Ballymagarvey Village is one of the most beautiful and charming wedding venues in County Meath, offering a magical setting for your big day. With insights from hundreds of weddings at Ballymagarvey Village, this guide covers essential tips for making the most of your day.
Morning Preparations: Bride in the Wedding Barn, Groom in the Coach House
The day begins with the Bride getting ready in the spacious Wedding Barn, which offers plenty of natural light and ample room for the bridal party to prepare. Meanwhile, the Groom and his groomsmen typically get ready in the Coach House, where candid photos capture the excitement of the morning.
Hair and Makeup Timings: Be Ready for the First Look
One of the most important aspects of your wedding day timeline is ensuring that your hair and makeup are finished on time, especially if you are planning a first look before the ceremony. If your first look is scheduled for 2 pm, it’s crucial that you are fully dressed and ready by 1-1:30 pm. To achieve this, hair and makeup should be completed by 12:30 pm to 1 pm.
It’s essential to communicate the timeline clearly to your makeup artist and hairdresser to avoid any last-minute rush. For more detailed information on why it’s so important to be fully dressed an hour before the ceremony or approximately 30 minutes before the first look, check out this guide:
What time Bride Should Be Dressed?
Wedding Video – Ballymagarvey Village Wedding:
Groom’s Preparation at 1 pm
The groom’s preparations typically begin around 1 pm in the Coach House, allowing time for relaxed photos of the groom and his groomsmen before the ceremony.
First Look Between at Ballymagarvey Village 1:30 pm – 2 pm: Why It’s Not a Substitute for Post-Ceremony Photos
- The Small Courtyard outside the Wedding Barn, perfect for an intimate, secluded moment.
- The Bigger Courtyard (if it’s free from guests), which provides an open and spacious setting.
- Inside the Manor House, a cozy indoor option if the weather is not favorable.
However, it’s important to note that the first look is NOT a substitute for your couple wedding photos after the ceremony.
Here’s why:
- Protecting your dress: You’ll want to keep your wedding dress clean and dry before walking down the aisle. The first look is generally more static to avoid dirt or wetness on the dress, especially if the weather is unpredictable. You don’t want to risk walking the aisle with a wet or dirty dress.
- Limited locations: First look photos are often taken in more controlled environments like the Small Courtyard or inside the Manor House if it’s raining. This limits our location choices for more dynamic photos that can be taken after the ceremony when we have more time and flexibility.
More tips: Rain and Wedding Photos
Therefore, the full couple shoot after the ceremony is crucial for capturing a wider variety of locations and more creative shots around the venue, including at the little lake and outside Manor House.
During the first look, we’ll only capture a few photos, as the goal is for you to have that emotional moment of seeing each other for the first time. In most cases, we can’t use locations like the little lake during the first look, and we’ll also want to avoid getting the dress dirty before the ceremony.
Therefore, the main couple’s photos will be taken after the ceremony, allowing us to fully explore the beautiful surroundings of Ballymagarvey Village, including the lake and Manor House.
The Wedding Ceremony in the Mill Loft at 3 pm
The wedding ceremony typically takes place at 3 pm in the elegant Mill Loft, which creates a warm and intimate atmosphere with its exposed stone walls and wooden beams. Whether you’re having a Civil Ceremony, Civil Partnership, Humanist Ceremony, or Blessing, this space provides a romantic and timeless setting for your vows.
Wedding Ceremony at 3 pm: Skip the Meet and Greet
For a 3 pm wedding ceremony, I recommend skipping the meet and greet afterwards to ensure you have enough time for the drinks reception, family photos, and candid shots. With daylight disappearing by 4 pm in winter, it’s essential to make the most of the 4-5:30 pm window before the bell rings for dinner at 5:30 pm.
Skipping the meet and greet helps you stay on schedule and gives you more time to relax and enjoy your guests. You can ask your parents, bridesmaids, and groomsmen to follow you straight after the ceremony for a few photos at A small waterfall behind the ceremony room – I will help with that :)
Stunning Wedding Photos by the Lake and Manor House
Ballymagarvey Village’s scenic grounds offer endless opportunities for stunning wedding photos. The little lake and Manor House serve as picturesque backdrops for portraits, while the charming Orangery provides a bright, intimate space for family photos. Winter weddings at Ballymagarvey are particularly magical, with the crisp air and serene landscapes enhancing every shot.
A Relaxed Welcome Reception in the Large Conservatory
After the ceremony, your guests will gather for a relaxed drinks reception in the Large Conservatory. This bright, spacious room is perfect for mingling and enjoying delicious canapés, homemade treats, and seasonal drinks, while we capture candid moments of your guests enjoying the atmosphere.
