Dublin offers a fantastic selection of intimate wedding venues, perfect for couples seeking a more personal celebration. From chic city-centre restaurants and historic Georgian townhouses to cosy pubs brimming with character, you'll find unique spaces to host your close friends and family. Explore charming settings that specialise in creating a warm, memorable atmosphere for smaller guest lists, ensuring your special day feels truly exclusive and heartfelt.
These smaller venues often provide exceptional value and dedicated attention to detail. Whether you envision a sophisticated dinner party or a relaxed gathering, Dublin's intimate settings allow for greater flexibility in customising your day. Discover hidden gems across the city and its surrounds, each offering a distinct backdrop for a beautifully personal wedding celebration that reflects your unique style as a couple.
A stunning Georgian townhouse overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, The Grayson is the perfect setting for romantic ceremonies, intimate dinners, and unforgettable city celebrations.
The Mayson is one of Dublin’s trendiest wedding hot spots, offering three unique spaces in the Dublin Docklands for couples looking to celebrate their love in Dublin city.
Old world charm meets French threadbare elegance. Open log fires, charming ambience & a warm welcome awaits you & your guests on your big day.
We are ready to help you create the wedding day you have always wanted E: [email protected] for more
Celebrate your special day at the Grand Canal Hotel, perfectly located beside the picturesque Grand Canal and just a five-minute walk from the Dublin Registry Office.
Whether you fancy an intimate affair on our heated rooftop terrace, a soirée exclusively taking over Layla’s rooftop restaurant, or a cocktail celebration sipping on some of the best cocktails Dublin can offer - we’ve got you covered.
Stephen’s Green Club has been hosting events for almost two centuries, keeping abreast of changes and innovations, while holding on to the standards, traditions and values that will make your wedding and your reception both unique and timeless.
Wedding Anniversary Venue
Are you celebrating your wedding anniversary? Look no further than the Clayton Hotel Charlemont. We can cater for your needs from small wedding anniversary parties to large 50th wedding anniversary parties.
The Clubhouse at Luttrellstown Castle Resort is a brilliant place to say I do, enjoy some fine dining and then get down to some dancing. An idyllic location for the wedding of your dreams, you and your guests will be treated like the royalty.
As we only cater for one wedding at a time you have our full attention on the day offering you complete flexibility as to your preferred layout, timings, run of play etc. We can even host your ceremony in our beautiful courtyard.
Your special occasion deserves the very best of surroundings, and the period Georgian elegance of The Merrion provides a beautiful backdrop for an unforgettable and unique Dublin wedding.
WE WANT YOUR WEDDING TO BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE. SIMPLY LET US TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY AT THE WONDERFUL 4* CARLTON HOTEL AND GARDENS IN BLANCHARDSTOWN.
We have two wonderfully unique wedding venues. At ELY, we value the importance of making your special day an unforgettable experience. It’s about the little things, the music, the toasts, the tears of joy, the flowers, the place cards, the food.
A wedding at Airfield Estate in Dublin is about the different, the unusual! We’ve a history that informs our approach to make us unique for your special day.
There is no better time to plan an event. Whether you're a large group or looking to book a more intimate gathering, we have a perfect venue located in the heart of Dublin city centre. Here are just some of the recent events we have hosted in Rustic
House Dublin is a beautifully bespoke Dublin City venue. Walking distance from St Stephen’s Green, this stunning building is set between two Georgian Townhouses on Leeson Street.
Host your dream wedding at L'Gueuleton, where French elegance meets modern charm. Enjoy exquisite cuisine, personalized service, and a romantic ambiance, with options for private or full-venue bookings to create your perfect day.
Pichet is a modern take on a classic bistro. Combining both French influence and modern Irish cuisine, you'll receive the highest quality of Bib Gourmand food, right in the heart of Dublin city centre.
Nestled in the charming storybook village of Monkstown, Bresson Restaurant specialises in intimate, bespoke
wedding celebrations. Offering an elegant venue with exquisite, artisanal food & exceptional wines ensuring an elevated dining experience.
From our main bar & restaurant, to the traditional Irish pub of Thomas Clarke's, our basement whiskey bar and our top floor sports bar, we have a space to suit all occasions.
From bites and nibbles to delicious lunches and moreish three course dinners, dining at the Lock Keeper adds a new layer of vibrancy to the Ashtown food scene.
Situated on Drury Street only minutes from Grafton Street and St. Stephen's Green in the fashionable heart of Dublin City,
Brooks Hotel is the perfect place to stay, whether for business or leisure.
Known for our high craft refreshment and lowkey attitude, BAR 1661 is where you can ease into your day or see out your night, with exceptional Irish drinks and food you don't need a fork for.
If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or host a corporate event, we’d be delighted to hear from you, and even happier to help you organise the whole thing. Anything from a full set menu to finger food and nibbles can be sorted.
Eat, drink, and be merry at The Washerwoman of Glasnevin. Whether you're planning a small, intimate lunch with friends or colleagues, a christening, a communion or confirmation, or just a family get together, we can look after your event!
