Each couple is free to elect to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in any approved Catholic Church or chapel
Each church that is part of a parish in the Diocese of Cork and Ross is so approved. A small number of other chapels, including the Honan Chapel, are approved. Other venues require the permission of the local bishop before the Sacrament of Marriage may be celebrated lawfully.
The following churches and chapels in the diocese are popular venues for marriage with people who choose to celebrate their marriage ceremony in a place other than their local parish church. Please note that the priest in charge of such churches is not generally available to officiate at ceremonies of visiting couples. Couples are required to make separate arrangements with a celebrant of their choice.
The Honan Chapel (UCC)
The Honan Chapel (UCC)
The Honan Chapel is a popular venue with graduates of University College Cork.
It may be booked for weddings through the Chaplaincy, University College Cork (UCC), during normal business hours.
St. Finbarr’s Oratory
(Gougane Barra)
St. Finbarr’s Oratory (Gougane Barra)
St. Finbarr’s Oratory is located in one of the most picturesque parts of the diocese - where the river Lee rises.
It is associated with the patron saint of Cork. The oratory is located on a small island in the middle of a lake. It accommodates just 50 people for a wedding liturgy and is popular with couples who want their marriage ceremony in “a place away from it all”.
St. Enda’s Church (Johnstown)
St. Enda’s Church (Johnstown)
Johnstown is in the parish of Kilmichael and is more or less in the centre of the diocese. St. Enda’s Church dates from 1870 but was completely refurbished in the 1990s. The new interior and furnishings were designed and realised by artist Fergus Costello. The church features Irish timbers, including bog oak, as the principal material. It accommodates 200 people approx. The church is located between Dunmanway and Inchigeela.
There is no set fee. Offerings for the use of the church are appreciated.
Church of the Most Precious Blood (Clogheen)
Church of the Most Precious Blood (Clogheen)
This church on the north-west outskirts of Cork city has been a popular wedding venue for generations. The present church is a combination of parts of the 1807 structure and a rebuilding from the 1970s. The church accommodates 300 people approx.
There is no set fee. Offerings for the use of the church are appreciated.
St. Fachtna’s Church (Glandore)
St. Fachtna’s Church (Glandore)
The church in Glandore is set in the countryside about 2km from the picturesque village of Glandore. St. Fachtna’s Church was opened in 1927 and is dedicated to the patron saint of Ross diocese. Its interior is simple in design and traditional in style. It accommodates up to 400 people.
There is no set fee. Offerings for the use of the church are appreciated.
