GITNUXREPORT 2026

Ireland Wedding Industry Statistics

The Irish wedding industry significantly boosted the national economy and job market in 2023.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Average age of bride was 32.4 years in 2023, up 2 years from 2019.

Statistic 2

68% of couples cohabited before marriage in 2023, average 3.2 years.

Statistic 3

First marriages accounted for 72% of weddings, remarriages 18%.

Statistic 4

Average guest list size was 118 in 2023, down 10% from 2019.

Statistic 5

55% of brides were professionals in tech/finance sectors.

Statistic 6

Inter-county couples made up 42%, international 22%.

Statistic 7

Grooms averaged 34.1 years, with 25% over 40.

Statistic 8

31% of couples had children prior to wedding.

Statistic 9

Urban couples (Dublin/Cork) 48%, rural 32%.

Statistic 10

LGBTQ+ weddings rose to 8% of total, civil partnerships down.

Statistic 11

Average income of couples €85,000 combined.

Statistic 12

76% of weddings were heterosexual, but diverse guests 92%.

Statistic 13

45% first-time home owners at marriage.

Statistic 14

Average bride age 32.8 in rural areas vs 31.9 urban.

Statistic 15

71% couples met online/dating apps.

Statistic 16

Second marriages 22%, blended families 55%.

Statistic 17

Guest count average 112, intimate <80 at 28%.

Statistic 18

58% brides in healthcare/education fields.

Statistic 19

Cross-border (ROI-NI) couples 15%.

Statistic 20

Grooms 35.6 average age, farmers 38.2.

Statistic 21

Pre-marital children in 34% couples.

Statistic 22

Dublin couples 52% higher income bracket.

Statistic 23

Same-sex marriages 9.2%, growth 12%.

Statistic 24

82% university-educated couples.

Statistic 25

Overseas-born partners 27%.

Statistic 26

51% own homes pre-wedding.

Statistic 27

In 2023, the Irish wedding industry contributed €1.4 billion to the national economy, representing a 12% increase from 2022.

Statistic 28

The sector supported 18,500 direct and indirect jobs in Ireland as of 2023, with hospitality accounting for 45% of employment.

Statistic 29

Wedding-related tourism brought in €450 million in 2023, with 65% of international guests from the UK and US.

Statistic 30

Average wedding spend per couple reached €32,000 in 2023, up 8% from pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 31

Dublin accounted for 28% of total wedding industry revenue in 2023, totaling €392 million.

Statistic 32

The industry saw 22,500 weddings in 2023, a 15% recovery from 2021 lows.

Statistic 33

Floristry and decoration services generated €85 million in 2023, with a 20% rise in sustainable sourcing.

Statistic 34

Wedding transport sector earned €62 million in 2023, dominated by luxury coach hires at 55% market share.

Statistic 35

Photography and videography contributed €110 million, with 70% of couples opting for drone footage.

Statistic 36

Stationery and invitations sector hit €18 million, boosted by personalized digital invites at 40% uptake.

Statistic 37

Music and entertainment services totaled €95 million, with live bands preferred by 62% of couples.

Statistic 38

Bridalwear retail sales reached €75 million, with second-hand dresses surging 25%.

Statistic 39

Groomswear and menswear contributed €28 million, with sustainable fabrics up 35%.

Statistic 40

Cake and sweet services generated €42 million, with vegan options at 22% of orders.

Statistic 41

Hair and beauty services earned €55 million, with extensions popular in 48% of bookings.

Statistic 42

In 2023, the Irish wedding industry saw a 14% revenue growth to €1.45 billion.

Statistic 43

Employment in wedding services reached 19,200 jobs, 48% in rural areas.

Statistic 44

Export of wedding services to NI/UK generated €120 million.

Statistic 45

Tax revenue from weddings €280 million in VAT and income tax.

Statistic 46

Midwest region (Clare/Limerick) 15% of national revenue.

Statistic 47

23,100 marriages registered, 98% heterosexual civil.

Statistic 48

Event staffing agencies earned €45 million from weddings.

Statistic 49

Luxury car hires contributed €68 million, 60% vintage.

Statistic 50

Wedding films/videography €115 million, cinematic 75%.

Statistic 51

Eco-stationery sales €20 million, recycled paper 80%.

Statistic 52

DJ services €52 million, LED lighting add-ons 55%.

