Elopement Photographer Ireland — Complete 2025/2026 Guide
Thinking about eloping in Ireland? You’re not alone. More and more couples are choosing Ireland for their wedding — breathtaking landscapes, romantic castles, and the freedom to make the day about you. From Kerry’s wild coastlines to Dublin’s city charm, Ireland is the ultimate destination for couples who want intimacy, beauty, and adventure.
I’m James O’Driscoll of JOD Photography, an elopement and wedding photographer based in Munster. Over the years, I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings across Kerry, Cork, Clare, Waterford, Tipperary, and beyond. My style is natural, unobtrusive, and honest. You won’t get staged, fake photos. You’ll get real moments, beautifully told.
This page is your complete guide to eloping in Ireland in 2025/2026. You’ll find:
- ✔ Best elopement locations across Ireland (county by county)
- ✔ Legal requirements for marrying in Ireland
- ✔ Photography packages and pricing
- ✔ Small venues and hidden gems for intimate weddings
- ✔ Travel and seasonal tips
- ✔ Reviews from real couples I’ve worked with
Why Elope in Ireland?
Eloping in Ireland means you can strip away the stress of guest lists, hotel blocks, and endless logistics. Instead, you focus on what matters: the two of you. Ireland gives you the chance to say your vows in landscapes that feel like movie sets — windswept cliffs, ancient ruins, quiet forests, or tucked-away chapels.
Some couples want a symbolic ceremony at Gougane Barra. Others want wild drama at the Cliffs of Moher. Some choose elegant hotels like Sheen Falls Lodge or The Dunloe Hotel with just 20 guests. Whatever your vision, Ireland delivers.
Top reasons couples choose Ireland for elopements:
- ✔ Epic Landscapes — mountains, cliffs, castles, lakes, beaches
- ✔ Intimacy — elopements let you focus on your vows and connection
- ✔ Flexibility — create a day that feels like yours, not a schedule for 200 guests
- ✔ Adventure — from hiking trails in Kerry to urban Dublin elopements
- ✔ Heritage — many couples come to Ireland to connect with their roots
Legal Requirements for Eloping in Ireland
Eloping in Ireland can be symbolic or legally binding. Here’s what you need to know:
- ✔ You must give 3 months’ notice to the HSE (Health Service Executive) if you want a legal civil or religious ceremony in Ireland.
- ✔ Symbolic ceremonies (humanist, spiritual, or personal vow exchanges) do not require paperwork and are the most flexible option.
- ✔ A civil registrar ceremony must take place at an approved venue and during office hours.
- ✔ Religious ceremonies vary by denomination and may have extra requirements.
- ✔ Many couples choose to handle the paperwork at home and come to Ireland for a symbolic ceremony at their dream location.
- ✔ You need two witnesses for legal ceremonies in Ireland — easy if you’re eloping with a few guests.
Full details are available at HSE — Getting Married in Ireland.
Best Elopement Locations in Ireland (County by County)
Ireland is packed with world-class elopement locations — from wild Atlantic cliffs to quiet forest chapels. Below I’ve broken down the best counties for eloping, with links to full venue guides and hubs.
Kerry Elopements
Kerry is the jewel of Irish elopements. Known as “The Kingdom”, it offers everything: mountains, lakes, beaches, islands, and five-star lodges. Couples travel from around the world to elope here.
- Gougane Barra — a lakeside chapel in the mountains, one of Ireland’s most iconic elopement spots. Read full guide.
- Killarney National Park — waterfalls, oak forests, and lakeside trails with mountain backdrops.
- Dingle Peninsula — dramatic Atlantic cliffs, Dunquin Pier, and hidden beaches.
- Skellig Coast — rugged beauty with views of Skellig Michael.
- Luxury Hotels — Sheen Falls Lodge and The Dunloe Hotel both host intimate elopements.
For small weddings in Kerry, see Small Venues Ireland Guide.
Cork Elopements
Cork offers coastal charm, historic estates, and hidden harbours. It’s ideal for couples who want variety — seaside photos, woodland walks, or elegant manor houses.
- Kinsale — colourful harbour town, perfect for vibrant portraits.
- Clonakilty & Inchydoney — golden beaches, popular with elopement couples.
- Ballycotton & Sea Church — a coastal village with a unique converted church venue. See guide.
- Castlemartyr Resort — five-star manor house with sprawling grounds. Cork hub.
- Bantry House — romantic gardens overlooking Bantry Bay.
