Peaceful and incredibly beautiful, County Laois (pronounced County Leesh) is one of the most rural wedding spots in Ireland. If you're dreaming of a relaxed, no-fuss celebration surrounded by nature (and maybe a few sheep in the distance), Laois might just be your perfect match. Naturally, planning a wedding somewhere so remote will throw up some challenges. But, that’s part of the charm, right?
You may have some difficulties with transport or finding local suppliers, and your phone signal might be a bit hit and miss. But, it makes for a genuinely laid-back vibe, encouraging (or forcing) everyone to slow down, switch off, and really soak up the moment. With a bit of planning (and maybe a few contingency plans for the weather), getting married in Laois can feel like stepping into your own little world. So if you're after something a bit different, County Laois might just be the one.
Average Wedding Price in County LaoisAnd the price isn't too shabby either. The average Irish wedding comes in at around £18,300 (approximately €21,600), around £2,500 (approximately €2,900) less than the UK average of £20,822 (approximately €24,000). So, you can have your dream day without totally rinsing your savings.
County Laois’ rural location means it naturally lends itself to rustic, nature-inspired wedding themes. Think wildflowers in jam jars, vintage bunting, hay bale seating, and laid-back garden vibes. Barn weddings are big here, with plenty of charming countryside venues offering that cosy, down-to-earth feel with stunning views to match.
Outdoor ceremonies are popular too (weather permitting, of course), with woodland backdrops, stately home gardens, fairy lights in the trees, and bridesmaids in flower crowns. If the weather isn’t looking great, a marquee with robust sides or a beautifully converted barn can be just the ticket. It’ll still give you that outdoor feel without the soggy shoes. It’s all about being flexible and leaning into whatever the Irish skies decide to throw at you.
There’s also a lovely trend towards more relaxed, informal celebrations. Micro or intimate weddings with food trucks, picnic or afternoon tea style receptions, or even a Sunday roast in a local pub keep things social and simple. Remember—it’s who’s around the table that matters, not the size of it.
There aren’t a ton of Bridebook-approved wedding venues to choose from in County Laois. But, it’s quality over quantity, and the ones you’ll find are full of character, charm, and proper Irish hospitality. From elegant manor houses to cosy country hotels and scenic outdoor spots, what Laois lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in atmosphere.
If you’re looking for something classic, The Heritage in Killenard is a beautiful, exclusive-use hotel wedding venue, proud of their ability to completely tailor each day to the couple. Whether you're after a black-tie affair or something a bit more relaxed, they’ll work with you to get every little detail just right. Prices start at €95 per guest for a minimum of 110 guests, so it’s definitely one for those planning a larger wedding day.
If you want to feel like royalty, Castle Durrow in Durrow is hard to beat. This family-run hotel is known for its hospitality and beautifully manicured gardens. They have over 20 years’ experience in wedding planning and offer beautiful indoor and outdoor wedding spaces, so you can change your plans at the drop of a hat if need be. Plus, it has cows—real cows! Who wouldn’t want to get married surrounded by adorable Highland cattle? We know we would.
If money is no object, Ballyfin Demesne is the ultimate in luxury. Understandably, the glamour comes at a price, with a package of 41 guests costing €37,000 and €145 per additional head. But, it offers one of the most beautiful orangeries we’ve ever seen, 5* service, and is inclusive of a two-night stay for all your guests. It’s basically like having your own private Downton Abbey for the weekend—only with better Wi-Fi and way more champagne. If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime celebration and want to seriously spoil your guests (and yourselves), Ballyfin is the stuff of wedding dreams.
Venues in County Laois come at a range of price points, and you don’t have to break the bank to have a beautiful wedding day. Maldron Hotel Portlaoise is a gorgeous, classic, and affordable venue where prices start at €40 per head. It’s ideal if you're keeping an eye on the budget but still want a proper celebration with great food, comfy rooms, and a welcoming atmosphere. They offer a range of packages to suit different styles and guest numbers, and the team are known for being super accommodating
There’s a true spectrum of pricing in County Laois, from super luxury venues where €37,000 is the minimum spend, to more affordable options where you can host a lovely wedding without the hefty price tag. That kind of variety means you can plan a day that suits your budget and your style—without having to compromise on the magic.