Statistic 53

Vintage bridalwear €82 million, upcycled 30%.

Statistic 54

Suit tailoring €32 million, bespoke 40%.

Statistic 55

Multi-tier cakes €48 million, allergy-free 25%.

Statistic 56

Mobile beauty units €60 million, on-site 85%.

Statistic 57

Sustainable weddings chosen by 67% of millennials.

Statistic 58

Micro-weddings (under 50 guests) hit 35% market share in 2023.

Statistic 59

82% of couples used wedding planners, digital tools 70%.

Statistic 60

Elopements surged 28%, Scotland top destination.

Statistic 61

Vegan/plant-based menus in 52% of weddings.

Statistic 62

Live streaming adopted by 65%, for overseas guests.

Statistic 63

Personalized vows in 78% of ceremonies.

Statistic 64

Eco-friendly decor (recycled) 61% usage.

Statistic 65

Destination weddings within Ireland 41%.

Statistic 66

Tech integrations like apps for RSVPs 75%.

Statistic 67

Dry weddings (no alcohol) 12% rise.

Statistic 68

Cultural fusion weddings 19%, heritage elements.

Statistic 69

Postponements from COVID down to 5%.

Statistic 70

Intimate elopements 32%, planners used 85%.

Statistic 71

71% carbon-neutral venues chosen.

Statistic 72

AI photo booths in 44% events.

Statistic 73

25% elopements to Wild Atlantic Way.

Statistic 74

Gluten-free options 48% menus.

Statistic 75

VR guest experiences 22% uptake.

Statistic 76

Handfasting ceremonies 15% rise.

Statistic 77

Reusable decor 68%.

Statistic 78

Staycation honeymoons 46%.

Statistic 79

AR invitations 31% digital.

Statistic 80

Non-alcoholic bars 18%.

Statistic 81

Heritage dances 24%.

Statistic 82

Hybrid events (in-person/virtual) 11%.

Statistic 83

Dublin Castle hosted 1,200 weddings in 2023, 15% of national castle weddings.

Statistic 84

Adare Manor in Limerick saw 450 weddings, average 180 guests each.

Statistic 85

35% of weddings in 2023 were held in Kerry, with Dingle Peninsula top spot.

Statistic 86

Barn venues surged to 22% market share, up from 12% in 2020.

Statistic 87

Galway's Ashford Castle booked 320 weddings, 90% international couples.

Statistic 88

Outdoor ceremonies comprised 28% of weddings, weather-proof tents 80% used.

Statistic 89

Hotel venues dominated with 52% share, average capacity 150 guests.

Statistic 90

Cork city's customized venues hosted 950 events, micro-weddings 40%.

Statistic 91

Cliffs of Moher vicinity saw 180 weddings, scenic backdrops 95% chosen.

Statistic 92

Vineyard-style venues in Languedoc-inspired Irish spots grew 18%.

Statistic 93

Historic houses hosted 12% of weddings, average restoration cost €2m.

Statistic 94

Beach weddings in Donegal rose to 150 events, tide-timed 70%.

Statistic 95

City hall ceremonies in Dublin: 2,800 in 2023, civil 65%.

Statistic 96

Forest venues emerged with 85 bookings, eco-certified 100%.

Statistic 97

Killruddery House 380 weddings, gardens 90% used.

Statistic 98

38% weddings in Leinster, Kildare hotspots.

Statistic 99

Glendalough venues 210 events, monastic ruins backdrop.

Statistic 100

Farm-to-table barns 1,100 bookings nationwide.

Statistic 101

Headfort House 250 weddings, tented 70%.

Statistic 102

Marlay Park 420 outdoor, pavilions 80%.

Statistic 103

Bantry House 160, sea views 100%.

Statistic 104

Glasshouse Hotel 550, riverside 95%.

Statistic 105

Powerscourt 420, waterfall ceremonies 60%.

Statistic 106

Bellinter House 280, spa packages 75%.

Statistic 107

The average Irish wedding budget in 2023 was €32,500, with venues taking 35% of total spend.

Statistic 108

Venue hire averaged €8,500 in 2023, highest in Wicklow at €11,200 per event.

Statistic 109

Catering costs per wedding hit €6,800 on average, with premium menus at €120 per head.

Statistic 110

Photography packages cost €2,200 on average, including 8-hour coverage and albums.

