Elope to Ireland
Elopements are deeply personal, intentionally small celebrations of your life together. What could be more intimate than creating a wedding of your own which reflects the unique love you have for each other.
Some couples also prefer the spontaneity and adventure of eloping, as it allows them to make their wedding day truly their own and to be in complete control of the planning process.
It's no secret that Ireland is a refreshingly remote and unique place, steeped in history and sitting on the edge of the world - it's a wonderfully unique and romantic place to escape to for your elopement.
Booking your elopement photographer
Allow Nick to guide you through an unforgettable day
-
Make the most of my travel tips, tailored location recommendations, custom timelines and Packages
-
Access my extensive network of the most trustworthy Irish suppliers who will flawlessly play their part in creating the wedding of your dreams.
-
This is love celebrated your way, and I'll provide you with unique, lasting and personal memories of your day.
My Elopement packages
Let me take you on a journey to experience a wedding day like no other
What's included
» Pre Wedding Consultation with your Photographer Nick, including detailed Timeline planning (face to face / video or phone depending on convenience).
» Your personal Elopement Preparation Guide and checklist.
» Your Wedding Day and adventures together artfully captured.
» Beautiful online slideshow and image gallery that can be viewed anywhere and shared with family and friends.
» Half day - up to 6 consecutive hours - €2,950
» Full day - up to 10 consecutive hours - €3,950
Best placeS to elope in Ireland
everything you need to know to plan your elopement
There are so many incredible locations to consider for your elopement in Ireland - places where couples can exchange their vows in a beautiful and memorable setting.
In addition Ireland has a rich cultural heritage, with many traditional wedding customs to draw on and incorporate in your own wedding ceremony.
The beauty and ruggedness of the landscape here has long provided inspiration to poets through history, but I promise you - it is the people you will encounter during your stay who will leave the lasting impression!
I'm going to guide you through each corner of the island, taking in the best destinations for an outdoor ceremony and the gorgeous venues you simply must consider staying in along the way.
eloping to Ireland's ancient east
Dublin City, County Wicklow and Kilkenny
Ireland's east is home to capital city Dublin, so anywhere along the east coast is going to be convenient to the city and its airport.
Dublin itself is a thriving young European capital, as well-known for its variety of culinary offerings as it is for its bustling traditional pub scene.
The city also offers a rich cultural heritage, with historic buildings, museums and galleries to explore. And when it comes to the great outdoors, there are plenty of parks and gardens to stroll in and enjoy the fresh air.
The Howth Cliffs, located on the northern tip of Dublin Bay, offer gorgeous panoramic views from Lambay Island to the hills of Wicklow and are a popular spot for ceremonies.
For indoor ceremonies take a look at Smock Alley, No 25 Fitzwilliam Place, Museum of Literature Ireland or Dublin City Hall.
For hotels you will want to stay somewhere memorable - try the historical Shelbourne Hotel on St Stephen's Green, The Westbury off Grafton St, or The Dylan Hotel for something more contemporary.
Just outside of Dublin, Luttrellstown Castle ticks all the boxes if you are looking for an irish castle wedding close to the city. With just 20 bedrooms and a banqueting room perfect for intimate gatherings it's a popular destination for smaller occasions.
County Wicklow is known as the garden of Ireland - and with good reason - it's national park is home to 50k acres of vastly unspoilt mountains, rivers, lakes and public walkways. The possibilities here are endless but popular spots include Glendalough (literally divine!) and Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall and the Guinness Lake.
The Powerscourt Hotel is the perfect spot to base yourself for your stay in Co. Wicklow - 5 star luxury with the full trappings of the Powerscourt Estate on your doorstep.
Further to the south is the ancient city of Kilkenny, and my home town. The city boasts an ancient Castle, two Cathedrals, an assortment of museums and probably Ireland's most renowned night-scenes. So the best of all worlds really.
Take a look at Butler House, situated right next to Kilkenny Castle, a gorgeous venue for smaller events and perfect for photographs next to the castle. Langtons is also an option for smaller indoor ceremonies.
Another place to consider on the east of the country is the medieval Waterford Castle - accessible by boat only, on the River Suir. If steeping yourself in irish history is your thing, this place is for you - the Castle was built in the 12th Century and was used as a royal residence for over 800 years.
eloping to the north of Ireland
from Donegal to the causeway coast
The north of Ireland features (some say!) some of the most spectacular scenery on the whole island. A rugged and beautiful coastline runs the whole way from Co. Down to the tip of Donegal and the beginnings of the Wild Atlantic Way.
In Donegal there are too many beauty spots to mention, and most will be completely deserted at quieter times of the year.
Popular spots including The Slieve League Cliffs - towering cliffs that rise to a height of almost 600m and offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding countryside.
Glenveagh National Park - The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and woodlands. Visitors can take a tour of Glenveagh Castle or hike one of the many trails through the park.
Malin Head - the most northerly point of Ireland, Malin Head offers some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in the country - you'll know you're in an extraordinary setting when you encounter the rugged cliffs and clear blue waters here for the first time. Banba's Crown is the most northerly point and about 10 miles north of the town of Malin.
