Ballybeg House Wedding Venue - Nick's guide to a unique location
Sometimes all you really want from your wedding venue is something small and informal with the people you love most. Low-key but magical all the same, Ballybeg House was exactly what Joanne and Niall wanted for their fun and laid-back wedding.
Situated about an hour outside Dublin city, near Tinahely County Wicklow, it was the perfect location for their closest family and friends to attend and be a part of their special event.
When it came to their dream wedding, Joanne and Niall had a very clear picture in their minds of an intimate Irish country wedding and knew it would require somewhere unique to make it happen.
“We wanted a wedding that was relaxed and fun with delicious food and plenty of dancing. Ballybeg was very much that place. It felt right from the moment we arrived. You land in and take over, it’s very much yours for the few days which we loved.”
Joanne and Niall both studied medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin and met on their first day while standing in a queue for ID’s. Together they braved through college, work and a hectic lifestyle, finding true love along the way. With guests coming from all parts of Ireland, theirs would be a beautiful blend of old and new traditions, tailor made for the happiest of celebrations.
Ballybeg House, County Wicklow is all about having a personal and cosy atmosphere for a truly memorable experience. Overlooking the Croghan Valley, the restored colonial style lodge is nestled on 150 acres of stunning countryside with rolling parklands and mature gardens. A magical hideaway steeped in history in the wilds of County Wicklow, surrounded by green pastures and ancient trees.
Nick books a limited number of weddings each year - download his Wedding Photography Brochure for more details.
It’s proximity to Dublin of course is a major bonus for many, it’s a good spot if you have friends and family flying in to Dublin Airport – it’s about an hour and 20 mins drive from north dublin, but you do truly feel like you’ve left the city behind when you arrive here.
This place doesn’t advertise or promote itself but naturally draws you in by word of mouth and an impeccable reputation. There is so much that comes with this venue that’s exclusively yours for 3-4 days and ideal for losing yourself in the spirit of the occasion.
Wedding ceremony spaces at Ballybeg
Along with the main house at Ballybeg, you’ll find The Ayers Ceremony Room, a medieval ceremonial room with exposed stonework, candle chandeliers and open fires that allows for on-site Civil, Humanist and Spiritual ceremonies. It can also serve as a banquet hall for a feast the day before or after the wedding. It’s a beautiful space to share your vows and serves up beautiful light – a photographer’s dream.
Wedding reception at Ballybeg House
The main wedding reception takes place in the Victorian Marquee with draped ceilings, lace curtains and large gilded mirrors where you’ll dine and dance the night away with your guests. The next day you can laze around warm open fires, enjoying some food and drinks with your nearest and dearest in the rustic Shebeen full of historical features and fittings from the old stables.
The skill of the team at Ballybeg House is to focus on what’s important to you and give you the freedom to create your own unforgettable wedding.
The peaceful and romantic setting here really allows you to feel at home and make it your own. Joanne and Niall were able to infuse their own personalities into everything from the decorative flowers, delicious foods and music with the help of Pairs and Peaches, Ballybeg’s own planners, who are always in hand and dedicated to your specific needs and wishes.
Guest Accommodation options at Ballybeg House
There’s a great variety of accommodation available at Ballybeg that allows everyone to freely mingle and enjoy each other’s company on it’s gorgeous grounds. All of Joanne and Niall’s guests were able to stay onsite to make the most of the celebrations.
The Main House is elegantly styled and sleeps up to six. Complete with a four poster bed, Victorian bathtub and a fireplace in nearly every room. Verandas at each end of the house give you panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. There’s even a hot tub nearby overlooking the valley and Wicklow Hills.
Also available is The Dairy, a charming renovated farm building with three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen and bathroom. Just a few minutes drive from the main house is Grouse Lodge, a lovely mid 19th century retreat set in mountain heather that used to be a hunting lodge. As well as these, dotted around the property, there are ten wooden pods that can accommodate 22 people.
Over the past year lots of work has been done to create more room for people to stay on the grounds including Luke’s Cottages near Grouse Lodge. Two additional bedrooms were made above The Shebeen which has also been extended in keeping with its’ natural warmth and charm.
As of May 2022 Ballybeg House will be able to comfortably accommodate up to 50 people onsite and of course there’s other nearby places to recommend, should you need it.
An Autumn Wedding at Ballybeg
Joanne and Niall wanted to spread the celebrations over several days and chose to have a church ceremony a few days before the big party at Ballybeg. They were officially married in October at the Church of the Holy Trinity Goresbridge in Kilkenny with close family and friends, after which photographs were taken in the beautiful surroundings of Acore.
The rich autumn colours created a stunning backdrop for taking pictures. They were able to take their time which made it a relaxed and special day for everyone. The festivities continued a few days later with a reception in the Ballybeg Marquee with about 50 guests. This space lends itself perfectly to small and intimate parties but can also host up to 170 guests.
Wooden floors, rich layers of linen, fresh flowers and candle lit chandeliers all make it a fantastic place to kick back and enjoy the fun. With a central heating system, commercial kitchen and permanent Ladies and Gents facilities, it’s perfectly equipped for every season, whatever the weather.
Joanne and Niall’s wedding included personal touches throughout their celebrations that really made their guests feel part of something special. Joanne’s mum, sister and cousin made the gorgeous cake while friends and family also joined in singing along on the piano.
The Beat Boutique provided the great music that kept everyone busy on the dance floor for hours. It was a real joy to capture the sweet and subtle exchanges between loved ones while everyone was absorbed in the happiness of the moment.
“Nick was amazing to work with from start to finish. He was really helpful and very responsive to any queries in the run up to the wedding. He also really came into his own on the day itself. He was very professional, unobtrusive and looked very dapper! We love our photos.
Thanks Nick!”
After the big day there’s no pressure to rush away when you’re at Ballybeg. Newlyweds and their guests can have a lazy morning, wander the gorgeous grounds and meet up for some chilled out food and drinks in the cosy Shebeen with more music and good crack. The perfect wedding finale that leaves everyone thoroughly delighted and full of memories to last a lifetime.
Joanne and Niall were a great couple to work with. Between wonderful people, the joy they shared and the amazing location, their wedding was an absolute pleasure to photograph.