Clonwilliam House Wedding: Michelle and Craig’s Country House Wedding in Wicklow
Clonwilliam House wedding film – Michelle & Craig, Woodenbridge, Co. Wicklow
A wedding at Clonwilliam House, Co. Wicklow
Michelle and Craig were married at Clonwilliam House near Woodenbridge, Co. Wicklow – an elegant private country house with Georgian-style interiors, landscaped gardens and views over the Wicklow valleys. On a bright, sunny day, with a ceremony in the open air, a staircase dressed in white flowers and a bridal party who never stopped laughing, it was a wedding full of style and fun.
As their wedding videographer, I spent the day with them at Clonwilliam. Here is a look at their Clonwilliam House wedding – and a few ideas if you are planning your own.
About Clonwilliam House
Clonwilliam House is one of Ireland's most private wedding venues – a stately country house that couples hire for themselves, with grand reception rooms in duck-egg blue and soft green, decorative plasterwork, family antiques and open fires. Pre-dinner drinks are served on the terraces, and the restored barn and stables become the setting for dinner and dancing, with bedrooms in the house for the couple and their closest family and friends.
Getting ready
The morning unfolded in the house's drawing room, where Michelle's sleek satin gown hung from the chandelier among sofas and gilded mirrors. Her rings rested in a cloud of gypsophila, her mesh heels sat beside a single white rose, and Aisling Hamill styled her long, glossy waves while Adrianna looked after her make-up. In the hall, the sweeping staircase had been dressed with a garland of white roses, hydrangeas and greenery – one of the most beautiful entrances I have filmed.
An outdoor ceremony in the sunshine
The ceremony took place outdoors in the gardens, with guests gathered on either side of the aisle under a clear blue sky. Craig, in a classic black tuxedo with a white rose and gypsophila buttonhole, took a deep breath as he waited, and Michelle walked down the aisle laughing beneath her veil, carrying a bouquet of white roses, in a strapless satin gown. It was the kind of ceremony where everyone was smiling – and plenty of guests had their phones out to capture the moment.
Bridesmaids, the grand hall and a celebration in the barn
After the ceremony, Michelle's bridesmaids in black velvet dresses gathered around her on the steps of the house, framed by an arch of white flowers – and could not stop laughing. We took Michelle and Craig into the house for portraits in the drawing room and in the grand hall, with Craig leaning over the flower-dressed staircase as Michelle sat below. Then the celebration moved to the barn, where the cake was cut after dinner and The Events Company band kept the dance floor full all night.
Planning a Clonwilliam House wedding? A few tips
Dress the staircase. The grand hall at Clonwilliam is made for flowers – a garland on the staircase looks spectacular on film and in photos.
Take the ceremony outside. On a sunny day, the gardens make a stunning setting for an outdoor ceremony – just keep an indoor plan ready, as you always should in Ireland.
Use the house for portraits. The drawing room, the hall and the front steps give you a timeless, elegant look without ever leaving the house.
Make the most of exclusive use. With the whole house to yourselves, you can relax, take your time and enjoy every part of the day with your guests.
Looking for more country house weddings in Wicklow and beyond? See Becky and Ruaidhrí at Tinakilly House, Olivia and Hugo at Rathsallagh House and Jen and Ciaran at Tankardstown House. You can also watch more of my wedding films or see my wedding packages.
Wedding suppliers
Venue: Clonwilliam House, Woodenbridge, Co. Wicklow
Venue coordinator: Miriam, Clonwilliam House
Videography: Michael Black Wedding
Band: The Events Company
Hair: Aisling Hamill
Make-up: Adrianna
Planning a Clonwilliam House wedding of your own? I would love to hear about your plans – get in touch and let's chat over Zoom.