My Top Five Favourite Kerry Wedding Venues
- Dermot Sullivan
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago

Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. After photographing weddings across Kerry for more than 15 years, I've worked in many of the county's most popular venues. In this guide, I'm sharing my favourite Kerry wedding venues from a wedding photographer's perspective, including the best locations for photographs, ceremony spaces and beautiful surroundings.
If you would like any help or advice in choosing your wedding venue in Kerry or Cork, feel free to contact me for a chat.
The Best Wedding Venues in Tralee
Ballyseede Castle – One of the Best Wedding Venues in Tralee
If you've always dreamed of a romantic castle wedding, Ballyseede Castle is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Kerry. Set among 30 acres of mature woodland and beautifully landscaped gardens just outside Tralee, it combines the elegance of a historic castle with the warmth and comfort of a luxury country house. From the moment you arrive through the tree-lined entrance, it feels like somewhere truly special.
One of the things couples love most about Ballyseede is that your entire wedding day can take place in one stunning location. The light-filled Orangery provides a wonderful space for your drinks reception before guests move into the impressive medieval-style banqueting hall for dinner. The addition of The Belfry, a purpose-built ceremony space, has made Ballyseede an even more attractive choice for couples planning a civil, humanist or spiritual ceremony. It has a timeless feel that reminds me of the Honan Chapel in UCC.
From a photographer's perspective, Ballyseede offers some of the best wedding photo opportunities in Kerry. The manicured gardens, winding pathways and elegant Roman temple create beautiful backdrops throughout the day, while the grand stone steps at the front of the castle are perfect for relaxed family photographs and dramatic portraits. Whatever the season, it's a venue that consistently delivers beautiful images and an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.
Ballygarry Estate Hotel – A Stylish Modern Wedding Venue in Tralee
If you're looking for a contemporary wedding venue with beautiful gardens and exceptional service, Ballygarry Estate Hotel is one of the best wedding venues in Kerry. Located just outside Tralee and surrounded by landscaped grounds with views of the Slieve Mish Mountains, it offers a modern and elegant setting while still retaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel instantly at home.
One of the highlights of Ballygarry is how seamlessly your wedding day flows from one part of the venue to the next. The stylish Pavilion provides a spacious and light-filled setting for your drinks reception, while The Lodge, a purpose-built indoor ceremony venue, offers a beautiful location for civil, humanist and spiritual ceremonies all year round. Its large feature window brings the surrounding gardens and mountain views indoors, creating a wonderful backdrop as you exchange your vows.
As a wedding photographer, I always enjoy working at Ballygarry because there are so many beautiful locations for relaxed, natural photographs. The landscaped gardens and terrace are perfect for couple portraits, while the charming little bridge is one of my favourite spots for an evening photo just before your first dance. With a little creative lighting, it becomes the ideal setting for a dramatic image that perfectly captures the atmosphere of your wedding day.
The Best Wedding Venues in Killarney
Great Southern Hotel - Fantastic Wedding Venue In The Heart of Killarney
If you're dreaming of an elegant wedding in the heart of Killarney, the Great Southern Hotel is a venue that's hard to overlook. Steeped in history since 1854, this iconic hotel combines timeless Victorian charm with beautifully maintained gardens and modern wedding facilities, making it a wonderful choice for both intimate celebrations and large weddings. The hotel can accommodate everything from smaller receptions of around 40 guests to celebrations of up to 600 people, giving you plenty of flexibility as you plan your day.
One of the biggest attractions for couples is the variety of stunning spaces throughout the hotel. From the magnificent tiled entrance and grand reception area to the light-filled glass corridor and beautiful gardens, every corner offers a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photographs. The luxurious bridal suite is the perfect place to get ready on the morning of your wedding and provides a beautiful setting for those relaxed, natural moments before your ceremony.
