Karen Louise Daly
If you're looking for an alternative to having a religious or church ceremony there are numerous beautiful secular and civil ceremony venues in Dublin. Whether you adore the glam luxury hotel vibe, love history and architecture, or you're on the hunt for something truly unique, there is a venue to suit all tastes when you know where to look. Some of these spots are available to book for ceremony only, should you want to hold your evening reception elsewhere and others allow you to have your entire celebration there. To help your search, we've gathered 41 of our favourite secular and civil ceremony venues in Dublin, and we'll bet (at least) one is your perfect match... A classic and effortlessly beautiful Georgian venue, City Hall is an iconic and stunning choice for Dublin civil and secular ceremonies. Built between 1769 and 1779, it is a vibrant timeless Dublin city treasure welcoming couples and their guests from all over the world. Where: Dame Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 200 | dublincity.ie A restored 19th-century theatre overlooking The Liffey, Smock Alley retains its character with large stained glass windows, sky high ceilings and beautiful stone walls that make it a dramatic ceremony space. Where: Temple Bar, Dublin 8 | Capacity: 100 | smockalley.com The epitome of city centre luxury, every room at The Shelbourne has been approved for civil ceremonies. We particularly love the historic rooms upstairs including the Constitution Room and the Adam and Deirdre Suite which can cater for up to 80. Where: Dublin 2 | Capacity: 348 | theshelbourne.com Tucked away just off Grafton Street, Fallon & Byrne offers a gorgeous light-filled second-storey ceremony space in the heart of the city. An inspired choice for an alternative urban wedding. Where: Exchequer Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 120 | fallonandbyrne.com Overlooking Stephen's Green, the magnificent historical building - dating back from the 18th Century - is complimented by bright rooms, capturing the romance of 'old Dublin'. The Card Room at Stephen's Green Club, with its beautiful glass domed ceiling, is a particularly magical civil or humanist ceremony venue. Where: Dublin 2 | Capacity: 80 | stephensgreenclub.ie Country house elegance meets farmyard chic at Airfield Estate, a hopelessly pretty, sprawling sanctuary that also serves as a one-of-a-kind wedding venue. There are lots of lovely ceremony and reception space options, including a manor house with a light-filled Victorian library, which can be used for private dining, a hugely popular barn and a chic restaurant. Where: Dublin 14 | Capacity: 110 | airfield.ie Held in one of the venues beautifully refurbished suite of Georgian rooms, The National Gallery which overlooks Merrion Square, is all about subtle elegance and refined style. Can you just imagine the post ceremony photos in the gallery? Where: Merrion Square West, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 40 | nationalgallery.ie Just a stone's throw from Dublin City Centre, with magnificent ballrooms, 20 beautifully appointed bedrooms, an awe-inspiring library and manicured lawns, Luttrellstown Castle represents the height of luxury, but still retains a cosy atmosphere, making it perfect for weddings large and small. Where: Castleknock, Dublin 15 | Capacity: 180 | luttrellstowncastle.com A diverse space in the heart of the city, Medley is a unique wedding venue housed in a renowned Dublin landmark - Irish Times printing works. Located in one of the city's most historic districts and surrounded by the impressive architecture of Fleet Street, College Green and Trinity College, the venue has been extensively refurbished while retaining its warmth and charm. Where: Fleet Street East, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 140 | medley.ie Another grand Dame that would make a luxurious choice, The Merrion Hotel is fully licensed for civil ceremonies. The powder blue walls of the first-floor Wellington Room at make for an elegant and romantic ceremony setting. Where: Merrion Square, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 80 | merrionhotel.com Orlagh House is a truly unique venue! A country house situated in the foothills of the Dublin mountains with spectacular views out over the city, stretching out as far as the Irish sea. While being located just 25 minutes from the city centre, you will get all of the feeling of a gorgeous country estate at this lavish house. Ceremonies can take place indoors, or out in the garden. Where: Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 | Capacity: 120 | orlagh.ie Couples choosing The Banking Hall at The College Green Hotel also have the option to host their civil ceremony on-site. The venue provides a stately and romantic backdrop for exchanging vows, surrounded by close friends and