The Abbey in Athy. Photo: Mark Donovan Photography

Whether it’s for an intimate wedding celebration or a big bash, wedding venue website SaveMyDay.ie has seen a rise in popularity of exclusive-hire wedding venues amongst to-be-weds over the past 12 months.

To help to-be-weds plan their own private and personal wedding day, SaveMyDay.ie is shining a spotlight on the country’s eclectic mix of exclusive-hire locations to say ‘I do’ and host wedding receptions.

The curated list of ‘Ireland’s Top Private Hire Wedding Venues’ features homely country manors and estates, well-established restaurants and lively late night city venues, magnificent castles and historic locations,  intimate woodland escapes, farm and festival feel settings and alternative venues that host both ceremonies and receptions.

That list includes The Abbey Wedding & Events Venue in Athy, Ireland’s Best Reviewed and Best Ceremony Wedding Venue at the SaveMyDay.ie Irish Wedding Venue Awards 2022.

Choosing The Abbey gives couples and their wedding guests access all areas to this beautifully restored historic Kildare venue, including its own on-site 18th century chapel, spectacular ballroom, warm and intimate whiskey room, bridal suite with gorgeous glam and dressing area, luxurious accommodation for up to 90 guests and two prestigious wedding suites.

It also features a garden parlour for pre-dinner drinks and late-night conversations, a landscaped outdoor courtyard and not one but two secret bars.

Rathsallagh Country House, just over the Kildare border in Co Wicklow, also features. This is a spectacular 17th century country house nestled in acres of woodland with a 300 year old walled garden, thousands of mature trees and a long winding avenue ensuring complete privacy on wedding days. Their Granary and Orangery offer indoor ceremonies on site, and their celebrated wedding menus, welcoming hospitality and romantic setting are exclusively yours on your own wedding day.

“There is an evident increase in  demand and desire for private rental wedding venues in Ireland over the past year,” said Shell Holden, wedding expert and co-owner of SaveMyDay.ie.

“Exclusive venues allow newlyweds to be at ease with their own guests and allow them to create their own personalised celebrations. Each with their own distinct allure and appeal and catering for varying guest sizes and budgets, SaveMyDay.ie are showcasing Ireland’s top spots to host private weddings.”