West Cork Wedding Photographer | Clonakilty, Inchydoney & Rosscarbery Weddings
West Cork is where couples come to slow down. It’s where the Atlantic meets sandy beaches, where towns like Clonakilty and Rosscarbery are full of music, and where Inchydoney stretches out in front of you like a postcard. For weddings, West Cork has a vibe that’s different to anywhere else in Ireland — relaxed, beautiful, and unforgettable.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen couples travel from Dublin, London, and even the US just to marry here. And once you’ve watched a bride walk across Inchydoney’s sands, or a couple laugh with friends in a Clonakilty pub, you understand why.
Why Choose West Cork for Your Wedding?
West Cork is loved for three things:
Scenery: beaches, cliffs, bays, and colourful towns.
Atmosphere: laid-back, fun, with a warm welcome.
Venues: from luxury hotels to rustic barns, there’s a style for everyone.
Couples say West Cork weddings feel like a holiday. Guests get to enjoy seaside towns, local food, and live music, while the couple gets photographs that look straight out of a film.
Wedding Venues in West Cork
Here are some of the best wedding venues I’ve worked in across Clonakilty, Inchydoney, and Rosscarbery:
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa – Perched above the beach, this is West Cork’s showstopper. The views are incredible, and portraits on the sand at sunset are unbeatable.
Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens, Clonakilty – Family-run, full of charm, with gardens that are perfect for summer ceremonies.
Dunmore House Hotel, Clonakilty – Overlooking Clonakilty Bay, with dramatic sea views and warm West Cork hospitality.
Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery – Right by the water, relaxed and welcoming, great for couples who want a lively party.
Barn & private venues – West Cork has brilliant barns, marquees, and Airbnbs that make for personal, DIY-style weddings.
Inchydoney Weddings
Inchydoney is one of Ireland’s most famous beaches — and it’s an absolute dream for wedding photos. I’ve photographed couples walking barefoot on the sand, kids playing in the dunes, and sunsets that light the whole bay on fire.
Whether you’re marrying at Inchydoney Lodge or just slipping away there for portraits, it’s the kind of place that makes a wedding album unforgettable.
Clonakilty Weddings
Clonakilty has a buzz all of its own. It’s full of pubs, music, and colourful streets — and when couples marry here, the town comes alive with them. I’ve had couples sneak into a pub for a song, wander the colourful backstreets for portraits, and finish the night dancing under fairy lights.
Venues like Fernhill House and Dunmore House add elegance to the mix, with Clonakilty Bay always close by.
Rosscarbery Weddings
Rosscarbery is quieter, but its coastal setting makes it special. The Celtic Ross Hotel is a favourite for lively weddings, while the beaches and bays nearby make for relaxed, romantic portraits.
I’ve photographed couples here who wanted nothing more than a view of the sea, a big party with friends, and photographs that captured both.
Real Weddings in West Cork
One of my favourite West Cork weddings took place at Fernhill House. The couple said their vows in the gardens surrounded by flowers, then we drove down to Inchydoney for portraits on the sand. Later, they danced the night away back in Clonakilty.
Another memorable day was at Rosscarbery. After a ceremony in the Celtic Ross, we walked along the bay as the tide came in, capturing candid photos as the couple laughed with their wedding party.
West Cork weddings always feel authentic. Nothing’s overdone, nothing’s rushed — it’s just couples celebrating in a place that feels right.
My Photography Style
I photograph weddings in a documentary style — natural, candid, and unposed. That means your West Cork wedding album will be full of real moments: your dad wiping away a tear, your friends spilling onto the dancefloor, and the two of you laughing together on the beach.
I’ll guide you when it comes to portraits — finding the best light at Inchydoney, or a quiet corner in Clonakilty — but I’ll keep it relaxed. No awkward posing, just genuine photographs.
Planning Tips for West Cork Weddings
Timing: Sunset at Inchydoney is pure gold. If possible, plan portraits around golden hour.
Weather: Bring a backup plan — but remember, dramatic skies can make for unforgettable photos.
Guests: West Cork is a holiday destination in itself — encourage guests to make a weekend of it.
Travel: Roads can be narrow — build in extra time if you’re moving between towns.
Booking Your West Cork Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding in Clonakilty, Inchydoney, or Rosscarbery and want photographs that capture both the beauty of the coast and the story of your day — I’d love to hear from you.
📌 Take a look at my wedding packages to see what’s included.
📌 Or head to my contact page to check my availability.
Why Couples Book JOD Photography for West Cork Weddings
West Cork weddings have a vibe all their own — laid-back, scenic, and full of character. From Clonakilty’s music-filled streets to Inchydoney’s golden sands and Rosscarbery’s calm bay, I’ve photographed couples here who wanted their wedding to feel like a holiday as much as a celebration.
Couples tell me again and again: they booked me because I understand West Cork, I keep the photography natural, and I offer fair pricing with clear packages.
Fair & Transparent Pricing
West Cork venues are some of the best in Ireland, but they don’t need to come with hidden extras from suppliers. My wedding packages are simple, clear, and built around what couples actually want:
Full-day coverage (from morning prep to dancing)
High-resolution, fully edited images
Private online gallery to share with family & friends
Sneak peek photos delivered within days
Travel across Cork included — no hidden mileage charges
Optional extras include luxury wedding albums and folio boxes — handcrafted keepsakes that showcase your favourite photos beautifully.
See more here: Wedding Packages & Pricing.
Linking West Cork to Other Dream Wedding Locations
Many couples looking at Inchydoney or Clonakilty also explore other parts of Cork and Kerry. I’ve built full guides for each:
Love Inchydoney Beach? You’ll also love Derrynane Beach on the Ring of Kerry.
Thinking of Fernhill House? Compare it to Bantry House weddings on the Beara Peninsula.
Love seaside receptions at the Celtic Ross Rosscarbery? You might also explore Kinsale & Old Head weddings.
Want lively town energy like Clonakilty? See Cork City weddings.
Looking for a quieter, luxury retreat? Compare with Sheen Falls Lodge Kenmare.
This builds a full wedding planning picture — and keeps you on my site, not bouncing to competitors.
Why JOD Photography Beats the Competition
Let’s call it straight: there are plenty of photographers in Cork, including Sarah Kate. But here’s why couples choose me every time:
Relaxed, documentary style – I don’t turn your day into a photo shoot. You live it, I capture it.
Local expertise – I know Inchydoney’s tides, Fernhill’s gardens, and the best light in Rosscarbery.
Trust & reviews – 5-star ratings from couples across Ireland (see more here).
Fast delivery – sneak peeks within days, galleries without endless waiting.
Fair pricing – no bloated packages, just honest value (see packages).
Couples want honesty, fairness, and beautiful photography. That’s what I give them.