Top 10 Wedding Venues in Galway for Your Dream Day

February 28, 2025

Galway, known for its stunning landscapes, historic castles, and charming coastal views, is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in Ireland. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration, a romantic elopement, or a destination wedding, this region offers breathtaking venues that blend elegance with natural beauty.

As a Galway Wedding Photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing weddings at some of the most exclusive and picturesque locations in the area. If you’re searching for the perfect setting, here are the top 10 wedding venues in Galway that international couples love.

📸 Explore real weddings in Galway here: Galway Ireland Wedding Photography


1. Glenlo Abbey Hotel – A Luxurious Irish Manor Wedding

📍 Location: Galway City
🌟 Perfect For: Elegant, luxury weddings with a historic touch

If you’re dreaming of a sophisticated wedding in an Irish manor, Glenlo Abbey Hotel offers breathtaking lake views, a historic chapel, and a five-star experience. The venue is famous for its Pullman Restaurant, a vintage train carriage that adds a unique charm to wedding photography.

📸 See real wedding inspiration at Glenlo Abbey: Galway Ireland Weddings


2. Cloughan Castle – A Fairytale Wedding in a Private Castle

📍 Location: County Galway
🌟 Perfect For: Couples dreaming of an exclusive, private castle wedding

A wedding at Cloughan Castle is the definition of a storybook romance. This privately owned medieval castle allows couples to enjoy the elegance of Irish history combined with modern luxury. From grand banquet halls to intimate courtyard ceremonies, Cloughan Castle is one of Galway’s most sought-after venues for destination weddings.

📸 See real weddings at Cloughan Castle here:
👉 Real Weddings – Cloughan Castle

📖 Explore venue details, preparation shots, and inspiration for your wedding:
👉 Cloughan Castle Wedding Venue Guide


3. The Ardilaun Hotel – Classic Elegance in the Heart of Galway

A man and woman walking down a street with a crowd of people
Bride and groom’s romantic beach photoshoot across from Galway Bay Hotel, on Salthill Beach, with stunning views of the Irish coastline.

📍 Location: Galway City
🌟 Perfect For: A traditional Irish wedding with modern luxury

For couples who want a chic, elegant setting in Galway City, The Ardilaun Hotel offers beautiful gardens, luxurious ballrooms, and a warm Irish atmosphere. With its award-winning service, this venue is perfect for couples traveling from abroad who want a stress-free wedding in Ireland.

📸 Discover Galway wedding photography at The Ardilaun Hotel: Galway Ireland Weddings


4. Ballynahinch Castle – A Hidden Gem for Romantic Weddings

📍 Location: Connemara, Galway
🌟 Perfect For: Intimate weddings & nature lovers

Located in the heart of Connemara, Ballynahinch Castle is one of the most enchanting wedding venues in Ireland. Surrounded by rugged landscapes and scenic rivers, this venue is ideal for couples looking for an intimate, nature-inspired wedding.

📸 See wedding photography from Galway’s best venues: Galway Ireland Weddings


5. Salthill Hotel – Oceanfront Wedding Venue with Stunning Views

A group of people posing for a photo on a beach

📍 Location: Galway Bay
🌟 Perfect For: Coastal weddings with breathtaking sea views

Overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way, Salthill Hotel is an iconic venue for seaside weddings. With its panoramic ocean views and luxurious reception spaces, it’s a favorite among couples planning a destination wedding in Ireland.

📸 View real wedding inspiration in Galway: Galway Ireland Weddings


6. The Hardiman – A Historic Hotel in the Heart of Galway

📍 Location: Galway City
🌟 Perfect For: A sophisticated wedding with old-world charm

Located in Eyre Square, The Hardiman (formerly The Meyrick) is a luxurious venue that blends vintage elegance with contemporary flair. It’s a top choice for couples looking for a high-end wedding experience in Galway City.

📸 See wedding photography at Galway’s finest venues: Galway Ireland Weddings


7. Dromoland Castle – A Grand Wedding Experience

A bride and groom at a wedding

📍 Location: Near Galway (County Clare)
🌟 Perfect For: Large-scale destination weddings in a castle

For couples who want a truly royal wedding experience, Dromoland Castle is one of the most prestigious wedding venues in Ireland. Its majestic interiors, lush gardens, and historic ambiance make it an unforgettable setting.