Your Wedding Banquet at Ballymagarvey Village: A Feast to Remember
When it comes to hosting an unforgettable wedding banquet, Ballymagarvey Village truly stands in a league of its own. The food here is nothing short of exceptional, with every dish a masterful blend of locally sourced ingredients and culinary expertise.
Each course is a testament to the chef’s passion for flavor and presentation, from tantalizing starters to mouth-watering mains, all served with an exquisite flair. The Ballymagarvey Feast will leave your guests raving long after the last bite is savoured.
But the magic extends far beyond the food. The banquet room is a visual masterpiece. It effortlessly combines the charm of historic elegance with contemporary luxury. High ceilings adorned with soft lighting, rich wood beams, and delicate drapery create an ambiance that is both romantic and awe-inspiring. Each table is meticulously set, and the overall décor feels timeless yet fresh, with florals and settings that perfectly complement the rustic beauty of the room.
And after the meal? The bar at Ballymagarvey is nothing short of spectacular, especially following its recent renovation. The polished, modern look provides a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth.
Ballymagarvey Village’s decor transforms beautifully with each season—autumn, summer, and Christmas. The lighting is simply stunning and adds an impressive touch year-round!
Speeches After the Meal and Cake Cutting
At Ballymagarvey Village, speeches typically happen after the meal, and following the speeches, the cake is cut, allowing the band to set up for the evening entertainment. After the cake cutting, you’ll have some time to:
- Take more photos with friends or some beautiful evening shots outside.
- Relax and chat with guests, making the most of these special moments.
Dancing and Celebrating at Ballymagarvey Village: A Night to Remember
When the music starts and the lights dim, Ballymagarvey Village transforms into a haven for unforgettable celebration. With flammable guitars igniting the dance floor, the energy is infectious.
The twinkling lights and stunning ambiance make for the perfect backdrop for those spontaneous, fun night photos—capturing every laugh, every wild dance move, and the joy of the moment. Whether it’s the band playing their hearts out or the crowd dancing till dawn, Ballymagarvey knows how to throw a party that everyone will remember!
Top Tip: Don’t Overplan Your Wedding Day
While it’s tempting to schedule lots of activities, it’s important to leave room to relax and enjoy your day. My top tip is to not overplan. Weddings are about spending time with your loved ones, so make sure you have time for those meaningful conversations and laughter with your family and friends. You don’t want to be too busy or stressed, trust me—it’s the spontaneous moments that you’ll cherish most.
Surprise for your wedding guests, husband or bride-to-be? Singing waitress? Fireworks? Magician?
As a wedding photographer, I’d definitely recommend having a magician at your wedding. They’re so much fun and always make guests smile!
Winter Weddings: Plan for Limited Daylight
For winter weddings, it’s important to plan around the limited daylight. After 4 pm, natural light is gone, so an experienced photographer is crucial to capturing important moments in low-light conditions. For more helpful tips on planning a winter wedding, check out this guide:
Winter Wedding Ireland: 10 Top Tips
Plan Your Perfect Ballymagarvey Village Wedding and Wedding Photography
To make the most of your day, start with groom preparations at 1 pm no later than that, followed by a first look between 1:30 pm and 2 pm. Ensure your hair and makeup are ready by 12:30 pm, and skip the meet and greet after the 3 pm ceremony to enjoy the drinks reception and photos. After the speeches and cake cutting, use your time to relax, take photos, or enjoy moments with your guests.
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A Heartfelt Thanks to the Ballymagarvey Village Team
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible team at Ballymagarvey Village. Having worked with you all for years, I have consistently been in awe of your attention to detail and your commitment to creating unforgettable experiences. From Greg, Florin, Lisa, and everyone else on the team, your dedication to not only the couples but also to us suppliers has been nothing short of remarkable.
Your ability to collaborate seamlessly with us on wedding days, ensuring everything runs smoothly for the couples, is something we are always raving about. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented and supportive team.
On a personal note, it’s been a special honor to have one of my photos serve as the main image on your website for the past few years – a testament to the magic we create together at Ballymagarvey.
See link: https://www.ballymagarvey.ie/
Thank you for everything! Here’s to many more years of working together to create unforgettable weddings!
Prices for wedding photographers?
Daniel
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, please get in touch with me here.
Or, if you have any questions, you can find answers on my wedding planning blog.
I’d strongly recommend booking an experienced wedding photographer for a half-day package rather than opting for a less experienced photographer or a family friend with a camera for full-day coverage.
Enjoy your planning! :)
Daniel
