The 5 Best Wedding Venues in Cork
Whether you’re looking for a classy hotel venue or an unorthodox ceremonial location for your wedding, you’ve come to the right place!
We’re headed south for our roundup of the best wedding venues in Cork! We did extensive research and put together a list of the most magical venues to choose from for your big day.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
How much do wedding venues cost in Cork?
You might also be wondering how much you’ll need to set aside for the perfect wedding venue. So before anything else, let’s discuss how much our entries charge:
The Best Wedding Venues in Cork
To make sure that you’re spoiled for choice, we’ve handcrafted a unique selection of wedding venues according to the following criteria:
1. St. Peter’s Cork
Location | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Style | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Facilities | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Inclusions | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Add-ons | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Value | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
If you’re eyeing a historic venue, St. Peter’s Cork is a refurbished medieval church dating as far back as 1580. Burrowed in a quiet and scenic courtyard, St. Peter’s Cork is a good option for a fairytale-like wedding.
Besides the historical charm of the church, one of our favorite features would be the grand front doors. We think this adds an elegant touch to the bride’s entrance.
To make it even more magical, the church has enormous lofty windows that allow just the right amount of light to seep through. This ensures a well-lit ceremony that’ll be picture-perfect, too.
If you have an extensive guest list, we think it’s worth noting that the church can hold up to 300 people. Particularly, it can hold up to 200 seated and 100 standing.
However, keep in mind that St. Peter’s also doubles as an exhibit. Hence, there will be infographics and other educational materials plastered on the walls.
Nevertheless, you can still cover these up with drapes and other accessories. You can also inquire about what other measures you can do to temporarily hide these pieces.
But if giant weddings aren’t your cup of tea, they also have a cozy ethereal alcove that can host up to four people. We think this is a good option if you’re eyeing an intimate and elegant setting.
Oh, and another feature worth mentioning: they have a whimsical garden that winds around the building. Aside from breathtaking greenery, it can also host guests while they mingle, too.
Accessibility-wise, it’s located in the middle of Cork. Hence, if you’re from around here, you’ve probably unknowingly gone past it a couple of times already.
We think it’s worth highlighting that they are no longer a religious venue. They’re open to hosting weddings from all beliefs and cultures.
Since they have a marriage license, you can have a full civil ceremony then and there. They can host your receptions to boot.
They offer three kinds of packages: ceremony-only, ceremony and drinks reception, and full reception.
The use of their modern pine and steel chairs, projector, sound equipment, red carpet (if required), and venue technician are included in all their packages.
Of course, the grander the package, the more inclusions. Their ceremony-only package allows for 60 minutes of use of St. Peter’s Cork; the ceremony and drinks reception has two hours, and the full reception has full use of the venue.
They don’t disclose how long “full use” of the venue is on their website. So, we recommend inquiring to ensure that you’re all on the same page.
Keep in mind that clients shall be responsible for handling the catering, entertainment, and security. Hence, St. Peter’s Cork may not be ideal for couples who want the whole package.
If you’re not completely sold yet, you can pay them a visit and they’ll gladly have their on-site wedding planner chat with you about your plans as well as give additional ideas on how to help make the space your own.
Pros
- Offers three packages
- Has two ceremony options
- Located in the middle of Cork
- Have a marriage license
Cons
- Is also an exhibit
- Does not handle catering, entertainment, and security
2. Bantry House and Garden
Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Style | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Inclusions | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Add-ons | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Value | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
If you have a taste for classics and antiques, you’ll love the Bantry House and Garden. Their estate stretches as far as the eye can see, and it can hold both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.
For an outdoor wedding, the ceremony can be done in the garden. Surrounded by large trees, you’ll get the right amount of breeze and shade on top of a picturesque scene.
On the other hand, indoor weddings can be held in the Bantry House. Here, the bride and groom will have their ceremony in front of floor-to-ceiling windows in a room adorned with antique paintings as well as intricate wall and ceiling mouldings.
The walk up to the Bantry House may not be easy for people in heels and wheelchairs. This is because it’s an uneven stone pathway, so assistance may be needed for some.
Keep in mind that the venues can only fit up to 100 people. Hence, they’re more suitable for intimate weddings.
Adding to the list of positives for this venue is the handful of catering options right down their driveway. You can choose from fancy meals, seasonal local menus, Mediterranean, or even just pizza from their plentiful eateries.
To help you even more, they have recommendations for photographers, wedding cake makers, tablescapers, and the list goes on.
We appreciate their extensive network, as it’ll surely ease your burden of having to look for reputable services. And what’s more, they’re already well acquainted with the venue, too.
Oh, and an important aspect worth mentioning: they’re also a bed and breakfast. In their East Wing, they have six bedrooms that can accommodate the wedding party.
Hence, we think they’re a good all-around option where you can hold the entire ceremony, reception, and even spend the night after a long day.
Pros
- Licensed for civil ceremonies
- Offers catering and wedding photography
- Has an indoor and outdoor option
- Has an extensive network for wedding services
- Has a bed and breakfast
Cons
- Can only fit 100 people
- Rates not available on their website
3. Celtic Ross Hotel
Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Style | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Inclusions | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Add-ons | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Value | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
Want a beach wedding but an indoor reception? Celtic Ross Hotel is popular among couples for its scenic beach weddings and indoor reception at one of their function rooms that can accommodate up to 300 people.
Aside from being the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos, past clients that we’ve spoken to have praised the mouthwatering food here.
The work of their Executive Chef Laurentiu Samolia and catering staff is remarkable. Only using local produce from West Cork, he and his team can handle your wedding banquet needs.