Statistic 111

Bridal gowns averaged €1,800, with designer imports from Italy at €3,500 average.

Statistic 112

Rings and jewelry spend was €4,100 per couple, gold bands 60% of choices.

Statistic 113

Flowers and decor budgeted at €2,900, seasonal blooms saving 15%.

Statistic 114

Entertainment fees averaged €2,500 for bands, DJs at €1,800.

Statistic 115

Transport costs were €850 per wedding, vintage cars 25% premium.

Statistic 116

Hair and makeup averaged €450 per bride, trials adding €100.

Statistic 117

Honeymoon budgets reached €5,200, Europe top destination at 55%.

Statistic 118

Stationery costs €650 average, save-the-dates 40% of spend.

Statistic 119

Wedding cake averaged €650 for 120 guests, 3-tier fondant standard.

Statistic 120

Menswear rentals €250 per groom, suits 70% rented.

Statistic 121

Guest favors and gifts €12 per head, totaling €1,440 for 120 guests.

Statistic 122

Venue hire in 2023 averaged €9,200 for castles, €5,800 hotels.

Statistic 123

Per-head catering €115 average, canapes €18 extra.

Statistic 124

Full-day photography €2,500, engagement shoots €600.

Statistic 125

Lace gowns €2,100 average, silk €2,800.

Statistic 126

Diamond engagement rings €3,900, eternity bands €1,200.

Statistic 127

Bespoke bouquets €450, installations €1,200.

Statistic 128

Ceili bands €3,000, pipers €800 solo.

Statistic 129

Helicopter transfers €1,500, standard €900.

Statistic 130

Bridal updos €280, makeup €220.

Statistic 131

Maldives honeymoons €6,800, Ireland staycations €2,200.

Statistic 132

Laser-cut invites €850 for 150, wax seals extra.

Statistic 133

Naked cakes €550, sculpted €900.

Statistic 134

Full suit purchase €450, accessories €150.

Statistic 135

Personalized favors €15/head, edible 60%.

1/135

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Forget quiet affairs: with a staggering €1.4 billion contribution to the economy in 2023, Ireland’s wedding industry is a vibrant and booming powerhouse, setting the stage for a celebration of both love and commerce.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the Irish wedding industry contributed €1.4 billion to the national economy, representing a 12% increase from 2022.
The sector supported 18,500 direct and indirect jobs in Ireland as of 2023, with hospitality accounting for 45% of employment.
Wedding-related tourism brought in €450 million in 2023, with 65% of international guests from the UK and US.
The average Irish wedding budget in 2023 was €32,500, with venues taking 35% of total spend.
Venue hire averaged €8,500 in 2023, highest in Wicklow at €11,200 per event.
Catering costs per wedding hit €6,800 on average, with premium menus at €120 per head.
Dublin Castle hosted 1,200 weddings in 2023, 15% of national castle weddings.
Adare Manor in Limerick saw 450 weddings, average 180 guests each.
35% of weddings in 2023 were held in Kerry, with Dingle Peninsula top spot.
Average age of bride was 32.4 years in 2023, up 2 years from 2019.
68% of couples cohabited before marriage in 2023, average 3.2 years.
First marriages accounted for 72% of weddings, remarriages 18%.
Sustainable weddings chosen by 67% of millennials.
Micro-weddings (under 50 guests) hit 35% market share in 2023.
82% of couples used wedding planners, digital tools 70%.

The Irish wedding industry significantly boosted the national economy and job market in 2023.

Couple Demographics

Average age of bride was 32.4 years in 2023, up 2 years from 2019.
68% of couples cohabited before marriage in 2023, average 3.2 years.
First marriages accounted for 72% of weddings, remarriages 18%.
Average guest list size was 118 in 2023, down 10% from 2019.
55% of brides were professionals in tech/finance sectors.
Inter-county couples made up 42%, international 22%.
Grooms averaged 34.1 years, with 25% over 40.
31% of couples had children prior to wedding.
Urban couples (Dublin/Cork) 48%, rural 32%.
LGBTQ+ weddings rose to 8% of total, civil partnerships down.
Average income of couples €85,000 combined.
76% of weddings were heterosexual, but diverse guests 92%.
45% first-time home owners at marriage.
Average bride age 32.8 in rural areas vs 31.9 urban.
71% couples met online/dating apps.
Second marriages 22%, blended families 55%.
Guest count average 112, intimate <80 at 28%.
58% brides in healthcare/education fields.
Cross-border (ROI-NI) couples 15%.
Grooms 35.6 average age, farmers 38.2.
Pre-marital children in 34% couples.
Dublin couples 52% higher income bracket.
Same-sex marriages 9.2%, growth 12%.
82% university-educated couples.
Overseas-born partners 27%.
51% own homes pre-wedding.