Clare Elopements
County Clare is famous worldwide thanks to the Cliffs of Moher. It’s the ultimate Irish cliffside elopement location.
- Cliffs of Moher — iconic Atlantic cliffs, popular with US couples. Clare hub.
- Loop Head — a quieter alternative with dramatic sea views.
- Castles — smaller ruins and historic estates dot the county.
Galway Elopements
Galway blends wild Connemara landscapes with city charm. Couples can hike into the hills or celebrate in the city’s medieval streets.
- Connemara National Park — rugged mountains and lakes.
- Aran Islands — ferry-accessed adventure elopements.
- Galway City — Eyre Square, Spanish Arch, and vibrant streets.
Donegal Elopements
Donegal is raw, remote, and dramatic — perfect for couples who want something untamed.
- Slieve League Cliffs — higher than the Cliffs of Moher, breathtaking and remote.
- Fanad Head Lighthouse — wild Atlantic backdrop with iconic lighthouse.
- Beaches — endless golden sands, some totally empty.
Wicklow Elopements
Just outside Dublin, Wicklow is known as “the Garden of Ireland”. It’s popular with couples who want dramatic landscapes close to the capital.
- Glendalough — monastic ruins, lakes, and woodland trails.
- Powerscourt Gardens — manicured elegance with waterfall backdrops.
- Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) — dramatic mountain views.
Wicklow Elopements
Just outside Dublin, Wicklow is known as “the Garden of Ireland”. It’s popular with couples who want dramatic landscapes close to the capital.
- Glendalough — monastic ruins, lakes, and woodland trails.
- Powerscourt Gardens — manicured elegance with waterfall backdrops.
- Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) — dramatic mountain views.
Dublin Elopements
For couples who want a city elopement, Dublin offers historic charm and urban backdrops.
- Dublin City Hall — elegant and historic, popular for civil ceremonies.
- Iveagh Gardens — hidden gardens in the heart of the city.
- Ha’penny Bridge & Temple Bar — vibrant city portraits.
Other Beautiful Elopement Spots in Ireland
Almost every county in Ireland has elopement potential. A few highlights:
Kerry Elopements — The Kingdom of Ireland
If you ask anyone where the best place to elope in Ireland is, the answer is almost always Kerry. This county is called “The Kingdom” for a reason — it has the mountains, the lakes, the coastline, and the sense of magic that makes an elopement unforgettable.
Popular Kerry elopement locations include:
- Gougane Barra — the most famous elopement chapel in Ireland. A tiny stone church on an island in the middle of a mountain lake. Romantic, intimate, and perfect for just 2 to 40 guests. See my full Gougane Barra guide.
- Killarney National Park — waterfalls, oak forests, and lakes framed by the McGillycuddy Reeks mountains. Great for full-day adventure elopements.
- Dingle Peninsula — Dunquin Pier, Coumeenoole Beach, and the wild Atlantic views that photographers dream about.
- The Skellig Coast — rugged cliffs with views of Skellig Michael (yes, the Star Wars island). Perfect for couples who want a cinematic backdrop.
- Sheen Falls Lodge — five-star luxury in Kenmare. Popular with US couples for intimate elopements in the Boathouse or gardens. Full Sheen Falls spotlight.
- The Dunloe Hotel — a castle ruin ceremony site, plus panoramic gardens. See Dunloe guide.
Kerry is also practical. Most couples fly into Shannon or Cork Airport, rent a car, and are in Kerry within two hours. It’s the heart of elopement photography in Ireland, and it’s where I work most often as a Kerry elopement photographer.
Cork Elopements — Coastal Charm & Castles
County Cork is Ireland’s largest county and a hidden gem for elopements. While Kerry gets the international spotlight, Cork has an incredible mix of coast, countryside, and historic estates. As a Cork elopement photographer, I love how versatile the county is — one moment you’re in a colourful harbour town, the next you’re in a luxury castle.
Popular Cork elopement locations include:
- Kinsale — Ireland’s foodie capital and a harbour town full of colour. Great for fun, vibrant portraits with character.
- Old Head of Kinsale — cliffs and headlands with epic Atlantic views. Often paired with Kinsale ceremonies.
- Clonakilty & Inchydoney — soft sand beaches, rolling dunes, and wild Atlantic backdrops. Perfect for couples who want barefoot elopements.
- Ballycotton & Sea Church — a unique converted church venue by the sea. See Sea Church guide.
- Castlemartyr Resort — five-star manor house with sprawling grounds, ideal for intimate ceremonies. Cork hub.
