Meath Wedding Photographer's: Top 10 Best Venues in Meath
I've been photographing weddings across Ireland for over a decade now and there's always something special about Meath weddings. I’ve no source for this but it certainly feels Meath has the highest “Per-Capita Epic Wedding Venue” ratio than any other county in Ireland. Whatever it is, this county has quietly become one of my favourite places to work. Also, full disclosure, before going any further, Annie, my wife is a native of Meath so I may be a tiny bit biased)
Meath sits in that perfect sweet spot. Close enough to Dublin that your city guests won't complain about the drive, but far enough out that you get proper countryside views and that feeling of escape. The venues here range from grand estates with manicured gardens to raw industrial spaces tucked into old mill buildings. You can have a black-tie affair in a castle or a relaxed celebration in a candlelit barn. The variety is seriously impressive.
What I love most as a photographer is how different each venue feels. The light changes from place to place. The architecture tells different stories. And because Meath hasn't been as heavily marketed as some other wedding regions, these venues still feel fresh and personal. Your wedding won't look like everyone else's.
Why Meath is Ireland's Best Kept Wedding Secret
I know “best kept secret’’ is a bit of a cliche but while everyone flocks to the usual suspects in Wicklow or West Cork, Meath has been quietly building one of the strongest collections of wedding venues in the country. You get the elegance and history without the inflated price tags. Most of these estates are family-run, which means the service feels personal rather than corporate.
The countryside here is gentle and photogenic. Rolling fields, ancient stone walls, riverside walks, and woodland paths. It's the kind of landscape that photographs beautifully in any season but really shines in late spring and early autumn when the light is soft and golden.
And because Meath is so accessible from Dublin, Kildare and Louth, your guests can actually get home safely at the end of the night. Or they can stay over in one of the many country hotels nearby and make a weekend of it. Either way, it's practical without feeling ordinary.
Ballymagarvey Village
Ballymagarvey Village is one of those venues that surprises people. It looks like a little Irish hamlet, complete with whitewashed cottages and cobbled courtyards, but it was purpose-built for weddings and events. The result is something that feels historic but functions like a modern venue.
I've photographed here loads of times and it always delivers. The courtyard works beautifully for arrival shots and drinks receptions. The natural stone and cottage doors give you texture without feeling heavy. Inside, the main reception space has exposed beams and plenty of candlelight, which creates a warm, intimate atmosphere even when the room is full.
One of the best things about Ballymagarvey is the flexibility. You can have your ceremony outdoors in the gardens, or inside if the weather turns. There are multiple spots for portraits, from the wildflower meadow to the tree-lined driveway. The food here is excellent too, and the staff have that rare ability to be attentive without being intrusive. (You can see more from weddings I've photographed here on my Ballymagarvey Village guide.)
Boyne Hill House Estate
Boyne Hill House Estate has a kind of effortless elegance. It's a Georgian manor house set on 26 acres of parkland, with views that stretch out over the Boyne Valley. The house itself is beautiful but not overly grand, which makes it feel welcoming rather than intimidating.
The interior spaces are flooded with natural light, which any photographer will appreciate. The high ceilings and large windows mean you don't have to battle with dark corners during prep shots or speeches. The main drawing room is perfect for intimate ceremonies, and the marquee setup in the gardens works brilliantly for larger celebrations.
What sets Boyne Hill apart is the attention to detail. The gardens are meticulously maintained, with mature trees that provide gorgeous dappled light for portraits. The stone archways and old outbuildings add character without feeling staged. And because it's an exclusive-use venue, you get the whole estate to yourselves, which makes for a much more relaxed day.
The Millhouse – Exclusive Georgian Manor House
The Millhouse is not what you expect from a Georgian manor. Yes, the bones are there, the elegant proportions and period features, but the interiors have been given a thoroughly modern treatment. Exposed brick, industrial lighting, concrete floors. It's one of the most stylish venues I've worked in.
From a photography perspective, The Millhouse is a dream. The contrast between old and new gives you so many options. The industrial textures photograph beautifully in black and white, while the natural light pouring through the tall windows is perfect for softer, more romantic portraits. The outdoor spaces include a walled garden and woodland areas, so you're never stuck for interesting backdrops.
