A Colorful Union: Ash and Barry’s Vibrant Wedding at The Millhouse Slane

Looking back at Ash and Barry’s wedding, it’s clear The Millhouse was more than just a venue; it was a key player in their story. This was a wedding celebration nothing short of a burst of color and joy, embodying love, laughter, and individuality from start to finish. Vibrant colors were the order of the day and the bridesmaids wore dresses in different, outrageous hues that somehow blended perfectly!

This is a venue well known for providing ‘an alternative’ option for couples seeking a lively celebration and something a little bit different. It proved to be the perfect canvas for Ash and Barry’s day. I have filmed here many times over the years and weddings here are always accompanied by a feel-good, party atmosphere – it’s never let me down yet!

The location

The Millhouse’s enviable location along the banks of the River Boyne, mere feet from its waters, adds an unrivalled dimension to a unique wedding venue.

It’s conveniently located, easily accessible from both Dublin and Belfast, which is a big plus. Filming here always brings a sense of excitement. The place has this unique charm, a blend of history and modernity that makes every wedding there something special.

Quiet before the storm! The River Boyne slopes gently by The Millhouse Slane, Co. Meath. © Edithouse

You’ll have the option of holding your Ceremony onsite, or in a church setting closeby in Slane village where St Patricks is often the setting. The church at Rathfeigh is a popular location also, it’s a beautiful 150 year old country church about a 15 minute drive away.

Accommodation and Pre-Wedding Moments at The Millhouse

The Coach House Bridal Dressing Room that really stands out for those pre-wedding preparations. It’s right next to the river, offering a peaceful and plush spot for getting ready and snapping some great pre-wedding photos.

They haven’t forgotten about the lads either! Tucked away in the woods, The Grooms Lodge offers a secluded retreat for the groom and his party. It’s a fantastic spot equipped with its own kitchen, bathroom, and the highlight – an outdoor jacuzzi bath. It’s the ideal place for the groomsmen to chill out and get ready at their own pace, surrounded by nature!

The accommodation at The Millhouse ranges from comfy and classic in the Manor House to quirky and adventurous in the glampsite. All in all, 111 people can be accommodated overnight here.

You’ve got a bunch of options for where you’ll want your guests to stay. The Manor House has around 15 rooms, all en-suite and pretty stylish, perfect for about 50 guests to crash in comfort. Each room has its own vibe, mixing the old manor house feel with some modern touches.

And if you’re after something a bit different for your guests, the Glampsite is where it’s at. It’s not your usual camping – think safari tents, shepherd’s huts, and even some quirky railway carriages. It’s a fun twist for up to 61 more guests. More adventurous guests can also bring their own tents and make use of the Treehouse Chalet for hot showers!

Of course you have Slane on your doorstep (there are at least two hotels we can think of) and for more accommodation options while the town of Drogheda is 20 mins away in a taxi.

Holding a First Look at The Millhouse

Ceremonies at the Millhouse are always held at 3pm, so slightly later than traditional church-ceremonies. A ‘First Look’ is really advantageous for this reason – getting some of your photographs taken earlier in the day in order to free you up later. Believe me, you will want to get back to your Reception as quickly as possible after the Ceremony.

Ash and Barry went for their ‘First Look’ about an hour before the ceremony, and it was such a beautifully intimate moment. It’s a great way to capture those initial, private reactions and still have plenty of time for the Ceremony itself. You’ll want to choose a secluded location on the grounds, away from early arriving guests!

A couple’s ‘First Look’ needs a little bit of thought to make it work – discuss a plan before-hand with your Videographer and Photographer to get it just right. Along with the venue’s Planner, they will know the best spots at your venue to hold it.

Wedding Ceremonies at The Millhouse

For the Ceremony, Ash and Barry chose The Ceremony Room at The Millhouse – a space brimming with history and character. This room, with its double-height open-beamed ceiling and imposing vintage crystal chandeliers, provided a dramatic and historically rich setting. The room, housed in the Old Mill, is an excellent spot for filming, thanks to its high ceilings and natural light. Capable of accommodating up to 200 guests (with 20 standing), it offers a spacious setting, ideal for capturing both large celebrations and more intimate moments.

Ash and Barry added a beautifully designed bespoke ribbon dropback to the room. This vibrant and distinct decoration transformed the room and was a perfect reflection of their style, setting the stage for a really heartwarming Ceremony.

If the weather’s on your side, another great choice is having an outdoor ceremony in the Millhouse Orchard, right by the river on the south-facing lawn. 200 guests can be catered for here and it’s a really gorgeous spot, especially on those sunny days.

Celebrations at The Millhouse

Post-ceremony, The Courtyard and The Orangery at The Millhouse are perfect for kicking back with a drink and the best of company. The lawn at The Orchard is also a popular spot for drinks by the rover. And when it comes to dinner, The Pavilion, with views of the garden and nearby river is just the spot. Again, up to 200 guests can be catered for.

As evening sets in, The Pavilion transforms into an epic party spot. While it’s getting all set up for the night’s festivities, everyone can hang out in the main house, where the bar’s fully stocked and ready to go. You’ve also got the Orangery and the outdoor Courtyard to mingle in, perfect spots to chat and enjoy a drink as The Pavilion gets its party makeover.