- Bantry House — a romantic 18th-century estate overlooking Bantry Bay, with terraced gardens and panoramic views.
- Ballymaloe House — rustic country charm for foodie couples who want a relaxed Cork elopement.
Cork works well for couples flying into Cork Airport (20 mins from Kinsale, 40 mins from Castlemartyr). It’s less touristy than Kerry but just as photogenic. If you want a blend of coast, countryside, and character, Cork is a perfect elopement choice.
Small Wedding Venues for Elopements in Ireland
Not every couple wants a 200–guest party. Ireland is packed with venues that are perfect for intimate weddings and elopements, whether it’s just the two of you or 30–40 of your closest friends and family. Here are some of the best small wedding venues in Ireland for elopements:
Kerry Small Wedding Venues
- Gougane Barra — chapel capacity: 30–40 guests. Romantic, secluded, and Ireland’s most iconic elopement spot. Read full guide.
- Sheen Falls Lodge Boathouse — private ceremonies for 20–30 guests. Perfect for luxury elopements. See Sheen Falls spotlight.
- The Dunloe Castle Ruins — intimate outdoor ceremonies, flexible capacity up to 40. See Dunloe spotlight.
- Killarney National Park — symbolic ceremonies anywhere, ideal for 2–20 guests.
Cork Small Wedding Venues
- Sea Church Ballycotton — capacity: 80 (but perfect for intimate elopements of 20–40). See Sea Church guide.
- Castlemartyr Resort — private dining rooms and grounds for 20–40 guests. Cork hub.
- Bantry House — intimate terraces and gardens, small group ceremonies 10–30.
- Ballymaloe House — rustic food-led elopements, 20–40 capacity.
Clare Small Wedding Venues
- Cliffs of Moher — symbolic ceremonies with 2–20 guests, dramatic cliffside backdrops. Clare hub.
- Gregans Castle Hotel — boutique hotel near the Burren, intimate 20–40 guest weddings.
Waterford Small Wedding Venues
- Faithlegg House — small chapel-style ceremonies, 20–30 guests. Waterford hub.
- The Haven Hotel, Dunmore East — seaside elopements, flexible spaces for 30–50 guests.
- Waterford Castle — private island ceremonies, elopements of 2–30 guests.
Limerick Small Wedding Venues
- Springfield Castle — private elopements 2–20, also flexible for small family weddings. Limerick hub.
- Adare Manor — luxury micro-weddings in private rooms for 20–40 guests.
Dublin & Wicklow Small Wedding Venues
- Dublin City Hall — civil ceremonies 2–30 guests in a historic setting.
- Iveagh Gardens — symbolic outdoor ceremonies, intimate group sizes.
- Glendalough (Wicklow) — monastic ruins and lakeside elopements, 2–20 guests.
- Powerscourt Gardens — manicured backdrops, small wedding spaces available.
For a full deep dive into small Irish venues, check out my Small Wedding Venues Ireland Guide.
Why Book JOD Photography for Your Irish Elopement?
There are hundreds of photographers in Ireland — so why JOD? Simple: I know how to blend into your day, capture it honestly, and deliver photos that make you feel something every time you look back at them.
Couples describe me as professional, relaxed, and fun. I’m there to guide you when you need direction, but most of the time you’ll forget I’m even around. That’s when the real moments happen — laughter, tears, the wind in your hair on a cliff, the stillness of a lake at Gougane Barra.
What couples have said:
“Blended in like one of the gang and still caught breathtaking moments we didn’t even realise at the time.”
“Every single photo feels natural — no posing, no stress, just real memories.”
“The turnaround was incredible. Sneak peeks the next morning, full gallery in days.”
Fair Pricing — No Hidden Extras
Weddings and elopements can get expensive quickly. My philosophy is simple: clear, upfront pricing, with no nasty surprises. Whether you’re booking a 4-hour elopement at Gougane Barra or a two-day celebration in Kerry, you’ll know exactly what’s included.
My packages range from €600 to €2,550. Each one includes travel within Munster (Kerry, Cork, Clare, Limerick, Waterford, and Tipperary). I don’t charge sneaky mileage fees. I don’t upsell you on “hidden extras.” What you see is what you pay.
Elopement Photography Packages in Ireland
Elopements are different to big weddings — so the packages need to fit. Here’s how my elopement coverage works:
- 🌿 Intimate Package (€600) — 4 hours, perfect for a lakeside Gougane Barra or cliffside Cliffs of Moher elopement. Includes 150+ images, online gallery, and drone footage (weather permitting).
