Main pic: Jo McAteer (centre) with her ‘Wedding Celebrant of the Year’ award.
A Donegal woman has been crowned the national ‘Wedding Celebrant of the Year’ this week.
Jo McAteer, of Love Jo Weddings, is a native of Fanad but has been living in Gorey, Co. Wexford, for nearly 20 years.
She won the prestigious accolade at the 2026 WeddingsOnline Awards which were held at Mount Wolseley Hotel, where Ireland’s finest wedding professionals gathered.
“I began my career as a funeral celebrant before discovering a love for weddings nearly a decade ago,” Jo told Donegal Daily.
“This award means the world. It’s proof that the work, rebranding, and connecting with couples has paid off. I’m grateful to do what I love.”
Coming from a family of undertakers, Jo is the daughter of Sean and Katherine McAteer, and her brother is Colin McAteer of Green Coffins Ireland.
She began her education in Scoil Mhuire Caiseal in Fanad’s Gaeltacht, before going on to secondary to the Loretto convent in Milford.
She went on to train as an Interfaith minister and is registered to conduct legal marriage ceremonies in the Republic of Ireland. Jo also conducts baby naming and vow renewal ceremonies.
You can find out more about Jo’s work at lovejoweddings.ie and on Instagram @lovejoweddings
Proud Donegal woman is national ‘Wedding Celebrant of the Year’ was last modified: March 13th, 2026 by Staff Writer
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