Weddings at Mount Juliet

A Mount Juliet Estate wedding is always one to be appreciated, whether it’s a small and intimate event or a grander affair. It has a unique atmosphere, a mix of old-world charm and modern comforts instilled with warmth, and good old-fashioned Irish hospitality. This rare blend makes Mount Juliet one of my personal favourite Irish destination wedding venues.

Full transparency, I look forward to my own wedding here next Autumn – so do forgive me for gushing a little – however, I promise to leave all bias to one side for this article, as I really do believe that Mount Juliet is one of the most superb venues in the country.

Tucked away into Kilkenny’s beautiful countryside, Mount Juliet is an exquisite choice for couples seeking unrivalled luxury in the southeast of the Ireland.

Steeped in history, the grace of the Manor House makes for breathtaking photos while the surrounding estate is a delight for any couple looking to mark the next chapter of their journey together in style.

A warm welcome awaits on each visit and photographing here is an experience, I always look forward to. The Manor House sits proudly on the banks of the River Nore.

The backdrop of the river and the nearby stud farm are to be enjoyed in all seasons, but if you or your guests fancy a little more indulgence you might opt for one of the many experiences on offer – from the world-class golf course to the memorable culinary experience that is the Lady Helen restaurant. Luxury is their way of life here, so you can relax knowing that you and your guests will experience nothing less at every turn.

I’m going to share my insights as a wedding photographer, and help you delve into the merits of Mount Juliet as an option for your own big day. Hopefully this will help you, if you are planning a wedding here, or are maybe just enthusing about such.

Wedding Photography at Mount Juliet

The estate boasts an enviable range of intimate locations both indoors and out. I adore bringing my couples through the Walled Gardens – one of my favourite spots on the estate, the camera thrives on the wilder aspects of the gardens and of course, a stop off at the famous Moongate is a must.

Strolling through picturesque walkways to the back of the Manor House is another great option for photographs. There is an abundance of beauty to enjoy here with a majestic bridge accompanying the River Nore. The romance of these locations breathes a cinematic energy into any pictures taken here.

I must also mention the Stud Farm. As expected, it offers stunning scenery that enhances any photograph. Couples I have worked with in the past have always enjoyed the process of photoshoots here on the estate, soaking up those first few quiet moments together. With gorgeous scenery and countryside stretching in every direction, it’s easy to be relaxed and content in these surroundings.

Planning your wedding at the Manor House

Whether you are planning an intimate day or a grand occasion, Mount Juliet offers a unique and varied setting for you and your guests to enjoy. It’s the answer to any romantic’s ideal wedding location and I know it’s a cliché but no two weddings here are ever the same.

The Manor House is the perfect place to begin your journey as a newly married couple. Hosting up to 96 guests, it not only looks magical, but feels like it too. The House provides a charming mix of traditional and contemporary stylings, providing a venue to suit every celebration.

The gardens lend themselves flawlessly to an outdoor wedding, where you will also have the breathtaking effect of the Manor House in the background. If you are looking for an indoor occasion, the decadent interiors make for unforgettable pictures.

Your drinks reception can include champagne either inside or outside the front of the Main House, where you will have a relaxing view of the front lawn.

After your guests have had time to mingle and enjoy some bubbles, you’ll make your way to Lady Helen restaurant, which has a well-deserved Michelin star rating.

Eating at Lady Helen is not just a meal, but an experience. From the exquisite meal to the opulent interiors, you’ll find the Lady Helen room will create a unique atmosphere that your wedding reception deserves.

After dinner, guests at the Manor House are guided downstairs to the newly re-furbished Cavern area. The distinctive lower roof and intimate hidden alcoves lift the energy of the night even higher, providing an energetic atmosphere that will see you into the night.

If you are hosting a larger wedding, the wedding party will leave the main Manor House after the drinks reception and make a short walk up to Hunter’s Yard for dining and dancing in the evening.

Wedding Ceremonies at Mount Juliet

Saying ‘I Do’ at Mount Juliet means that you will do so in style. You will have many options for your civil ceremony, including holding it at the Manor House or at Hunter’s Yard, which will cater for up to 180 guests.

Both are excellent options for couples looking to have a grandiose but elegant feel to their day.

Ceremonies can be held indoors or outdoors, as long as we have the weather for it! No matter where you decide to have your ceremony you can expect to be blown away, whether you are soaking up the garden sun, or keeping cosy in one of the reception rooms on a crisp winter’s evening.

Holding your wedding ceremony at the Manor House
As the centrepiece of the estate, The Manor House remains one of my favourite shooting locations and is perfect for your ceremony if you are searching for classic Georgian elegance. You have an abundance of options. An outdoor ceremony on the beautiful lawn at the front of the house, close to the pond located to the side of the House, by the spectacular rose gardens or, of course you can have an indoor wedding in the house itself.

