Micro Destination Weddings in Ireland
Dublin Destination Wedding Planner
As a destination wedding planner based in Dublin, I have found that mini weddings or micro destination weddings in Ireland are the new term for what we would have considered an elopement or intimate destination event. No matter what you call it (or where you live), Ireland is the perfect location for exactly this! We have the dramatic scenery for those special moments and photos that will rival any blockbuster movie backdrop. That’s why so many film studios have based epic productions here. You might recognize some of our wedding sites in films like Star Wars, The Princess Bride, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones, to name but a few. Setting the scene here is about as easy as it gets!
Micro Destination Weddings
But micro destination weddings in Ireland are filled with more than just jaw-dropping scenery (think cliffsides and castles) and Hollywood magic. There’s a bit of what we believe is real magic too! In this country, we love tradition as much as we love our fairies. We are rich in history with lots of wedding “norms” or traditions stemming from our Celtic or druid practices. Ireland has a lot of pagan beliefs that are intermingled with our own customs to such an extent it’s hard to know where the myth begins and ends. We still believe in the power of fairies and the Faery folk still hold a special place in all of our hearts. With this culture and fantasy, the romance is easily found – as are the unique details ideal for making an elopement extra special.
Celtic hand fasting ceremony
The Celtic hand fasting ceremony is one of these pagan beliefs that has stood the test of time. It’s also one of the easiest ways to bring a bit of Irish magic to your wedding ceremony. The hand fasting is a symbolic ritual where by a couple’s hands are tied together to bind them – therefore “tying the knot.” The ritual is an ancient Celtic tradition and dates back over 2000 years. It was originally used as a betrothal (an engagement of sorts) where a druid would bind a couple’s hands together as a sort of trial marriage. There are no hard and fast rules for your hand fasting ceremony, just be sure your ribbons or cord are min 1m long to ensure they can wrap a few times around your hands. The end result is a sweet and sentimental moment between the two of you and some wonderful photos by your micro destination wedding photographer!
ring warming ceremony
Another Celtic or druid tradition is the ring warming ceremony, whereby the couple’s wedding rings are passed around the guests to be warmed and filled with love. This works well with an intimate group of guests, something to involve all your loved ones in.
The ringing of wedding bells to signify a marriage has its roots in Celtic tradition too. Bells were once used to ward off evil sprits. Today they can symbolize your walk back down the aisle after tying the knot.
Something Blue
Something old, new, borrowed, and blue has its traditions in Ireland too. Something blue was considered lucky (and a sign of purity). So when you opt for your something blue here, you’re actually including the culture around you too!
Pair our stunning settings with some of our mystical Celtic traditions and your micro destination wedding in Ireland will be filled with much more than just movie magic! Micro Destination Weddings in Ireland can be just as magical as a massive one, just consider a few special touches and traditions to enhance the romance. As a destination wedding planner here in Dublin, I know for sure that with or without wedding guests, the fairies will be celebrating you until the end of time!
- Event Planning & Design: Tara Fay Events