As a wedding photographer, it's one of my favourite venues in Kerry because there are so many elegant locations for photographs without ever having to leave the hotel. If you're looking for a classic Killarney wedding venue with exceptional service, beautiful surroundings and timeless style, the Great Southern should definitely be on your shortlist.
Muckross Park Hotel - A Classic Wedding Venue Next To The National Park
If you're looking for a luxury wedding venue surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Killarney National Park, Muckross Park Hotel is an exceptional choice. Located just 10 minutes from Killarney town and opposite the entrance to Muckross Abbey, this five-star hotel offers a unique blend of elegance, tranquillity and spectacular scenery, making it one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Kerry.
Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a larger wedding, the hotel has two stylish banqueting suites, each accommodating up to 270 guests. From your ceremony through to your evening celebrations, every part of your wedding day flows effortlessly in one beautiful location.
One of the biggest reasons couples choose Muckross Park Hotel is the incredible variety of settings for their wedding photographs. The impressive stone entrance creates a stunning first impression, while the landscaped gardens, elegant reception rooms and luxurious bridal suite provide beautiful backdrops throughout the day. The award-winning spa is also a unique feature, offering a stylish and contemporary setting for some truly memorable photographs.
As a wedding photographer, I especially love that you're only moments from some of Kerry's most iconic scenery. With Muckross Abbey, Killarney National Park and the Lakes of Killarney just minutes away, it's easy to create timeless wedding photographs without spending hours travelling between locations.
Kenmare's Top Wedding Venue
Kenmare Bay Hotel - The Famous Kerry Wedding Venue
If you're dreaming of a relaxed wedding in one of Kerry's most picturesque towns, the Kenmare Bay Hotel is a fantastic choice. Just a short stroll from the colourful streets of Kenmare and surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way, this award-winning hotel offers the perfect blend of warm Irish hospitality and beautiful mountain views.
Whether you're planning an intimate celebration or a larger wedding, the elegant banqueting suite can accommodate up to 350 guests while still feeling welcoming for smaller gatherings. Couples can also choose to hold both their wedding ceremony and reception at the hotel, allowing family and friends to relax and enjoy the entire day in one beautiful location.
One of the things couples love most about the Kenmare Bay Hotel is the spectacular backdrop for wedding photographs. The light-filled reception spaces, impressive banqueting suite and panoramic views of the Kerry mountains create beautiful settings throughout the day. After your drinks reception, you're also just minutes from some of the most scenic locations in Kerry, making it easy to capture timeless photographs overlooking the mountains, woodlands and nearby coastline.
As a wedding photographer, I also love that Kenmare itself is full of character. Its colourful streets, charming bridges and riverside walks provide wonderful opportunities for relaxed, natural portraits, giving you a stunning variety of photographs without travelling far from your guests. If you're looking for a Kerry wedding venue that combines breathtaking scenery, exceptional hospitality and the charm of one of Ireland's most beautiful towns, the Kenmare Bay Hotel should definitely be on your shortlist.
Killarney's Best Wedding Photography Location
One of the questions I’m often asked by couples getting married in Killarney is, “Where should we go for our wedding photographs?” If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery without spending hours travelling between locations, my favourite spot is the Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, just ten minutes from the town centre on the road to Killorglin.
From a bride’s perspective, this location has everything you could hope for. Because it’s a private club that welcomes wedding photography, you can enjoy stunning views without the crowds of tourists that are often found at many of Kerry’s famous beauty spots. That means more privacy, less stress and photographs that feel intimate and timeless.
Within a short walk, you’ll find lakes, mountains, windswept trees, a charming humpback bridge and a beautiful pier stretching out into the water with endless skies behind it. It offers an incredible variety of backdrops without taking you away from your guests for too long.
As a wedding photographer, I love recommending this location because it works beautifully in every season. Whether it’s a bright summer evening or a crisp winter wedding, the light and scenery here are always exceptional. Best of all, it’s the perfect 30-minute portrait stop, allowing you to create spectacular wedding photographs and still return in plenty of time to enjoy your drinks reception with family and friends.
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