According to the 2025 Irish Wedding Trends Survey, which gathered insights from over 400 couples nationwide, winter weddings continue to grow in popularity with a 10% year-on-year increase compared to 2024.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reported that 20,348 marriages were registered in Ireland in 2024, including 668 samesex unions.
In Cork, couples are embracing festive celebrations more than ever, with award-winning venues such as Clonakilty’s Fernhill House right on the doorstep.
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Couples planning winter weddings cited several key reasons for this shift, including the savings that can be made on the cost of a wedding compared to peak summer dates.
The betrothed also found that there was there was a greater availability among their guests during the winter season, and liked too the romantic atmosphere created by candlelight, roaring fires, and sparkling décor of Christmas lights.
While overall marriage rates have declined in recent years, the rise in winter weddings highlights a growing preference for offseason celebrations.
This is a trend that is echoed across Western countries.
Globally, the wedding industry is valued at over $300 billion, with couples increasingly opting for ecofriendly, budget-savvy, and offseason celebrations that combine romance with practicality.
Shell Holden, wedding expert and co-owner of SaveMyDay.ie, who ran the survey, noted that Cork couples ‘are at the heart of Ireland’s winter wedding boom.’
‘Venues like Clonakilty’s Fernhill House showcase how festive charm, sustainability, and local warmth making Cork one of the most magical places to tie the knot in winter.’
Other hotels that got the nod were The Wicklow Escape, voted Ireland’s Best Dog-Friendly Wedding Venue, and 10 Bridge Street in Killorglin in Kerry, Ireland’s Best Exclusive Weeding Venue according to the website.
Other Kingdom venues who come highly rated include Jacks Coastguard Restaurant in Cromane, and Ballyseede Castle, Ireland’s Best Castle Wedding Venue.
