Weddings FAQ - Weddings Hotel - Aran Islands Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions we usually receive about having your Wedding at the Aran Islands hotel. We want it to be the evening of your dreams. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact us if you have any specific questions that do not appear here.

Getting Here

How do I get to The Aran Islands Hotel? Inis Mór can be reached by ferry using Aran Islands Ferries from Rossaveal, Co. Galway (www.aranislandferries.com), or from Doolin, Co. Clare (www.doolinferries.com). You can also get an 8 minute flight from Connemara Regional Airport in Inverin with Aer Arann (www.aerarannislands.ie)
How do our guests get up to the Hotel from the boat/plane? Your guests will be collected by shuttle bus from the Harbour at a cost of just €2 per person. There is a similar shuttle bus from the airport that will drop your guests at the Hotel at a cost of just €10 per room.
Is there a discount for my guests to travel to Inis Mór? Yes there is a special Wedding discount rate available with most transport companies, contact them directly.
Will it be easy to get wedding suppliers for Inis Mór? We have a list of expert wedding suppliers for you to choose from. Each supplier is a super fan of Inis Mór and has done weddings here before, so they know the story! Your wedding suppliers can also avail of the discounted wedding travel rate most transport companies.
How do I get props or any larger items out to the Hotel?
Should you or your suppliers require to send out large items, there is a cargo vessel which leaves from Galway Harbour a few days every week. The team in Lasta Mara, the cargo company, are very helpful and it is very inexpensive to ship large items to Inis Mór. Once it is put on the cargo vessel, you don’t need to worry about it, we get it delivered safely direct to our door within a few hours.

Check their website on www.lastamarateo.com or phone them on 091 562 900
How do we get around the island? On Inis Mór you don’t need to worry about how to get around. The islanders and especially the business owners are well used to visitors and we treat all visitors just like our friends. To that end, all the B&Bs and local businesses are always happy to give a lift to any destination on the island. Plus for any pre-booked activities you book, you can arrange to be picked up at the Hotel or a location of your choice.

Accommodation

How many people can The Aran Islands Hotel accommodate overnight? In total, we can accommodate up to a max of 130 guests (if all rooms are used to full capacity). For additional guests we can recommend some superb locally owned Guest Houses and B&Bs that are close by. At The Aran Islands Hotel we have 22 hotel bedrooms, including 5 balcony rooms overlooking the Wild Atlantic. In addition we have 40 Seaview Bedroom Chalets, most of which have stunning views of the sea and rocky landscape. We currently have four family bedrooms which can accommodate up to five people each.
Is there a special rate for wedding guests? Yes, we will provide you with a special discount code which your guests can use to book online. In order to avail of the discounted rate and to secure their booking, guests will pay 30% for their accommodation & the balance on the morning of arrival.
Do we have to fill all the rooms? Weddings will have a minimum of 130 guests and given that most of your guests will require accommodation in order to enjoy your wedding reception, you will fill the hotel in no time at all. There are many excellent Guest Houses and B&Bs on the island if you require any further accommodation.
What are your check-in and check-out times? Check in is 4pm and check out is 11am. We prioritise check in for guests arriving on your wedding day, however we cannot guarantee they will be able to check in before 4pm. We will make every effort to accommodate your guests wishing to get ready before the ceremony, by making other areas available to them.
Is breakfast included for our guests? Yes breakfast is included for all guests staying in the Hotel and our Seaview Bedroom Chalets.
Will my wedding suppliers have to stay overnight? It will depend on the supplier. Any of the expert suppliers on our list will be able to help answer that question for you and confirm the extra cost if any.
Who pays for the guest & wedding suppliers’ rooms?
Each guest will pay for their own accommodation online using the special discount code allocated to your wedding.

In relation to suppliers’ bedrooms, the wedding couple normally pay for these. Get in touch with our list of expert wedding suppliers, they are all fans of Inis Mór and love doing weddings here. Some have good value packages for the island that include all of these costs.

