes come at a reduced price.