Adare Manor wedding

I’ve had the privilege of capturing many beautiful moments at Adare Manor. Not least, for my very first wedding where it served as the location for an extravagant 4 day affair! But that was some time ago and much has changed – not least the arrival of three babies (for me) and a €100 million spent on a complete refurbishment (for Adare Manor!).

It is is an exceptional wedding venue that continues to inspire since its 2017 makeover. Don’t take our word for it – in 2022 it was awarded best resort in the world by readers of the influential Condé Nast Traveler. A first for an irish hotel. Whether you are a local couple or a destination bride and groom, Adare Manor offers everything you need for a truly remarkable wedding day.

The estate is located in the heart of County Limerick, in a picturesque village that shares its name. The property is set on the banks of the River Maigue, and is surrounded by green parkland that spans over 840 acres. This place is truly breathtaking, and it’s no wonder that so many couples fall in love with it.

One of the things I love most about Adare Manor is its unique blend of old-world glamour and modern comfort. The estate has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The Manor House itself was built in the Gothic revival style, and it was once the seat of the Earl of Dunraven.

But despite its grandeur, Adare Manor is also incredibly welcoming and warm. The staff here are as friendly and attentive as you would expect, and go above and beyond to make sure that every guest feels right at home. Whether you’re planning a small and intimate wedding or a grand celebration with hundreds of guests, you can be sure that Adare Manor will provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Getting ready at Adare Manor

The Bridal Suite at Adare Manor is every bride’s dream, and always a happy space teeming with excitement, nerves and plenty of laughter when I arrive in the morning of a wedding. Designed with care, this roomy space offers a bespoke dressing room, hair and makeup areas and luxurious amenities that will help you and your bridal party get ready in comfort.

You’ll have everything you need to relax, ease any nerves, and maybe even enjoy a sip or two of bubbles before the big event. This beautiful space is perfect for sharing with your closest, and always gets the day off to a memorable start.

Ceremony spaces at Adare Manor

One of my favourite things about Adare Manor is the range of wedding spaces and the flexibility offered to couples in terms of customization. This place is a wedding planner’s paradise, a canvas offering endless possibilities to create the kind of wedding day you might have dreamed of.

Indoor ceremonies at Adare Manor

For indoor ceremonies, the Maigue Suite next to the Grand Ballroom is a lovely choice. This elegant space opens up to the outdoor courtyard, is filled with plenty of natural light and as you would expect oozes elegance.

For larger indoor ceremonies, the Grand Ballroom is another option. With its towering ceilings and exquisite chandeliers, the setting creates an atmosphere of romance and sophistication that is perfect for the most special of occasions. Afterwards guests are generally led to the Maigue Suite for a champagne reception and cocktails while the Ballroom is quickly turned around in time to host the reception dinner.

Incredible outdoor ceremonies at Adare Manor

At Adare Manor, The Walled Garden is the ideal venue for couples looking for a summertime outdoor ceremony with a little bit of wow! Marquees can be arranged throughout the gardens to provide additional space. With plenty of room to explore, guests can take a leisurely stroll through the tranquil gardens before the ceremony and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the estate.

The two interlinked walled gardens offer ample space to accommodate all your guests, and you can customize the layout to suit your needs.

All you need is a bit of imagination – or the help of an expert! In Liz and David’s case the ceremony space was designed by Waterlily Weddings. Orla and her team did an incredible job bringing a fairytale ceremony to life. A fully open, glass marquee was erected which featured an extraordinary flower arch centrepiece designed by Bronagh at Harris & Wilkinson.

Liz was delivered from the House by horse-drawn carriage and accompanied down the aisle, through the gardens by her father and I have to say it was an incredibly beautiful and dramatic moment. I can’t think of any other venue in Ireland that can compare to the enchanting and serene atmosphere of Adare Manor’s Walled Garden.

Celebrating your wedding at Adare Manor

The Grand Ballroom at Adare Manor is not only suitable for grand events of up to 350 guests, but can also be transformed into an intimate space for smaller wedding dinners. The team here is adept at creating bespoke menus that cater to different group sizes – as you would expect from a 5 star establishment.

Reception meals and the after-party can also be comfortable held in nearby The Maigue Suite.

Of course, there’s more to a wedding than just the ceremony and reception, and Adare Manor has plenty of options for pre- and post-wedding events as well. The Carriage House is a beautiful spot for a rehearsal dinner or after-party, with a private dining room that can seat up to 28 guests, as well as a terrace and restaurant that can accommodate larger groups.

Liz and David’s was a three day affair which made the most of the stay here – we were lucky enough to join the lads on the morning of the wedding at their clay pigeon shooting expedition – great fun, while other activities include the must-visit-spa, horse-riding on the estate, and of course the Ryder Cup golf course that wraps itself magnificently around the Manor House.

Adare Manor’s Wedding Packages

Adare Manor’s wedding package is the perfect choice for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding experience. The package offers a range of unique and thoughtful touches that will make your guests’ experience unforgettable:

• A cocktail reception with champagne, wine, coffee, tea, homemade treats, and a choice of canapés.
• A five-course fine-dining experience created by Adare Manor’s culinary team.
• A champagne toast.
• Superior table linen, fine china, glassware, and silverware, along with beautiful table centrepieces.
• Pre-wedding tasting menu for four guests.
• Late-night food served at midnight.
• A complimentary Stateroom on your wedding night.

How much does a wedding cost at Adare Manor?

The wedding package is priced at €325 per person, with a minimum of 150 guests required to reserve The Grand Ballroom. Additionally a minimum of 25 bedrooms must be reserved. Adare Manor will collaborate with you to create a personalized package that meets your needs – get the most up to date details on their offering from the Adare Manor website, or download the current Wedding brochure.

Staying at Adare Manor

• Adare Manor offers a range of luxurious accommodations for couples and their guests, including Deluxe rooms with 50 square metres of space, marble en-suite bathrooms with rainfall showers, and king-sized beds.
• Classic Rooms are also available, offering 43 square metres of space.
• The Staterooms provide another option for guests, offering 55 square metres of space, mahogany furniture, fireplaces and 19th century oil paintings
• Signature Suites are also available for guests, providing 100 square metres of space and a Manor Butler – a dedicated personal assistant to cater to guests’ every need. Can we stay here please!
• The Manor Lodges, located next to The Carriage House, are self-catering houses that come in 2- and 4-bedroom options, providing guests with a more private and independent experience during their stay.

On the day

A perfectly orchestrated event like this does not happen by accident and we were lucky enough to work side by side with some thorough professionals on the day. With Liz and David travelling from Chicago, co-ordination for the wedding fell to Michelle from Waterlily Weddings who planned it seamlessly.

Flowers, including the arch were by Harris & Wilkinson. Late night entertainment was of course provided by Springbreak.

Finally we have Seán from Studio Lordan to thank for use of his beautiful photography from the day, Seán is fantastic to work with, incredibly talented and someone we always look forward to shooting alongside. Thanks Seán, see you on the next one!