Small Wedding Venues in Ireland: Meaningful, Intimate Spaces
Small weddings have always had a quiet kind of magic. Long before the word micro-wedding became popular couples were choosing to slow things down and celebrate with the people who matter most. Whether it’s a two-person elopement or a cosy dinner with your nearest and dearest Ireland is full of beautiful venues that make connection the heart of the day.
Here are some of my favourite small wedding venues across Dublin and nearby counties, each with its own story, style and atmosphere.
The Merrion Hotel – Timeless Elegance in the Heart of Dublin
Few Dublin venues combine luxury and intimacy as effortlessly as The Merrion Hotel. Its Georgian drawing rooms, sweeping staircase and private salons make a stunning setting for ceremonies and dinners. Perfect for weddings of up to 90 guests The Merrion offers five-star service and refined style in every detail. Packages start around €159 per guest.
25 Fitzwilliam Place – Classic Georgian Charm
Beside the canal near St Stephen’s Green 25 Fitzwilliam Place is a gem of Georgian architecture. With its warm interiors and fine dining experience it’s ideal for couples who want classic Dublin elegance without the formality. The venue can host your ceremony, meal and afters all in one space for up to 90 guests with exclusive hire starting from €105 per guest.
The Shelbourne – Dublin’s Iconic Address
The Shelbourne needs little introduction. It’s one of the city’s most storied hotels and has been part of Dublin life for almost two centuries. For intimate weddings the Constitution Suite seats 24 guests and the St Stephen’s Green Suite fits 48. Both have beautiful period details and incredible light for photographs. Packages begin at €149 per person and you’ll have the park right on your doorstep.
National Maritime Museum of Ireland – History by the Sea
For something a little different the National Maritime Museum in Dún Laoghaire offers a wonderfully atmospheric setting. The venue sits inside a beautifully restored 19th-century church surrounded by maritime artefacts and stories of Ireland’s seafaring past. It’s perfect for couples who want something meaningful and local. The museum works brilliantly for civil or humanist ceremonies and the nearby seafront provides endless photo opportunities.
Marco Pierre White, Donnybrook – Elegant and Intimate
In the heart of Donnybrook Marco Pierre White’s restaurant blends classic sophistication with a relaxed welcoming energy. The Library Room is perfect for smaller gatherings of around 20 guests while the Garden Room can accommodate up to 60. The food is always exceptional and the soft lighting makes it a beautiful spot for both ceremonies and dinners.
National Gallery of Ireland – A Wedding Surrounded by Art
Few places are as inspiring as the National Gallery. The adjoining Georgian townhouse known as No. 5 includes three elegant rooms filled with natural light that are ideal for ceremonies and intimate receptions of up to 50 guests. Couples can book the space for half or full-day hire with flexible catering options. Venue rental begins around €1,000.
Luttrellstown Castle – Fairytale Grandeur Perfectly Scaled
This 15th-century castle is known for luxury weddings but it’s equally suited to smaller celebrations. Mid-week or off-peak weddings can be as intimate as 20 guests with exclusive hire including 12 beautiful bedrooms and custom catering. Prices start around €6,900 for exclusive use and the castle feels like a private fairytale hideaway.
The Anglers Rest – Cosy and Quintessentially Irish
Beside the Phoenix Park The Anglers Rest combines rustic charm with a relaxed stylish atmosphere. Upstairs the Phoenix Room glows with golden tones, chandeliers and exposed brickwork creating the perfect setting for an intimate ceremony or dinner. The team are known for their warmth and attention to detail which makes every wedding feel personal.
The Dean Hotel – Modern City Chic
For couples who love the buzz of the city The Dean offers a cool contemporary option on Harcourt Street. The Blue Room’s long tables, moody lighting and flexible layout make it ideal for smaller weddings. You can even hold your ceremony there then head to Sophie’s rooftop bar for sunset drinks with incredible views of Dublin.
Airfield Estate – Rustic Garden Romance in the City
Hidden away in Dundrum Airfield Estate feels like a countryside escape even though it’s only minutes from the city. With its walled gardens, glasshouses and views of the Dublin Mountains it’s perfect for couples who want a laid-back outdoor feel. Airfield hosts weddings from 30 guests upwards starting around €85 per person.
