An epic dublin city wedding.
One of the things I love most about photographing weddings in Dublin is that everything is so close together. You can have a beautiful ceremony, wander the city for portraits, stop for a celebratory pint, and finish the day with an incredible meal – all without ever needing to get in a car.
This wedding did exactly that, beginning in Dublin City Hall before heading to Street 66 on Parliament Street and finishing with a reception in Fallon & Byrne. If you're planning a city wedding and wondering what these venues are like, here's a little insight from someone who's spent the day photographing them.
Dublin City Hall
Tucked just off Dame Street, Dublin City Hall is one of the most iconic civil ceremony venues in Ireland. Originally built in the 18th century as the Royal Exchange, the building is full of history and stunning Georgian architecture.
The ceremony itself takes place beneath the magnificent domed Rotunda, with its marble floors, grand columns and sweeping staircases creating an incredibly elegant setting. The space feels intimate while still having that "wow" factor, making it equally suited to small ceremonies or larger guest numbers.
What I love as a photographer
Natural light floods into the Rotunda through the glass dome above, creating beautiful soft light for photographs throughout the ceremony. Unlike some indoor venues that can feel dark or require flash photography, City Hall photographs beautifully all year round.
Once your ceremony finishes, you're already in the heart of Dublin. Within a few minutes' walk you have Dublin Castle, cobbled streets, colourful doorways, the River Liffey, Temple Bar (if that's your vibe), hidden laneways and elegant Georgian architecture. It means we can create a varied gallery without spending hours travelling between locations.
For couples, that's a huge bonus—you get more time with your guests and less time sitting in traffic.
Street 66, Parliament Street
After the ceremony, we made our way to Street 66, one of Dublin's best-loved independent bars.
Street 66 has built a reputation as one of the city's most welcoming pubs. It's colourful, relaxed and full of personality, making it a brilliant stop for couples who want to break away from the traditional hotel drinks reception.
The atmosphere here is completely different to a formal venue. Guests can grab a pint, cocktails or coffee, spill out onto Parliament Street and simply enjoy catching up while the excitement of the ceremony is still fresh.
If you're planning a smaller wedding or a city elopement, Street 66 is a lovely option for pre-dinner drinks because it feels informal without losing that sense of occasion.
From a photography perspective
Some of my favourite photographs from the day happened here.
Not because anyone was posing, but because everyone had relaxed. The hugs got tighter, the laughter got louder and people completely forgot I had a camera. Those are often the moments couples end up loving most when they receive their gallery.
Fallon & Byrne
Just a short walk away on Exchequer Street, Fallon & Byrne has become one of Dublin's most popular city wedding reception venues.
Set inside a beautifully restored four-storey building, it's known for exceptional food, fantastic wine and a warm atmosphere that feels more like an intimate celebration than a traditional hotel reception.
The dining rooms combine exposed brick, timber beams and large windows with contemporary styling, giving the space plenty of character while still feeling timeless.
One of the biggest advantages of Fallon & Byrne is its flexibility. Whether you're planning an intimate wedding breakfast with your closest family or a larger celebration, the venue can accommodate different styles while maintaining that relaxed city feel.
Food is a huge part of the experience here, with the team focusing on seasonal Irish ingredients and carefully curated menus, so it's a fantastic choice for couples who want their guests to remember just how good the meal was.
Why it photographs so well
As daylight pours through the large windows before dinner and warm ambient lighting takes over in the evening, Fallon & Byrne has a lovely atmosphere that changes throughout the day. It creates a gallery that feels warm, inviting and full of life, rather than looking like every other hotel ballroom.
Why this combination works so well
One of the best things about choosing these three locations is how effortlessly the day flows.
There's no lengthy coach journeys between venues, no pressure to stick to a rigid timeline and no losing half your afternoon to travel. Everything is within walking distance, allowing you and your guests to properly enjoy Dublin while keeping the celebration moving naturally.
For photographers, it also means we can make the most of whatever the city gives us. If the light is beautiful, we'll wander a little further. If it rains (because... Ireland!), there are endless covered streets, historic archways and character-filled doorways nearby that still make for gorgeous photographs.
Thinking of a Dublin city wedding?
If you're planning a wedding in Dublin and are considering City Hall, Street 66 or Fallon & Byrne, I'd happily recommend all three. Together they create a day that's elegant without feeling formal, relaxed without feeling casual, and unmistakably Dublin.
As a photographer, I always aim to document the day as it naturally unfolds. Rather than pulling you away from your guests for hours, I prefer to work around the flow of the celebration, making the most of the incredible locations Dublin has to offer while letting you actually enjoy your wedding day!!
Congratulations to the beautiful Brides!!!!
Venue: Fallon & Bryne
Celebrant: Selina Campbell
Post ceremony refreshments: The Art of Bubbles
Epic wedding band: Arthur wedding Band
