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.

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.

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
Clare Wedding Venues – Quick Links
Browse the official websites of some of the most popular wedding venues in County Clare below.
- Cliffs of Moher
- Hotel Doolin
- Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg
- Armada Hotel, Spanish Point
- Falls Hotel & Spa, Ennistymon
- Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
- Lahinch Coast Hotel
- Hylands Burren Hotel, Ballyvaughan
- Gregans Castle Hotel
- Radharc na hAille, Doolin
- Dromoland Castle
- Clare Inn Hotel
- Bunratty Castle Hotel
- Park Inn by Radisson, Shannon
- Carrygerry Country House
- Vaughans Lodge, Lahinch
- Bellbridge House Hotel
- Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe
- Mount Callan House, Ennis

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.

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.
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

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?
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