County Donegal used to be Ireland’s best-kept secret. With historic castles, dramatic coastlines, and windswept landscapes, it’s easy to understand why they wanted to keep it to themselves. But, luckily for the rest of us, the secret’s well and truly out.
These days, couples from all over are flocking to this wild and wonderful corner of the country to tie the knot. Tempted by the cliffside views overlooking the Atlantic, the photos from these weddings are incredible. Plus, there’s serious heart in a Donegal wedding. It’s a hotspot for Irish culture, meaning you have your pick of traditional folk bands, delicious food, and the friendliest (and funniest) people you could hope to meet.
Tempted by a Donegal wedding? We don’t blame you. The best part is that there’s no need to pay over the odds for the wedding of your dreams. Weddings in Ireland cost an average of £18,300 (approximately €21,600), which is £2,500 (or €2,900) less than the UK average of £20,822 (approximately €24,000). This means there’s plenty of budget left over for a fabulous honeymoon or the dress of your dreams.
Elopements, micro weddings, and small gatherings with just your nearest and dearest feel right at home in Donegal’s wild and romantic setting. Whether it's saying your vows on a windswept beach, in a cosy countryside inn, or under the stars beside a crackling fire pit, there’s something truly special about keeping things simple and meaningful.
DIY weddings are also popular here. If you’ve got a Pinterest board and a glue gun, you’re halfway there. Creating your own decor adds such a personal touch, and with Donegal’s natural beauty doing half the work, a few handmade bits and bobs go a long way. Think driftwood signs, wildflower centrepieces, and candles in jam jars—it’s rustic, charming, and totally budget-friendly. Plus, many venues are happy to let you put your own stamp on the space, which makes the whole day feel even more “you.”
Ready to find your dream venue in Donegal? With over 22 Bridebook-registered options, you’re spoilt for choice in this beautiful county.
We love a castle here at Bridebook, and Lough Eske Castle is truly stunning. With prices starting at €105 per head, this 5-star hotel can accommodate up to 300 evening guests and has 124 bedrooms. Perfect for couples who want a touch of luxury, a bit of history, and plenty of space for friends and family to celebrate in style. It’s the kind of place where you feel like royalty for the day, without needing a crown or a castle of your own!
If you’re looking for something low-key, Holyrood Hotel has a full wedding licence, offers locally sourced food, and has an in-house wedding coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly. Conveniently located in Donegal town centre, this quaint hotel is ideal for couples after a relaxed, no-fuss celebration with all the charm and none of the stress. It’s warm, welcoming, and won’t blow the budget—plus, your guests won’t have to wander far for a comfy bed or a cheeky nightcap.
If you’re all about those Atlantic views, Sandhouse Hotel in Rossnowlagh has a truly fabulous beachside location that’s hard to beat. With a laid-back, coastal charm, Sandhouse Hotel can accommodate up to 120 evening guests in the main ballroom or smaller, micro celebrations in their Surfer’s Bar. With pricing available on request, it’s a great option if the views are what’s important to you.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, Silver Tassie Hotel & Spa has everything you could hope for from a wedding venue—classic interiors, award-winning food, and a team that really knows how to pull off a flawless day. With capacity for up to 350 guests and tailor-made wedding packages, it’s a brilliant choice for couples looking for a touch of classic luxury.
With regards to cost, wedding venues in County Donegal tend to run between €1,000 and €9,000 depending on the season, particulars, and size of your big day. Some venues offer per-head pricing instead, typically ranging from €42 to €130 per guest, which is perfect for micro weddings or those on a strict budget. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering with your nearest and dearest or a full-on party with the whole crew, Donegal has a venue (and a price point) that can work for you. Speak to your wedding coordinator about your top-end budget and work together to create the perfect day.
We recommend leaving it a little longer if you’re planning a wedding in Donegal. Although there are a ton of brilliant suppliers, the choice of venues is a little limited, especially if you have your heart set on somewhere specific or are planning for a summer or weekend wedding. That’s why we suggest getting in early—ideally 18 to 24 months in advance—if you want your pick of dates and locations.
If you’re flexible on dates or open to a weekday or off-season celebration, you might have a bit more wiggle room and even snag a better deal. Either way, the earlier you get the ball rolling, the smoother the rest of your planning will be.
Donegal’s magic is no longer a secret, so locking in your dream venue ahead of time is well worth it—you’ll thank yourself later when you’re raising a glass in the place that stole your heart.
No matter the weather, Donegal’s breathtaking views are something to behold. Although it would be great if it was blue skies and sunshine, a little rain never hurt anyone! That said, if you’re chasing the best chance of dry weather, aim for the summer months when temperatures are milder and the days are longer. Spring and early autumn can also be beautiful, with fewer crowds and lovely golden light. Just be sure to pack a few umbrellas and embrace the elements—it’s all part of the charm!
Spring (March-May) in Donegal is beautiful. With trees and flowers bursting into life, it’s a truly special time of year. But, with all this greenery comes the potential for showers, so it's best to have a Plan B if you’re planning for an outdoor wedding. Consider a spot like Kees Hotel & Leisure Club, where you can slip inside if need be. With lows of 4°C and highs of 15°C, spring can feel fresh, but it’s nothing a cosy shawl or a warm drink at the reception can’t fix.
Summer (June-August) is undoubtedly the most popular time to get married in Donegal. Temperatures average between 14°C and 18°C, and there’s even the chance of a heatwave (if you’re lucky!). Longer evenings mean more time for sunset photos, al fresco drinks, and dancing under the stars. Just keep in mind that summer is peak wedding season, so venues can book up quickly and accommodation may be a bit pricier. It’s worth planning ahead if you’ve got your heart set on a sunny summer celebration.
Autumn (September-November) is a personal favourite of ours here at Bridebook. With beautiful colours, crisp weather, and the evenings just starting to shorten, it’s got a romantic atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Temperatures are mild, averaging between 6°C and 13°C, so wrap up warm and embrace the beauty of the season.
Winter (December-February) is the time to grab a bargain. With fewer weddings happening during these months, many venues offer off-peak rates and special packages—perfect if you're planning a magical celebration on a tighter budget. Sure, the days are shorter and the weather can be a bit unpredictable, but Donegal in winter has a charm all of its own. Temperatures average between 6°C and 10°C, so while it’s certainly crisp, it’s nothing a good coat and a warm drink won’t sort.
In spite of its rural location, getting around Donegal is surprisingly easy. Towns are well connected by road, and while public transport isn’t the most frequent, car hire or minibuses make travelling with a group stress-free. Many wedding venues even offer transport options or can help organise shuttles to keep everything running smoothly on the day.
We highly recommend what3words for helping guests find their way around—especially when venues or accommodations are a little off the beaten track. Apple and Google Maps aren’t always the clearest when dealing with rural areas, so this handy app can be a lifesaver. It pinpoints exact locations using three distinct words, which is incredibly useful when you’re navigating country roads or trying to direct a taxi after dark.
If you’ve got guests travelling from afar, London/Derry (LDY) and Donegal (CFN) airports are the closest options, with Dublin Airport (DUB) around a four-hour drive away. It’s worth encouraging guests to make a weekend of it—Donegal’s beauty, warm welcomes, and slower pace of life make it the perfect excuse for a mini getaway.
If guests need a spot to rest their head, a bunch of Donegal wedding venues double up as hotels. Spots like The Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa, The Villa Rose Hotel, and Bayview Hotel offer comfy rooms, delicious breakfasts, and that classic Irish hospitality we all know and love. It’s super handy when the celebrations and sleepovers are all under one roof—no taxis, no fuss, just a short stroll to bed at the end of the night.