On top of that, couples will be given a dedicated wedding coordinator, too. We appreciate this little touch since it will definitely help make things easier to manage.
Couples will also be given a complimentary mid-week overnight accommodation to perform food and wine tastings. They’ll be given a complimentary wedding meal, too.
Their gifts don’t end there; Celtic Ross Hotel can also arrange centrepieces for your tables. Personalized wedding menus, printed table plans, and displays will also be taken care of.
What really caught our eye was their complimentary overnight accommodation in the bridal suite with a champagne breakfast for the newlyweds. We definitely have heart eyes for this!
As for your wedding party, they can stay in the 20 discounted rooms on the night of the wedding. We appreciate this gesture, especially for those with guests who’ve travelled far or simply want to enjoy the rest of the night.
Speaking of travel, the Celtic Ross Hotel is but an hour away from the Cork Airport and Ferry Terminals. So, you don’t have to worry about long travel times for loved ones coming from overseas.
Overall, we think that Celtic Ross Hotel is a viable option if you’re on the hunt for an all-around venue with a beach-front view.
Pros
- Licensed for civil ceremonies
- Offers a dedicated wedding coordinator
- Offers a number of complimentary services
Cons
- Rates not available on their website
- Difficult to book
4. Drishane House
Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Style | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Inclusions | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Add-ons | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Value | ★★☆☆☆ (2/5) |
For a private yet warm and country home atmosphere, you may want to consider the Drishane House. Built in 1780, the house is very well-kept and is often booked for weddings and other memorable events.
The main house is adorned with centuries worth of family heirlooms, paintings, and other decorative pieces. Meanwhile, the outside is filled with lush greenery overlooking a scenic cliff.
Their private grounds have a ton of picturesque areas for your wedding photos. You can have them taken inside the house or throughout the orchards.
For the ceremony itself, it can be done in their garden area underneath a marquee. Their garden is filled with lush greenery, especially in spring when it’s carpeted by colourful flowers.
Did we mention that they can also arrange catering, babysitters, and other particular requirements so long as you request in advance? We think this deserves plus points in our book!
However, if you decide to have your ceremony elsewhere and use only their accommodations, that can be arranged too.
Since it is a house, they’re equipped with a kitchen, centralized heating, and upstairs accommodation which houses up to eleven guests.
We also think it’s worth highlighting that they’re a dog-friendly accommodation. This makes them a viable option if you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind as you get hitched.
Even though their property stretches 18 acres, they still have good cellphone reception. Hence, you won’t be required to go off the grid.
There’s a lot to explore on their land. Particularly, they have two private coves as well as a lake that you can go boating in.
On top of that, there are a number of nearby attractions and eateries to visit, too. They have whale watching, fishing, pony rides, and yoga sessions as well as local bars and restaurants.
All said, we think that the Drishane House is a good choice for an intimate, laidback wedding.
Pros
- Licensed for civil ceremonies
- Has a bed and breakfast
- Dog-friendly
Cons
- Accommodations can only host eleven guests
- Does not handle catering, entertainment, and security
5. Inish Beg Estate Island
Location | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Style | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Accessibility | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Inclusions | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Add-ons | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Service | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Value | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
If you’re looking for an island paradise destination for your wedding venue, the Irish Beg Estate Island may be a good option for you.
As its name suggests, it’s a private island estate that’s accessible by boat and by car via their bridge.
The 97-acre estate boasts lush woodlands, gardens, farmlands, and foreshore that will be the most picturesque backdrops for your wedding photos.
For indoor ceremonies, the owners recommend the Boat House. This can cater up to 130 guests during the months of April to October and less than 50 during November to March.
As for outdoor ceremonies, their Octagon Marquee can house up to 250 guests. This is just opposite to The Boat House in case you want to book both for larger parties.
When it comes to catering, couples are free to make all the arrangements themselves. Even so, the Irish Beg can recommend suppliers that have worked on the estate before for past weddings.
To add to their list of pros, they don’t have a corkage fee. You’re also free to choose what kinds of drinks you want to serve.
If you’d like, they can even set up a bar service for an additional fee of €150. You can also discuss how you’d like everything to be arranged and your requirements with them, too.
Did we mention that you can even hire a wedding car? They have a vintage Bentley that can take the bride and groom between the Irish Beg, church or location of the ceremony, and the reception.
Of course, their entourages and guests can also use the buggies available on the property for easy mobility around the estate. Keep in mind that these extra costs will depend on the time and mileage.
We think their modes of transportation are definitely a plus in our book! They’ll come in handy for guests in heels or who have difficulty walking around for long periods.
Oh, we also think it’s worth mentioning that they have ten self-catering properties, which are all within a one to four-mile radius. This is fitting for those who wish to stay the night after a long day.
Afterwards, you can enjoy a number of fun activities on the estate. They can arrange for scuba diving, island trips, sea kayaking, powerboating, yachting, and golfing, to name a few.
All in all, we think the Inish Beg is a dreamy choice for a grand wedding. With that said, they are quite pricey and difficult to book due to their popularity, which is why we recommend booking in advance ASAP.
If you’re not completely sold yet, you can visit them to discuss wedding ideas and options, too. This way, you’ll be able to work around your needs and budget.
Pros
- Licensed for civil ceremonies
- Have accommodations
- Offers catering
- No corkage fee
Cons
- Pricey
- Difficult to book
FAQs about Wedding Venues
And there you have it, our top picks for the best wedding venues in Cork! All that’s left to do is to schedule a viewing and book!
Aside from a venue, a wedding needs flowers! Here are a few of our recommendations for the best flower delivery services all over Ireland: