These 7 European Countries are Tops for Irish Weddings Abroad

Destination Weddings, Planning & Advice

Why are some countries truly irresistible when it comes to weddings abroad? We put on our money on the combination of adventure, sunshine and affordability. Add to that the exhilarating feeling of doing something different, and you’ve got the perfect celebration. These 7 European countries are tops for Irish weddings abroad. Conveniently, they also happen to be just a few hours away, which means easy travelling for your family and guests. If you’re still looking for an ideal place to get married, could yours be below? Let’s find out!

Austria

European Countries are Tops for Irish Weddings Abroad

Take one look at ice Q restaurant in Soelden, and what do you think of? It looks like a movie set, right? That’s because it is – Spectre, the 2015 James Bond adventure, was filmed there. We dare to challenge any groom not to say ‘that’s the place I want to get married!’ The setting high in the Alps is breathtaking on its own, but add the luxurious stylings of the wedding team, and you’ll never forget this day. Celebrate all year round, the Alps are spectacular in any season. This is a fantastic wedding abroad for couples who want something truly, truly different.

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Croatia

European Countries are Tops for Irish Weddings Abroad

Photo from Georgina & Joshua’s real wedding organised by Yes I Du Wedding Agency

Almost every single year since 1997, Croatia has seen a steady increase in tourism. That’s no surprise: it’s been an undiscovered jewel for a long time, and now welcomes over 11 million visitors a year. Some of those visitors are Irish couples, drawn by the culture and climate so different from home. With a generous abundance of places to marry, you can have the most luxurious wedding with a huge guest list, or a charming small celebration somewhere unique. You can even have a quick romantic elopement if that’s what you prefer. And we have to add, this is also the land of Game of Thrones. Could any fan of the show refuse a tour of the filming locations as an added treat? Of course not.

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France

European Countries are Tops for Irish Weddings Abroad

Photo of Chateau Hotel le Sallay

Try saying out loud ‘I got married in a French chateau’. If you like the sound of that, then you should give France some serious consideration – especially as we have a fantastic selection of venues here at weddingsonline! We’re talking that unmistakable French elegance that can’t be replicated and must be experienced authentically. It’s in the food, the service, the general ambiance… a chateau wedding will be a remarkable experience for the couple and the guests. And for most people you invite, it will be their first time (maybe the only time) at such a special venue.

France – Bordeaux

See Chateau Lagorce near Bordeaux – located just 35 minutes from Bordeaux airport, with 22 bedrooms, and surrounded by vineyards, a private lake and woodland. Exclusive hire only, so you’ll have the whole place to yourselves.

France – Burgundy

Two hours from Paris by train or car is the Chateau Hotel le Sallay, the former residence of the Duke of Nevers. It’s especially well equipped for weddings with children, and sleeps up to 40 people, with a capacity of up to 180 for dinner.

France – Auvergne

Chateau de Maulmont is a former hunting lodge built in 1840 for Princess Adélaïde. But whatever you think a hunting lodge looks like, this will far surpass your expectations. The spectacular location in central France, surrounded by the valley, sleeps 54 and comes with free personalised planning service.

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Italy

European Countries are Tops for Irish Weddings Abroad

Photo from Pia & David’s real wedding organised by Extraordinary Weddings Italy

Few would argue against a notion that Italy is the most romantic country in the world, and even fewer would give the food thumbs down. If you want a wedding packed with culture and fun, in a gorgeous climate, and with so many venue options it will make your head spin, then Italy is for you! From simple farmhouses and small villages to medieval towers and ancient palaces, it’s all yours to have.

Italy – Rome

When in Rome… you may as well get married! Just 20 miles from Rome is the Casale Doria Pamphilj, a farmhouse with its own church. If you want a wedding with true holiday vibes (think walking barefoot on warm stone floors, diving into the pool, and luscious greenery everywhere) then book this venue and invite up to 46 guests who can all stay overnight. This is small wedding perfection.

Italy – Perugia

A wedding combined with luxurious relaxation? Yes, you can have it all at the Castello di Montignano. They have their own wedding team, so you won’t need to hire a separate planner. If you’re not in a hurry to leave, make it a few day stay, to truly enjoy everything the Castle has to offer. There’s a spa, swimming pool, spectacular stone architecture and a park. The Castle can host up to 250 people for your wedding abroad. Expect to impress them all with a truly unique combination of modern elegance and a fairytale location.

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Malta

European Countries are Tops for Irish Weddings Abroad

Photo from Natasha & Tomas’s real wedding organised by I Do Knot

A tiny parcel of land where you and your guests will say ‘WOW’ wherever they turn? That’s Malta for you. It’s the place to go when you want location, location, location, plus lots and lots of sunshine. By recent estimates, Malta averages 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, one of the highest amounts in Europe! Your toughest choice will be the type of venue, and that’s only because there are so many. You may have your heart set on a modern restaurant by the water… but wait til you see the stately homes or historical castles. You’re simply spoiled for choice in Malta.

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Portugal

European Countries are Tops for Irish Weddings Abroad

Photo from Crystal &  Brian’s real wedding organised by Glamour Algarve Weddings

Picture this: your white dress on a white beach… a shaded terrace overlooking a sun-flooded valley… a walk in dancing sunshine under a canopy of trees… all this can be yours in the Algarve, where the sun shines 360 days a year, the food is fabulous and the wine is flowing. Choose a beach, resort, countryside or a villa, whatever suits your style best. Your guests will get there easily too, with inexpensive direct flights from Dublin by Ryanair and Aer Lingus.

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Tenerife

European Countries are Tops for Irish Weddings Abroad

If you’re dreaming of Spain for your Big Day, then Tenerife in the Canary Islands should defo be on your radar! And here’s a venue to consider: Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden. In a single location, you’ll get 25,000 square meters of breathtaking gardens (for your party and photos), a lake and a ballroom, with five star accommodation for your guests, and a medical spa considered one of the best in Europe. This isn’t an ordinary hotel wedding; it’s perfection in every detail, planned for you by the events team. It’s particularly recommended for couples who prefer to stay in one place for their visit, as the hotel offers everything under one roof, so there’s no need to leave the premises if you don’t want to. There won’t be a boring moment, with everything they offer to you and your guests.

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