Castlemartyr Resort Wedding Photographer | Natural, Candid & Stylish Photos in East Cork

East Cork wedding photographer near Castlemartyr – JOD Photography

Castlemartyr Resort Wedding Photographer | Natural, Story-First Coverage in East Cork

Reflective lake wedding portrait at Castlemartyr – JOD Photography
Classic portrait on Castlemartyr Manor House staircase – JOD Photography

Looking for a Castlemartyr wedding photographer who keeps it calm, keeps it moving, and actually knows the grounds? You’ve found me.

Castlemartyr is a bit of magic for a wedding day—tree-lined drives, the lake with swans if they’re in the humour, the old castle ruin, and rooms with light that flatters skin and dresses. It’s five-star with manners, not fuss. And it’s East Cork, which means beaches and country lanes within a short spin if we fancy a quick scenic detour.

I shoot in a documentary, story-first way. Real moments over fake smiles. We’ll still grab a handful of bold portraits when the light’s right—but I won’t drag you away from the craic.

Quick links:

Why Castlemartyr works (and photographs beautifully)

  • Massive variety on one estate. Manor house elegance, 800-year-old castle ruins, woodland paths, a reflective lake, and long lawns for that “film still” look—all without needing a bus.

  • Historic bones, modern finish. A 17th-century country house beside medieval remains—textures for days, rain or shine. 

  • Space to breathe. 220 acres means quiet pockets away from the crowd if you want five minutes as newlyweds (and a few quick portraits). Castlemartyr Resort

Castlemartyr Resort wedding photos by JOD Photography

Best photo spots I use at Castlemartyr (fast routes, no faff)

  1. Castle ruin & archways – drama without trying. We do a quick loop so you’re not missing canapés. 

  2. Lake edge & timber bridge – reflections on still days; works in overcast too. (If wind’s up, we pivot to the sheltered side.)

  3. Manor House stair & drawing rooms – classic portraits, zero squinting. Great rain plan, lovely window light. 

  4. Tree-lined drive – that sweeping “arriving like you own the place” feel.

  5. Back lawns at golden hour – soft rim-light, simple posing, back to the party in ten minutes.

If you want a change of scene, Ballycotton and Garryvoe are a short run for sea air and wind-in-the-veil portraits—nice if the evening sky plays ball.

Rainy day doorway portraits at Castlemartyr – JOD Photography

How I shoot your day (so you actually enjoy it)

  • Documentary first. I chase moments: hugs, side-eyes, the quiet hand squeezes.

  • Fast, light portraits. Two short windows: one in the afternoon, one at golden hour. Ten minutes each. You’re not stuck in a field, I promise.

  • Zero fuss group photos. A tidy list, a strong voice, done in 12–15 minutes.

  • Weather-proof plan. Interiors and covered spots mean we still get variety if Cork does its Cork thing.

  • Sound supplier team. Happy to coordinate with your planner, band, and videographer so no one trips over cables or each other.

Sample timeline ideas (steal what you like)

Castlemartyr-only flow

  • Prep in suites → ceremony on site or nearby church → confetti on the lawn → ruin + lake loop (10–12 mins) → family photos by the south lawn → drawing-room portraits if it rains → golden hour dash.

Estate + quick coastal pop

  • Ceremony → five minutes at the ruin → 20-minute spin to Ballycotton cliffs or Garryvoe beach → back for dinner call. Great if the forecast shows a sunset gap.

Real talk about light (and why it matters)

  • Overcast: brilliant for skin, sky goes soft—ruin archways sing.

  • Bright sun: we chase open shade, then save the drama for golden hour.

  • Rain: umbrellas and that glossy ground for reflections. Some of my favourite frames come from “bad” weather.

Planning notes for Castlemartyr couples

  • Permission & access: The resort is event-led and helpful, but we stay flexible if areas are in use. (Staff are sound when we work fast and tidy.) Venue confirms final access on the day. 

  • One-wedding-a-day vibe: Attention feels focused—less bumping into strangers in your photos. (A common Castlemartyr selling point.) 

  • Guest experience: It’s five-star: spa, golf, and rooms that’ll keep the parents smug. 

Packages & pricing

Everything’s on one page with no weird add-ons:
→ /best-wedding-photography-packages-cork-kerry-2025-2026/

Elopements, full-day, second photographer if needed, albums, and drone where safe/legal.

Recent Cork favourites (for inspiration)

  • Bantry House – grand stairs and terraces for cinematic frames. 

  • Fota Island Resort – manicured gardens, Chinese garden, woodland tones.

  • Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa – dunes, soft beach light, airy interiors. 

If Castlemartyr is your base, we can weave any of these into engagement sessions or day-before strolls.

FAQ: Castlemartyr Weddings (short and honest)

Do you know the estate well?
Yes. I keep routes tight—castle, lake, lawn—so you’re not away from guests long.

What if it rains sideways?
We use the drawing rooms, covered arches, and doorways. You’ll still get variety and zero drowned-rat vibes.

Can we nip to the coast for a few frames?
If the schedule allows, yes. I’ll watch the sky and call it. Ballycotton or Garryvoe are the usual suspects.

How many photos do we get?
Enough to tell the day without filler. Typically 500–800 for full-day.

Do you shoot speeches and dancing?
Of course. I love the chaos when the ties loosen.

MORE

You’re planning a wedding in Cork, Kerry, or Munster and you want photos that feel natural, timeless, and honest — without scary pricing. That’s exactly what I do. Explore real weddings, venue guides, and straightforward packages here, then book the date that suits you. My wedding photography packages are always fair — clear coverage, no hidden extras, and your full story from prep to dance floor.

📌 Start with: Packages & Pricing · Contact JOD Photography · Portfolio · About Me

Cork Weddings

Couples in Cork can explore these dedicated hubs for inspiration:

Kerry Weddings

Dreaming of lakes, mountains, or Atlantic views? These hubs will help:

Venue Hubs

Here are ten of the most popular venues I’ve photographed and written about:
Castlemartyr Resort · Bantry House · Fota Island · Ballymaloe House · Sea Church Ballycotton · Garryvoe Hotel · Inchydoney · Adare Manor · Springfield Castle · Muckross Park Hotel

Planning Guides & Costs

No fluff, just straight answers:

Venue Inspiration Lists

Looking for the best? Start here:

Real Weddings to Explore

See how full days unfold, with real people, natural light, and plenty of craic:

Final Word

I keep things simple so you can enjoy your day: fair pricing, relaxed coverage, and real moments over stiff posing. We’ll plan smartly, use your venue well (and the light even better), and keep portraits fast so you can get back to the party.

Next steps are easy:
👉 Check packages
👉 Say hello & check availability
👉 Browse the portfolio

You deserve photos that feel like you — and you shouldn’t need a spreadsheet to understand the cost. Let’s make something you’ll still love in twenty years.