📸 Explore castle wedding photography: Galway Ireland Weddings


8. Connemara Coast Hotel – A Coastal Wedding Escape

📍 Location: Connemara, Galway
🌟 Perfect For: Scenic seaside weddings & intimate elopements

Nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara Coast Hotel is ideal for couples who love the ocean and want a relaxed yet elegant wedding atmosphere. The clifftop ceremony spaces and luxurious interiors make it a perfect venue for a romantic destination wedding.

📸 See wedding inspiration in Connemara: Galway Ireland Weddings

9. Galway Bay Hotel – A Scenic Seaside Venue for Destination Weddings

A man and woman walking in a garden

📍 Location: Galway Bay
🌟 Perfect For: Couples dreaming of a romantic seaside wedding

Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway Bay Hotel is a stunning wedding venue that offers breathtaking ocean views, elegant interiors, and world-class service. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony by the beach or a grand ballroom reception, this venue provides the perfect balance of coastal charm and luxury.

With easy access to Salthill Beach, couples can take advantage of the beautiful coastline for wedding portraits, capturing the essence of a true destination wedding in Galway. The hotel’s exceptional hospitality and customized wedding packages make it a popular choice for both local and international couples.

📸 See real weddings at Galway Bay Hotel:
👉 Galway Bay Hotel Wedding – Romantic Seaside Celebration


10. Lough Cutra Castle – A Private Lakeside Castle for Exclusive Weddings

📍 Location: South Galway
🌟 Perfect For: Couples seeking a private, high-end castle wedding

For couples looking for an exclusive, luxury castle wedding, Lough Cutra Castle is the ultimate venue. Nestled on a private estate with a stunning lake, this hidden gem offers fairytale-like scenery, historic charm, and complete privacy for an unforgettable wedding experience.

The castle features majestic reception halls, breathtaking gardens, and scenic lakeside spots for ceremonies, making it one of the most sought-after venues for high-end weddings in Ireland. The picturesque surroundings ensure stunning wedding photography, with every moment feeling like a scene from a storybook.

Lough Cutra Castle is also a favorite for destination weddings, offering luxurious accommodations and exclusive use of the estate for couples and their guests.

📸 Explore more wedding inspiration at Ireland’s finest castles:
👉 Castle Wedding Photography – View More


Why Hire a Galway Wedding Photographer?

A group of people posing for a photo

As a Galway Wedding Photographer, I specialize in destination weddings, elopements, and documentary wedding photography. Whether you’re getting married in a castle, by the ocean, or in the heart of Galway City, I capture your love story with timeless, artistic images.

What Couples Say – Testimonials

What Couples Say About Their Galway Weddings

Choosing the perfect wedding venue is just the beginning. Here’s what couples who tied the knot in Galway have to say about their experience and the breathtaking moments captured on their special day.


💬 Emma & Daniel – Cloughan Castle Wedding
“Our wedding at Cloughan Castle was nothing short of a fairytale. The castle’s historic charm combined with the stunning Irish landscape made for the most incredible backdrop. Having Wojciech Koza as our Galway Wedding Photographer was the best decision – every image captured the raw emotions and beauty of the day!”

📸 See more from Cloughan Castle Weddings:
👉 Real Weddings – Cloughan Castle


💬 Sarah & James – Galway Bay Hotel Wedding
“There’s something truly magical about getting married by the ocean, and the Galway Bay Hotel gave us that perfect seaside wedding we always dreamed of. Wojciech captured every moment with such authenticity – from the ocean breeze lifting my veil to the golden sunset over the bay. We couldn’t be happier with our photos!”

📸 See real weddings at Galway Bay Hotel:
👉 Galway Bay Hotel Wedding


💬 Laura & Tom – Elopement at Hag’s Head, Cliffs of Moher
“If you’re thinking about an elopement in Ireland, do it! We wanted something intimate and breathtaking, and the Cliffs of Moher delivered beyond our wildest dreams. Wojciech’s documentary-style photography captured the wild beauty of the cliffs and the deep emotions of our vows. Every picture feels like a work of art!”

📸 See more from Cliffs of Moher elopements:
👉 Hag’s Head Elopement Wedding

📩 Let’s create your dream wedding gallery: Contact Me

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