The venue is exclusively yours for the weekend, which means you can relax into the day without feeling rushed. The accommodation is on-site, so your closest friends and family can stay over and you can extend the celebration into the next day. The food here is exceptional, creative without being fussy, and the team really know how to run a wedding.
Clonabreany House
Clonabreany House is one of those venues that just feels right the moment you arrive. It's a classic country estate with a long tree-lined avenue, a beautiful 18th-century house and acres of gardens that seem to go on forever. But despite the grandeur, there's a warmth here that makes it feel like a home rather than a hotel.
I've photographed at Clonabreany many times and it never disappoints. The ceremony room has huge windows overlooking the gardens, so even indoor ceremonies feel bright and airy. The gardens themselves are stunning, with formal lawns, woodland walks and a lake that catches the evening light perfectly. Golden hour here is something special.
The team at Clonabreany are fantastic. They're experienced, calm and genuinely invested in making sure your day runs smoothly. The food is consistently excellent and the house has enough character that you don't need to go overboard on styling. It's beautiful as it is. (I've written more about photographing here in my Clonabreany House guide.)
Tankardstown House
Tankardstown House sits just across the border in Westmeath but it's so close to Meath and so popular with couples from the area that it deserves a mention. This is one of the most romantic venues I've ever worked in. It's an 18th-century manor house surrounded by 80 acres of parkland, orchards and walled gardens.
The light here is extraordinary. Something about the way the house sits in the landscape means you get long, golden evenings that are perfect for portraits. The walled garden is my favourite spot, with its climbing roses and old brick paths. There's also a vintage glasshouse that works beautifully for more intimate moments.
Tankardstown is known for its food, and rightly so. The kitchen team are exceptional and the dining experience here feels special without being stuffy. The interiors are elegant and understated, with plenty of period details but nothing that feels overdone. It's the kind of place that photographs beautifully because everything is in harmony. (See more from weddings here on my Tankardstown House guide.)
Durhamstown Castle
Durhamstown Castle is a proper medieval castle, complete with turrets, stone archways and a great hall that feels like something out of a historical drama. But it's also surprisingly cosy. The current owners have restored it beautifully and filled it with character without losing any of the original charm.
Photographing at Durhamstown is always an adventure. The stone walls and dramatic architecture give you so much texture to work with. The candlelit receptions here are particularly atmospheric, with low lighting that creates a really intimate, romantic mood. Outside, the grounds include formal gardens and woodland areas that work well for portraits.
One of the unique features here is the sense of history. You're not just getting married in a beautiful building, you're stepping into a story that goes back centuries. The team are welcoming and experienced, and because it's a smaller venue, everything feels personal and carefully considered.
The Station House Hotel
The Station House Hotel in Kilmessan is a different proposition altogether. It's a relaxed, family-run hotel that feels more like a country house than a traditional wedding venue. The atmosphere here is warm and unpretentious, which suits couples who want a celebration that feels like a big family party.
The gardens at the Station House are lovely, with plenty of mature trees and open lawns that work well for outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions. Inside, the dining room is bright and spacious without feeling cavernous. The style is traditional but comfortable, and the team here are known for their hospitality and attention to detail.
What I appreciate about photographing here is how natural everything feels. There's no pressure to be overly formal or staged. The documentary moments flow easily and the relaxed atmosphere means guests are genuinely enjoying themselves, which always makes for better photos.
Segrave Barns
Segrave Barns is the venue for couples who want something different. It's a collection of restored stone barns set in 40 acres of private woodland near Dunshaughlin. The aesthetic is rustic meets elegant, with exposed stone walls, wooden beams and acres of fairy lights.
The outdoor ceremony space is magical. You're surrounded by trees and the only sounds are birdsong and the occasional breeze through the leaves. It's one of the most peaceful ceremony settings I've experienced. The woodland also provides endless opportunities for portraits, with dappled light filtering through the canopy and natural textures everywhere you look.
Inside, the barns have been beautifully restored with a contemporary edge. The main reception space feels intimate despite its size, and the team have created a layout that encourages guests to mingle and relax. The food is excellent and the whole operation is run with genuine care and attention.