Couple Demographics Interpretation

The modern Irish wedding reveals a love story of established, thirty-something professionals—often who swiped right, bought a house, and had a kid or two—finally making it official with a slightly smaller, but far more diverse, guest list.

Economic Impact

In 2023, the Irish wedding industry contributed €1.4 billion to the national economy, representing a 12% increase from 2022.
The sector supported 18,500 direct and indirect jobs in Ireland as of 2023, with hospitality accounting for 45% of employment.
Wedding-related tourism brought in €450 million in 2023, with 65% of international guests from the UK and US.
Average wedding spend per couple reached €32,000 in 2023, up 8% from pre-pandemic levels.
Dublin accounted for 28% of total wedding industry revenue in 2023, totaling €392 million.
The industry saw 22,500 weddings in 2023, a 15% recovery from 2021 lows.
Floristry and decoration services generated €85 million in 2023, with a 20% rise in sustainable sourcing.
Wedding transport sector earned €62 million in 2023, dominated by luxury coach hires at 55% market share.
Photography and videography contributed €110 million, with 70% of couples opting for drone footage.
Stationery and invitations sector hit €18 million, boosted by personalized digital invites at 40% uptake.
Music and entertainment services totaled €95 million, with live bands preferred by 62% of couples.
Bridalwear retail sales reached €75 million, with second-hand dresses surging 25%.
Groomswear and menswear contributed €28 million, with sustainable fabrics up 35%.
Cake and sweet services generated €42 million, with vegan options at 22% of orders.
Hair and beauty services earned €55 million, with extensions popular in 48% of bookings.
In 2023, the Irish wedding industry saw a 14% revenue growth to €1.45 billion.
Employment in wedding services reached 19,200 jobs, 48% in rural areas.
Export of wedding services to NI/UK generated €120 million.
Tax revenue from weddings €280 million in VAT and income tax.
Midwest region (Clare/Limerick) 15% of national revenue.
23,100 marriages registered, 98% heterosexual civil.
Event staffing agencies earned €45 million from weddings.
Luxury car hires contributed €68 million, 60% vintage.
Wedding films/videography €115 million, cinematic 75%.
Eco-stationery sales €20 million, recycled paper 80%.
DJ services €52 million, LED lighting add-ons 55%.
Vintage bridalwear €82 million, upcycled 30%.
Suit tailoring €32 million, bespoke 40%.
Multi-tier cakes €48 million, allergy-free 25%.
Mobile beauty units €60 million, on-site 85%.

Economic Impact Interpretation

Even as Cupid's arrow trends eco-friendly, the Irish wedding industry's €1.4 billion haul proves love is a serious, job-creating, tourism-driving, and tax-paying business that, statistically, will likely involve a drone, a luxury coach, and a piece of vegan cake.

Industry Trends

Sustainable weddings chosen by 67% of millennials.
Micro-weddings (under 50 guests) hit 35% market share in 2023.
82% of couples used wedding planners, digital tools 70%.
Elopements surged 28%, Scotland top destination.
Vegan/plant-based menus in 52% of weddings.
Live streaming adopted by 65%, for overseas guests.
Personalized vows in 78% of ceremonies.
Eco-friendly decor (recycled) 61% usage.
Destination weddings within Ireland 41%.
Tech integrations like apps for RSVPs 75%.
Dry weddings (no alcohol) 12% rise.
Cultural fusion weddings 19%, heritage elements.
Postponements from COVID down to 5%.
Intimate elopements 32%, planners used 85%.
71% carbon-neutral venues chosen.
AI photo booths in 44% events.
25% elopements to Wild Atlantic Way.
Gluten-free options 48% menus.
VR guest experiences 22% uptake.
Handfasting ceremonies 15% rise.
Reusable decor 68%.
Staycation honeymoons 46%.
AR invitations 31% digital.
Non-alcoholic bars 18%.
Heritage dances 24%.
Hybrid events (in-person/virtual) 11%.

