Getting Married in Dún Laoghaire – Why This Seaside Town is a Hidden Gem for Weddings
When couples ask me about the best places to get married in Ireland, I often find myself talking about Dún Laoghaire. Maybe I’m biased because it’s home for me, but this seaside town has everything you could want in a wedding location. There are beautiful venues, sea views, historic buildings, and a coastal atmosphere that makes guests instantly feel at ease.
Why Choose Dún Laoghaire for Your Wedding?
Dún Laoghaire is only 20 minutes from Dublin city centre yet it feels like a world apart. With its Victorian pier, charming streets, and views across Dublin Bay, it combines convenience with atmosphere. Couples love it because:
It’s by the sea. Photos along the East Pier at sunset are simply magical.
It’s accessible. The location makes it easy for guests with excellent transport links.
It’s versatile. There are options for both grand venues and intimate celebrations.
It has character. The town’s history and architecture add a sense of timeless romance.
The Maritime Museum – A Unique Wedding Venue
One of the most unique venues in town is the National Maritime Museum of Ireland. Set in a converted 19th-century Mariners’ Church, it is a breathtaking space filled with history, high ceilings, and naval artefacts that create an atmosphere like no other.
Imagine walking down the aisle beneath ship lanterns, surrounded by stained glass and maritime history. For couples who want something different, the Maritime Museum is unforgettable. It works beautifully for civil ceremonies or humanist weddings and gives you a backdrop your guests will never forget.
Other Wedding Highlights in Dún Laoghaire
It’s not just about the venues. The town itself adds so much to a wedding day:
The Pier is perfect for a romantic stroll and some of the most iconic photographs you’ll ever take.
People’s Park is a leafy, colourful space for portraits in the heart of the town.
Historic hotels and restaurants along the seafront or tucked away streets are ideal for receptions and after-parties.
The Harbour with its yachts and sweeping sea views makes for cinematic backdrops, especially in the evening light.
A Photographer’s View of Dún Laoghaire Weddings
As someone who photographs here often, I can honestly say Dún Laoghaire gives couples huge variety without ever feeling overwhelming. In a single day you can have:
Elegant ceremony photos in the Maritime Museum.
Portraits on the pier with the Dublin Mountains in the background.
Candid guest shots in a seaside café or beer garden.
Golden-hour photographs by the water.
The town feels alive and that energy always comes through in the wedding galleries.
Why I Love Dún Laoghaire Weddings
What makes Dún Laoghaire special for me is the balance. Weddings here can feel stylish and modern while still being relaxed and welcoming. Guests love it because it is easy to get to but once they arrive, they feel like they have escaped to the coast.
For me as a documentary photographer, Dún Laoghaire is the kind of place that makes real moments easy to capture. Couples are relaxed, guests are happy, and the town itself adds a natural beauty that doesn’t need staging.
Planning Your Dún Laoghaire Wedding?
If you are looking for a wedding location that combines history, seaside charm, and modern convenience, Dún Laoghaire is a perfect choice.
Whether you are saying your vows in the Maritime Museum, celebrating in a local hotel, or sneaking down the pier for portraits, this town will give you a wedding day filled with atmosphere and unforgettable memories.
Get in touch here to check my availability for your Dún Laoghaire wedding.