County Meath was once home to the High Kings of Ireland. Now, it’s a UNESCO world heritage site packed with Neolithic tombs, prehistoric art, and spots like Slane Castle that look like they’ve been pulled straight from a postcard. These days, you’ll find locals grabbing coffee in Navan, farmers’ markets popping up in small towns, and families heading out for weekend walks along the Boyne. It’s different, but no less beautiful than it was back in the days of kings and warriors.
When it comes to getting married, County Meath is the crème de la crème. A hop, skip, and a jump from Dublin, you get all the beauty of more rural sports in West Ireland combined with the convenience of being just close enough to the city that no one gets lost! It’s scenic without being remote, charming without being over the top, and somehow manages to feel both grand and grounded all at once.
With regards to price, County Meath has something to suit every budget. The average Irish wedding comes in at around £18,300 (approximately €21,600). That’s £2,500 (approximately €2,900) less than the UK average of £20,822 (approximately €24,000), meaning you can still have your dream day without completely blowing the budget. And, in Meath, your money goes a bit further. Whether you’re planning a big do or keeping it intimate, there’s plenty of choice and flexibility here.
Extravagant flowers are a huge trend in County Meath at the moment. Couples are spending a good portion of their budget on large floral installations, bright bouquets, and wild, garden-style arrangements. Large archways, hanging blooms, and table runners are also a popular part of this trend. Match your flowers to your wedding colours for a cohesive look.
Speaking of colours, bright and beautiful wedding colours are another popular trend right now. Bright pinks, oranges, and yellows are extremely fashionable, with pops of baby blue and lavender for contrast. These bold palettes are showing up in everything from bridesmaid dresses to table settings, adding a fun, modern twist to traditional venues.
Micro weddings are another popular trend in County Meath. A micro wedding is any celebration with fewer than 50 guests. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less special. In fact, going small often means couples can go big on the details: personalised touches, top-tier food and drink, and unique venues that might not suit a larger crowd. It’s quality—not quantity!
Remember, wedding trends come and go, so what really matters is that your day feels like you. Whether you go all out with a castle celebration and a flower wall the size of a tank, or keep it low-key with 20 of your favourite people in a cosy country house, the most important thing is that it reflects your style, your story, and what matters to you as a couple.
Whatever your style and vision, there’s a venue in County Meath that will suit your big day. We’ve compiled a list of our five favourite Bridebook-approved venues for your consideration.
If you’re looking for something classic, Tankardstown House is a beautiful country house with space for up to 125 guests. With prices starting at €99 per head for a minimum of 50 people, it’s ideal for couples who want timeless elegance without losing that warm, intimate feel. The walled gardens are a dreamy spot for photos, and the interiors are all high ceilings, soft lighting, and understated luxury—perfect for a romantic, relaxed celebration.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little quirkier, Loughcrew Estate & Gardens near Old Castle is the perfect blend of old and new. You can have your wedding in the ruined church walls before moving into the more modern function room for dinner and dancing. It’s got that effortlessly cool, off-the-beaten-path vibe, and it’s ideal for couples who want a touch of history without the formality. Plus, the surrounding gardens are absolutely stunning, and with venue hire starting at €3,000, it’s surprisingly affordable.
If you like the idea of a historic venue but are looking for something a little more refined, check out Killeen Castle or Trim Castle Hotel. Coming in at €80 or €62 per head, respectively, both offer a beautifully polished setting without the jaw-dropping price tag. Killeen Castle gives you that grand, storybook feel with its 12th-century towers and sweeping estate grounds, while Trim Castle Hotel combines authentic exteriors with contemporary interiors. It's a brilliant choice if you want something elegant and central, with great accommodation options for guests.
If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, The Station House Hotel is the spot for you. With stunning outdoor spaces (and a backup indoor space in case the Irish weather does its thing), it’s become a go-to for couples who want a romantic garden ceremony without the stress. The Station House has a relaxed, boutique feel, and the old amphitheatre in the woods makes for a seriously unique ceremony setting. Prices are only available upon request, but this spot can accommodate up to 190 guests, so it’s perfect for celebrations of all sizes.
