Dublin City Hall weddings are about as special as they come. There is something about a city centre wedding that never fails to excite and there is no better city to bring its own personality to a wedding than our very own capital, Dublin city.
We are spoilt for choice in terms of iconic city centre venues, many of which are hidden in plain sight, behind historic facades. It’s one of the most personal things you can do as a couple, and sets the tone for your life ahead, so it makes sense to spend some time choosing the venue that is just right for you.
Aoife and Stephen’s intimate wedding ceremony at Dublin, City Hall
Originally built in the 18th century as the Royal Exchange, the Rotunda at Dublin City Hall is one of the most special and dramatic of locations for a city centre wedding. This historic building is a bit of an unknown gem in the city centre – many Dubliners have never stepped inside the beautiful Rotunda, guests attending ceremonies here are always taken with with the beauty of the place when they walk through the hall doors.
Dublin City Hall is probably one of the most sought after locations in the city and there are a few guidelines in place for wedding parties. Bookings are taken in three hour slots, one hour before the ceremony to personalise the space, one hour for the ceremony itself and one hour for a drinks reception or photographs after the event.
Live musicians are welcomed, and couples are at liberty to add their own touch to the ceremony, with encased lanterns, flowers and ribbons. Many couples don’t opt for much more than some ornate flowers for the ceremony table – the natural grandeur of the venue means it just doesn’t need it.
We have photographed a few times now at Dublin City Hall and the staff are always knowledgeable, pleasant and welcoming. They know how to run a seamless event here and every wedding has gone off as smoothly as you would hope.
Why get married in Dublin City Hall?
It may not be a venue you had considered, but we would definitely recommend taking a visit here if you are researching ceremony venues – you will genuinely be blown away by the grandeur of the place.
City Hall hold an open day in the Rotunda in early springtime and it’s an excellent opportunity to be guided around by experienced staff and wedding suppliers on hand to answer any questions you might have.
Our top reasons for holding your ceremony in Dublin City Hall are:
- City Hall is probably the most iconic and symbolic place to say ‘I Do’ in Dublin
- Close proximity to some of the best Hotels and wedding reception venues in the city
- Incredible wedding photography – the natural light and generous space in the Rotunda contribute to stunning imagery
- Experienced and friendly staff available before and after the ceremony to assist both you and your guests
- Host a drinks and canapés reception in the Rotunda immediately after the ceremony
- Convenient to all transport links in Dublin city
- The sheer majesty of the place – your guests will be in awe of it as soon as they are welcomed through the doors
Types of wedding ceremonies permitted at Dublin City Hall
City Hall provides for both Civil and Secular ceremonies – Civil ceremonies are held Monday to Friday while Secular ceremonies can be held Monday to Saturday.
While you won’t be able to hold a spiritual ceremony at City Hall, Humanist (secular) ceremonies are permitted and they are a trend becoming increasingly popular with couples. A humanist registered Solemniser can be sourced and booked through the Humanist Association of Ireland.
Dublin City Hall wedding cost
A ceremony at City Hall will set you back €1,250 including a deposit but will include 200 chairs for guests, along with a gorgeous oak antique table and chairs for both the couple and the Solemniser. It’s more expensive than other options in the city, but in our view, is completely worth it.
Staff from City Hall will be on hand to guide guests to seats and generally ensure the event goes off smoothly. For an extra amount you might opt to seat your guests in a bit more comfort on chiavari chairs. City Hall staff will assist with recommended chair hire here.
Afterwards you have the option of a champagne and canapés reception – the space is yours for 3 hours, so many couples will allow for a drink afterwards to celebrate and mingle with guests and to take in the surroundings. City Hall are very helpful in assisting your planning for this and will recommended companies who regularly cater here.
With the venue an increasingly popular location for holding wedding ceremonies, in our experience couples need to book at least a year in advance, especially if the date falls on a Friday or a Saturday.
Nick books a limited number of weddings each year - download his Wedding Photography Brochure for more details.
Wedding Brochure
Dublin City Hall wedding photography
When I think of a wedding at City Hall I think of space and light. The 18th century stone work and interiors make for lavish photography. You can only take wonderful photographs in this space! I will suggest a few photographs of the newly married couple and family at the Rotunda entrance, the side corridors, the staircase on the west wing and of course outside the grand old building itself looking down towards Parliament Street.
Further afield, I will often take couples towards Temple Bar and the Ha’penny Bridge – just a 2 minute stroll away. Nearby Dublin Castle and vibrant surrounding street life at Dame Lane give great variety to photo opportunities.
Just married – that magic feeling. At Parliament Street, with City Hall in the background.
Afterwards guests will be able to stroll, taxi or tuk-tuk (don’t knock it ’til you try it!) onto a nearby reception venue, The Dean Hotel, The Shelbourne, Fallon and Byrne and The Merrion Hotel being just amongst a few to choose from.
If you are looking for a religious ceremony, we have so many beautiful churches to choose from. But the trend for an ecumenical or humanist services has opened up a host of unusual and deeply personal venues, and Dublin City Hall is certainly one of those.
Read the official Dublin City Hall Ceremony guidelines here.