family. For more intimate weddings, the hotel offers additional elegant spaces tailored to smaller gatherings. Where: College Green, Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 180 | thecollegegreenhotel.com Tucked away in a beautiful rural setting, the award-winning Castleknock Hotel is located just a stone's throw from Dublin City Centre and five minutes from the beautiful Phoenix Park. For couples interested in having a civil ceremony, the property has two dedicated spaces - a beautiful civil ceremony room that can hold up to 160 guests, and a gorgeous space in the wedding garden that provides a picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. Where: Castleknock, Dublin 15 | Capacity: 250 | castleknockhotel.com Ideally situated in the heart of Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, the historic landmark Thomas Prior Hall provides a picturesque backdrop for both civil wedding ceremonies and receptions, ensuring a truly unforgettable celebration. Dating back to the late Victorian era, Thomas Prior Hall exudes captivating charm with its vaulted ceilings and glorious stained-glass windows, making it the perfect choice for a Dublin wedding ceremony. For smaller ceremonies, there's also the 1880 Suite which is ideal for gatherings of up to 50 people. Where: Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 | Capacity: 150 | claytonhotels.com Looking for a castle wedding in the city? With a breath-taking castle façade, dedicated art galleries, original 12th century architecture, landscaped garden and a romantic outdoor terrace, Clontarf Castle holds a wealth of unforgettable experiences and gorgeous wedding spaces for you and your guests. Where: Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 | Capacity: 150 | clontarfcastle.ie A beautifully restored Georgian country house, Roganstown Hotel & Country Club in Swords is perfect for weddings big & small. Set on nearly 300 acres of lush countryside, the estate provides an amazing backdrop to your wedding day and is a wedding photographer's dream. Where: Naul Road, Swords | Capacity: 240 | roganstown.com Considered one of Dublin’s coolest places to stay and play, The Dean is a modern boutique hotel located in the heart of Dublin City. Perfect for an intimate wedding, this location is a stylish choice for brides and grooms who have their heart set on an urban setting. Where: Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 120 | thedean.ie Fade Street Social offers a unique and stylish intimate setting in the heart of Dublin for your special day, with beautiful views of the city and personalised menus. This modern venue perfectly marries sophistication with the vibrant atmosphere of the city - and it's available to hire exclusively. Where: Fade Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 100 | fadestreetsocial.com Greg and Rosie, co-founders of Hen's Teeth, know a lot about throwing weddings in the 2,500 sq ft gallery, café and event space in the buzzy surrounds of Dublin 8. This is because they had their own wedding there! Since then, they have hosted many weddings for couples looking for flexibility on food, drinks, entertainment in order to throw an exceptionally good bash in a convenient location. With a pared-back, industrial feel, this spacious, open-plan venue is ideal to curate a fun celebration that's anything but run of the mill. Where: Blackpitts, Dublin 8 | Capacity: 80 | hensteethdublin.com Nestled along Dublin's Velvet Strand lies Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links. As Dublin’s only coastal resort and the original home of the Jameson Whiskey Family, it combines modern elegance with the grandeur of a 19th-century home, making it the perfect place to say ‘I do’. Where: Portmarnock, Co. Dublin | Capacity: 220 | portmarnock.com A truly unique venue in the picturesque location of Dun Laoghaire, the Maritime Museum is a fully-restored 19th-century building, approved for civil ceremonies and a memorable spot for anyone who seeking a nautical theme. Where: Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin | Capacity: 100 | mariner.ie Perfect for an artsy warehouse style ceremony, upstairs at Drury Buildings is a total blank canvas. After you can party the night away, or pop along to one of the many nearby bars and venues. Where: Drury Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 80 | drurybuildings.com No.25 Fitzwilliam Place is a chic restored Georgian house with high ceilings and elegant furnishings that spans three floors. The venue can host civil ceremonies, with the option to continue the party with a wedding reception, so the venue can highlight one of its many strengths - the incredible food offering. Where: Dublin 2 | Capacity: 60 | 25fitzwilliamplace.ie Exchange your vows in the captivating ambiance of The Timberyard at The Mayson right in the heart of