Clare Wedding Venues – The Complete Guide to Getting Married in County Clare

Why County Clare Is One of Ireland’s Best Places to Get Married

County Clare is different.
It’s wilder. Slower. Less polished in a good way.

From the Cliffs of Moher to quiet inland lakes, Clare offers something most counties don’t — space, scenery, and soul. Couples who choose Clare usually want a wedding that feels relaxed, natural, and personal rather than staged.

This guide is built for couples searching for:

  • wedding venues Clare

  • wedding venues county Clare

  • small wedding venues Clare

  • coastal wedding venues Clare

  • hotel wedding venues Clare

It covers 20 of the most popular and searched wedding venues in Clare, with real-world insight on style, capacity, setting, and what kind of couple each venue suits.

Types of Wedding Venues in Clare

Before choosing a venue, it helps to understand what Clare does best.

Coastal Wedding Venues

Think cliffs, Atlantic views, sunsets, sea air.
Perfect for relaxed, destination-style weddings.

Hotel Wedding Venues

Practical. Comfortable. Guest-friendly.
Ideal if you’re inviting people from all over Ireland or abroad.

Small & Intimate Wedding Venues

Clare is excellent for small weddings and elopements.
Less formality. More meaning.

Alternative & Outdoor Venues

Barns, courtyards, heritage buildings, and creative spaces.

Groom looking at his bride with love during the ceremony in Tralee, Kerry, JOD'Photography

20 Wedding Venues in Clare You Should Know


1. Cliffs of Moher

Location: West Clare
Best for: Elopements & small ceremonies

While not a traditional venue, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the most searched wedding locations in Clare. Many couples choose to legally marry elsewhere and hold a symbolic ceremony here.

Why couples love it

  • Iconic Irish scenery

  • Intimate and meaningful

  • Incredible photographs in all weather


2. Hotel Doolin

Style: Modern coastal hotel
Capacity: Large weddings

Hotel Doolin is one of Clare’s most popular venues. It balances modern comfort with west-coast character.

Good for

  • Big guest lists

  • Live music and atmosphere

  • Multi-day celebrations


3. Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg

Style: Luxury coastal
Capacity: Medium to large

This venue attracts couples looking for high-end service with dramatic Atlantic scenery.

Expect

  • Five-star accommodation

  • Ocean views

  • Formal but stunning weddings


4. Armada Hotel

Style: Coastal hotel
Capacity: Large

A long-established Clare wedding venue with unbeatable sea views.

Why it works

  • Ceremony and reception on site

  • Easy for guests

  • Consistently reliable


5. Falls Hotel & Spa

Style: Traditional hotel
Capacity: Medium

Located beside the River Inagh, this venue suits couples who want nature without full coastal exposure.


6. Old Ground Hotel

Style: Town-centre elegance
Capacity: Medium to large

Perfect if you want a classic hotel wedding with easy access and strong service.


7. Lahinch Coast Hotel

Style: Contemporary
Capacity: Medium

Great option for couples who want Clare scenery without formality.


8. Hylands Burren Hotel

Style: Boutique hotel
Capacity: Small to medium

Set in the Burren, this venue suits relaxed weddings with a natural backdrop.


9. Gregans Castle Hotel

Style: Country house luxury
Capacity: Small to medium

A favourite for intimate, stylish weddings.


10. Radharc na hAille

Style: Cliffside guesthouse
Capacity: Small

Perfect for micro-weddings with big views.


11. Dromoland Castle

Style: Castle luxury
Capacity: Large

One of the most famous wedding venues in Ireland.

Best for

  • Formal weddings

  • International guests

  • Full castle experience


12. Clare Inn Hotel

Style: Traditional hotel
Capacity: Medium

Good value, practical, and guest-friendly.


13. Bunratty Castle Hotel

Style: Heritage hotel
Capacity: Medium

Strong choice for couples with overseas guests.


14. Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport

Style: Modern airport hotel
Capacity: Medium

Ideal for destination weddings with travel-heavy guest lists.


15. Carrygerry Country House

Style: Country house
Capacity: Small to medium

Intimate, elegant, and very personal.


16. Vaughans Lodge

Style: Boutique lodge
Capacity: Small

Perfect for relaxed, food-focused weddings.


17. The Ritz House

Style: Traditional
Capacity: Small

Simple, warm, and welcoming.


18. Bellbridge House Hotel

Style: Seaside hotel
Capacity: Medium

Great coastal option without the price tag of luxury resorts.


19. Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre

Style: Lakeside hotel
Capacity: Medium

Overlooks Lough Derg — calm, scenic, and romantic.


20. Mount Callan House

Style: Country house
Capacity: Small

Private, quiet, and ideal for smaller weddings.

Groom romantically kissing his bride at Molls Gap Kenmare Co Kerry

More Clare Wedding Planning Guides

If you’re still planning your day, these Clare-specific guides may help you narrow things down.

Small Wedding Venues in Clare Clare Wedding Photographer – Natural & Relaxed Coverage

Romantic wedding portrait bride and groom under bandstand in Youghal Co Cork - JOD'Photography

Choosing the Right Wedding Venue in Clare

Finding the right wedding venue in Clare isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about how the place makes you feel when you walk in. Clare offers something rare in Ireland — venues that feel unforced, surrounded by real landscapes, where the day can unfold naturally.

Many couples choosing Clare are not looking for rigid timelines or over-styled rooms. They want space to breathe. They want their guests comfortable. They want a day that feels like them.

