Is it a cop-out to say that the best places to elope in Ireland are…all of the places in Ireland?

If you love Lord of the Rings vibes, mysticism, incredible views, fresh air, green hills, friendly people, castles and ruins, old-world charm, and deep history…Ireland may be the place for you. I’ll admit to some bias, but Ireland really does have it all.

I offer free vibe checks if you want to hear more, pick my brain, or ask some questions. I’m more than happy to tell you all about it and see if Ireland is a good fit for your elopement!

Table of Contents:

1. How to elope in Ireland
2. How to choose an elopement location
3. The best places to elope in Ireland
4. Plan your Ireland elopement one step at a time

How to Elope in Ireland

Eloping in a foreign country can feel daunting, but I promise it’s easier than you think. I help my clients with all kinds of details, but if you’re looking for the best places to start, here you go. You can also find more on this in the “Ireland Elopement Guide.”

Hire an Experienced Photographer

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: whether or not you hire me, hiring an experienced elopement photographer is one of the best “step ones” when planning an elopement. The earlier you book me, the sooner I can help you. Take full advantage of what’s in my brain! Give yourself time to ask questions, get answers, mull things over, and make the best decisions for you. Google is great for super generalized advice for any and all tourists.

But you deserve more than that.

You deserve the bespoke experience, so start your elopement journey with personalized attention! Get to know me a little better over here (:

Book Your Travel

Easy peasy: book your flights into whichever Irish airport is convenient, pick up your rental car (if you need one—I do recommend it if you’re going somewhere more remote), and head to where you’re staying for the night. I suggest you don’t do more than an hour or two’s worth of driving on your first day, what with the travel and the jet lag.

For more of my best travel tips, read all about “How to Visit Ireland as an American.”

Have the Elopement of Your Dreams

This happens in two parts.

First, you plan an elopement day that you love. I mean that: plan a day that you love, not your overbearing great-aunt. She won’t remember your wedding day the way you do, so if you’re going to upset anyone with your choices, make sure that person isn’t you. I’ll help you craft a day (or several, go wild) where you don’t have to mask your personality, don’t have to pretend, and don’t have to do things just because other people said you should.

Second, be in the moment. On your wedding day, embrace whatever happens, enjoy every minute of it, and don’t worry about a thing. I’ll photograph all those emotions for you to keep forever.

How to Choose an Elopement Location

Choosing one of the best places in Ireland doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You’ve got a lot to choose from, but…you’ve got a lot to choose from. This is my best advice for narrowing things down.

Think About How You Want Your Elopement Day to Feel

Different locations have different vibes. Ireland has variety! Are you envisioning a day that’s moody and cozy? Do you want to feel the wind whip through your hair on a mountain peak, or do you want to stroll along a quiet beach? Is a more high-energy day your style, or do you prefer low-energy activities? Do you mind other people around or do you want the quiet of solitude? Thinking about how you want your day to feel can help you choose the type of location that will suit you and your partner.

Choose Your Level of Activity

Ireland has some rugged hikes if you’re up for it. And we’ve also got quiet, ADA-accessible areas. Whether by choice or necessity, your level of activity (or that of your guests) will help narrow down your options from among the best places in Ireland.

Talk to Your Photographer

You don’t have to do this all on your own with Mr Google and a can-do attitude.

I’m here to help you, my darlings.

As soon as my clients are booked, you receive a detailed questionnaire. I promise it’s not homework, you can even make a date night out of it. This info gives me a better understanding of your relationship, some of the best experiences you’ve had together, and the type of elopement experience you’re looking for. I’ll put together custom location suggestions based on your preferences, including photos, local info, hiking info (difficulty, length, elevation gain), accessibility info, and more.

It’s all collaborative! The choice is always, always yours. But I’m here to help you figure it all out.

The Best Places to Elope in Ireland

Let’s talk about what you’re really here for, the very best places to elope in Ireland. I didn’t even try to make this list shorter, because I love you. Some of these places are specific, and some are broader areas in Ireland. Working with me, you’ll get exact specifics, down to where to park your car, but this “best places to elope in Ireland” list is a great place to start.

