Why U.S. Couples Are Choosing Ireland For Their Dream Destination Wedding

For many Americans, traveling to Ireland feels like a homecoming. According to U.S. Census data, 9.7% of Americans—around 32 million people—claim Irish ancestry. With parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents hailing from Ireland, the Emerald Isle becomes more than a romantic backdrop; it represents a deeply personal connection to heritage. By choosing to marry here, couples honor their family history while beginning a new chapter of their own.

Ireland is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary wedding venues, from medieval castles and charming stately homes to dramatic seaside cliffs and ancient ruins. With more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins scattered across the landscape, couples are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a uniquely romantic setting for their special day.

Among these storied locations is The Station House Hotel—a beautifully restored 19th-century railway station turned award-winning venue, nestled within the heart of the Boyne Valley. It is also a proud member of Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book, a curated collection of the country’s most distinguished historic hotels, country houses, and restaurants, renowned for their heritage, character, and warm hospitality.

Discover what your dream Irish wedding could look like. Download our wedding brochure for full package details or view upcoming showcase dates to experience the venue in person.

Ireland isn’t called The Emerald Isle for nothing. Its temperate climate nourishes some of the most lush, green landscapes on Earth. Iconic sites like the Cliffs of Moher provide sweeping coastal views steeped in myth and folklore, while castles and quaint fishing villages dot the winding shoreline.

Few places capture Ireland’s heritage and natural beauty more vividly than the Boyne Valley, part of the storied region known as Ireland’s Ancient East. With its ancient woodlands, riverside ruins, and rolling hills, the valley offers a breathtaking backdrop for intimate ceremonies and stunning wedding photography.

Explore more of what the Boyne Valley has to offer and browse a curated gallery of real wedding moments captured on the grounds of The Station House Hotel.

Ireland consistently ranks among the world’s most welcoming and hospitable countries. In 2022, it was named the friendliest country in Europe, with cities like Dublin earning top marks for hospitality. TripAdvisor also ranked Ireland second globally for service, reinforcing its long-held reputation as “The land of a hundred thousand welcomes”. Beyond its warmth and charm, Ireland is gaining recognition for its modern culinary scene, where fresh, homegrown ingredients take center stage. From pasture-raised meats to locally harvested vegetables and Atlantic seafood, the country’s commitment to quality and sustainability is reflected in every dish.

The award-winning Signal Restaurant at The Station House Hotel exemplifies Ireland’s culinary values with a true farm-to-table approach, using seasonal produce grown on-site and sourced from local farms across the Boyne Valley. Recently named Diners’ Choice by OpenTable, it delivers a dining experience defined by freshness, sustainability, and regional flavors.

Ireland isn’t as far as you might think—in fact, it’s one of the most accessible European destinations for American travelers. Direct flights to Dublin are available from major U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, with flight times as short as six hours from the East Coast. Once you arrive, Ireland’s compact size, modern road network, and reliable public transportation make exploring the country remarkably straightforward. English is the primary language, and the welcoming culture ensures a smooth, stress-free travel experience from the moment you land.

Unlike many countries, non-residents can legally marry in Ireland. With proper advance notice (a minimum of three months), you can be legally wed with the help of a civil registrar or approved celebrant. Many couples choose a symbolic ceremony and complete the legal side at home, but for those who want to make it official on Irish soil—it’s entirely possible and hassel free!

Why fly to a second location? In Ireland, your honeymoon starts the minute you say “I do.” From the Boyne Valley to the Cliffs of Moher, from Galway’s cobbled streets to the Ring of Kerry, the island is one vast, open-air honeymoon destination. And if you want more, mainland Europe is just a short flight away—Paris, Rome, Venice, and Barcelona are all within two to three hours.

Download our wedding brochure to explore everything The Station House Hotel has to offer, or join us in person at one of our upcoming showcase events. Experience the romance, history, and natural beauty that make Ireland the top choice for American couples dreaming of a destination wedding.