FAQs
Question
What is the timeline of the day?
Answer
The ceremony and reception will take place at the same location - Bellingham Castle. The venue has strict rules on timing so guests should arrive no earlier than 2pm. The ceremony will begin at 3pm. Following this, there will be a drinks reception with appetizers during which the wedding party will take formal photographs. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided at the venue. Following the drinks reception, there will be the bell for dinner - this will be a sit down meal that includes speeches. After dinner we have a band & DJ for evening entertainment. If you fancy a break from the main event room, there are other common rooms available for a more chill atmosphere and guests are welcome and encouraged to explore the Bellingham grounds. Tea, cake, and light refreshments will be served later in the night. The entertainment will wrap up before 1:30AM and the residents bar will be open until 4AM.
Question
How to get there
Answer
See our Travel section for details on international flights & other details. Bellingham Castle will only open the gates for guests to arrive 1hr before the ceremony, so please ensure you plan your arrival time accordingly. Carpark (parking lot) is available for those driving to the venue.
Question
Where will I stay?
Answer
We have some rooms available for guests to stay at Bellingham Castle. This number is restricted, so when you receive your invite from us we will let you know if there is also availability for a room in the castle. Guests will be able to check in after the ceremony and pay upon checkout. This will include breakfast the morning after the wedding. We have currently reserved 10 rooms at the Gateway Hotel in Dundalk which is a 15 min drive from Bellingham Castle. Price includes Bed & Breakfast & Transport: Single @ €195.00, Double/Twin @ €215.00, Triple (2 Double Beds) @ €255.00 NOTE - to reserve please call or email the hotel directly. If guests book online, they will be unable to avail of the special rate and the return transport. Please quote the reference number 044978 to get the wedding rate. Check-in is 3pm and checkout is before noon. Guests will be able to leave their luggage at the hotel, attend the ceremony and then check in later if needed. We will have arranged shuttles for guests to return to the hotel at the end of the wedding night. We may be able to secure more rooms after these initial 10 are booked. The Fairways Hotel, Dundalk is also located a 15 min drive from Bellingham Castle. (We are not able to block reserve rooms here but there is still availability for guests to book bed and breakfast at this location. We will have local taxi driver numbers available at the venue for returning to the hotel. https://www.fairwayshotel.ie/ There are several B&B's and Airbnb's in the surrounding area that are within a short drive.
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
Cocktail wedding attire (make sure you feel comfortable for dancing!) If you want to know what this means - https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-dress-code-explained#toc-cocktail If you have any concerns, please reach out to the brides.
Question
What do I need to bring?
Answer
Yourself! If you are staying at the castle you can bring your overnight bag and the staff can hold on to it until you check in to your room. If you are over 18 and are lucky enough to look younger than what you are, please bring ID if purchasing alcohol at the bar. Purchases at the venue will be in Euros. Cash or card accepted.
Question
Food & Drink
Answer
After the wedding ceremony there will be a drinks reception with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options (both options available at the venue bar/when ordering), light appetizers, followed by a sit down meal. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions please contact one of the brides so we can adjust the menu at Bellingham Castle to meet your needs!
Question
Car rental/taxi
Answer
Dublin airport has a number of car rental companies that you can book when you arrive. If you are staying close to Bellingham Castle the night of the wedding we will have local taxi drivers who can be booked/contacted.
Question
Gifts
Answer
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to contribute something more, we kindly prefer monetary gifts, which will help us save for our next chapter together as a married couple! (There will be a drop box for cards at the venue) If you wish to send directly to our NYC apt our address is below: 263 18th St Apt 2 Brooklyn, NY 11215 USA We're so grateful for your love and support.
Question
Day 2?
Answer
What Is "Day 2" of an Irish Wedding? Think of it as the optional "after-party" — but more organized. Attendance is not required as we understand folks have jobs, families or hopefully vacations to attend to. In Ireland, weddings often go beyond just one big day. Day 1 is the traditional wedding day — the ceremony, the reception, dinner, dancing, and all the formalities. Day 2 is a more relaxed, casual follow-up celebration, usually held the next day. Stay tuned for details on location for day 2 - but we would love to catchup with our friends and family in a more relaxed setting on Tuesday 21st July.