Kenmare Wedding Photographer | Sneem & Sheen Falls Weddings in South Kerry
If you’re planning a wedding anywhere in County Kerry, you can explore my main Kerry wedding photographer guide here.
Kenmare has always been known as “the jewel of Kerry” — and when it comes to weddings, it really lives up to that name. Tucked between the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula, it’s a town full of life, colour, and charm. Just down the road, Sneem offers quiet coastal views, rugged mountains, and some of Ireland’s most romantic resorts.
For couples planning a wedding in Kerry, Kenmare and Sneem strike the perfect balance: luxury venues, jaw-dropping scenery, and that famously warm Kerry welcome.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen couples fall in love with this part of Ireland for the same reasons I did — the landscapes are breathtaking, the people are real, and the weddings always feel personal.
Why Choose Kenmare or Sneem for Your Wedding?
Kenmare is lively, full of pubs, boutiques, and a harbour that glows at sunset. Sneem is quieter, tucked into the Kerry coast, with views of mountains rolling down into the sea. Together, they offer endless possibilities for weddings, elopements, and portraits.
Couples often tell me they chose Kenmare or Sneem because:
They wanted Kerry beauty without big-city bustle.
The venues (like Sheen Falls or Parknasilla) combine luxury with wild scenery.
Guests can enjoy a full Irish experience: music, food, and community.
Top Wedding Venues in Kenmare & Sneem
Here are the venues that make this hub special:
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare – A five-star luxury lodge set on the banks of the river with waterfalls, forests, and mountain views. Perfect for couples who want elegance with nature just outside the door.
Parknasilla Resort, Sneem – A resort overlooking the sea, with private islands and hidden walks that make for incredible wedding portraits.
Kenmare Bay Hotel – A central option in Kenmare with a great reputation for lively weddings.
Private houses & Airbnbs around Sneem – Brilliant for small weddings and elopements, especially when couples want a private, personal feel.
Each of these venues offers something different, and I’ll help you use the scenery around them to get the very best photographs.
Elopements in South Kerry
Elopements are booming in Kerry — and Kenmare/Sneem is right at the heart of it. Imagine walking down a woodland path at Sheen Falls to exchange vows by the river, or standing together on Parknasilla’s cliffs as the Atlantic rolls in below.
For adventurous couples, the Ring of Kerry and Beara Peninsula are just minutes away. I’ve brought couples up mountain passes, along secret coastal walks, and even into tiny traditional pubs to capture moments that feel uniquely Irish.
Elopement search terms we’ve hit here include:
kenmare elopement photographer
sneem elopement photographer
sheen falls elopement photos
parknasilla elopement kerry
Real Weddings in Kenmare & Sneem
One of my favourite weddings in Kenmare started at Sheen Falls Lodge. The couple got ready in suites overlooking the river, had their ceremony in the lodge itself, and we slipped away for portraits by the falls. Later, guests danced late into the night under chandeliers.
In Sneem, I photographed a wedding where the couple exchanged vows outdoors with the Atlantic as their backdrop. The weather shifted all day — sun, mist, wind — but the photos ended up telling the story exactly as it felt. That’s the magic of Kerry weddings.
My Photography Style
I work in a documentary style. That means I don’t force the day into awkward poses or long portrait sessions. Instead, I capture what actually happens.
For Kenmare and Sneem, that means I’ll quietly capture the moments — from the nerves in a Sheen Falls suite before the ceremony, to the cheers of guests spilling out of a Parknasilla dining room. When the time is right, we’ll take a short walk for portraits — maybe to the falls, the pier, or a woodland trail.
The result? Photographs that feel like you, not like a photo shoot.
Planning Tips for Kenmare & Sneem Weddings
Here’s what I’ve learned from photographing here:
Weather: Kerry weather is unpredictable — bring layers and embrace the drama. Some of the best photos I’ve taken in Sneem have been in wild, windy conditions.
Timing: Sunset over Kenmare Bay is stunning. Build golden hour portraits into your timeline.
Guests: Kenmare is brilliant for guests who love food, pubs, and exploring. Sneem is quieter but has luxury resorts that feel like a getaway.
Transport: Roads are narrow — especially around Sneem — so allow extra travel time.
Booking Your Kenmare or Sneem Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding in Kenmare or Sneem and want photography that captures not just the scenery but the real story of your day — I’d love to hear from you.
📌 See my wedding packages for details.
📌 Or check my contact page to see if I’m free for your date.
Why Couples Book JOD Photography for Kenmare & Sneem Weddings
Kenmare has elegance, Sneem has rugged charm, and both are home to some of Kerry’s most stunning venues like Sheen Falls Lodge and Parknasilla Resort. Couples book me here because they want photography that captures the real emotion of the day with the landscape as a backdrop.
I keep things natural, I blend into the wedding, and I deliver quickly. Most importantly, my wedding packages are fair, clear, and never padded with extras.
Reviews From Couples
“James captured our day perfectly — relaxed, candid, and honest.”
“We loved how easy he made everything, and the photos are breathtaking.”
Real people, real experiences — and proof that you don’t need forced poses to create timeless photos.
Linking Kenmare & Sneem to Other Dream Locations
Couples who look at Kenmare often explore other hubs in Cork and Kerry. Here’s where you might also want to look:
Love Sheen Falls Lodge? Compare with
Considering Parknasilla in Sneem?
Want lakes & mountains? Don’t miss Killarney weddings.
Dreaming of a dramatic coastal elopement? Explore Dingle & Slea Head.
Working with a Kenmare Wedding Photographer
Plenty of photographers work Kerry — but here’s why couples choose me:
Relaxed documentary style — no stiff posing, just real life captured.
Local knowledge — I know the hidden corners of Sheen Falls, the best walks in Parknasilla, and the light over Kenmare Bay.
Trust & reviews — dozens of five-star reviews from couples who valued my calm approach and fast delivery.
Fair pricing — see my packages for honest value.
Fast delivery — sneak peeks within days, full galleries without endless waiting
Planning a Wedding in Kenmare or County Kerry?
Kenmare and South Kerry are popular for relaxed weddings with scenic backdrops. Most couples choose their venue first, then finalise photography plans around the location.
Wedding Venues in Kerry – Hotels, Estates & Coastal Locations Small Wedding Venues in Kerry – Intimate & Relaxed Options
Choosing your venue early helps shape timelines, travel, and the overall flow of a Kenmare or South Kerry wedding day.