Small Wedding Venues Near Dublin
Poulaphouca House & Falls, Co. Wicklow – Waterfall Views and Woodland Magic
Set near Blessington Poulaphouca House overlooks dramatic waterfalls and forest trails. The estate offers indoor and outdoor ceremony options, cosy accommodation and breathtaking backdrops for photos. It’s ideal for couples who want nature and privacy wrapped into one place.
The Wicklow Escape – A Hidden Mountain Retreat
Tucked into the Wicklow Mountains The Wicklow Escape feels like your own private hideaway. The venue is small, luxurious and designed for food lovers. Think candlelit dinners, forest surroundings and artisan menus. It’s perfect for weddings of up to 40 guests and ideal for couples who want a weekend-long celebration away from everything.
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village, Co. Wicklow – Organic Luxury for Food Lovers
BrookLodge’s Strawberry Tree restaurant is Ireland’s first certified organic restaurant and an unforgettable setting for a small wedding feast. The Big Table seats between 8 and 44 guests serving seasonal, communal platters in a warm glowing room with mirrored ceilings. Packages begin at €85 per guest and every detail focuses on quality and connection.
Loughcrew House, Co. Meath – Wild, Creative and Unscripted
Loughcrew is perfect for couples who want to design their own day. You hire the house and grounds and make it entirely your own. Many couples marry in the ruins of St Oliver Plunkett’s Church then celebrate in the house’s artistic and historic interiors.
Tinakilly Country House, Co. Wicklow – A Manor by the Mountains
Just 40 minutes from Dublin Tinakilly Country House is an elegant Victorian manor surrounded by mature trees and landscaped gardens. It’s a beautiful mix of old-world charm and modern comfort with smaller rooms like the Halpin and Brunel Suites that work perfectly for intimate gatherings.
Bellinter House, Co. Meath – Relaxed Georgian Luxury
A Georgian gem on the River Boyne Bellinter House offers relaxed luxury with a spa, hot tub and country-house charm. While it hosts larger weddings on weekends the team happily creates mid-week packages for smaller groups. It’s ideal for couples who want a laid-back celebration in a beautiful setting.
Lisnavagh House, Co. Carlow – Period Elegance and Garden Views
Lisnavagh House is steeped in history and surrounded by gardens and woodlands that feel almost cinematic. The Yew Walk is one of Ireland’s most beautiful outdoor ceremony spots while the Library and Dining Room are ideal for weddings of up to 35 guests. Mid-week packages make it a great option for private celebrations.
Planning Your Small Wedding in Ireland
Small weddings let you slow down and truly enjoy the moments that matter. Whether your dream setting is a Georgian townhouse, a castle or a mountain retreat Ireland has endless spaces that make intimate celebrations feel unforgettable.
If you’re planning a smaller wedding and want relaxed documentary-style photography to match I’d love to chat.
FAQs – Planning a Small Wedding in Ireland
What counts as a small wedding in Ireland
Most couples consider anything between 15 and 60 guests a small wedding. It gives you enough people for a great atmosphere while keeping things personal and relaxed.
Can we have a legal ceremony at any of these venues
Yes, most of these venues are approved for civil or humanist ceremonies. It’s always best to confirm with your celebrant and the local registrar before booking to make sure your date is available.
Are small weddings cheaper than larger ones
They usually are, but not always. While you’ll spend less on food and seating your budget might go further toward photography, décor or an upgraded venue that would be out of reach with a bigger guest list.
Do photographers charge less for smaller weddings
Most photographers base pricing on time rather than guest numbers. You can book shorter coverage if you’re planning a simple day, or full coverage if you want the full story captured from morning prep to evening.
What are the best small wedding venues in Dublin
The Merrion Hotel, 25 Fitzwilliam Place, The Shelbourne, the National Maritime Museum, Marco Pierre White Donnybrook, the National Gallery of Ireland, The Anglers Rest, The Dean and Airfield Estate all work beautifully for smaller weddings.
Which venues near Dublin are good for an intimate countryside celebration
Poulaphouca House and Falls, The Wicklow Escape, BrookLodge and Macreddin Village, Tinakilly Country House, Bellinter House, Lisnavagh House and Loughcrew House all offer a relaxed countryside feel within easy reach of the city.
Can we still have a party if we choose a small wedding
Absolutely. Most of these venues can help you plan a dinner, drinks reception or late-night celebration that fits your guest list and still feels full of life.
Is a smaller wedding better for candid photography
A smaller day often feels calmer which helps everyone relax. It gives you more time with each guest and more space for natural, unposed moments that tell the real story of your day.