In general, venue hire in County Meath costs between €1,000 and €3,000. You can also find package weddings starting at €4,500 for up to 50 guests, or per-head pricing starting at €45 per head. Per-head pricing tends to work out better for intimate weddings, while package deals are better for larger celebrations. You may also find that some venues impose a minimum headcount, so it’s always worth checking the fine print before you fall in love with a spot. Some venues are super flexible, while others will have set numbers for weekdays versus weekends, or different pricing tiers depending on the season. Chat to your wedding venue team to ensure the price you see is the price you pay.
County Meath’s close proximity to major cities like Dublin means you can get away with a slightly shorter lead time than average. Typically, we recommend leaving some 18 months if you’re set on a specific date or popular venue, especially for summer weekends or bank holidays, which tend to book up fast. That said, if you’re flexible on dates, chilled about the venue, or considering an off-peak wedding, you might find availability within 9-12 months. While this is possible, we don’t necessarily recommend it.
Your venue should be one of the first things you get locked down. It sets the tone for every other element of your wedding, and once the venue is booked, everything else just falls into place. For example, your venue may inadvertently dictate your timeline or the size of your guest list. It’s not worth planning the rest of these elements until you know exactly what you’re working with. Plus, there are so many beautiful options in Meath, so it’s well worth giving yourself time to find the one.
Although summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to get married in County Meath, don’t discount the other seasons. There is a slightly greater chance of rain in the shoulder seasons (spring, autumn) and winter, but they'll all bring their own unique beauty to your special day.
Spring (March-May) is a fairly popular time to get married in County Meath. With temperatures averaging between 4°C and 15°C, it’s warm without being hot and sunny without being too bright, meaning an outdoor ceremony could be on the cards. Just be prepared for a few showers and have a solid backup plan—you never know when those April showers will hit!
Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to get married in County Meath. Temperatures range from 14°C to 18°C, meaning it’s the perfect weather for outdoor ceremonies, receptions, and photoshoots. Whether that’s garden games, al fresco dining, or a sunset stroll, don’t shy away from those outdoor moments. But remember, venues tend to book up fast during these months, so if you’ve got your heart set on a summer wedding, it’s best to secure your date well in advance.
Autumn (September-November) is technically a shoulder season for UK weddings. However, it’s one of our favourites here at Bridebook (dare we say more than a summer wedding?). The landscapes turn golden, the light is soft and flattering for photos, and there’s something undeniably romantic about a crisp autumn day. Make the most of it with seasonal touches like rich, warm colours and outdoor fire pits for when the evening gets chilly. You may get lucky with an Indian summer or an early autumn heatwave. But, generally, temperatures average between 6°C and 13°C.
Winter (December-February) is a beautiful time to get married in County Meath, if a little chilly. Although the temperatures themselves may not be what you dreamed (averaging between 6°C and 10°C), the substantial discounts on venue hire and supplier packages can make it an incredibly appealing option—especially if you're planning a more budget-conscious celebration. Any money saved can go towards an unseasonable honeymoon or even a few extra splurges on the day itself.
Getting around County Meath is surprisingly simple. Its close proximity to the city of Dublin means you’ve got great transport links whether your guests are local or coming from abroad. Dublin Airport (DUB) is just under an hour away by car, and there are regular bus and train services that make travelling around the county super easy. Equally, there are ferries from the nearby Holyhead or Liverpool for those coming from further afield who don’t like flying.
If guests need somewhere to rest their heads, there are a ton of hotels, apartments, or Airbnbs for them to choose from. Some hotels even double up as wedding venues, meaning guests won’t have far to wander before they can rest their heads. Spots like The Glenside or Headfort Arms Hotel are comfortable and well-located, making them ideal for a block-booking of rooms or a relaxed post-wedding brunch.
