If you’ve been dreaming of an elegant, countryside celebration tucked into Ireland’s rolling green hills, then a Hilton Park Estate wedding might just be your perfect match! This historic family-run estate in County Monaghan offers that rare kind of magic, where old-world charm meets heartfelt hospitality, and every inch of the property feels like a storybook waiting to be written with your love story. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a weekend-long wedding celebration, this place is the kind of venue that stays with you (and your guests) forever. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to plan your Hilton Park Estate wedding, from ceremony spaces to styling ideas, travel tips, and more!!
A Hidden Gem in County Monaghan
Hilton Park is a privately owned Georgian country house nestled on 600 lush acres of woodland, gardens, lakes, and pasture, located just 90 minutes from Dublin. Run by the Madden family for generations, it has that warm, lived-in feeling that makes you feel at home, while still being jaw-droppingly elegant. Think vintage wallpapers, towering bookshelves, fireplaces, and views that go on forever. This estate isn’t a stuffy venue, it’s soulful, stylish, and filled with character. Whether you’re swooning over their wild gardens or picturing portraits under the beech trees, Hilton Park has main character energy written all over it!
Why Choose a Hilton Park Estate Wedding?
Because no two weddings here are the same, and that’s kind of the whole point. Hilton Park isn’t a factory wedding venue; it’s intimate, bespoke, and beautifully curated to reflect you. Couples come here for:
- That rich, historic beauty mixed with down-to-earth warmth
- The peaceful, secluded setting far from tourist crowds
- Incredibly photogenic backdrops (hello, sun-drenched gardens and antique drawing rooms)
- A place that feels like yours for the weekend, not just a rental
- Unforgettable guest experiences, with everything in one place
If you’re into slow mornings, candlelit dinners, and stolen kisses in flower-filled fields… you’ll feel right at home here.
Ceremony Locations at Hilton Park Estate
There are a few dreamy options to say “I do,” depending on the vibe you’re going for:
The Garden Ceremony: A favorite for spring and summer weddings, this outdoor spot is surrounded by lush greenery and blooms. You’ll walk through the garden paths and exchange vows under open skies, it’s wildly romantic and naturally stunning.
The Drawing Room: Perfect for more intimate weddings or rainy-day backups, this elegant indoor space has tall windows, vintage touches, and that cozy estate beauty. You still get the historic vibes, just with a little more candlelight and warmth!
Woodland or Lakeside Vows: For the truly adventurous souls, you can opt for a ceremony tucked into the trees or near the water. Bring a small group (or just your partner!) and make it an elopement-style moment.
Reception Spaces & Layout Flow
After the ceremony, cocktail hour usually flows into the terraced lawns or one of the cozy rooms inside. For dinner and dancing, you’ve got a few layout options:
The Marquee: Hilton Park offers a beautiful, ivory-lined marquee that opens up to garden views. It’s ideal for larger weddings and can be styled rustic, romantic, or modern depending on your vibe. Twinkle lights? Check. Wooden tables or soft linens? You decide.
The House: For smaller weddings or multi-day celebrations, the house’s reception rooms and dining areas can be used for a private, intimate dinner party feel. Think firelit rooms, antique candelabras, and long-table meals that feel like a scene from a period film!
Accommodation at Hilton Park Estate
One of the best parts about this venue? You can stay on-site with your closest people. The estate can sleep up to 18 guests across 9 rooms in the main house, each room has its own vibe, filled with antiques and soft light. There’s also a self-catering cottage on the grounds for additional guests. This setup makes Hilton Park Estate perfect for a full wedding weekend. Think: welcome dinner the night before, a slow breakfast on the morning of, and a farewell brunch after the big day!
Styling Your Hilton Park Estate Wedding
This venue is a blank canvas in the best way, it already has character, so your job is to layer your aesthetic into it. Some styles that pair beautifully here:
- Romantic Garden Party: soft florals, vintage linens, outdoor dining
- Cottagecore Meets Regal: dried botanicals, velvet textures, old books
- Modern Whimsy: pops of color, playful tablescapes, eclectic touches!
- Black-Tie Vintage: tailored tuxes, candlelight, piano music.
Whatever your vision, this place can shape-shift to match it, while still feeling timeless.
Best Times of Year for a Hilton Park Estate Wedding
Ireland’s weather is famously unpredictable, but that’s part of the beauty. Here’s a general seasonal breakdown:
- Spring (April–June): Blooming gardens, fresh air, and softer light, amazing for outdoor photos
- Summer (July–August): Warmest temps, longest days, and best chance for sunshine
- Autumn (September–October): Golden light, turning leaves, cozy vibes
- Winter (November–February): Perfect for moody, candlelit weddings indoors
Hilton Park works beautifully in any season, but having indoor ceremony/reception options means you’ll always have a beautiful backup!
Travel & Accessibility: Getting to Hilton Park Estate
The estate is located near Clones, County Monaghan, about:
- 1.5 hours from Dublin Airport
- 2 hours from Belfast
Most guests fly into Dublin, rent a car, and drive through the scenic countryside. Private transport or group shuttles are also an option, especially if you’re planning a larger wedding.
Planning Tips for a Hilton Park Estate Wedding
- Book Early: This venue only hosts a limited number of weddings per year, it fills up fast!
- Use Local Vendors: There are some phenomenal planners, florists, and caterers in the Monaghan area familiar with the estate!
- Think Weekend-Wide: Make the most of the estate by planning a welcome evening or day-after gathering.
- Build in Downtime: Encourage guests to walk the trails, read in the drawing room, or just soak up the peaceful energy between events.
This place is made for slow, intentional celebrations.
Can You Elope at Hilton Park Estate?
Absolutely. Hilton Park Estate is an incredible elopement location for couples wanting intimacy without giving up beauty or depth. You can have your ceremony in the garden, the woods, or inside the drawing room, followed by a romantic dinner for two (or with a few loved ones). Pair it with a photo adventure around the property and a cozy night in one of the romantic suites. It’s low-key luxury at its best!
What To Do Nearby: Make It a Wedding Weekend
For guests staying a few extra days, here are some local gems worth exploring:
- Lough Muckno: a scenic lake perfect for a relaxing day out
- Rossmore Forest Park: walking trails and lots of photo opportunities
- Glaslough Village: stunning shops, cafes, and that Irish village beauty
- Day Trips to Belfast or Dublin: close enough for a pre/post-wedding adventure
You can easily turn your Hilton Park Estate wedding into a full-on Irish getaway!
Ready For Your Hilton Park Estate Wedding? Let’s Chat!
The Combs Creative | Destination Wedding Photographers
This venue is pure magic. It’s romantic without being stuffy, elegant without trying too hard, and completely unique to every couple who walks its grounds. Whether you’re planning a 100-guest garden celebration or a two-person elopement with champagne under the stars, a Hilton Park Estate wedding is one of those once-in-a-lifetime settings that holds your story with soul! Want to bring your Hilton Park Estate wedding vision to life with photos that match the vibe? We would love to document it in a way that feels just as intentional and romantic as the space itself. Head to our contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about us and what we do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Vendors
Planning & Design: @wildeandsageco
Digital Photography and Film Photos: @thecombscreative @jessrenephotos
Videography: @thecombsfilms
Drone: @jesslizettephoto
Florals: @rbt_florals
Hair & Makeup: @triplowbeauty
Wedding Gowns: @dalliancegownrentals
Getting Ready Looks: @shopforthelovers
Models: @paulaandtoni @malii_boo @iamdominicdangelic
Signage & Stationery: @studiorestore.co
Rentals: @caterhire.ie
Linens: @totaleventrental
