A popular wedding venue in Co Fermanagh has seen an increase in enquiries from couples who had initially booked their big day for venues in the Republic of Ireland.
The Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel in Enniskillen says bookings in the new year have been strong, with venues in Northern Ireland subject to a risk assessment rather than restricted to a certain number of guests.
Wedding receptions across the border are still subject to a maximum of 100 people under current Covid-19 restrictions and must end at midnight.
The Killyhevlin’s general manager David Morrison told MyFermanagh there has been a noticeable increase in 2022 wedding enquiries in recent weeks.
“We have had couples who have moved their wedding venue to come north,” David said.
“There has definitely been an increase in enquiries from either couples who have booked a wedding in the south and are considering changing, and also people from around the border areas now looking north instead of somewhere in their own county.
“We’re happy to report that bookings are very strong, there has been a big increase in the number of enquiries.
“We would be well known and have a great reputation as a lakeside wedding venue.
“It’s great to see new wedding enquiries coming in and that confidence to book ahead.”
Meanwhile, the hotel boss said enforcing vaccine passports for guests has been a challenge since they were introduced.
“The Covid cert is a factor which just came into force pre-Christmas, and adds another layer of protocol," he said.
“You would still get people even coming to lunch that aren’t even aware that you would need it.
“It’s another restriction that couples need to be aware of and make guests aware of."