the city. Surrounded by plush furnishings, exposed brick walls, and striking artwork, the ceremony space at The Mayson can accommodate civil and secular ceremonies for up to 100 guests. Following your ceremony you can dine and dance the night away in this chic space. Where: North Wall Quay, Dublin 1 | Capacity: 100 | themayson.ie An oh-so-pretty pink panelled space overlooking the magnificent River Liffey, The Rose Room at The Clarence Hotel offers an intimate, unique and stylish setting for a modern Dublin City wedding. After the 'I do's', the room can be transformed for dining where the wedding party, along with their families and friends can gather to celebrate their beautiful day. Where: 6-8 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 100 | theclarence.ie An irresistibly luxe venue in the heart of the city centre The Westbury is fully licensed for civil ceremonies. Choose from seven private event spaces which can accommodate everything from small intimate celebrations to larger groups. Where: Balfe Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 40 | doylecollection.com A cool restaurant and party venue overlooking St. Stephen's Green, The Grayson is housed across four floors of an extensively-restored Georgian townhouse and is a promising spot for stylish city weddings. The Instagrammable interiors are perfect for couples who want something a little different for their wedding album. Where: St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 120 | thegrayson.ie A Dublin city centre museum devoted to Ireland's greatest storytellers, The Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) first opened its doors in late 2019 and is now available for weddings. The Georgian style building would make for a very special ceremony space. Where: St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 60 | moli.ie The Woollen Mills is a fantastic alternative venue for the ultimate downtown Dublin wedding offering numerous event spaces with the Ha'penny Bridge as a backdrop. Take inspiration for your own city celebration from the wedding of Sarah and Sean. Where: Liffey Street Lower, Dublin 1 | Capacity: 80 | thewoollenmills.com A historic, almost church-like setting, Presidents' Hall at The Law Society lends a regal, sophisticated heir to civil wedding ceremonies. The Law Society also offers space for a chilled drinks reception after your nuptials. Where: Blackhall Place, Dublin 7 | Capacity: 180 | lawsociety.ie A restored historical building Haughton House at Dublin Zoo is a truly original ceremony venue for civil ceremonies. It boasts fabulous views of the zoo, and the unusual setting also makes for wonderful photo opportunities. Where: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8 | Capacity: 80 | dublinzoo.ie Filled with antiques and period features, the Royal College of Physicians Ireland is an intimate and sophisticated location for city centre ceremonies steeped in history. There are a number of attractive options to choose from here including The Dun Library and grand Graves Hall. Where: Kildare Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 150 | heritage.rcpi.ie The chapel at Swords Castle may have a religious feel, but it currently only hosts civil and secular ceremonies, so it's a nice compromise for couples who aren't religious, but would still like a grand setting for their exchange of vows. Where: Swords, Co Dublin | Capacity: 60 | swordscastle.com World-renowned chef Marco Pierre White masterminded this relaxed destination restaurant just outside of the city, which serves rave-worthy steak and fish, and boasts a cute courtyard that's magical for ceremonies in summer. Location: Donnybrook, Dublin 4 | Capacity: 120 | Website: marcopierrewhite.ie Once an actual working chocolate factory, JANDO Studios at The Chocolate Factory on Kings Inn Street is now home to artist studios, an organic restaurant and creative spaces. With its bare aesthetic, this warehouse space serves as the perfect starting point for an industrial shindig and even features an allotment-style, rooftop garden for taking portraits against the Dublin skyline. For a closer look, check out Seamus & Brogen's colourful real wedding or Jill & Patrick's fun fair inspired real wedding. Where: Kings Inn Street, Dublin 1 | Capacity: 50-200 | chocolatefactory.ie If you're looking for a gorgeous garden spot to say 'I Do' in Dublin, then Knockrose in Dublin 18 might be just the one. Offering unique serene spaces with period and rustic features for your ceremony, cocktail reception and wedding photos (the venue is currently ceremony only). Choose from The Calm House, a lovely bright space with a magnificent antique, stained-glass window, or the peaceful and serene garden which is comprised of several 'rooms' which give a choice of beautiful settings should you decide to hold your ceremony