Getting Married in Dún Laoghaire? This Seaside Town is perfect for Weddings

When couples ask us about the best places to get married in Ireland, Dún Laoghaire always comes to mind. I mean, to be fair, we’re totally biased because Dun Laoghaire is home for us, but this beautiful little seaside town has a rhythm and charm that make it one of the most inspiring places to celebrate a wedding. Between the sea air, Victorian architecture and relaxed coastal energy, Dún Laoghaire offers a perfect mix of elegance and authenticity that feels both timeless and effortless.

Not even twenty minutes from Dublin city centre, it feels like a whole different world. You can host your entire celebration by the sea and your guests can arrive easily by DART, car or taxi. The combination of convenience, scenery and atmosphere makes it one of Dublin’s most loved wedding destinations.

Why Choose Dún Laoghaire for Your Wedding?

Dún Laoghaire brings together everything couples love about an Irish coastal wedding.

• It is by the sea. The views across Dublin Bay are incredible. The East Pier at sunset or in soft morning light is one of the most romantic backdrops imaginable.

• It is accessible. Guests can travel easily from Dublin City, Wicklow or the airport. Parking, public transport and hotels are all within walking distance.

• It is versatile. From grand hotel receptions to intimate gatherings overlooking the harbour, there is a venue for every kind of couple.

• It has character. The town’s architecture, history and natural light create a feeling that is both classic and contemporary.

Nearby spots like Killiney Hill, Dalkey Village and Fitzpatrick Castle are only minutes away, giving couples even more options for portraits and pre-wedding stays.

Top Wedding Venues in Dún Laoghaire

Royal Marine Hotel

The Royal Marine Hotel is Dún Laoghaire’s most iconic wedding venue. Overlooking the harbour, it offers elegant ceremony rooms filled with natural light and spacious reception suites perfect for larger celebrations. The grand staircase and marble entrance are beautiful for portraits, and at Christmas the hotel glows with festive warmth. Its proximity to the pier means couples can slip outside for sea-view photographs without ever leaving the venue.

Explore one of our recent celebrations here: Royal Marine Hotel Wedding Photographer.

Haddington House Hotel

For couples who prefer something a little more intimate, the Haddington House Hotel is a dream. Set right on the seafront, it combines mid-century interiors with incredible views of Dublin Bay. The Parlour Room and Terrace Bar open directly onto the promenade, giving you a relaxed atmosphere that still feels refined. It is perfect for smaller weddings, elopements or weekend-long celebrations where guests can stay on-site and enjoy the sea breeze.

The Maritime Museum of Ireland

Few venues in Ireland are as unique as the National Maritime Museum. Once a 19th-century Mariners’ Church, it has soaring ceilings, stained glass and rows of ship lanterns that fill the space with soft, golden light. Couples often choose it for civil or humanist ceremonies, then move to nearby hotels for dinner and dancing. It is rich in history and visually unforgettable.

The Best Photo Locations

One of the reasons we love photographing here is how compact Dún Laoghaire is. In a single afternoon, couples can enjoy multiple locations without losing time in travel.

• The East Pier offers sweeping views of the harbour and the Dublin Mountains beyond. It is perfect for wind-in-your-hair portraits that feel natural and spontaneous.

• People’s Park adds colour and texture with trees, flowers and ironwork. It is ideal for family photos or relaxed post-ceremony portraits.

• The Harbour Front gives a cinematic backdrop at any time of day. The yachts, the curve of the coastline and the light reflecting off the water create endless possibilities.

• The Lexicon Library terrace provides an elevated view of the sea and the Royal Marine Hotel, ideal for a quick stop between ceremony and reception.

Even in winter, the low sun produces warm, soft light that flatters skin tones and adds atmosphere to every frame.

A Photographer’s View of Dún Laoghaire Weddings

From a photographer’s perspective, Dún Laoghaire is a gift. The variety of backdrops, the changing coastal light and the easy energy of the town make every wedding unique. You can begin the morning in the calm of a hotel suite, walk to the Maritime Museum for a ceremony and finish the evening watching lights shimmer across the harbour.

We often describe our approach as relaxed documentary photography with an artistic edge. Dún Laoghaire complements that perfectly. The town encourages authentic moments because couples and guests naturally slow down here. Laughter flows more easily, and the sea always finds its way into the story.

Why We Love Dún Laoghaire Weddings

For us, Dún Laoghaire represents balance. It offers style without pretense, luxury without pressure and beauty without effort. Guests love the location because it feels like a getaway even though it is only a short journey from the city.

As photographers who live and work here, we see how the town’s character shapes each celebration. The mix of sea, architecture and light brings depth to every gallery. There is always a moment that takes our breath away: a silhouette against the harbour, a confetti toss beneath the hotel lights or a quiet walk along the pier after sunset.

Every time we photograph a wedding here, it reminds us how lucky we are to call this place home.

Planning Your Dún Laoghaire Wedding

If you are considering a Dún Laoghaire wedding, take time to walk the town together. Visit the Maritime Museum, explore the hotels along the promenade and imagine your portraits against the sea. Whether you are planning a grand celebration at the Royal Marine Hotel or an intimate gathering at Haddington House, you will find that Dún Laoghaire has a way of making every moment feel special.

To see how the light and atmosphere come together, explore our Royal Marine Hotel Featured Wedding or our Tinakilly House Wedding Story.

Ready to start planning your own day by the sea?

Get in touch to check our availability. We photograph a limited number of weddings each year and would love to capture yours here in Dún Laoghaire.

• What are the best wedding venues in Dún Laoghaire?

  The Royal Marine Hotel, Haddington House and the National Maritime Museum are three of the most popular venues. Each offers a different atmosphere, from grand celebrations to intimate coastal gatherings.

• Can you have a civil or humanist ceremony in Dún Laoghaire?

  Yes. The Maritime Museum and several hotels are licensed for civil and humanist ceremonies. Many couples choose to host everything in one place so the day flows easily for guests.

• Where are the best places for wedding photos in Dún Laoghaire?

  The East Pier, the harbour front, People’s Park and the steps of the Royal Marine Hotel all provide beautiful backdrops. Even a short walk around the town gives you a huge variety of light and texture.

• Is Dún Laoghaire suitable for winter weddings?

  Absolutely. The low winter light over the harbour looks incredible in photographs, and venues like the Royal Marine Hotel create a warm festive atmosphere that feels elegant and cosy.

• How far is Dún Laoghaire from Dublin city centre?

  It’s roughly twenty minutes by car or DART from the city. Guests can also stay locally since the town has excellent hotels and restaurants within walking distance.

• Do you photograph weddings outside Dún Laoghaire too?

  Yes. We cover weddings across Dublin, Wicklow and all along the coast.