While each location has a quality of its own, I can’t help myself being drawn to shooting outdoor weddings at Mount Juliet. The natural landscape and surrounding scenery always makes for magical wedding pictures.

Each option is equally as stunning, however, from my experience shooting at Mount Juliet, there is a unique element of beauty radiating from outdoor weddings (when we get the weather!) with the Manor House serving as the most striking of backdrops.

Holding your Wedding celebration at Hunter’s Yard
Hunter’s Yard sits in the centre of the estate and draws heavily on the considerable Equestrian history at Mount Juliet. It’s more contemporary and modern than the Manor building and is perfect for larger weddings.

They cater for 200 guests all of whom will enjoy expansive views of the golf course and the rolling Kilkenny countryside.

Your main reception meal will be held at The McCalmont suite at Hunter’s, comfortably catering for most larger weddings. With exposed beams and plenty of light, the McCalmont suite has a relaxed but elegant air about it.

Once your wedding party has finished enjoying their 5-star dining experience, the rest of the evening can be spent here where you and your guests will continue the celebrations by putting on those dancing shoes and enjoying a party to remember.

Ceremony venues near Mount Juliet
Couples looking for a more traditional, religious wedding have plenty of options near the estate. There are a variety of Catholic and Church of Ireland churches nearby.

There are two Cathedrals in Kilkenny City which have been very popular with couples I have worked with in the past. Both are beautiful locations for photographs. These historical buildings hold themselves with such grace and power, the interior and exterior both act as the perfect background for wedding ceremony photos.

Thomastown is also nearby which brings more options to the table for your ceremony, so it is safe to say that you will be spoiled for choice.

Staying at Mount Juliet – options for you and your guests

If you are looking to experience luxury, then staying in the Manor House is an absolute must for the Couple to be, but there are plenty of options for both the wedding party and guests travelling to your big day.

With picturesque views, comfort like no other, and world-class service, staying in the Manor House is without doubt an unparalleled experience. The estate has many options for accommodation, and its proximity to the city of Kilkenny makes it easily accessible.

Staying at the Manor House
Historically steeped, the Manor House has 32 rooms that are filled with modern-chic decor and postcard-worthy views. While staying here, you will step back in time – it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular venue for the bridal party to stay the night before the wedding.

Manor House guests of course also make full use of the Spa and Treatment rooms located close by at Hunter’s Yard.

And if you are staying at The Manor House – do not under any circumstances miss breakfast the next morning, it is as unforgettable as the Michelin star meal you might have been lucky enough to enjoy in the Lady Helen the night before!

Manor House guests of course have make full use of the Spa and Treatment rooms located close by at Hunter’s Yard.

And if you are staying at The Manor House – do under any circumstances not miss breakfast the next morning, it is as unforgettable as the Michelin star meal you might have been lucky enough to enjoy in the Lady Helen the night before!

Accommodation at Hunter’s Yard
Hunter’s Yard has 93 rooms, so along with the main House you’ll have plenty of room for an even larger sized wedding. The location is perfect for winding down after a night of laughter and dancing. Each room has a view of the property’s grounds which can be admired while getting ready for the big day, and then again the next morning while enjoying a well-needed breakfast.

While staying here, you can make use of the wellness club which includes a pool and a gym, and any golfing fan will be impressed by the world-class golf club. Hunter’s Yard is definitely the most convenient accommodation for guests looking to enhance their Mount Juliet experience.

Of course, there are other options to choose from in the surrounding areas. Kilkenny city has plenty of hotels, guest houses and B&B’s to explore, each catering to different tastes and needs.

Mount Juliet Wedding Packages

Mount Juliet offers different packages depending on what you are looking for on your big day. You will mainly need to decide whether you wish to make use of the Manor House for the drinks reception and if your wedding size allows, for the House to host your celebration meal.

These packages vary, offering different elements that can always be tailored to each couples’ tastes. Mount Juliet offers enough flexibility in these packages that you can tailor your day to exactly what you both want.

Packages start at roughly €150 per person and can be extended to include multiple add-on activities, although prices do vary depending on the time of year, and the day of the week you would like to have your wedding. Take a look at the Mount Juliet website to discover their different packages and most up to date pricing.

I hope that you have found some useful details in this guide that will help you when planning your big day. As I’ve mentioned, I’m getting married here myself in 2023, so I can appreciate how much goes into organising the whole day. I’ve included some photos here of recent weddings I have shot on the estate, many thanks to the Couples who have allowed me to share some of their photos.

I’m sure Mount Juliet will not disappoint, as I have had nothing but amazing experiences shooting here, and please feel free to contact me with any questions or queries about how I can capture the beauty of your wedding day.