It's one of the first steps to take towards planning your dream day.

Finding the right venue to say I do can be tricky enough - after all, there's a lot to consider. Do you want a hotel? How about something outdoors? Or you can always go for a more traditional church wedding. Or maybe you're still searching for that unique place to exchange vows that you'll fall head over heels for - in which case, look no further. From cosy country houses to private islands and just about everywhere in between, we've rounded up some of our favourite alternative wedding venues.

The Chocolate Factory, Dublin 1

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbUOkX4F_wE/?taken-by=greenshoesevents The arts centre is the perfect location if you're looking for something that's cool and that's easy to get to. With large windows, exposed steel beams and high ceilings, the warehouse venue is pretty much a blank canvas - so you can design your big day down to a T. The venue can suit everything from smaller weddings to bigger celebrations, with it being able to accommodate up to 200 guests. For more information, check out their website.  

Kilruddery House, Co Wicklow

The picturesque old house and gardens will make your wedding feel like something out of a movie. There's a stunning Orangery space that can be used for a ceremony and, after a walk through their 17th century gardens, guests will reach the Grain Store. The 19th century barn conversion faces out onto a charming courtyard, where up to 160 guests can enjoy a night of dinner and dancing. For more information, check out their website.

The Millhouse, Co Meath

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bef73p3Fo2_/?taken-by=millhouseslane Set among the orchard gardens and river, the Old Mill makes for a location to say 'I do' that is equal parts breathtaking and dramatic. Or, if you fancy something more laid back and outdoorsy, you can exchange vows by the nearby river. Every wedding at the Georgian manor house is tailor-made for the couple, with up to 300 guests able to be accommodated. For more information, check out their website.

Mount Druid, Co Westmeath

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUz64vqgU61/?taken-by=mountdruidweddings Another fabulous boutique wedding venue, Mount Druid's Tin Chapel is n intimate and unique location to say 'I do'. Following the ceremony, you can take a stroll to the Boat House or Summer House (provided the weather is kind) for a drinks reception and canapés, before moving to The Barn for a wedding meal. With a maximum capacity of 200 guests, there's also a number of luxury accommodations on offer: from contemporary cottages to yurts and teepees. For more information, check out their website.

Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin 8

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb42_JGgDdG/?taken-by=smockalleytheatre The restored 17th-century theatre's Banquet Hall is a seriously impressive spot in the city centre to celebrate your big day. The spot can host up to 100 people in pew seating (with more seats available, if needed) and 120 people for a seated dinner. With the exposed brick walls and stunning stained glass windows from the theatre's time as a church, the venue is really a blank canvas you can turn into your dream day. For more information, check out their website.

Borris House, Co Carlow

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTjJyxCAmYe/?taken-by=borrishouse This unique and historic house is like something right out of a fairytale. The beautiful double-height barn, with its oak beams and rough stone walls, lends itself to the perfect location for a civil ceremony - or even for guests to meet up the night before, paving the way for a more intimate feeling to the festivities the next day. Meanwhile, the rustic Ballroom Wing can host up to 160 guests - and be turned into your personal dream setting. For more information, check out their website.

Finnerbrouge Woods, Co Down

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaJVTEsjyJf/?taken-by=finnebroguewoods If you fancy somewhere a bit more outdoorsy - while definitely unique - then this is the venue for you. Finnerbrouge Woods has a beautiful woodland path that leads the guests for a very creative reception area, which features four teepees. And while there's room for 160 people inside them, the venue can be adapted for up to 300 people if you fancy a bigger celebration. For more information, check out their website.

Ballybeg House, Co Wicklow

Laid back, dreamy and romantic: the "country home away from home" creates the perfect atmosphere if you're looking for a more lengthy wedding celebration. The cosy ceremony room can accommodate up to 160 guests, while the Victorian-style marquee can hold up to 170 guests. The venue is entirely yours throughout the entire celebration, so it really does become your personal haven. For more information, check out their website.

Inish Beg Estate, Co Cork

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRBDmFrh7gO/?taken-by=inishbeg Whether you're looking to have an intimate, small party in the boathouse or a blow-out wedding bash in the marquee, the sights on the private island will take your breath away. The gardens are overflowing with hidden treasures, which make them both the perfect backdrop for some stunning photos or even an aisle to an outdoor ceremony. The private island can host up to 350 guests for a wedding celebration. Up to 52 guests can be accommodated on-site, with a number of other accommodation nearby. For more information, check out their website.

Fallon and Byrne, Dublin 2

Just a bouquet’s throw away from Grafton Street, the venue promises to be "a space to call your own". With an easy-to-get-to city centre location and amazing food, the intimate Ballroom can be decorated to suit whatever tastes you like - from formal to boho and everything in between. And, as an added bonus, there's a fabulous wine cellar for a pre-meal drinks reception. For more information, check out their website.

St Columb's Hall, Co Derry

If you're on the search for a venue that is steeped in history, look no further. First built in 1886, St Columb's hall has recently undergone a massive renovation - and it's absolutely breathtaking. The main auditorium can accommodate both big and small weddings, as it is able to comfortably seat 280 guests. For more information, check out their website.