Weddings at Adare Manor

Adare Manor is the kind of venue that draws you in and captivates you for all kinds of reasons. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph weddings in some of Ireland’s most memorable venues. I’d be hard put to say which is the best, but this special place – nestled away in the irish countryside – is certainly one of the most outstanding that comes to mind.

For me as a photographer, the venue not only sets the scene and mood for a beautiful story, it also provides a magical backdrop to the special memories I’ll be capturing.

Ireland has more than its fair share of impressive venues and I have documented some of the Manors and Country Houses I adore shooting in, but Adare Manor is the stand out when it comes to accolades and international recognition.

The Manor itself sits on 840 acres of rolling landscape in Adare, County Limerick. Its name comes from the adjacent picturesque village of Adare, a designated Heritage Town considered to be one of Ireland’s prettiest villages (I would agree!).

Built in the early 19th century, this place exudes charm and history at every turn and you can see why it’s so popular with couples travelling from afar seeking to connect with their irish heritage. Less than 30 minutes from Shannon Airport, (or just 5 minutes if you take a helicopter!) once you arrive at Adare Manor you won’t need, or want to leave.

Every wedding is uniquely different at Adare Manor

I’ve had the pleasure of shooting here many times over the last 10 years. Every wedding has been completely different, as you would expect.

Whether it was a sort of homecoming, like Derek and Katie who travelled from America to get married in the land of their ancestors, or Louise and Gerard who wanted the enchantment of a grand country Irish Manor House, or a personal connection, like Nicola and Damien who are from Adare, where the Manor already holds many precious memories.

I’ve included some of their wedding day photos here to give you an idea what’s possible at Adare (anything!) but feel free to click into their wedding stories to see a little more from each of their days.

Wedding Ceremonies at Adare Manor

You can hold your ceremony onsite inside the Manor House or in the gardens for Civil Ceremonies, Blessings and Unions. Also nearby are beautiful historic churches including the Holy Trinity Abbey Church, built in the 13th Century, St. Nicolas Church of Ireland in the centre of Adare village and the Adare Methodist Church built in 1873.

In the summer, a ceremony on the front lawn is particularly spectacular with the Manor House serving as a striking backdrop.

The Walled Garden is equally lovely and an open-sided tent can be erected, because let’s be honest even though the gardens always look amazing, we all know the weather in Ireland doesn’t always behave!

There’s also a selection of suites that can be quickly transformed for any last minute weather changes. Speaking from experience, not many venues are able to offer this agility and it’s comforting to know plans will never be completely upset by the weather.

For a smaller and graceful ceremony space, there are several reception rooms like The Maigue Suite, which is also a great space for an after party, or the magnificent Grand Ballroom itself which will seat up to 200 guests.

Reception spaces at Adare Manor

After the all-important vows, your guests can enjoy the opulent surroundings with champagne and canapés either outside or in the Manor House, while the happy couple share some quiet time together to let it all sink in. The Great Hall, The Library, The Colonnade, The Gallery, Drawing Room – every space is decorated with original period artwork, rich textures and furnishings, all stunning and a dream to photograph.

Stepping outdoors, the River Maigue, The Walled Gardens and the oldest Lebanon Cedar tree in Ireland, apparently planted as far back as 1645 as a symbol of strength and longevity all lie in wait. The couple shoot will allow you to uncover countless hidden gems and unique details spread across the entire estate – all providing amazing photo opportunities.

As a Photographer, I couldn’t ask for a more elegant and enchanting space to capture the beginning of a new journey between two people in love. The perfect harmony between all the spaces at Adare Manor just gives it an elevated yet warm atmosphere that blends together and becomes a part of your unique love story.

Food at Adare – celebrating in style

Your reception meal can be held in the Walled Garden where a glass-roofed marquée can be erected and decorated with fresh flowers, mirrors and lavish drapings. Then there’s The Grand Ballroom, which is hard to resist, as you make your way down the sweeping staircase like something out of a fairytale with its marble floors, crystal chandeliers and floor to ceiling windows.

Either way you’ll be sitting down to an unforgettable 5 course feast. Menus are prepared with both sustainable and seasonal ingredients – the team here try to entirely source from Ireland, an important consideration for couples looking to experience the best of irish cuisine.

The food here is, in my humble opinion to die for! And the perfect start to a long night of celebrating, dancing and making cherished memories.

Accommodation options for a wedding at Adare Manor

With 104 guest rooms including 62 in the Manor House and River Wing and an additional 42 rooms in the updated West Wing, there’s plenty of space for even the biggest of weddings. Each room is beautifully decorated for a regal and relaxed feel as you would expect.

I have to mention the Bridal Suite, aka Room 220, because not only is it a gorgeous suite that’s closest to the Grand Ballroom but it also has a little beauty salon room with its own entrance as well as a spacious dressing room – an absolute dream for any bride getting ready on her big day.

The Dunraven and Signature Suites are also fantastic rooms worth considering. There are also many additional hotels and B&Bs in Adare itself or close by in Limerick City, only about 15-20 minutes away, if need be. The Dunraven Arms in the village is a popular boutique hotel for guests wanting to stay close-by.

Having your wedding at Adare Manor allows you to plan and decide on all the little details that reflect you as a couple while giving you the confidence and freedom to be present in the moment, knowing everything is taken care of. You can even book the entire Manor to have all to yourself which gives you and your guests the ultimate freedom and exclusive experience.

How much does an Adare Manor wedding cost?

There a variety of options at Adare, catering for both smaller and larger gatherings. Pricing will depend on number of guests, ceremony location and whether the celebration meal is held in the Grand Ballroom or The Maigue Suite.

Within this there are a number of options to choose from, and prices vary seasonally but generally speaking you can expect to be charged from €250 per person. Accommodation in a stateroom and a champagne reception is included with this package. More detailed information can be found on their website here.

Making the most of a stay here

Many couples opt to arrive a few days before the big day and enjoy some quality time with family and friends, or linger on afterwards to unwind with more fun and activities. 3 day weddings are becoming more and more popular and it is always great fun for me documenting your weekend while you and your family and friends enjoy all the activities Adare has to offer.

There’s so much to take advantage here including a round of golf on the 2027 Ryder Cup course. Tennis, archery, falconry, an exclusive spa, swimming pools, there is even a cinema here (has made for a quirky location for photos at previous weddings).

Adare itself is a little gem of a village, within walking distance of the Manor. It’s picture postcard perfect – home to boutiques, coffee houses and cottage thatched pubs – all on your doorstep and waiting to be enjoyed. If you want to (briefly!) escape the 5 star luxury of Adare Manor and duck into a traditional irish pub for a pint with the locals, there’s no better place.

For something extra special, I highly recommend checking out the Wine Cellar and the Carriage House for pre and post wedding events, rehearsal dinners or a good old fashioned BBQ.

You have to treat yourself to the Oak Room at least once during a stay here, home to Limerick’s first Michelin star restaurant. The room, is with its green tones and wood panelled walls was the original family dining room and is the heart of the Manor House. Just beautiful.

The list goes on and on, not to mention exploring the gorgeous grounds, visiting the nearby medieval ruins of Desmond Castle or simply enjoying afternoon tea in the Gallery.

Having been honoured to photograph several weddings here, Adare Manor never fails to impress and inspire me, but more importantly, it always exceeds the expectations. I can’t wait to get back there!