- 🕊️ Moments Package (€850) — Morning prep to dinner, ideal for 20–40 guest small weddings. Includes USB, Pixieset gallery, drone, and folio box with 50 prints.
- 📸 Memories Package (€1,450) — Morning to first dance, covering the full day, perfect for Sheen Falls or Dunloe elopements. 500–750 images, premium folio box, prints.
- 💍 Forever Package (€1,950) — Full-day coverage with handcrafted album, 20-page spread, USB, drone, and 500+ edited images.
- 🌟 Eternity Package (€2,550) — The complete experience. Full-day coverage, 3-in-1 album set, two parent albums, 750+ images, and consultation.
Travel Included Across Munster
If you’re eloping in Kerry, Cork, Clare, Waterford, Tipperary, or Limerick — travel is fully included in your package. I live in Munster, so it makes sense not to charge extra for the places I work most.
For elopements outside Munster — Dublin, Wicklow, Galway, Donegal — I only add minimal travel fees to cover fuel or an overnight if needed. No markup, no extras. Just what it costs to get me there safely so I can focus on your photos.
That way, you can book me knowing the price you see is the price you’ll pay.
Elopement in Ireland — FAQ
Couples planning an Irish elopement usually have the same big questions. Here are the answers, drawn from experience and real weddings across Kerry, Cork, Clare, Dublin, and beyond.
How much does it cost to elope in Ireland?
Most couples spend between €600–€2,550 for photography, plus travel and venue fees. My packages start at €600 for 4-hour elopements and go up to €2,550 for full-day album coverage. See my cost guide.
Can we legally marry outdoors in Ireland?
Yes — but only at venues approved by the HSE for civil ceremonies. Symbolic ceremonies (humanist, spiritual, or personal vows) can take place anywhere: cliffs, ruins, forests, beaches. Many couples do the paperwork at home and have their real vows in Ireland.
Do we need witnesses for an Irish elopement?
Yes, legal ceremonies require two witnesses over 18. If you’re travelling alone, hotels and planners can often provide them.
Do you photograph couples from the US, UK, or Europe?
Absolutely. I’ve photographed couples from all over the world. Many US couples fly into Shannon or Dublin and head straight to Kerry, Cork, or Clare for their elopement. I’ll help with planning and location scouting so the process feels simple.
What happens if it rains on our elopement day?
It’s Ireland — the weather is unpredictable! But rain makes for incredible photos. If it’s wild, we’ll adapt: umbrellas, cosy indoor spaces, or rescheduling portraits later in the day. I always scout backup options.
What are the best months to elope in Ireland?
April–June for spring colour, July–August for long evenings, September–October for autumn light, and December for dramatic winter vibes. Every season has its beauty.
Do you charge travel for Cork, Kerry, or Clare elopements?
No. Travel across Munster (Cork, Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Waterford, Tipperary) is included. For other counties like Dublin, Wicklow, Donegal, or Galway, I only add minimal travel fees if an overnight stay is required.
Can we combine an elopement with a small wedding dinner?
Yes. Many couples elope at Gougane Barra or the Cliffs and then host a dinner for 20–40 guests at venues like Sheen Falls or Sea Church Ballycotton.
Do you help with planning locations?
Yes. I always scout locations in advance and help you choose the best spots for your ceremony and portraits. Whether it’s the Gap of Dunloe, Inchydoney beach, or Dublin City Hall, I’ll make sure the plan fits your day.
How soon should we book an Ireland elopement photographer?
Now. 2025 is already fully booked, and 2026 is filling quickly. Elopements are smaller, but the best dates (summer weekends, autumn colours) go first. Check availability here.
Book Your Ireland Elopement Photographer
If you’re planning to elope in Ireland — whether on a Kerry mountain, a Cork beach, a Clare cliff, or a Dublin city garden — I’d love to capture it for you. With packages from €600 to €2,550, travel included across Munster, and honest, natural storytelling, your day will be documented with care.
What couples say:
“He fit in so well that guests thought he was one of the crowd. The photos are natural and beautiful — we’ll cherish them forever.”
“Every shot feels effortless. He made us laugh, made us comfortable, and gave us sneak peeks the next morning.”
“His creativity with light and locations blew us away. Even the simplest places became stunning backdrops.”
See My Work | View Packages | Check Availability
Thank you to every couple who trusted me, to the amazing venues across Ireland — from Gougane Barra to Sheen Falls, Sea Church, and The Dunloe — and to the suppliers who make Irish weddings and elopements unforgettable.