Outdoor Locations For an Ireland Elopement

1. The Howth Cliffs: beautiful coastal views and one of the best walks in Dublin.
2. Wicklow Mountains National Park: Wicklow is the largest national park in Ireland, featuring open vistas, streams and lakes, and wooded valleys.
3. Glendalough: a valley tucked in the Wicklow Mountains National Park that deserves its own spot on the list.
4. Sheep’s Head: a peninsula in the southwest of Ireland with windswept ocean views.
5. Gougane Barra: a national forest park in the southwest of Ireland with hiking trails, a beautiful lake, and mountain views.
6. The Ring of Beara: technically not one specific location. The Ring is an 85-mile route along the Beara Peninsula. This is for you if you like driving adventures with gorgeous stopping points and spontaneity.
7. The Dingle Peninsula: a craggy stretch of Kerry coastline and rich history. Some of my secret spots are tucked away on this 30-mile peninsula.
8. The Cliffs of Moher: one of the most popular locations in Ireland, and a name you’re likely familiar with. Don’t count this location out just because it’s popular; there are plenty of places in the area with stunning views that most tourists don’t yet know about…
9. The Burren: a national park with extremely old and very cool rock formations.
10. The Aran Islands: located off the west coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands are accessible by ferry near Galway. Check out the Ireland Elopement Guide for an example timeline of an Aran Island elopement day.
11. Croaghaun Sea Cliffs: the highest sea cliffs in Ireland, and the third highest in all of Europe.
12. Glenveagh National Park: deep in the heart of Donegal, this national park has a rugged landscape and picturesque castle.
13. Malin Beg and the Slieve League Cliffs: a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) village with a peaceful beach and a stunning cliff hike.
14. Mount Errigal: Donegal’s tallest mountain with iconic views.

Castles and Ruins

1. Menlo Castle: a 16th-century ruin on the banks of a river near Galway. The land is taking this one back—ivy climbs the walls, settling the castle into the landscape.
2. Corcomroe Abbey: located near the Burren, this early 13th-century monastery is set in a peaceful valley.
3. Muckross Abbey: the ruins of this abbey are situated in Killarney National Park. A 550-year-old yew tree grows in the center.
4. Glenveagh Castle: not a ruin! You can take a guided tour of this castle located in Glenveagh National Park, on the shores of Lough Veagh.

Churches

1. St. Finbarr’s Oratory: the small church at Gougane. This wee building sits on the edge of Gouganebarra Lake, tucked away off the beaten track. Rent a canoe for some picturesque photos!
2. Dunlewey Church: this church is located at the base of Mount Errigal in Donegal, overlooking the “Poisoned Glen.”
3. Benan’s Temple: possibly the smallest church in Ireland at just 15×11 feet, this wee ruin is located on Inis Mór, off the west coast of Ireland.

Plan Your Ireland Elopement: One Step at a Time

It’s okay if choosing where to elope feels a little overwhelming. You have a whole entire country at your disposal! As I said above, I’m here to help you, to make it as easy, fun, and stress-free as I can. Because getting married should be fun (:

If you want to book in with me, or you think you might but want to know more, it’s super simple. You can reach out by email here or skip ahead to a vibe check—it’s no pressure at all, not a sales call or anything. Just a way to get to know each other a little and see if we’re a good fit for each other.

If you’re still in the info-gathering phase, check out my Ireland elopement packages!

Here’s how the booking process works:

1. Reach out via email or schedule a free vibe check.
2. We’ll talk about your elopement ideas, and if there’s room in my calendar, I’ll send you a contract. It’s all digital to keep things easy.
3. Once your contract is signed, you’ll receive an invoice to pay the retainer. Also digital (:
4. That’s it, you’re booked! And I’m all yours.

I help my couples craft an intentional elopement experience without having to mask or pretend. Experiences grounded in gentleness that allow you to relax into it and enjoy your wedding day without judgment or sensory overload.

Help me help you, my darlings. I’m available for Ireland elopements year-round but offer special rates for late summer/early autumn every single year.

And I’m ready if you are…