Turning to Co Antrim and possibly the most remote location on my list - Hamilton's Seat - about a 5 mile hike along the cliff walk from the Giants Causeway. This is one for those up for a bit of adventure but the views (and the photography!) are worth the effort.
The Giants Causeway itself is probably the most visited area on the northern coastline of Ireland. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is a geological wonder, made up of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity.
The surroundings offer an intimate and peaceful setting for a smaller wedding ceremony. The area is also associated with ancient irish myths and storytelling, particularly the legend of Finn McCool, all of which adds to the mystical atmosphere of the location.
Additionally, the Giants Causeway is conveniently located close to other elopement locations such as the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge - all of which can make for a perfect honeymoon itinerary.
No elopement to the north of Ireland would be complete without a pub visit taking in traditional Irish music and dance and sampling local cuisine, including seafood, irish whiskey and a Guinness of course.
into the west
From Achill, connemara and galway to the Cliffs of moher
The west of Ireland needs little introduction, the only problem you will have here is deciding where to go!
County Mayo is as beautiful a county as anywhere else but with the advantage of often being lot less crowded than some other stop-offs on the Wild Atlantic Way. The town of Westport is a wonderful place to base yourself and the ideal gateway to Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick and Clare Island. All incredibly picturesque locations.
Clare Island is a little off the beaten path if you want to opt for something uniquely remote and peaceful, you'll be greeted by the dramatic tower of Grainne Mhaol - a 16th century irish pirate as you approach the island from the west, while sheer cliffs and an adundance of beauty spots await to the north and east of the island.
Further west you'll want to consider Achill Island - as dramatic a location as it gets, think soaring cliffs, deserted beaches and cosy pubs. The horseshoe shaped Keem Bay rightfully gets a lot of attention, but there are are further gorgeous beauty spots at Keel and all along the Atlantic coast.
Connemara is a region located in County Galway, known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque villages, and unique way of life - irish is the spoken language in many of the villages here. If you want to immerse yourself deep in irish culture and tradition this is the place to be!
No trip to Connemara is complete without a visit to the beautifully colourful town of Clifden and its Atlantic Sky Road. Clifden, with it's traditional pubs and welcoming B & B's is a great place to base yourself for a Connemara elopement.
Ballynahinch Castle, situated amidst breathtaking scenery, deep in Connemara, offers the perfect blend of elegance, luxury, and a traditional Irish castle experience. If you're looking to indulge and treat yourself on your elopement, it's definitely worth considering.
The Wild Atlantic way runs the whole way along the Galway coastline, with dramatic views at every turn. In between deserted sandy beaches you'll find villages like Roundstone, Spiddal and the fishing village of Cleggan.
From Cleggan you can hop on a 30 min ferry ride to Inishbofin, a stunningly beautiful island, somewhat off the main tourist trail, but one where you can overnight in comfort. More big skies and amazing sunsets await on this remote landscape. The possibilities for an incredible elopement here are endless if you're willing to go the extra mile and take to the seas!
A ferry from Rossaveal or Galway city will get you to the Aran Islands - three islands situated on the edge of the world and three more incredibly remote locations to consider for your elopement.
Inishmore is the largest and home to many ancient ruins, including the prehistoric fort of Dún Aengus and the 7th century monastic site of Teaghlach Einne. The 'Black Fort' is a wonderfully remote beauty spot perfect for smaller ceremonies. .
Galway city is the medieval gateway to Connemara and offers a good base for day trips to other destinations such as The Cliffs of Moher, Burren and Kylemore Abbey.
But the city is a wonderful option to consider for your elopement in its own right being well known for its rich cultural heritage, lively atmosphere and picturesque streets.
The historic city centre is a maze of narrow streets and colourful buildings, with many of the buildings dating back to the medieval period. Perfect for gorgeous photography and a genuine irish welcome.
One of my favorite places in Galway is Menlo Castle, ruins which date back to the 16th century. The castle is located on the banks of the River Corrib and is easily accessible from Galway City. If you're looking for a unique destination that combines the charm of a remote location with the convenience of a city, Menlo Castle is a great choice.
County Clare beckons next and with it the world famous Cliffs of Moher, a very popular location for elopements. The cliffs here rise over 200m above the Atlantic Ocean and offer stunning views of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands and the surrounding seascape.
The Tower at Hag's Head completes the cliff walk to the south, and offers a wonderful backdrop for your ceremony.
For a Cliffs of Moher elopement consider staying in Galway city or better yet a smaller village locally like Doolin or Lahinch. You'll want to visit the cliffs at just the right time of the day so talk to Nick about that.
eloping to the south west of Ireland
Dingle, killarney and west cork
With its natural beauty, rich culture, and endless possibilities for adventure, the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry is a truly unforgettable elopement destination. The area is home to a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and surfing but it's the breathtaking landscape that truly makes it a special place to visit.
Notable beauty points include Slea Head with the Blaskets in the background, Conor Pass to the east and the Minard Castle ruins to the south of the peninsula.
