Dublin City Hall Wedding: Fiona and Luke’s Intimate Winter Wedding in Dublin

Dublin City Hall wedding film – Fiona & Luke, ceremony at City Hall and dinner at The Westbury

A Dublin City Hall wedding

Fiona and Luke had a small wedding in the heart of Dublin – just 18 people in total. They said their vows in the Rotunda of Dublin City Hall on Dame Street, then celebrated over dinner at The Westbury, just off Grafton Street. With a Christmas tree in the doorway of City Hall and the festive lights glowing over the city streets, it was an intimate winter city wedding full of warmth.

As their wedding videographer, I filmed the ceremony, their portraits around the city and the evening. Here is a look at their City Hall wedding – and a few ideas if you are planning a small wedding in Dublin.

About Dublin City Hall

Dublin City Hall was built between 1769 and 1779 as the Royal Exchange, to a design by Thomas Cooley, and it is one of the finest Georgian buildings in the city. Its circular Rotunda, with a dome, a mosaic floor bearing the city arms, frescoes of Dublin's history, statues of Daniel O'Connell, Thomas Davis and Henry Grattan and a large clock, is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland to get married. The building is also part of the story of modern Ireland – it was garrisoned during the 1916 Easter Rising, and a plaque by the entrance remembers the Irish Citizen Army members who died there.

The ceremony in the Rotunda

Fiona and Luke's ceremony took place under the dome of the Rotunda, with gold chairs tied with red ribbons, arrangements of red and white roses and a violinist playing for their guests. Fiona wore a beaded gown with long fringed sleeves and carried a bouquet of red and blush roses with flowing red ribbons; Luke wore a navy three-piece suit. During the ceremony they lit a candle together, and they walked back down the aisle hand in hand to applause from their family and friends.

Portraits around City Hall

After the ceremony we took a little time on the steps and around the pale stone walls of City Hall – simple, timeless backdrops that suit a classic wedding film.

Into the city and dinner at The Westbury

Then we headed out into the city. Crossing Dame Street between the taxis and walking through the crowds under the Christmas lights, Fiona and Luke felt like the main characters of their own Dublin film. The day finished with dinner at The Westbury, the elegant hotel just off Grafton Street – a perfect setting for a small group celebrating together.

Planning a City Hall wedding in Dublin? A few tips

Go small and make it personal. With 18 guests, every person in the room matters – and in the Rotunda, a small wedding still feels grand.

Use the city for your portraits. City Hall's steps, Dame Street and the streets around Grafton Street give you a real Dublin backdrop, all within a short walk.

Think about winter light. In winter it gets dark early, so plan your portraits soon after the ceremony – and then enjoy the Christmas lights after dark.

Choose a reception close by. A dinner a few minutes' walk away, like The Westbury, keeps the day relaxed and means nobody needs transport.

Looking for more weddings in and around Dublin? See Marisa and Paul at Luttrellstown Castle and, for another intimate celebration, Catherine and Chris at Tinakilly House. You can also watch more of my wedding films or see my wedding packages.

Wedding suppliers

Ceremony: Dublin City Hall, Dame Street, Dublin 2

Reception: The Westbury, Balfe Street, Dublin 2

Videography: Michael Black Wedding

Planning a City Hall wedding of your own? I would love to hear about your plans – get in touch and let's chat over Zoom.