outdoors. Flowers from the organic garden can be provided for couples if required - how lovely! Where: Kilternan, Dublin 18 | Capacity: 30 | knockrose.com/wedding-ceremonies/ Situated at the at heart of Dublin City Centre, the iconic Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street has launched a new wedding offering at the landmark location. With almost a century of heritage and hospitality, the independent, family-owned business, which first opened its doors in 1927, has a whole host of historic spaces in which can now host guests for celebrations both big and small. Where: Grafton Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 200 | bewleysgraftonstreet.com Right in the heart of Dublin city, this 18th-century building is the location of Freemasons’ Hall, the magnificent home of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. No. 17 Molesworth Street is a hidden gem of a wedding venue that hosts both ceremonies and receptions, and is located just a stone’s throw from Leinster House, Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green. Where: No. 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 180 | @no.17molesworth Formerly the site of an 19th century stables that was originally used by one of the local distillers in the Blackpitts area The Fumbally Stables is a hidden gem in the heart of Dublin. Rugged and rustic, the building's history oozes out of every brick and beam. The Studio, located on the 1st floor is ideal for wedding ceremonies for 45 seated theatre style. Where: The Liberties, Dublin 8 | Capacity: 45 | thefumbally.ie Did you know you can get married at the City Assembly House? Home to the Irish Georgian Society, its beautiful Knight of Glin Exhibition Room offers an airy, elegant setting for a civil ceremony, with some of Dublin’s best restaurants and St. Stephen's Green just a short stroll away Where: 58 South William Street, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 90 | cityassemblyhouse.ie The Leinster is a stylish new boutique hotel located on the edge of Merrion Square. For ceremonies and receptions, the venue offers The O’Dwyer suite, a dedicated events space boasts a timeless design aesthetic is perfectly suited for weddings of up to 100 guests. Where: 7 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2 | Capacity: 100 | theleinster.ie Browse our favourite Dublin City Wedding Party Venues to complete your wedding day celebrations.Secular and Civil Ceremony Venues in Dublin
City Hall | Image by Olga Hogan Photography via One Fab Day1. City Hall
Smock Alley | Image by Peter Carvill via One Fab Day2. Smock Alley
The Shelbourne3. The Shelbourne
Fallon & Byrne4. Fallon & Byrne
Stephen's Green Club5. Stephen's Green Club
Airfield Estate | Image by Olga Hogan Photography6. Airfield Estate
The National Gallery | Photo by Elaine Barker Photography via One Fab Day7. The National Gallery of Ireland
Luttrellstown Castle8. Luttrellstown Castle
Medley9. Medley
The Merrion | Image by Brosnan Photographic via One Fab Day10. The Merrion
Orlagh House | Image by Adam & Grace11. Orlagh House
The College Green Hotel12. The College Green Hotel
Castleknock Hotel13. Castleknock Hotel
Thomas Prior Hall | Image by Katie Kav14. Thomas Prior Hall
Clontarf Castle15. Clontarf Castle
Roganstown Hotel & Country Club16. Roganstown Hotel & Country Club
17. The Dean
18. Fade Street Social
Hen's Teeth19. Hen's Teeth
Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links20. Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links
The Maritime Museum | Image by Wild Things Wed via One Fab Day21. The Maritime Museum
Drury Buildings | Image by Kyrstin Healy Photography via One Fab Day22. Drury Buildings
No.25 Fitzwilliam Place23. No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place
The Mayson | Image by Aoife O'Sullivan Photography24. The Mayson
The Clarence Hotel | Image by Dena Shearer Photography25. The Clarence Hotel
The Westbury26. The Westbury
The Grayson27. The Grayson
Museum of Literature Ireland | Image by Story of Eve via Tara Fay28. Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI)
The Woollen Mills | Image by Ivana Patarcic Photography via One Fab Day29. The Woollen Mills
The Law Society30. The Law Society
Haughton House at Dublin Zoo31. Haughton House at Dublin Zoo
Royal College of Physicians Ireland32. Royal College of Physicians Ireland
Swords Castle33. Swords Castle
Marco Pierre White Courtyard Bar & Grill34. Marco Pierre White Courtyard Bar & Grill
JANDO Studios at The Chocolate Factory35. JANDO Studios at The Chocolate Factory
Knockrose36. Knockrose
Bewley’s Café37. Bewley’s Café
No. 17 Molesworth Street38. No. 17 Molesworth Street
The Fumbally Stables39. The Fumbally Stables
City Assembly House40. City Assembly House
The Leinster | Image by Chelsa Jay Photography41. The Leinster
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