Planning A Wedding In Clare?
Finding the right venue is a huge part of planning your wedding, but once that's sorted the day starts to feel very real very quickly.
One of the things couples tell me all the time is that they're excited about the wedding but nervous about being photographed. The good news is you don't need to know how to pose, act naturally on command, or spend half your wedding day standing in front of a camera.
I'm James, a relaxed documentary wedding photographer who photographs weddings throughout Clare, Cork, Kerry and across Munster. My focus is simple: helping couples enjoy the day while capturing the real moments as they happen.
Why Choose Clare for Your Wedding?
Clare is a dream county for weddings. You’ve got the Atlantic coast, the Burren, lakeside settings, and one of Ireland’s most famous castles. Whether you want grandeur or intimacy, Clare has a venue that fits.
10 Best Wedding Venues in Clare
1. Dromoland Castle
The jewel of Clare. A 16th-century castle turned 5-star luxury hotel. Perfect for couples who want a fairytale wedding in a world-class setting.
2. The Inn at Dromoland
A more relaxed choice on the Dromoland estate, still offering beautiful grounds but with a boutique hotel feel.
3. Old Ground Hotel, Ennis
A historic house turned boutique hotel in the heart of Ennis. Perfect for couples who love charm, character, and a central location.
4. Bellbridge House Hotel, Miltown Malbay
A coastal gem at Spanish Point. Perfect for smaller weddings with Atlantic views and that West Clare atmosphere.
👉 Visit Bellbridge House Hotel
5. Hotel Woodstock, Ennis
A modern hotel option that works for both big and small celebrations. Known for warm hospitality and great packages.
6. Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis
A former convent turned elegant hotel. Beautiful gardens, central location, and perfect for intimate weddings.
7. The Lakeside Hotel & Leisure, Killaloe
Set on the banks of Lough Derg. Romantic lakeside views, with outdoor ceremony options.
8. Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan
Not a castle in the ballroom sense — more a romantic country manor overlooking the Burren. Intimate, stylish, and food-focused.
9. Carrygerry Country House, Newmarket-on-Fergus
A cosy 200-year-old country house. Perfect for weddings under 60 guests, with a real “home from home” feel.
👉 Visit Carrygerry Country House
10. Stella Maris Hotel, Kilkee
A coastal wedding option right on the Wild Atlantic Way. Intimate and ideal for couples who love the sea.
Why Book JOD Photography for Your Clare Wedding?
When you’re planning a wedding in Clare, the venue is only half the story. You’ll want a photographer who knows how to capture the day as it really feels — relaxed, fun, emotional, and timeless.
“James was incredible from start to finish. Our wedding at Spanish Point was intimate and low-key, and he caught every detail without ever being in the way. The photos are magic.” – Eimear & Conor
“Fair pricing, no hidden extras. James gave us more than photos, he gave us memories we’ll treasure forever.” – Niamh & Colm
Natural, documentary-style wedding photography.
Wedding Photography Packages
Real weddings deserve real choices. From intimate elopements to full-day celebrations with luxury albums.
Perfect for smaller, intimate celebrations where you want the real story told naturally.
- Morning to dinner coverage
- 300–400 edited images
- Relaxed documentary style
- Private online gallery
- Drone (weather permitting)
Full-day storytelling so you can remember not just how the day looked, but how it felt.
- Preparations to first dance
- 500+ edited images
- Natural & cinematic
- Online gallery for family
- Drone coverage
The complete day, preserved forever in a handcrafted luxury album.
- Full day coverage
- 500+ edited images
- Luxury Acrylic Prestige Album
- Private gallery + USB
- Drone coverage
Everything in Forever, plus beautiful parent albums for your family.
- Full day coverage
- 500+ edited images
- Luxury Acrylic Collection
- Parent albums included
- Premium presentation
Perfect for elopements and smaller, meaningful celebrations.
- 150+ edited images
- Relaxed storytelling
- Private online gallery
- Drone when possible
Add meaningful extras to any package to make your story even richer.
- Second Photographer
- Engagement Session
- Additional Parent Albums
- Available on any package
Planning Your Wedding?
If one of these venues feels like the perfect fit, I'd love to hear about your plans. Tell me your date, venue and a little about yourselves and I'll personally get back to you.
153 Five-Star Reviews • Relaxed Documentary Wedding Photography • Cork, Kerry & Munster
Real Words About How The Day Actually Felt
153 Five-Star Reviews • Trusted across Cork, Kerry & Munster
"James captured real smiles, real laughs and real feelings. We felt like we didn't have to pose once — it all felt so easy and fun."
"He has such a great sense of humour and instantly put everyone at ease — even the camera-shy ones! He made the whole day feel seamless."
"James was brilliant with the children and made everyone feel relaxed. He travelled to Kerry for our small wedding and we couldn’t recommend him enough."
"He captured our most vulnerable, emotional moments and turned them into pure art. Real, raw, and beautiful."
"From the moment he walked in he had us all laughing. He even got me rock climbing on the pier in my wedding dress!"
"He captures the moments and emotions that give the photos real depth. His work is profoundly moving and beautiful."
Let’s talk about your wedding
Whether you have every detail planned or you’re just at the very beginning, I’d love to hear about your day.
No pressure. No awkward sales talk. Just a warm, friendly conversation to see if we’d be the right fit.
Looking for a Complete List of Clare Wedding Venues?
This article highlights a selection of popular venues, but it doesn’t cover every option available across the county.
View All Wedding Venues in Clare Small Wedding Venues in Clare – Intimate & Relaxed Options
For a full overview of hotels, coastal venues, and smaller locations, the main Clare venues guide will help you compare your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there castle wedding venues in Clare?
A: Yes — Dromoland Castle and Gregans Castle Hotel are standout options, each with its own style.
Q: Can I have a coastal wedding in Clare?
A: Absolutely. Venues like Bellbridge House and Stella Maris offer Atlantic views.
Q: Which Clare venues suit small weddings?
A: Carrygerry Country House and Gregans Castle are ideal for intimate gatherings.
Q: Do Clare venues host civil ceremonies?
A: Most do, but always confirm directly with the venue.
Q: How far in advance should I book a Clare venue?
A: For summer dates at popular spots, 12–18 months in advance is safest.
Explore More
👉 Wedding Photography Packages
👉 Contact JOD Photography
👉 Ireland Elopement Photography
👉 Best Wedding Venues in Clare
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