Dingle, a small irish town, is a gem in itself. It bustles with activity and tourists during the summer, but is quieter during the off-season. The local food and music scene are a major draw for couples and visitors alike.
Every spot on the Dingle peninsula is breathtaking and no two weddings I have photographed here are ever remotely the same.
Further inland in County Kerry, Killarney is the perfect town from which to experience The Killarney National Park with its beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and ancient forests. You can take a boat tour of the lakes, hike the many trails, or even take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park.
Killarney town is also well known for its lively traditional Irish music scene and is a superb place to experience the culture of Ireland on your stay here.
Muckross House and Gardens is a popular attraction in County Kerry, a 19th-century mansion set in beautiful gardens and grounds. Couples can also consider a day trip to the nearby Ring of Kerry, a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The ruins of Muckross Abbey in the heart of Killarney National Park are a popular and gorgeous location for civil ceremonies.
County Cork - affectionately known as the 'rebel county' or the 'Culinary capital of Ireland' depending on who you are talking to cannot go without mention, especially west Cork, long famous for its scenic beauty and rich cultural vibe.
The region is well known for its vibrant arts and music scene, as well as its delicious cuisine, particularly seafood and local cheeses, so there is much to explore and take in during your stay.
Notable elopement destinations include the Beara Peninsula, Glengarriff, Bantry and Skibbereen but there are so many more we could mention.
For a bit of luxury take a look at Inchadoney Island Lodge or The Liss Ard Estate outside of Skibbereen.
Depending on where you are coming from you can fly into Cork airport while taking the train from Dublin to Cork is relatively easy also. Hiring a car to take in west Cork is the ideal way to travel, as you will want to see as much a possible in the days leading up to and after your wedding day.
Eloping to Ireland - FAQ's
Organising a wedding from abroad can be a tricky proposition, if your question is not answered here get in touch with nick who will be delighted to offer help and advice
The best time to elope to Ireland would be the months of April, May, June, and September as they are considered low season, and your preferred elopement location will most likely be much quieter.
If you are set on the months of July and August, and your Ceremony is going to be outdoors be sure you talk to your Planner or your Photographer about the best time for your Ceremony
You will also want to think about a fall back plan if the weather does not behave!
There are three different types of legal marriage ceremonies in Ireland - Civil, Religious and Secular. Civil ceremonies are performed by a registrar who works for the State. Religious ceremonies must be performed by registered solemnisers of established religions, while only registered solemnisers can perform secular ceremonies (such as Humanist).
In Northern Ireland the same applies - you must have a registrar for a Civil ceremony or a registered officiant for religious and other weddings where the person who has been registered as an officiant is authorised by the Registrar General
Religious weddings will require you to marry at an official location (church etc) while a Civil Registrar will only marry you at an approved location.
Secular ceremonies such as humanist and spiritual tend to have a bit more freedom, but the main thing to keep in mind is that you will need to do it in a public place, with a postal address. Your Solemniser / Planner or friendly Photographer will help you if you have any questions!
In Northern Ireland it’s slightly more relaxed in that you can be legally married anywhere you want, but restrictions will naturally apply for religious and civil marriages.
Of course if you are simply holding your own non-legally binding commitment ceremony you may hold this anywhere you please!
For all legally binding marriages you will need the appropriate documentation in order - the requirements for Ireland and Northern Ireland differ slightly so make sure you have checked through the appropriate website carefully.
If you want to be legally married in Ireland there needs to be a celebrant and at least 2 witnesses (over the age of 18), which I’m happy to be one of them, if required.
In Northern Ireland you are good to go as long as there is a celebrant who officiates your exchange of vows.
This depends really on how much planning you want to do yourselves, or whether you want to be led by an expert in the know. If you have more than a few guests coming over and are planning a more elaborate elopement it might be an idea to get someone involved in the planning process.
Take a look at Ger at Emerald Weddings, Waterlilly Weddings and Aislinn Events - they are all leaders in this space and will work closely with you to pick the perfect venue and the perfect suppliers for your day.
The beauty of an elopement is that you can keep it simple and focus on the ceremony itself. You will want a gorgeous bouquet on the day and perhaps some music during the ceremony. I can advise on the best florists in your area and pass on details of excellent musicians we have worked with on elopements. Music is of course a very personal choice, but having a musician there in the background really adds something uniquely special to the occasion.
You may want to consider hair and makeup for the morning of your wedding day and we can provide details of the most talented makeup artists and hair stylists in the country.
Take a look at my guide to Makeup Artists here.
A videographer is a lovely addition of you want to capture your moment together on film - take a look at my videographer recommendations here.
Typically it would cover for around 4 hours of coverage and some additional 2-3 hours of travel time.
My elopement package is already inclusive of travel fee to anywhere in Ireland, so no additional fee.
Book Nick for your Elopement
I’d love the opportunity to talk to you about your elopement plans
I am here to offer my vast experience as a Wedding Photographer and to help you as much as I can, as you plan your Elopement to Ireland.