Recession-friendly weddings in Old Town Hall

Caitlin McBride

Planning a wedding has never been so easy -- or so cheap.

Dublin brides may have embraced ostentatious weddings with gusto during the boom years, but now they are opting for a more low-key ceremony to celebrate their big day.

A new alternative is being offered to Dubliners preparing to walk down the aisle, and the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council has revealed their facilities for civil ceremonies. Although it may not be the wedding of your parents' dreams, the council has adapted with the times and is offering a recession-friendly alternative.

The council unveiled the new service last month and has successfully held their first 'trial run'. They are more than able to cope with a bride who may want to forgo more opulent options for her ceremony, but is still eager to walk up the aisle in front of a crowd, boasting a capacity of 100 people.

The Assembly Hall of the Old Town Hall in Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire is the latest venue for couples eager to avoid forking over a five-figure sum.

The room is available to hire at €500 and comes in at a steal in comparison to using a church or hotel to exchange vows.

porter

This fee includes a member of staff acting as the 'Responsible Person' on hand before, during and after the ceremony, and a porter on duty for the duration of the ceremony. This wedding offers a top table and chairs for the wedding party and registrar and guest seating for up to 100 people.

A council spokeswoman said they "are delighted to date with the interest shown by the public in hosting their civil wedding here in County Hall.

"Dun Laoghaire is a really wonderful location for such an occasion and the recently refurbished Old Town Hall is a splendid venue for the ceremony."

cmcbride@herald.ie