Ireland, the country of a thousand welcomes, "Céad Mile Fáilte". The Emerald Isle, rich in traditions, culture, literature, poetry and music. A rich landscape with ancient castles, historic houses and stunning scenery. Does that describe the perfect location for your wedding, elopement or vow renewal ceremony?
Millions of people around the world have a family ancestral connection to Ireland. If you are thinking about getting married, eloping or renewing your vows, what better place than your ancestral home.
What makes Ireland so unique, so special
Unique venues – from chic hotels to ancient castles to historical houses. Dotted across the country are so many venues that will truly make your ceremony special and stand out in your memory for a long time.
Natural beauty – the stunning landscape from the ancient east to the wilds of the Atlantic way. The beauty of the countryside will create that fairy-tale destination wedding.
Irish Culture – a history wrapped in culture, literature and music. Incorporate a mix of these Irish traditions to remember and recall your ancestral background.
Locations – from Howth Head to the Hill of Tara. From the Giants Causeway to the Gap of Dunloe. From Glendalough to Galway Bay. (To name but a few.)
Traditions – many wedding traditions come from Irish culture and history. These include, Handfasting (‘tying the knot’), the Claddagh Ring, the Good Luck Horseshoe and the Irish Lace Handkerchief.
A Thousand Welcomes – no matter where you go you will be greeted with the famous "Céad Mile Fáilte"..
Is there a more magical place to say ‘Yes’. I don’t think so. Ireland has everything you need for that perfect day, that will astound your guests, both from Ireland and abroad, and will make them remember your day for many a long year to come.
Celtic Traditions
Handfasting (Tying the Knot)
This was the original Irish wedding ceremony and has it's roots in ancient Ireland. Overseen by a person of high standing in the community, a druid, poet or filí, this ritual involves tying the hands of the couple together with rope, ribbon or lace representing their union and their bonds that will only grow stronger, especially in times of pressure.
Claddagh Rings
Claddagh rings have been exchanged in Ireland for centuries. The heart, hands and crown of the Claddagh are said to represent Love, Loyalty and Friendship. The Claddagh ring was originally offered as a wedding token and is still a hugely popular ring for Weddings. With this ring we have adapted the design to sit in a band making it a more versatile piece that can sits well with a claddagh engagement ring.
Good Luck Horseshoe
A horseshoe was thought to bring the bride good fortune for the nuptials. While a real iron horseshoe doesn’t quite go with an elegant wedding look, this ancient custom can easily be given a modern makeover. Some brides choose to incorporate a horse shoe in their bridal bouquet with a charm, or horseshoe made of porcelain or fabric.
Lace Handkerchief
With a long history of lace making in Ireland, on her wedding day, an Irish bride traditionally carries a lace handkerchief, which is later used to make a bonnet for the christening of the couple’s first child. Often the lace is passed from generation to generation.
Blue wedding dresses
Long before deep blue became a bohemian wedding staple, brides in Ireland were donning blue wedding gowns. While white is the color of innocence and purity now, that distinction belonged to blue on the Emerald Isle. If you’re looking for Irish wedding traditions to incorporate into your big day, but you aren’t ready to go full-on Celtic, blue bridesmaids dresses may be the way to go.
