Planning your Wedding in Ireland - Where to Start
Congratulations on your engagement 🥂 Planning a wedding in Ireland is such an exciting time — but knowing where to start makes all the difference. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide covering everything from venue searching to the legal side. We are always here to help at The Bridge House Hotel so never be afraid to reach out to us, what I say to our wedding couples is “there is no question too small to ask, it will all lead to something big on your wedding day”
đź’Ť 1. Start With the Big Three
Before anything else, decide on:
- Approximate guest numbers
- Time of year
- Budget range
These three factors will guide every other decision — especially your venue choice.
đź“Ť 2. Securing Your Venue
In Ireland, venues (especially key dates) book 18–24 months in advance.
When viewing venues:
- Ask what’s included (décor, centrepieces, late bar, etc.)
- Clarify minimum numbers
- Check ceremony options (civil, humanist, spiritual)
- Ask about accommodation rates
- Review cancellation/postponement policies
Once booked, you can confidently move forward with suppliers.
đź“… 3. Understand the Legal Requirements in Ireland
To legally marry in Ireland:
âś” Give Minimum 3 Months’ Notice
You must notify the HSE Civil Registration Service at least 3 months before your wedding date (this is mandatory).
âś” Attend a Notification Appointment
Both of you must attend in person and bring:
- Passports
- PPS numbers
- Birth certificates
- Details of your chosen solemniser
- Details of your venue
âś” Marriage Registration Form (MRF)
If everything is in order, you’ll receive your MRF — this is the legal document you sign on the day. Without it, you cannot legally marry.
👉 Always check that your solemniser is on the Register of Solemnisers in Ireland.
đź“‹ 4. Book Key Suppliers Early
After your venue, secure:
- Photographer/Videographer
- Band or DJ
- Celebrant/Priest/Solemniser
- Hair & Makeup
- Florist
The best suppliers book up quickly — especially for peak dates. Why not check out our All-Inclusive Wedding Package and let us take away some of the stress of the key suppliers!
đź’¶ 5. Set a Realistic Budget
Irish wedding costs vary widely. Track:
- Venue & catering
- Attire
- Church/Ceremony fees
- Legal registration fee (€200 notification fee)
- Entertainment
- Décor upgrades
- Transport
- Day-two celebrations
Always keep a 10% contingency buffer.
🍽 6. Plan the Guest Experience
Couples in Ireland are increasingly focusing on:
- Personalised drinks receptions
- Late-night food (always a hit!)
- Smooth timelines (avoid long gaps)
- Comfortable accommodation options
Think about how you want guests to feel on the day.
đź—“ 7. Create a Planning Timeline
A simple guide:
- 12–18 months: Venue & Key suppliers
- 6–9 months: Dresses, suits, invitations
- 3 months: Legal notification completed
- 1 month: Final numbers & seating plan
❤️ 8. Remember What Matters
It’s easy to get caught up in details — but your wedding is about celebrating your relationship. Choose suppliers and a venue that make you feel:
- Supported
- Relaxed
- Excited
That peace of mind is priceless. Most of all ensure you go with what you want and not what other people’s opinions are, it’s your wedding day and no body else’s, trust your gut instinct!
Most of all, enjoy the planning! It goes by so fast, take it all in… Soon you will be happily married ❤️
