Aside from buying a house or having a baby, it’s difficult think of a life event more important – or expensive – than getting married.
Pledging your eternal love to your significant other, promising to walk by their side and help shield them from all of life’s trials, making your vows in front of family and friends – everything about the day should be perfect.
Planning for a wedding can take months, but more often years, to ensure even the smallest details are delivered without a hitch.
For many brides-to-be, they have grown up dreaming of the day they marry the love of their life and they may even have decided on some of the details before the proposal even happens!
Indeed, I’m going to let you into a little secret – I knew where I wanted to get married before I had even met my now husband. I’m aware that some might find that a little bit strange, but my best friend and I loved discussing how much we were looking forward to me saying ‘I do’ to a man I was yet to meet on a beach in Thailand! All I needed was to find someone willing to marry me (a very minor detail, of course)!
Despite this, I should also say that I was quite relaxed about the rest of the day and shuddered at the thought of an intricately detailed wedding. I know I’m not alone as a bride-to-be who wants their perfect day but without months of stress beforehand.
So, Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa is a perfect wedding destination where the possibilities for the most amazing day of your life are endless.
Imagine saying ‘yes’ by the sea. There’s a good reason why Donegal is such a popular tourist draw. Its rugged coastline, the profusive shades of green, it’s picture card perfect, making it a natural choice for couples wanting to immerse themselves in a romantic and dramatic landscape on their big day.
So, it’s little wonder the four-star Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa is regarded as one of the leading Donegal wedding hotels. The surrounding scenery alone makes it a stunning choice for couples saying ‘I do’.
Only minutes away from the beach, they can marry there and return to the hotel for the rest of the celebrations. Or they can have an opulent gate lodge civil ceremony at the hotel and make their way to the beach for photographs.
Just think how easy it is to achieve an Instagram worthy wedding album without spending hours driving around the countryside. Leaving your guests to enjoy your hospitality while you spend a large part of the day going from the ceremony to the photography location, before finally making it to the reception is far from ideal.
Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa makes it possible for happy couples to spend as much time as possible actually enjoying their big day with those who mean most to them.
The hotel can cater for both the more intimate weddings of up to 80 guests and larger weddings of up to 500 guests in the newly refurbished Aughrim Suite, which is dressed to the highest standard for each and every wedding that takes place there.
The team at Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa can put together a tailored wedding package and they are dedicated to making sure everything goes smoothly, making sure couples can concentrate on enjoying their day and not worrying about things going wrong.
A civil ceremony at the gate lodge can include a luxury red carpet aisle with flowers, chair covers and sashes, music Bluetooth connectivity and live streaming functionality.
The venue itself is steeped in character with its reclaimed beams and high ceilings, mood lighting throughout, quaint cottage exterior and opulent interior design, including crystal chandeliers.
Couples who opt for the tailored wedding package can avail of services and facilities to make sure everyone spends the day with a smile on their face. There is a chauffeur driven Rolls Royce or Range Rover wedding car on hand and red carpet and champagne for the bridal party on arrival.
The lodge bridal suite adds even more luxury to the day, while the hotel operates a one wedding per day policy, because who wants to share such a special occasion with another couple?! It means wedding parties get the dedicated attention of all staff, ensuring the highest possible standards throughout.
The reception includes experienced silver service and a master of ceremonies. The Aughrim banqueting suite is transformed with mood lighting, luxurious top table, white linen tablecloths and napkins, and table centre pieces.
There are even 40 discounted guest rooms, making it easier for friends and family to enjoy the experience as fully as possible.
When it comes to dining, the experienced team of chefs can cater for a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, gluten, coeliac, lactose and vegan. The menu is as extensive as it is appetising.
The tired old wedding meal routine of melon to start, chicken and vegetables for the main course and a hum drum pudding don’t factor at Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa. Instead, think seafood salad, followed by oven baked fillet of Greencastle landed sea bass and leeks and fennel creamy sauce, with guests enjoying a dessert of slow baked apple crumble and vanilla anglaise.
An added bonus for couples thinking of booking Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa for their wedding is the fact that, over and above the impeccable service it delivers for weddings, it is also a wonderful choice as a hotel destination.
The immediate wedding party and family and friends can enjoy time at the Rock Crystal Spa. With a passion for pampering, the team there has created a luxurious environment in which to destress in a world of peace and tranquillity.
A wide range of treatments are available, from a VOYA organic anti-aging facial to an Indian head massage, as well as a swathe of beauty treatments. The spa is a wonderful addition to anyone attending the hotel for a wedding as it offers the opportunity to detox and unwind before or even after the big day.
Don’t forget also, the indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, which all help to guarantee a luxury stay for all guests. Meanwhile, there may be some golf lovers among the wedding party and the hotel is the perfect base to sample the likes of the nearby Ballyliffin Golf Club.
Turning to food, Jacks Bar & Restaurant boasts an extensive and impressive menu and the delicious food can be enjoyed overlooking the dramatic coastline. Afternoon tea is also available in the front room for those guests hoping for something special.
Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa is the perfect wedding hotel for couples saying ‘I do’. However, with its stylish and comfortable accommodation, extensive spa and leisure facilities, proximity to some of the most stunning coastline, and award-winning cuisine, it isn’t just those getting married who will be walking on air.