Sol y Sombra: A Bespoke Church Ceremony

For the next pitstop on my tour of County Kerry (Ireland’s premier wedding destination) to places where I would love to create a ceremony, I’m delighted to find myself at Sol y Sombra. This unique venue in the heart of Killorglin, high on a mount, is special for many reasons.

Firstly, it is a 200-year old deconsecrated Church of Ireland church. Secondly, it’s a fabulous Spanish tapas restaurant. Thirdly, you can get married here! If you even need a fourth reason, it’s that it has a wonderful outdoor seating area overlooking the historical town of Killorglin. OK … I’ve thought of a fifth — it looks completely amazing as a wedding venue.

Restaurant manager Katie told me when I visited that couples love the clever dynamic of this venue. If you want to get married in a church, but for some reason can’t (or they won’t let you!), Sol y Sombra is a magical mix of tradition and alternative.

The pictures below Katie sent on to me speak for themselves. I can honestly say I cannot wait (and pray to whomever is listening!) to do a wedding here soon.

Katie has organised wedding ceremonies for couples using a variety of different officiants as well as celebrants, for example Humanist celebrants and Spiritualist celebrants. You would require pre-approval from a Registrar, but a celebrant would not require prior approval for a ceremony to be held here.

Immediately upon entering Sol y Sombra you get a feeling of space and occasion. Not unlike walking into a church, with its towering ceiling, beautiful original stained glass windows, pulpit surround and pew seating.

Ceremonies look amazing at Sol y Sombra. The restaurant tables and chairs are cleared, and the main venue space rearranged to include a red carpet aisle and rows of pretty chairs. A small upstairs room provides a great private/breakout space for couples pre and post ceremony.

I have visited Sol y Sombra many times for dinner, and it really is a unique venue for the area, with great food and warm ambiance. I also attended a really cool movie and dinner night here a few years ago, as part of the Kerry Film Festival.

The beauty of Sol y Sombra is that by day this elegant venue offers a traditional backdrop to your special occasion, transformed then at night into the most magical party.

Sol y Sombra

• Walk down the aisle for your wedding ceremony in a deconsecrated church.
• Has an outside seating/dining area with amazing views.
• Small and medium-sized events accommodated.

My Why or UWP (Unique Wedding Point)

• Get married in a church and do your own thing with the ceremony.