Our modern kitchen produces the very best in modern Irish cuisine. All our food is 100% traceable. Where possible, we source all ingredients from local Irish farms.
Poulaphouca House & Falls stands as the perfect location for an intimate and serene wedding celebration with your loved ones in the picturesque landscapes of Ireland.
Our Arts and Culture Centre, formerly the Nuns chapel in the Convent in the heart of Naas, is a wonderfully atmospheric venue for your Wedding ceremony. It was built in 1843 and has recently been restored to its former glory. The room is light filled
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Everything you need to know about weddings in Dublin
You must give three months' notice to a Registrar, in person.
Both parties need photo ID, birth certificates, and proof of address.
Details of the solemniser and the venue are also required for the application.
Why Choose an Intimate Wedding?
Greater budget flexibility for details that matter most to you.
More quality time to spend with each of your guests.
Access to unique, non-traditional venues like pubs, galleries, and private dining rooms.
Venue & Catering Costs
For a small wedding (under 50 guests), expect venue hire to range from €1,500 to €5,000+. Many intimate venues offer all-inclusive packages. A per-person cost for a meal and drinks package typically starts from €80 and can go up to €200+ at high-end restaurants or boutique hotels.
Budgeting Tips
Save: Consider a weekday wedding or an off-season date (November to March).
Splurge: With a smaller guest list, you can invest more in bespoke catering, fine wines, or unique entertainment.
Remember: Factor in all supplier costs like photography, flowers, and music.
When to Marry
Spring (Mar-May): Fresh blooms and milder weather. Parks like St Stephen's Green are perfect for photos.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Longest days but also peak tourist season. Book venues well in advance.
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Rich colours and cosy vibes, ideal for historic pubs or townhouse venues.
Winter (Dec-Feb): A festive atmosphere with magical city lights, perfect for a warm, candlelit reception.
Intimate Venue Types
Historic Pubs: Authentic Irish charm for a relaxed and memorable celebration.
Boutique Hotels: Stylish and convenient, with guest accommodation on-site.
Private Dining Rooms: Located in acclaimed restaurants, perfect for foodie couples.
Georgian Townhouses: Elegant and exclusive city-centre locations for a sophisticated feel.
Getting Around Dublin
Dublin's city centre is very walkable. For guests travelling further, options are plentiful:
Dublin Airport (DUB): Well-connected internationally and a short taxi ride from the city.
Public Transport: The Luas (tram), DART (coastal train), and Dublin Bus network are extensive.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Readily available throughout the city.
Where to Stay
Advise your guests to book accommodation early, especially during the summer months.
City Centre: A wide range of hotels and serviced apartments near Temple Bar, Grafton Street, and O'Connell Street.
Charming Neighbourhoods: Boutique B&Bs and hotels in areas like Ballsbridge or Ranelagh offer a more local feel.
FAQ's
What is considered a 'small' or 'intimate' wedding in Dublin?
Generally, an intimate wedding in Dublin caters to fewer than 75 guests, with many venues specialising in celebrations for 20-50 people. This size allows for a more personal atmosphere and opens up unique venue options like private dining rooms, historic pubs, and boutique hotel suites that can't accommodate larger parties.
Do I need to book a small Dublin wedding venue far in advance?
Yes, it's highly recommended. While you have more flexibility than with a very large wedding, popular intimate venues, especially for weekend dates during peak season (May-September), can be booked up 12-18 months in advance. For a weekday or off-season wedding, you might find availability with 6-9 months' notice.
Are there good photo opportunities near Dublin's intimate city-centre venues?
Absolutely. Many small venues are located near iconic spots. You could have photos taken on the Ha'penny Bridge, in the colourful Temple Bar district, amidst the Georgian architecture of Merrion Square, or in the tranquil settings of St Stephen's Green or the Iveagh Gardens, all within a short distance.
Can I have a legal ceremony at any small venue in Dublin?
For a legally binding ceremony, the venue must be approved by the HSE for civil ceremonies, or you can have a HSE-registered solemniser conduct the ceremony. Many hotels and dedicated venues have this approval. For venues that don't, like some restaurants, couples often have a separate legal ceremony at a Registry Office and a personal blessing at their chosen venue.
What are the benefits of choosing a restaurant or pub for an intimate wedding reception?
Restaurants and pubs are fantastic for intimate weddings as they provide a built-in atmosphere and character, reducing your décor budget. They are renowned for high-quality food and drink, and often offer exclusive hire of private rooms or the entire venue, ensuring a cosy and relaxed celebration focused on great hospitality.
Is it always cheaper to have a small wedding in Dublin?
While the overall cost will likely be lower due to a smaller guest count, the per-head cost can sometimes be higher as couples often choose to splurge on higher-end catering or premium drinks. However, a smaller wedding provides significant flexibility to prioritise what's most important to you, whether that's food, entertainment, or fashion.
