DONEGAL couples are opting to take out wedding insurance policies, it has emerged.

One Irish wedding insurance provider said several Donegal couples have taken out a policy with them in recent times. Alan Murphy from irishweddinginsurance.ie said they have regular enquiries from the area.

"We've had about six or seven couples from Donegal insuring their wedding with us and even a hotelier rang us up once enquiring about it. With most venues now they're budgeting years ahead, they are looking for more by the way of deposits. By the time you walk up aisle you've spent a huge amount on non-refundable deposits. In the event of a family member passing away days before the wedding, you could be caught for about eight or nine thousand in deposits."

He also said if people weren't as exposed financially there would be no need for insurance.

"People spend about 1500 euro on a holiday and will take out travel insurance. A lot will spend 30,000 euro on a wedding but wouldn't think about wedding insurance," he said.

Wedding insurance is consolation cover and insures everything from bridal attire, gifts, car transport, photography and video. Blue Insurance in Dublin, another wedding insurance provider, said they also had several Donegal couples taking out the policy.