Bellinter House
Bellinter House is a grand Palladian mansion on the banks of the River Boyne. The architecture is stunning, all symmetry and classical proportions, but the interiors have been given a thoroughly modern makeover. The result is a venue that feels both historic and contemporary.
The house sits in beautiful grounds with riverside walks, woodland paths and manicured lawns. The light here changes throughout the day and the variety of locations means you're never stuck for interesting backdrops. The interiors are stylish without being cold, with plenty of colour and personality.
Bellinter is well-established on the wedding scene and the team here are experienced and professional. The food is consistently excellent and the service is polished without being overly formal. It's a venue that works well for couples who want a touch of grandeur but also value comfort and good hospitality.
Slane Castle
Slane Castle is probably the most famous venue on this list. It's a Gothic Revival castle set on a 1,500-acre estate overlooking the River Boyne. The scale and drama of the place are extraordinary, but surprisingly, it doesn't feel intimidating. It’s also where the Hit RTE Show “The Traitors” was filmed.
The interior spaces are magnificent. High ceilings, ornate plasterwork, crystal chandeliers and sweeping staircases. From a photography perspective, it's endlessly inspiring. The light in the main reception rooms is beautiful, particularly in the late afternoon when it streams through the tall windows and catches the architectural details.
The grounds are equally impressive, with riverside walks, formal gardens and views that stretch for miles. The ballroom is one of the most beautiful spaces I've worked in, with its painted ceilings and elegant proportions. Slane is a venue that requires a certain level of confidence to pull off, but when it works, it's truly unforgettable. (You can explore more from a recent wedding here Real Slane Castle Wedding.)
Also, if you are considering Slane Castle as a venue, you might not be surprised to see it listed in my Top 10 Castle venues blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wedding venues in Meath?
The best venue really depends on what you're looking for. If you want classic elegance, Clonabreany House and Tankardstown House are hard to beat. For something more alternative, The Millhouse and Segrave Barns offer a contemporary edge. And if you're after historic grandeur, Slane Castle and Durhamstown Castle deliver in spades. Each venue has its own personality, so it's worth visiting a few to see what feels right for you.
How much do Meath wedding venues cost on average?
Prices vary quite a bit depending on the venue, the time of year and what's included in your package. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from €80 to €150 per head for dinner, drinks and venue hire. Some venues offer exclusive use which increases the cost but gives you more privacy and flexibility. It's worth getting detailed quotes from a few places and comparing what's actually included before making a decision.
Is Meath a good location for Dublin couples getting married?
Absolutely. Meath is close enough to Dublin that most guests can drive home after the reception if they choose to, but far enough out that you get proper countryside views and a sense of escape. The drive is usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on where in Dublin you're coming from. And because the roads are good and well-signposted, people don't tend to get lost.
What time of year is best for a Meath wedding?
Late spring and early autumn are ideal. May, June, September and early October give you the best chance of good weather and the countryside is at its most photogenic. Summer can be unpredictable in Ireland, and winter weddings are beautiful but you'll need to embrace shorter days and the possibility of rain. That said, every season has its charm and most venues work well year-round.
How do I choose the right wedding photographer in Meath?
Look for someone who has experience photographing in the area and knows the venues well. A local or Dublin-based photographer will understand the light, the best locations for portraits and how to work efficiently in each space. Check their portfolio to make sure their style matches what you're looking for, and arrange a call or meeting to see if you connect on a personal level. You'll be spending the whole day with this person, so it's important you feel comfortable around them.
Can you have outdoor ceremonies at Meath venues?
Most of the venues I've mentioned offer outdoor ceremony options, usually with an indoor backup plan in case of bad weather. Segrave Barns, Ballymagarvey Village, Clonabreany House and Boyne Hill House all have beautiful outdoor spaces that work brilliantly for ceremonies. Just make sure you have a solid Plan B, because Irish weather can be unpredictable even in summer.
I've been lucky enough to photograph weddings all over Meath and across the Boyne Valley over the years. Every time I drive through Navan or Slane or out towards Trim, I'm reminded why this county works so well for weddings. It has the landscape, the venues and the proximity to Dublin without any of the pretension.
If you're planning a wedding in Meath and looking for a photographer who knows these venues inside out, I'd love to hear from you. You can get in touch through my contact page or browse more real weddings from across Ireland on my blog.