Aoife & Dermot’s Winter Wedding at Adare Manor
(or: how to do a big Irish wedding properly, without losing the will to live)
December 2025
Let’s be clear from the outset: Adare Manor weddings are in a league of their own, and Aoife and Dermot’s winter wedding proved exactly why.
This was a big, beautiful Irish wedding done properly. A traditional church ceremony in Adare village, followed by a luxurious, candle-lit reception back at Adare Manor. Two hundred guests, zero chaos, excellent food, serious dancing, and absolutely no cringey posing. Frankly? A triumph.
If you’re planning a wedding at Adare Manor and want elegance without stiffness, this is how it’s done.
Why Adare Manor Is One of Ireland’s Best Wedding Venues
There’s a reason couples from all over the world choose Adare Manor for their Irish wedding.
- It handles large guest lists effortlessly
- The interiors are jaw-dropping (especially for winter weddings)
- The service is immaculate without being overbearing
- And there’s a wet-weather plan so good you’ll secretly hope it rains
Winter weddings at Adare Manor are particularly special, all that drama, warmth and atmosphere without a single person panicking about umbrellas.
The Fashion & The Fun
Aoife looked like a pure ride in her dress from The Suite, elegant, timeless, none of that “will this age badly?” nonsense. Jimmy Choo heels, because of course she did.
Florals by Danielle from Tie the Knot Weddings were chic and seasonal, the cake by Trace of Cakes was a show-off (as it should be), and the music kept things moving nicely from ceremony to dancefloor. Speeches at the drinks reception? Inspired. Nobody wants a 40-minute monologue after dessert.
The Excellent Wedding Vendors Who Made It All Happen
Photographer: Sarah Kate Murphy Photography
Venue: Adare Manor
Hair: Christine O’Sullivan Bridal Hair
Makeup: Rebecca O’Donovan Makeup
Florals: Tie the Knot Weddings
Cake: Trace of Cakes
Music: Lynda Sloane Cusack · Truly Diverse · DJ BMD
Dress: The Suite Bride
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Suits: Tom Murphy
Videographer: DG Video
Second Photographer: Romel Rubi
Adare Manor Wedding Photos by Sarah Kate Photography
Adare Manor Wedding FAQ (since people love asking)
How much does a wedding at Adare Manor cost?
You’re looking at €45,000–€60,000+. It’s luxury. If you’re shocked, this venue isn’t for you. Click here to view the Adare Manor Wedding Brochure
What did my clients say? "Adare Manor made planning and booking a wedding venue easy. We knew all the costs upfront, and there were no hidden extras. It was an easy choice"
A minimum of 150 guests is required to reserve The Grand Ballroom.
Pricing varies per season.
- May- Sept & Dec 27th-Jan 5th
- From €375 per person
- Plus a room hire fee of €7,500.00 for the Grand Ballroom
- Jan-April & Oct-Dec 27th
- From €325 per person
- Plus a room hire fee of €5,000.00 for the Grand Ballroom
Can we have both the ceremony and reception there?
Absolutely. You can have your full ceremony, drinks reception, dinner, dancing, and morning-after brunch all under one very grand roof. It's a one-stop shop for the biggest day of your life, which frankly removes so much logistical stress that you might actually enjoy your engagement. Wild thought.
Is Adare Manor good for winter weddings?
It’s exceptional. Honestly, possibly better than summer. Cosy, dramatic, very romantic, no sunburn, no stress. But let's be honest, Adare Manor is fab all year round. With its manicured gardens and historic interiors, it shines as a wedding venue in every season.
How many guests can Adare Manor host?
200+ easily. And they’ll all be fed, watered, and cared for like prized orchids. Do guests have to leave after the wedding, or can they stay?
Adare Manor has 104 luxurious bedrooms and suites, which means your nearest and dearest don't have to do the shameful 2 am taxi scramble. They can wake up the next morning, slightly destroyed, walk downstairs in a bathrobe, and have a full Irish breakfast like the absolute legends they are. This is the dream.
Do people get married in a church nearby?
Yes, constantly. Holy Trinity Abbey in Adare is a firm favourite. It's 2 minutes down the road with oodles of parking, or you can get married onsite if you are looking for a non-denominational or civil wedding on the grounds of Adare Manor itself.
Can I actually afford to get married here, or is this just for influencers?
Look, I'm not going to stand here and tell you it's cheap, because it's not, and we respect you too much to lie to your face. Adare Manor is an investment. But here's the thing, you're not just paying for a venue, you're paying for a legendary day that your friends will talk about for the next 47 years. Your Auntie Breda will dine out on this story until she's in the ground. Is that not worth something?
What if it rains? This is Ireland, so... it WILL rain.
First of all, congratulations on your meteorological awareness; you're already ahead of 90% of brides who "manifested sunshine." The good news is that Adare Manor is genuinely beautiful in every kind of weather. Rain on the grounds? Atmospheric. Fog rolling over the River Maigue? Cinematic. The venue is so stunning that even a full Irish downpour looks like a professional photoshoot. God herself couldn't ruin these photos, but it doesn't hurt to have your child of Prague to hand anyway.
Is it a good venue for photos?
I mean, look at it? Is the River Maigue beautiful? Are the Gothic Revival interiors insane? Does the 840-acre estate offer about 4,000 different backdrops for your photographer to work with? Yes. Yes. And absolutely yes. You could stand in a bin bag on those grounds and look like a Vogue editorial. I'm not saying you should, but you could, if it came to it.
Do you need an experienced Adare Manor wedding photographer?
Yes. Adare Manor is a complex venue with tight timelines, varied lighting and large guest counts. Experience matters. I coordinate a team of wedding photographers who work with me to capture all the angles and views of Adare Manor, from Drone shots to danceable shots. We have you covered from all angles!
What's the food like?
The food at Adare Manor is exceptionally good, and I don't say that lightly because we have both eaten a lot of wedding food in our lives, and most of it has been a hate crime against chicken. The culinary team works with you to create a bespoke menu with lots of locally sourced products, meaning your guests will actually be EXCITED about dinner rather than just tolerating it to get to the speeches. Revolutionary concept, I know.
How far in advance do I need to book Adare manor?
Early. Very early. Embarrassingly early. Adare Manor is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in all of Ireland and beyond, so if you're reading this and you haven't booked yet, put down the phone, call them, and sort it out. Dates go fast. Your dream date goes faster. Don't be the person who leaves it too late and spends the rest of their life saying, "We nearly got married in Adare Manor." Nearly doesn't count, ladies.
How do I get in touch to start planning?
Head to adaremanor.com or call the dedicated wedding team directly. They are lovely people who will hold your hand through every step of the process and will not judge you for asking the same question six times because you were overwhelmed. They've seen it all. They are unshakeable. Trust them completely.
Final Thoughts (and I won’t apologise for this GIRLIES)
This was a wedding done with taste, warmth, and a sense of humour, which frankly should be compulsory. Family were at the heart of everything for these two. If you’re planning an Adare Manor wedding and want photography that’s relaxed, elegant, and not remotely mortifying, I'm available, I’m experienced, and I won’t make you do anything silly. Now. Who wants a pint of the black stuff?