What Makes Clare Wedding Venues Different

Clare venues tend to lean into their surroundings rather than fight them. Coastal hotels frame the Atlantic instead of hiding it. Country houses embrace quiet and privacy. Smaller venues allow the day to slow down.

This is why Clare works so well for couples planning relaxed weddings, destination weddings, and small or intimate celebrations. You’re not competing with a city schedule or traffic. Everything feels calmer.

Hotel Wedding Venues in Clare

Hotel wedding venues in Clare are popular for a reason. They offer convenience, accommodation, and experience. Many guests travel from other counties or abroad, and having everything in one place matters.

The best hotel wedding venues in Clare strike a balance between organisation and atmosphere. You want a team that knows weddings well, but you don’t want the day to feel like it’s running on rails.

Look for hotels that allow flexibility with timings, outdoor access for photographs, and relaxed evening flow. These small details make a big difference.

Small Wedding Venues & Intimate Celebrations

Clare is exceptionally strong for small wedding venues. Many locations comfortably host weddings of 20 to 60 guests without feeling empty or oversized.

Smaller venues often allow more freedom — longer dinners, outdoor moments, personal touches, and time with the people that matter most. They also suit couples planning weekday weddings or off-season dates.

Coastal & Outdoor Weddings in Clare

From the Cliffs of Moher to Lahinch and Spanish Point, coastal Clare is one of the most photographed parts of Ireland. The landscape is dramatic, but never feels staged.

Outdoor ceremonies are common here, but flexibility is essential. Weather changes quickly. The best Clare venues plan for both — outdoor moments when possible, comfortable indoor options when needed.

Practical Things to Consider

Accommodation availability is a big factor in Clare. Summer dates book early, especially in West Clare. If you’re planning a peak-season wedding, secure rooms for guests as soon as possible.

Transport matters too. Some venues are remote, which adds to their charm, but consider buses or organised transport for guests. This improves safety and keeps the day flowing.

Photography & Timing in Clare

Light plays a huge role in Clare weddings. Atlantic light changes quickly and beautifully, especially near the coast. Planning your ceremony time with this in mind gives you better conditions without stress.

The most enjoyable Clare weddings are the ones that don’t rush. Allow breathing space in your timeline. Let moments happen naturally. The setting will do the rest.

Is Clare Right for Your Wedding?

If you want a wedding that feels calm, natural, and genuinely Irish, Clare is hard to beat. It’s ideal for couples who value atmosphere over formality and connection over performance.

That’s why so many couples come back to Clare when they want a wedding that feels right, not forced.

Dramatic Kerry sky clearing after heavy rain — JOD Photography

Why Couples Choose JOD for Clare Weddings

Clare weddings are about real moments, not staged perfection. My approach is simple — document the day as it actually happens, without pressure or awkward posing.

I work quietly, blend in with your guests, and focus on genuine connection. No forcing smiles. No dragging you away from your day.

Wedding Photography Packages

All packages are clear, honest, and designed to give you full coverage without stress. No hidden extras. No upselling on the day.

View Wedding Photography Packages

Get in Touch

If you’re planning a wedding in Clare and want relaxed, natural photography, I’d love to hear about your plans.

Contact JOD Photography

Real Words from Real Couples

“Hiring James was the best decision we made. His natural energy put us at ease, and the end result was the most incredible photos that truly captured us.”
— Hollie & Inger

“James blended in like one of the gang. We never felt rushed or awkward, and the photos are breathtaking.”
— Pamela & Mark

“From our first meeting James was a true professional. Every single photo is frame-worthy.”
— Allison & Gordon

Tipperary wedding photography focused on natural, unstaged moments — JOD Photography

Small Wedding Venues in Clare

Clare is one of the best counties in Ireland for small weddings.
Many venues comfortably host:

  • 20–60 guests

  • Micro-weddings

  • Elopements with a meal after

If you’re planning something intimate, Clare gives you more flexibility than most counties.


Planning a Wedding in Clare – Things to Know

  • Weather changes fast. Always plan for wind.

  • West Clare venues book early.

  • Accommodation fills quickly in summer.

  • Mid-week weddings work very well here.


Wedding Photography in Clare

Clare weddings suit a natural, relaxed photography style.
Strong landscapes, changing light, and movement matter more than stiff posing.

Most couples planning weddings in Clare care more about:

  • Feeling comfortable

  • Enjoying the day

  • Real moments

The scenery does the rest.

Final Thoughts on Getting Married in Clare

If you want a wedding that feels Irish, relaxed, and genuine, Clare delivers.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about atmosphere.

That’s why couples keep choosing it.

Clare Wedding Venues – Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should we book a wedding venue in Clare?

Most Clare wedding venues book 12–18 months ahead, especially for summer dates and coastal locations.

Are there good options for small weddings in Clare?

Yes. Clare is one of the best counties in Ireland for small and intimate weddings, with many venues suited to 20–60 guests.

Can you have outdoor wedding ceremonies in Clare?

Many venues allow outdoor ceremonies, but always plan for weather changes and have an indoor backup option.

Is Clare suitable for destination weddings?

Absolutely. Clare is popular with couples travelling from abroad due to its scenery, accommodation options, and relaxed pace.

Planning Your Wedding?

Couples often tell me they’re nervous about photos. These guides explain how things really work on the day.

What “Relaxed Wedding Photography” Actually Means

We’re Awkward — Can We Still Have Nice Wedding Photos?

What Actually Happens During Wedding Photos on the Day


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