If you’re considering eloping, I can’t recommend the Emerald Isle highly enough! The Emerald Isle is a place where rugged coastlines and rolling green hills kiss the horizon, and where adventure and beauty await you and your beloved. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? I absolutely love traveling to Ireland to shoot weddings – so much so that I’ve put together a guide on how to elope in Ireland!
Eloping in Ireland is romantic as all hell! Not only because of the dramatic and breathtaking scenery but because of the castles, churches, monuments, culture, history and even the people with their beautiful accents and lovely warmth. This is a wedding destination made for the silver screen. You can live out your very own ‘PS I Love You’ love affair!
Did you know the term tying the knot comes from the 17th-century Celtic tradition of handfasting? The couples’ hands are cloaked in ribbon and tied together in a knot, to symbolize the couple’s commitment to each other. The Irish really can be romantic, can’t they?
I’ll guide you on how to elope in Ireland, and don’t worry because planning an elopement is a lot easier than planning a larger wedding:
1. Find a location. When planning on how to elope in Ireland, you’ll first need to choose your location and book your celebrant!
Once this is done, you’ll contact the registrar by phone to communicate your intent to get married – this must be done three months before your wedding.
From there you can easily submit your wedding application and get your marriage certificate remotely. Pretty simple and efficient!
2. Book me as your elopement photographer in Ireland! You can get in touch with me here, fill out the inquiry form and within 48 hours I’ll be in touch to go over all your details and proceed with a booking.
3. Are permits required? Find out if the location you want requires a photography permit and what the rules are.
4. If you want to have a ceremony, how many guests are allowed to attend? Some places have guest limits.
5. The last step – book your freaking flight to Ireland! How exciting must that feel? I love elopements because that’s it – you choose your own adventure. Do what you want, and let the experience follow.
I’m lucky enough to have experience with elopement photography in Ireland and I’ve managed to acquire the art of driving on the other side of the road! So you’ll be in good hands with me, I promise! I also have great recommendations from florists to officiants, and I can help you organize the finer details – but the larger details are choosing the right location.
The Best Places To Elope In Ireland
This will depend on the style of Irish elopement that you desire!
Outdoor Elopements
First, we have outdoor elopements, where the lush landscapes frame your day in beauty and nature. Howth Cliffs is the perfect location! It has breathtaking views of the Irish coastline and sea.
Photography shoots can include sunrise or sunset picnics, for just you two or you can include a small ceremony. This destination can be a bit more lux and romantic allowing photographs full of nature and opulence.
Fairytale Castle-Style Elopements
Ireland OWNS this vibe! There are many historic castles that offer elopement packages in Ireland that even includes accommodations. The castle ruins at Rock of Dunamase offer a really unique and romantic setting for an elopement, whether you choose to exchange vows in the ruins themselves or on the surrounding grounds. The historic and majestic ruins of castles bring a sense of grandeur and timelessness to your photographs!
City Style Elopements
City-style elopements in Ireland are perfect if you enjoy a more urban setting which can be either modern or historic and yet romantic, cozy as well as cost-effective.
There’s plenty of liveliness in an Irish city for your wedding, as Irish pubs pulse with merriment and charming alleyways are beckoning to be photographed and explored.
My must-see wedding locations in Dublin city are St. Patrick’s Cathedral or Dublin Castle!
Adventure Elopements
If you are more of an adventure elopement couple, then the Irish Mountains are one of the most amazing Ireland elopement locations. There are tons of outdoor activities you can enjoy – hiking, kayaking or even a hot air balloon ride!
The Wicklow Mountains are the perfect place for you to roam! Hike to a secluded spot or exchange vows on a mountaintop, the rugged and wild landscape, dotted with heather and gorse.
In the springtime, we can shoot photos that truly capture a sense of adventure and natural beauty that will make your elopement truly unforgettable!
If you’d like me as your Ireland elopement guide and photographer, get in touch and we can start planning! I cannot wait to capture your love in motion. What are you waiting for? LET’S DO IT. Get in touch here or call me on 303-502-7318.
Rock of Dunamase
Howth Cliffs
Wicklow Mountains
Dublin City
