Same-sex marriages on the increase in Cork and Kerry

IT’S almost a year since the same-sex marriage referendum was officially passed into law in November 2015. In that time, many marriages have taken place throughout the state with wedding ceremonies creating a multitude of lifelong memories for couples, families and friends that would otherwise not have happened but for the vision of the Irish people during that historic day in May, 2015.

As wedding destination go, few can compare with the magical surrounds of the southwest and it’s perhaps no surprise that marriages in counties, Kerry and Cork, have shown an increase in same-sex couples getting married here. Nothing beats getting married in the place where you were brought up – if that’s what you want - and it’s thanks to the Marriage Equality Bill that couples can now marry closer to home, whereas in previous years this option was simply not available. Many hotels have also been quick off the mark since last year in pitching for same-sex couples to have their special day celebrations with them and there are some great deals currently on offer out there.

CSO figures up to May 2016 show that 9 marriages have so far taken place in Kerry with 19 marriage notifications, while in Cork, 43 marriages took place and 83 wedding notifications. The southwest is certainly a great marriage destination with many couples having their ceremonies here just to sample its breathtaking coastline and stylish hotels – many of which have function rooms facing onto enchanting landscapes. So it’s good to know the sunny southwest is quickly becoming a vibrant destination for couples looking to say ‘I do’.