The Register: 6 statement wedding venues for the ultimate luxe experience
Looking for a wedding venue with lasting impact? Look no further than these six statement-making destinations
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel’s luxurious and contemporary space creates wedding celebrations that are stylish, intimate and utterly bespoke.
Located in the heart of Dublin’s Docklands, couples can choose from the breath-taking Rooftop Bar and Terrace and exchange vows as the sun sets over the city, with a capacity for up to 70 guests; opt for the intimate Shannon Suite which hosts up to 60 guests; or share an exquisite menu with family, and dance the night away with loved ones in the Marker Suite, a versatile venue with capacity for up to 240 guests.
Plus, Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is approved to host civil ceremonies and blessings. With expert planners on hand who have an innate sense of what will work for your event, each element is carefully considered and delivered to the highest standard.
Expect superb food from executive chef Gareth Mullins, exceptional service from the wedding team and a genuine personal touch.
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel, Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Co Dublin, D02 CK38, +353 (01) 687 5100, info.themarker@anantara-hotels.com, www.anantara.com/en/the-marker-dublin
Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Located in the heart of a historic 1,100-acre private parkland estate, effortlessly sophisticated and authentically romantic, Carton House is a five-star luxury destination that has something to suit all ceremony types: from small traditional celebrations to modern, exuberant affairs.
For gatherings of up to 100 guests, including civil ceremonies, its brand new FitzGerald Suite has just opened with a private, walled garden entrance, outdoor decking and magnificent views of the estate vistas.
Meanwhile, the magnificent ballroom of the Carton Suite (for gatherings of over 100 guests) offers a truly luxurious aesthetic where guests can enjoy a pre-ceremony drinks reception and garden terrace before dining and dancing the night away under the spectacular chandelier lighting.
From the first meeting with Carton House’s dedicated wedding specialist, the team will be on hand to assist with anything couples might need, from flowers, menus and place settings to centrepieces and creative ideas.
With a wealth of wedding experience, Carton House has the expertise necessary to bring a fairytale wedding to life.
Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, Carton Demesne, Maynooth, Co Kildare, W23 TD98, + 353 (1) 505 2000, info@cartonhouse.com, cartonhouse.com
Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens
Fernhill House Hotel & Garden is an Ireland’s Blue Book Georgian country manor country house that has been cared for by the O’Neill family for four generations.
The 1,257-acre estate in the west Cork countryside has three stunning on-site civil ceremony locations that couples can choose from: the Georgian country house, the elegant Garden Marquee or the heavenly Marriage Garden.
Whether you choose to have an intimate or large gathering, Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens can host over 300 guests. The Garden Marquee, now available for year-round ceremonies, is a beautiful and unique space adorned with wisteria-dripped chandeliers to guarantee an intimate wedding ceremony and a private garden setting for enchanted and exclusive celebrations.
A pre-ceremony drinks receptions may also be held in the Garden Marquee. Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens is especially known for its magical winter weddings and it is the only outdoor ceremony space in Cork that can host outdoor winter ceremonies.
Plus, an antique spiral staircase, stunning library and foyer and open fires and gardens make for the perfect backdrop for special wedding photography.
Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens, Tawnies Lower, Clonakilty, Co Cork, P85 X322, +353 (23) 883 3258, info@fernhillhousehotel.com, fernhillhousehotel.com
The Shelbourne
For nearly 200 years, The Shelbourne has been the centre of the city’s social and cultural life and makes a historic setting for any wedding. With dedicated wedding manager Cathy O’Shea, the hotel offers a completely tailored experience.
In terms of spaces, there is plenty to choose from. The Great Room, the hotel’s ballroom, comes with a private entrance and historic reception rooms and hosts 348 guests.
The Adams & Deirdre Suites meanwhile cater to 84 guests while the St Stephen’s Suite can host 48 guests and offers views of St Stephen’s Green through the large and graceful windows.
The Constitution Suite at 22 guests is the most intimate and features original antique table and chairs, luxurious silk wall coverings and an elegant crystal chandelier again comes with views of St Stephen’s Green, with 265 rooms and 19 suites, the hotel is the city’s biggest so large parties are more than welcome here. All event rooms are registered for civil ceremonies.
The Shelbourne, 27 St Stephens Green, Co Dublin, D02 K224, +353 (01) 663 4500, guestservices@theshelbourne.com, theshelbourne.com
Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa
Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Co Wicklow, this is the perfect venue for nature lovers who also want a five-star grand hotel experience.
With al fresco ceremony options in enchanting surroundings, alongside a stately ballroom suitable for both large and intimate indoor gatherings, Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa has a bespoke option for every couple.
It can host up to 400 guests (the minimum requirement being 120), without a stage and dance floor in the ballroom. Couples can exchange vows surrounded by manicured lawns and vibrant blooms, with the Wicklow Mountains serving as the scenic backdrop.
Beyond the choice of spaces, there is a dedicated team to curate each detail of the wedding, from bespoke decor to gourmet culinary delights. There is an award-winning spa where the couple and their bridal party can enjoy their downtime with stunning views, giving everyone involved a unique experience from the beginning to the very end.
Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, A98 W0D0, +353 (01) 274 8888, info@powerscourthotel.com, powerscourthotel.com
Sheen Falls Lodge
Encircled by the Caha Mountains with sweeping views over Kenmare Bay and hugging the Sheen River, Sheen Falls Lodge distils all the majesty of Co Kerry into a luxurious five-star lodge that combines cutting-edge interior design with traditional country elegance.
Providing a variety of spaces for both the ceremony and the reception, there is the William Petty Suite which seats 80 guests, or the Drawing Room which hosts 40. The Library meanwhile makes an atmospheric setting for an intimate party of up to 14 while the Wine Cellar offers a dining space for two up to 22.
The Boathouse, with stone walls, a glass roof and an open front can accommodate up to 80 guests for a civil ceremony. For total privacy, couples can take over the entire lodge for their special day.
With stunning outside terrace spaces, perfect for a drinks receptions and post-ceremony dining, The Falls Restaurant provides a dramatic backdrop overlooking the waterfall. For post-dinner frivolities, the Sheen Lounge is the perfect partying space.
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare Old, Kenmare, Co Kerry, V93 HR27, +353 (064) 664 1600, info@sheenfallslodge.ie, sheenfallslodge.ie
