When planning a wedding, couples often look for a venue that feels more than beautiful, they want somewhere that reflects their personalities, welcomes their loved ones, and creates an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. That’s why family-owned and run wedding venues have become such popular locations to celebrate your day. They offer something uniquely heartfelt, something that simply can’t be manufactured: a sense of genuine care.

Here’s are 4 reasons that makes family-run wedding venues, and Ballyscullion Park in particular, truly special.

1. Heartfelt Hospitality 

At a family-run venue, hospitality isn’t a just policy, it’s a way of life. The family often lives on or near the property, meaning the estate is an extension of who they are. When they welcome you, they’re opening the doors to their home and that warmth sets the tone for your whole wedding experience.

Instead of a rotating team of staff, you’re greeted by people who know the venue inside out and care deeply about how your day unfolds. Couples consistently remark on how supported, valued and understood they feel at Ballyscullion Park 😍

2. Pride Handed Down Through Generations

Many family-run venues carry years, even generations of stories, traditions, and love.  This heritage is carefully preserved in the way the grounds are maintained, the buildings are restored, and the details are lovingly tended to.

You’ll often find that every corner tells a story, and every decision is made with pride. This sense of legacy adds a richness and authenticity that simply can’t be recreated in other kinds of venues.

The Mulholland family have lived at Ballyscullion Park since 1938, spanning almost 90 years and 5 generations!  There are roses and shrubs in the Walled Garden that were planted by Richard’s Grandmother in the 1940s <3

3. Personal Service and Real Relationships

From your first enquiry to the final moments of your wedding day, you’re likely to deal with the same friendly faces of Owner Rosalind, Wedding Manager Cathy and Events Manager Cordelia. This continuity builds trust and allows your planning process to feel relaxed, natural, and personal.

Family-run teams truly get to know you, your vision, your worries and your priorities. Because of this, they’re able to offer tailored advice, thoughtful ideas, and the kind of reassurance that comes from people who genuinely want your day to be perfect 🫶🏼

4. Flexibility That Makes Your Day Uniquely Yours

Without layers of corporate structure or rigid rules, family-run venues usually offer a level of flexibility that couples find refreshing. Whether it’s personalising spaces, adjusting timelines, or incorporating special traditions, the family’s commitment to making your day feel uniquely yours shines through.  Do you want to have fireworks at your wedding, your dog to be part of your special day, a petting zoo in the garden, your speeches outside, your ceremony at 11am, your dinner at 7pm?  Absolutely no problem 🥰

Below you will find some photos of the family team who work at Ballyscullion Park – Rosalind, Cordelia, George and Richard. Photos by Christine McIlroy and Denise Leacock.