Typically, prices range from €2,500 to €7,500 for package deals, with some places preferring to price her head. Per head pricing ranges from €40 to €145 per head, depending on the venue, the time of year, and what’s included in the package. Some spots will throw in extras like decor, drinks, and even a dedicated coordinator, while others keep it more à la carte, so it’s worth doing a bit of digging to find what works best for you.
With only 7 Bridebook-approved wedding venues in County Laois, we recommend you start planning early. Rural locations tend to need a slightly longer lead time when it comes to booking, especially if you're after a specific date or season (summer Saturdays, we’re looking at you!). Many couples book their Laois venue 18 months in advance, and some of the more popular spots can be snapped up even earlier.
That said, if you’re flexible on dates or happy with a midweek wedding, you might just nab a last-minute gem. And because it’s a smaller county, you’re more likely to deal directly with the venue owners or long-standing staff, which makes the whole planning process feel that bit more personal and relaxed.
Our advice? Get the venue out of the way as soon as possible. It streamlines the wedding planning process and can add helpful parameters to your day. For example, there’s no point preparing a guest list and table plan for 150 guests if your venue can only accommodate 110! Save yourself some time (and stress) and book the venue first.
No matter when you get married in County Laois, it’ll be beautiful, quiet, and full of a relaxed, country charm. The weather may not always play ball, but that’s all part of the beauty of County Laois. June to September offers the best chance of sunshine, but it’s always worth having a Plan B. Consider colourful umbrellas or a fun tipi just in case the rain decides to make an appearance.
Spring(March-May) brings temperatures of between 4°C and 15°C and offers one of the best chances of sunshine. Although a few April showers may be on the cards, the long days and blooming beauty of the season make it a firm favourite for couples after a fresh, romantic vibe. An outdoor wedding is definitely on the cards in spring; just be sure to wrap up warm and have a backup plan—it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Summer(June-August) is the most popular time to get married in County Laois. With temperatures between 14°C and 18°C, the warm weather and sunny aspect will keep everyone in a good mood. You can plan for an outdoor wedding pretty confidently in the summer. But, it’s always worth remembering that this is Ireland, so even in summer, there’s no guarantee of wall-to-wall sunshine. A light drizzle might still make an appearance. But, it’s nothing a marquee, a stash of umbrellas, and a good attitude can’t handle.
(September-November) is another lovely option, with temperatures ranging between 6°C and 13°C. The weather is mild and the days are long, meaning there’s lots of time for outdoor photographs and cosy evening celebrations. The trees put on a real show at this time of year, too, with golden leaves and rich colours making everything feel warm and romantic. It’s also a bit quieter than the summer, so you may find better availability with venues and suppliers, as well as a few off-season savings.
Winter(December-February) is still a beautiful time to get married in County Laois. But, shorter days and chillier temperatures (between 6°C and 10°C) mean an outdoor ceremony is off the table, and you’ll want to think carefully about travel arrangements, especially if guests are travelling. That said, winter weddings can be absolutely magical if you lean into the season. Wrap up warm and go all out with the festive decor for a truly unique experience.
Getting to County Laois can be tricky. It’s not quite as simple as hopping on a ferry or a plane and being right in the centre of the county, unfortunately. You may find yourselves needing to plan a bit of a journey, especially if you’ve got guests coming from abroad or other parts of Ireland. But, that’s all part of the adventure—right?
The good news is, Laois is pretty centrally located, so once you’re on the road, it’s not too hard to get to. Portlaoise is the main hub and has decent train and bus links from Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, which makes things a bit easier. That said, if you’re tying the knot in one of the more rural spots (and let’s face it, most of them are), a car is definitely your best bet. It’s also worth thinking about arranging group transport for your guests, like a coach or minibus, especially if people are staying in different places.
Those travelling from further afield may want to fly into Dublin Airport (DUB) or Shannon Airport (SNN) and then drive on from there. They can also get ferries into Dublin which sail regularly from Holyhead or Liverpool. From there, it’s around a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to most Laois wedding venues, depending on traffic and how many scenic stops your guests fancy along the way. It’s worth popping some directions and travel tips in your invites or wedding website to make life a bit easier for everyone.
Unless you’re a local, it’s likely your guests will need somewhere to rest their heads. There are a ton of hotels or Airbnbs in the area. However, some wedding venues will also double up as hotels. It’s worth asking if you can make a block-booking so your guests have a space to rest their heads. You may even get a substantial discount for booking multiple rooms (always a bonus!).
