How to Narrow Down the Right Wedding Venue (Without Overwhelm)
Choosing a wedding venue in Ireland can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack — especially when every space looks perfect online. But the best venue isn’t just about pretty views. It’s about fit: the right space, for the right size group, with the right feel and flow, and a price that fits your budget.
Define your must-haves
Before you scroll another venue directory, pause and ask yourselves:
Do we want exclusive venu or an all-inclusive hotel wedding ?
Should the venue offer on-site accommodation?
Are we planning a religious, civil, or symbolic ceremony and will it be at the same venue?
What style fits us best — elegant, relaxed, festival-style, or formal?
Use this short list as your filter. If a venue doesn’t tick your core boxes, move on.
💬 Related: Wedding priorities: what actually matters most?
Know your numbers
Your guest list doesn’t have to be final, but you do need a solid ballpark. Most Irish venues have minimums and maximums — and your headcount impacts everything from room size to cost.
Rough categories to guide you:
Under 50 = small and intimate
60–120 = mid-size
120+ = larger celebration
Many private venues work best for 80–120 guests. Fewer than the minimum? You will have pay a surcharge. Close to the max? Things will feel tight (and it will cost more)
💬 Related: Don’t invite them: who not to put on your guest list
Set your budget boundaries
Venue and food typically take up around 50% of your total wedding budget. That includes catering, space hire, and service. Some venues charge per person; others separate out hire fees, add-ons, and accommodation.
Know what’s included — and what’s not.
Key things to clarify:
Exclusive hire fees
Ceremony on site fees
Catering inclusions (canapés, dinner, drinks, late food)
Minimum guest numbers or required room bookings
💬 Related: How to set a realistic wedding budget in Ireland
📥 Download: Venue comparison checklist— track pricing, inclusions, and red flags side-by-side
Think about location and logistics
Even the most beautiful venue won’t work if it’s a logistical nightmare. Ask:
How far is it from your ceremony location (if separate)?
Is it accessible by train, car, or airport transfer?
Is there enough accommodation nearby — or on site?
How easy is it for overseas guests to get there?
Ask the right questions
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a shortlist, it’s time to get specific. Whether you’re emailing or doing a venue visit, go beyond what’s on the brochure.
Ask:
Are we guaranteed privacy, or will other events be happening?
What’s included in the hire fee — and what costs extra?
Is there a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies? Where would it happen? How fast can the space be flipped if needed?
How long do we have the venue — is it day-only or full weekend?
Who will be our contact person, and what help is included in the lead-up?
What if it rains and all events have to be held indoors, what are all the spaces like for ceremony, drinks and reception?
Start with a shortlist, not a spreadsheet
Resist the urge to build a master spreadsheet of 30+ venues. Start with 5–8 strong options that already match your style, numbers, and budget. Reach out, get pricing and availability, then decide who to visit.
If it still feels overwhelming? You’re not alone. Venue selection is one of the hardest parts — but once it’s locked in, everything else gets easier.
💬 Related: What your wedding budget really gets you in Ireland