Up until recently, it wasn’t legal to get married in the open air or in a marquee. But in the wake of some disputes about this, the Attorney General has determined that civil ceremonies can take place at outdoor venues, provided they are “readily accessible to the public”.

In light of this exciting news, we’ve decided to take a look at our top five perfect venues for outdoor weddings.

Killruddery House & Garden

Killruddery House is a stunning location for an outdoor wedding with its tranquil gardens and breath-taking scenery. Killruddery is one of the few great houses in Ireland that is still lived in by the original family and therefore cared for as such. It sits just on the outskirts of the capital where Dublin meets Wicklow and gives way to the natural beauty of the area

Glenview Hotel

Situated on 30 acres of woodland and gardens in the scenic Glen of the Downs, the Glenview Hotel is an ideal location for an outdoor wedding. At the Glenview Hotel you will be surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery that Wicklow has to offer. It can cater for up to 160 guests and has a one wedding per day policy.

Lough Eske Castle

A beautiful five-star castle, Lough Eske is located on a secluded lakeside estate just outside Donegal Town. A multi-award winning hotel, the estate boasts a history that dates back to the 1400s. It’s also perfect for couples with a sizable guestlist, catering for up to 280 guests and housing 96 luxurious rooms.

Luttrellstown Castle

Luttrellstown Castle is only a 20-minute drive from Dublin’s city centre. All 12 of its spectacular rooms are available on an exclusive basis when the castle is rented out and the grounds are to die for. Whether it’s an intimate affair or an extravagant celebration, Luttrellstown Castle can cater for up to 150 people and has the option of a marquee on the grounds against the castle backdrop.

Powerscourt House & Garden

The magnificent Powerscourt Estate is located at the bottom of the Wicklow Mountains. Its view is nothing short of spectacular and the gardens are astonishingly exquisite. The bride and groom will have stunning photo opportunities in the 47 acres of formal gardens, while the guests enjoy the scenery of the Great Sugarloaf Mountain.

Image Credit: Bride and groom at Killruddery House & Gardens: Brosnan Photographic