Leinster offers a fairytale backdrop for your special day, home to some of Ireland's most magnificent castle wedding venues. From historic fortresses steeped in legend to elegant stately homes with sprawling grounds, this region blends timeless romance with modern luxury. Discover an enchanting range of castle wedding venues in Leinster, each promising an unforgettable celebration and a majestic start to your life together.
Whether you envision an intimate gathering in a restored tower or a grand banquet in a majestic ballroom, Leinster's castles cater to every style. Many offer exclusive use for complete privacy and provide stunning settings for photographs, from manicured gardens to ancient stone walls. The province’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes create the perfect canvas for a day filled with magic and memories.
Situated on 50 acres of fine parkland and wooded grounds in the rolling countryside of County Louth. A beautiful private estate steeped with history and romance.
Barberstown Castle has hosted many a grand celebration throughout the centuries.
It is renowned for its atmosphere and is steeped in a rich history, highlighted through fabulous interiors, art, antiques and furniture.
Offering the perfect backdrop for your Wedding Day, The 300 Acres of magnificent grounds & lakeshore provides the ideal venue for those memorable photographs. Our Grand Ballroom can facilitate up to 360 Guests, One of Irelands Top Castle Venues
Clontarf Castle is a unique 12th century castle hotel that magically blends the old & the new. With layers of rich history where every wedding couple becomes part of continuing centuries of story, it’s a romantic and sophisticated destination.
Experience Rock, Royalty and Romance at Slane Castle - hosting bespoke Weddings of 15 guests - 250 guests.
We specialize in unforgettable 3-day wedding events, giving you the time and space to truly make the Castle your own with exclusive use.
Through years of experience in helping couples plan their perfect Wedding day at our Dublin wedding venue, we have created two inclusive Wedding packages that will help you create the perfect Fairytale Wedding here at Fitzpatrick Castle Dublin.
Choosing a castle venue in Leinster means immersing your wedding in centuries of Irish history and romance. These venues offer an unparalleled sense of occasion and grandeur that is difficult to replicate.
Historical Ambiance: Celebrate in settings that have hosted royalty and nobility, complete with original features like stone walls, grand fireplaces, and opulent ballrooms.
Exclusivity: Many castles offer exclusive hire, making the entire estate yours for the day.
Leinster's castles are not just historic relics; they are fully equipped modern wedding venues that offer comprehensive services.
Ceremony Options: Most are licensed for civil ceremonies, allowing you to host your entire day in one location.
All-Inclusive Packages: Many venues simplify planning by offering packages that include catering, drinks, and dedicated wedding coordination staff.
The cost of a castle wedding in Leinster can vary significantly based on the venue's prestige, the number of guests, and the time of year. Understanding the main costs is key to planning your budget.
Venue Hire Fee: This can range from €5,000 to €20,000+ for exclusive use of the property.
Cost Per Head: Expect to pay between €120 and €250+ per guest for catering packages, which usually include a drinks reception, the main meal, and wine.
When budgeting, it's important to clarify exactly what is included in your package to avoid unexpected expenses.
What's Included: Typically covers tables, chairs, linens, and staff. Some packages may include a menu tasting and bridal suite.
Potential Extras: Be sure to ask about charges for corkage, cake cutting, late-night food, or service fees, as these are not always included in the initial quote.
Leinster’s landscape provides a stunning backdrop for a castle wedding in any season.
Spring/Summer: Ideal for making the most of expansive grounds and gardens. Enjoy long, bright evenings, outdoor drinks receptions on the lawn, and beautiful photos amidst blooming flowers.
Autumn/Winter: Creates a wonderfully atmospheric and romantic setting. Imagine roaring log fires, candlelit halls, and dramatic photos against moody skies. It's the perfect season for a cosy, intimate celebration.
Each season has practical considerations for a castle venue.
Warmer Months: While perfect for outdoor elements, always ensure there is a solid indoor contingency plan for unpredictable Irish weather.
Colder Months: Castles truly shine in winter. Their grand indoor spaces provide ample room and magnificent backdrops for your ceremony, reception, and photographs, ensuring weather is never a concern.
Leinster is the most accessible province in Ireland, making it convenient for guests travelling from near or far.
By Air: Dublin Airport is the main international gateway, offering direct connections to the rest of the province via an excellent motorway network (M50, M1, M4, M7, etc.).
By Car: Major towns and cities are well-connected, though many castles are in rural locations, so providing clear directions and travel advice for guests is helpful.
Ensuring your guests are comfortably accommodated is a key part of the experience.
On-Site Stays: A major advantage of castle venues is the often-available on-site accommodation for the wedding party and close family, extending the celebration.
Nearby Options: For other guests, the venue's wedding coordinator can provide a list of recommended local hotels, guesthouses, and B&Bs in nearby towns like Kilkenny, Kildare, or Wexford.
FAQ's
How much does a castle wedding in Leinster typically cost?
Costs vary significantly, but a full wedding for 100 guests can range from €15,000 to over €40,000. This depends on venue hire fees (often €5k-€20k+), catering packages (€120-€250+ per person), and the time of year, with Saturday dates in summer being the most expensive.
Do we need to hire a separate wedding planner for a castle venue?
Not necessarily. Most castle venues in Leinster have an experienced in-house wedding coordinator. Their role is to manage all venue-related aspects of your day, from catering to timelines. However, you may still wish to hire an independent planner for help with external suppliers, design, and overall coordination.
Can we legally get married at a castle venue in Leinster?
Yes, the majority of castle wedding venues are approved settings for HSE-registered civil ceremonies. You can also host humanist or symbolic ceremonies. For a Catholic ceremony, you would typically need to marry in a church, but the castle can host your full reception afterwards.
How far in advance should we book a Leinster castle venue?
Due to their high demand, it is advisable to book your preferred castle venue 18 to 24 months in advance, particularly for a weekend date during the peak season (May to September). For weekday or off-season dates, you may find more flexibility with 12 months' notice.
What is the guest capacity of most castle venues?
Leinster's castles are incredibly versatile. Some are perfect for intimate weddings of 20-50 guests, utilising historic libraries or drawing rooms. Others have magnificent ballrooms or can accommodate elegant marquees on their grounds for much larger celebrations of 200 guests or more.
Are there any restrictions when decorating a historic castle venue?
Yes, as these are often protected historic buildings, there can be restrictions. For example, open flames (candles) may be limited, and you may not be able to fix decorations to walls. Always discuss your decor plans with the venue coordinator to understand what is permissible.