Wedding Reception

How long is the drinks reception?
Usually the drinks reception is 2.5 – 3 hrs
What time is the bell called for the main meal?
5.30pm is the usual time which we call for the meal, your guests will be seated and their orders taken by 6pm. Your wedding dinner will normally be completed by 8.30pm.
When can we have speeches?
To ensure food quality and time management, speeches can only be conducted after dessert has been served.
Is there a separate menu for children?
Yes, we have a children’s meal which is priced at €8, this is available for guests under 12 years, there is also the option of ½ portions of the main meal.
Can we bring our own wine?
We are happy for you to arrange to bring your own wine, and there will be a corkage charge of €8 per bottle.
May we serve our own wine after the wedding meal all through the night?
No, you are welcome to bring your own wine to be served during the wedding meal only. There will be a corkage charge of €8 per bottle.
What is the minimum number of guests?
The minimum number of guests 130.
Can we stay the night before the wedding, and/or the night after?
We have superb options for an extended stay and recommend you avail of the 3 night option to have the best possible experience of a wedding at The Aran Island Hotel (subject to availability).
Can we have a party the days before and after the Wedding?
Absolutely, we love a party at The Aran Islands Hotel and we are famous on the island for our BBQ Buffet parties, ideal for a relaxed day after celebration. In addition, you may choose to have a family sit down meal the night before your wedding to get everyone in the mood for the weekend ahead. (subject to availability).
May we have a choice for each course on our menu?
All of our wedding packages already have a choice for the main course, these choices are based on one meat and one fish dish. Our most popular Wedding Package, Dun Aonghasa, has no choice on starter.
How many people can you accommodate in the Marquee?
The maximum numbers that we can accommodate for the wedding meal is 280. We can host your ceremony in the Marquee if you wish for up to 110 guests.
What time is the bar open until?
The main bar is open until 2am (subject to licence). The residents bar is then open at the manager’s discretion.

Booking

When we place a provisional booking, how long before we need to pay the booking fee?
Provisional wedding dates can be held for 7 days.
What is the booking fee?
The booking fee of €10 a head is due to secure the date, this payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Is there a menu tasting we can attend?
Yes you can book in a personal menu tasting, no later than 90 days before the wedding date, ideally 180 days (subject to hotel opening times). Menu tasting must be booked 4 weeks in advance and can take place Mon – Wed, April to September, depending on availability. You can avail of a special reduced accommodation rate.
When do we have to confirm final numbers?
Final numbers are to be submitted 1 month in advance of the reception.
When do we have to make final payment?
Remaining balance of the anticipated bill is payable 30 days prior to the wedding date and is non -refundable, with the final account (after adjustments) to be settled on departure.
Is there a church nearby?
Yes there is a Catholic church a 5 minute walk from the church. It is advised to have your preferred priest, perhaps a relation or your local priest to perform your ceremony on the island.
What other ceremony options are there available on the Island?
There are a few different options available.
Dara Molloy is our resident Celtic Monk who can legally marry couples, any day of the week, at the hotel or a location of your choice on the island (www.daramolloy.com).
The HSE can provide civil ceremonies Mon – Fri (www.hse.ie).
Spiritual Ceremonies Ireland provide a number of celebrants for personalised spiritual ceremonies (www.spiritualceremonies.ie).
Cathy Melia is a Galway based celebrant who loves performing unique ceremonies on Inis Mór (www.cathymeliaweddings.com)
What do we need in order to have our ceremony to be held in The Aran Islands Hotel?
Each couple must apply to the Civil Registration Office themselves within 3 months of the Wedding date. It is always best to apply for this sooner than 3 months as there may be a waiting time for an appointment, Visit www.hse.ie for more information.
What time can a ceremony be held in The Aran Islands Hotel?
In order to accommodate guests arriving on the day of the wedding, we recommend that you hold your ceremony at 2pm. Alternative times and options can be discussed directly with your celebrant and Hotel Wedding Coordinator
What is the maximum number of people we can have at our ceremony?
The maximum number of people for a ceremony at the Hotel in the Wedding Marquee is 110. Other ceremony locations on the island, including the church, will have a capacity limit. Your celebrant will be able to advise best.
How long does a wedding ceremony last?
Each type of ceremony differs in style and length, so it is best to consult with your chosen celebrant on this matter. Ceremonies can last anything from 15mins to 1hr, depending on personalisation.
Is there a room set up fee for a ceremony at the Aran Islands Hotel?
Ceremony room set up is complimentary with each Wedding Package, including use of our decor items. We can host ceremonies in the Wedding Marquee for up to 110 guests.
Is it possible to have an outdoor ceremony?
Yes it is possible, weather permitting. The Hotel Wedding Coordinator can give you advice on your options.
Are Christmas weddings possible at The Aran Islands Hotel?
Unfortunately the Hotel is closed from November to February, so we cannot host Christmas Weddings.
Can I arrive early the morning of the wedding to get ready?
You can do this, but we find that couples much more comfortable arriving the day (or a few days) before the Wedding in order to settle in and start to relax into the surroundings and enjoy the lead up to the big day.

Your unique island wedding.

Contact our specialist now and get more information.