Royal Marine Hotel Weddings in Dún Laoghaire: Dona & Garrett
There’s something uniquely romantic about a winter wedding at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire. The grand windows overlook the harbour, the sea light reflecting through them like stained glass. At Christmas, the entire hotel glows with soft gold tones, twinkling garlands and a sense of warmth that feels like pure celebration. Dona and Garrett’s wedding captured that feeling perfectly. It was intimate, joyful and full of connection.
From the bridal suite, the view stretched across the coastline with the Maritime Museum and the Lexicon Library visible through the morning haze. Inside, the atmosphere was calm but full of anticipation as Dona got ready with Declan and Kim from Powder Room Hair and Makeup. Their daughter Ada played nearby, bringing her own sweet energy to the morning and reminding everyone what the day was really about.
The ceremony took place in one of the Royal Marine’s beautiful rooms that looks out toward the harbour. As light poured through the tall windows it silhouetted the couple against the water, creating a cinematic moment that perfectly summed up the spirit of their day.
After the ceremony, guests gathered for drinks surrounded by Christmas lights and laughter. We slipped away with the couple for a few quiet portraits outside the hotel. The Maritime Museum was lit up with red and white snowflake projections, a beautiful festive backdrop against the winter evening sky. We then returned to the warmth of the hotel’s grand entrance for a striking backlit portrait that became one of the standout images of their gallery.
The reception room looked magical with tables named after the couple’s favourite films, the top table fittingly called Love Actually. Their wedding cake featured a snowman family representing Dona, Garrett and Ada. It was a small but perfect detail that summed up the heart of the day.
When the band started, the atmosphere shifted into full celebration. The Trips filled the room with music and the dance floor was never empty. Guests sang, laughed and danced long into the night, a perfect ending to a day that felt both elegant and effortlessly fun.
Dona and Garrett’s wedding reminded us why winter weddings at the Royal Marine Hotel are so special. The light on the harbour, the warmth of the rooms and the feeling of closeness that comes when everyone gathers together.
If you’re planning your own celebration, take a look at our Dún Laoghaire Weddings Guide or explore another beautiful December celebration at Tinakilly House.
Every couple brings their own kind of magic to the Royal Marine Hotel. Dona and Garrett’s day simply glowed a little brighter beneath the Christmas lights.
If you prefer something more rustic than the seaside, you might love The Station House Hotel in Meath.
If you’re considering a countryside venue, see our complete guide to weddings at The Station House Hotel in Meath.
FAQ’S - ROYAL MARINE HOTEL WEDDINGS
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The Royal Marine Hotel sits right in the heart of Dún Laoghaire overlooking the harbour on Marine Road. It’s about 20 minutes from Dublin city centre and within walking distance of the seafront and the Maritime Museum.
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DescriptionYes. The Royal Marine is one of the most elegant winter wedding venues in Dublin. Its large windows capture the low golden light beautifully, and the hotel is known for its Christmas décor which creates a warm, festive atmosphere. text goes here
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Absolutely. The hotel is fully licensed for civil and humanist ceremonies, and most couples choose to have everything on-site to keep the day relaxed and easy for guests.
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Popular spots include the hotel’s grand staircase, the elegant front entrance and the terrace with views of the harbour. From the ceremony room you can also see the coastline, the Maritime Museum and the Lexicon Library which add a sense of place to the photos
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Yes. We’ve photographed many celebrations in and around Dún Laoghaire including coastal elopements and nearby venues like Fitzpatrick Castle and Haddington House. You can see more in our Dún Laoghaire Weddings Guide.