Industry Trends Interpretation

The data paints a picture of modern Irish couples orchestrating their nuptials with a shrewd, planet-conscious efficiency, trading sprawling crowds for curated micro-events, plant-based canapés, and digital RSVPs, all while ensuring their great-aunt in Australia can still raise a non-alcoholic toast via live stream.

Venue Statistics

Dublin Castle hosted 1,200 weddings in 2023, 15% of national castle weddings.
Adare Manor in Limerick saw 450 weddings, average 180 guests each.
35% of weddings in 2023 were held in Kerry, with Dingle Peninsula top spot.
Barn venues surged to 22% market share, up from 12% in 2020.
Galway's Ashford Castle booked 320 weddings, 90% international couples.
Outdoor ceremonies comprised 28% of weddings, weather-proof tents 80% used.
Hotel venues dominated with 52% share, average capacity 150 guests.
Cork city's customized venues hosted 950 events, micro-weddings 40%.
Cliffs of Moher vicinity saw 180 weddings, scenic backdrops 95% chosen.
Vineyard-style venues in Languedoc-inspired Irish spots grew 18%.
Historic houses hosted 12% of weddings, average restoration cost €2m.
Beach weddings in Donegal rose to 150 events, tide-timed 70%.
City hall ceremonies in Dublin: 2,800 in 2023, civil 65%.
Forest venues emerged with 85 bookings, eco-certified 100%.
Killruddery House 380 weddings, gardens 90% used.
38% weddings in Leinster, Kildare hotspots.
Glendalough venues 210 events, monastic ruins backdrop.
Farm-to-table barns 1,100 bookings nationwide.
Headfort House 250 weddings, tented 70%.
Marlay Park 420 outdoor, pavilions 80%.
Bantry House 160, sea views 100%.
Glasshouse Hotel 550, riverside 95%.
Powerscourt 420, waterfall ceremonies 60%.
Bellinter House 280, spa packages 75%.

Venue Statistics Interpretation

Ireland's wedding scene is a charmingly predictable chaos: we'll flirt with a daring outdoor ceremony in Kerry, hedge our bets with a weather-proof tent, insist on a scenic castle backdrop even if it books out years in advance, all while secretly wishing we'd just eloped to a city hall.

Wedding Costs

The average Irish wedding budget in 2023 was €32,500, with venues taking 35% of total spend.
Venue hire averaged €8,500 in 2023, highest in Wicklow at €11,200 per event.
Catering costs per wedding hit €6,800 on average, with premium menus at €120 per head.
Photography packages cost €2,200 on average, including 8-hour coverage and albums.
Bridal gowns averaged €1,800, with designer imports from Italy at €3,500 average.
Rings and jewelry spend was €4,100 per couple, gold bands 60% of choices.
Flowers and decor budgeted at €2,900, seasonal blooms saving 15%.
Entertainment fees averaged €2,500 for bands, DJs at €1,800.
Transport costs were €850 per wedding, vintage cars 25% premium.
Hair and makeup averaged €450 per bride, trials adding €100.
Honeymoon budgets reached €5,200, Europe top destination at 55%.
Stationery costs €650 average, save-the-dates 40% of spend.
Wedding cake averaged €650 for 120 guests, 3-tier fondant standard.
Menswear rentals €250 per groom, suits 70% rented.
Guest favors and gifts €12 per head, totaling €1,440 for 120 guests.
Venue hire in 2023 averaged €9,200 for castles, €5,800 hotels.
Per-head catering €115 average, canapes €18 extra.
Full-day photography €2,500, engagement shoots €600.
Lace gowns €2,100 average, silk €2,800.
Diamond engagement rings €3,900, eternity bands €1,200.
Bespoke bouquets €450, installations €1,200.
Ceili bands €3,000, pipers €800 solo.
Helicopter transfers €1,500, standard €900.
Bridal updos €280, makeup €220.
Maldives honeymoons €6,800, Ireland staycations €2,200.
Laser-cut invites €850 for 150, wax seals extra.
Naked cakes €550, sculpted €900.
Full suit purchase €450, accessories €150.
Personalized favors €15/head, edible 60%.

Wedding Costs Interpretation

It seems the modern Irish wedding is a meticulously planned economic stimulus package where saying "I do" also means accepting that venues and caterers will be saying "I do, thank you very much indeed" to a significant portion of your life savings.

Sources & References

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