Small is beautiful
By Sharon Quigley
Micro weddings, that’s any wedding with up to 50 guests, are certainly nothing new.
Couples have been getting married all over the world for years with smaller guest numbers at their wedding.
Micro weddings just haven’t ever been common in Ireland - most couples just don’t have a small guest list. But with recent times smaller guest lists have become necessity, and wedding venues and couples alike are adapting to this new trend.
If you are one of many couples getting married in Ireland who are now wondering what marriage venues are most suitable for your smaller wedding guest list, here in Ireland we really are spoiled for choice. Here are just a few of my many favourite Cork wedding venues you may never have thought of as a venue for your smaller wedding:
Sea Church Restaurant in Ballycotton
Boasting a dramatic coastal location, Sea Church is a magical, restored church with plenty of space to celebrate and relax in the dining area of its ocean-inspired renovated schoolhouse.
With breath-taking seaside surroundings and a wealth of rugged scenery at its doorstep, Sea Church is ideal for smaller weddings with character a-plenty.
Ballyvolane House
A classic Irish country house estate, and also a glamping resort. It has a glorious forest area right near the mansion house for your outdoor forest ceremony, or the glamourous all-season indoor rustic ‘barn’ space. See seachurch.ie.
Innishannon House
This classic Irish country house boutique hotel is less than 25 minutes from Cork city. It features a glorious riverside garden for your outdoor ceremony, or a stunning all-season indoor function room. Visit ballyvolanehouse.ie.
Maryborough Woods Hotel & Spa
This country house estate is in Douglas, and it's another divine location with ceremony, celebrations and accommodation location all at one place. A glamorous all-seasons conservatory known as The Orangery will melt your heart with its magical garden backdrop, character and style galore!
Earth Spiritualist Centre
Now on South Mall, this is Cork city’s newest marriage venue for couples who wish for a non-denominational personalized marriage ceremony created to their own style, right in the heart of Cork city centre. Walk to all amenities that the city has to offer for your celebrations after.
Sharon Quigley is an Australian celebrant/solemniser, sound therapist, yoga teacher and musician as well as a holistic minister based in Cork city centre. She is a member of the Enchanted Ceremonies network of non-denominational celebrants and holistic ministers.