Your Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Ireland
By Kevin Kheffache, Award-Winning Wedding Photographer in Ireland
Picture this: You’re standing in the courtyard of a centuries-old castle, the smell of turf smoke drifts from the chimneys, guests are sipping pints of Guinness and glasses of Champagne. Traditional Irish music spills out across the gardens and you’re about to say “I do” in one of the most romantic and “craic-filled” countries in the world.
I’m Kevin Kheffache, a wedding photographer in Ireland who has had the privilege of capturing more than 400 weddings across the beautiful island of Ireland. From cliff-top elopements to castle banquets with hundreds of guests, I’ve seen just how magical an Irish wedding can be. This guide is here to take you through everything you need to know about planning a destination wedding in Ireland: the venues, the legal bits, the weather, the costs and all the other little details that I can think of along the way.
Ireland isn’t just another pretty backdrop. It is a place where history, landscape and hospitality come together to create something unforgettable.
Castles With Character
There are more than 30,000 castles and ruins dotted across the country. Whether it is the fairytale romance of Luttrellstown Castle near Dublin, the lakeside luxury of Ashford Castle in Mayo, or the intimate charm of Cloughjordan House in Tipperary or a Dublin CIty centre wedding in one of our most prestigious hotels, the Merrion Hotel, Irish venues bring centuries of character to your story.
Landscapes That Change With the Light
Ireland’s weather has a reputation but here is a secret from a wedding photographer in Ireland: The light here is unlike anywhere else. The soft clouds act like a natural diffuser, making portraits incredibly flattering and when the sun breaks through after a shower (which it always will on your wedding day) the drama in the sky is something you won’t see anywhere else in the world.
Hospitality That Feels Like Family
Irish weddings and the Irish people in general are famous for their warmth. From staff who treat you as if you have always belonged to musicians who pull guests into spontaneous irish dancing sessions to entire villages waving as the bridal car drives past, you will not just feel welcomed, you will feel celebrated.
Ireland’s Most Stunning Wedding Venues
I have worked across many of the country’s most iconic locations. These are some of the standouts for couples planning a destination wedding in Ireland:
Cloughjordan House (Tipperary): An 18th-century Georgian house surrounded by gardens and woodlands. Elegant yet relaxed, perfect for American couples who want intimacy with character.
Tankardstown House (Meath): Countryside perfection. The walled gardens and ruins create some of the most romantic backdrops I have ever photographed.
Ballymagarvey Village (Meath): A purpose-built wedding village where you and your guests can celebrate all weekend long. Cobblestones, cottages, music spilling from every doorway.
Luttrellstown Castle (Dublin): A true fairytale castle just minutes from the city, with sweeping parkland and service that makes couples feel like royalty.
Other incredible venues worth mentioning include Adare Manor, Dromoland Castle, Kilkenny Castle, and Ashford Castle. Each one has its own flavour, but all deliver on that mix of history, beauty, and atmosphere.
I’ve written a blog post with my Top 10 favorite castle venues which you are welcome to check out HERE.
Legal Requirements and Paperwork
This is the part most international couples worry about. In reality, it is simpler than you think and I have helped plenty of couples through it.
Three months’ notice: You must give notice in person at an Irish civil registration office.
Documents: Passports, birth certificates, proof of single status, plus divorce or death certificates if relevant.
Fee: Around €200 at the time of writing.
Waiting period: The wedding cannot take place until at least three months after notice is given.
Many couples choose to legally marry at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Ireland. From my experience as a wedding photographer Ireland couples trust, symbolic ceremonies are just as emotional. Your guests will not know the difference. I have a list of some of the best and friendliest celebrants in the country - please get in touch and I’ll happily share this list with you.
Travel and Logistics for You and Your Guests
Airports: Dublin, Shannon, and Cork all connect directly to most major European and US cities.
Accommodation: Offer your guests 2 to 3 options at different price points, such as a luxury hotel, a comfortable mid-range and local B&Bs.
Transport: Shuttle buses are ideal for rural venues. Guests can also rent cars or hire drivers.
Little touches go a long way. Welcome bags with Tayto crisps and Barry’s Tea always get a laugh.
Ireland’s Seasons: When to Say "I Do"
Spring: Lambs in the fields, daffodils everywhere & soft golden light.
Summer: Long days with sunsets close to 10pm, vibrant greenery, peak availability pressure.
Autumn: Rich colours, shorter daylight, beautifully moody skies.
Winter: Candlelit dinners, roaring fires, atmospheric light and excellent value (as long as it’s not around Christmas week!).
As a wedding photographer in Ireland, I can honestly say there is no bad season. Each brings its own beauty and the key is matching your expectations to the season.
Budget Planning and Costs
Venues: €5,000 to €20,000+ depending on style.
Catering: €80 to €150 per guest.
Photography: €2,500 to €6,000 for full-day coverage.
Music: €800 to €2,000 for traditional bands.
Flowers: €150 to €400 for bouquets, €2,000 to €8,000 for full venue styling.
Compared to Tuscany or France, Ireland often works out 10 to 20% better value and communication in English makes planning much easier (although Irish is our official first language, we speak English. In fact, we’re the only English speaking country in Europe now that England has left!)
Essential Tips for International Couples
Communication: Plan video calls with vendors across time zones.
Flexibility: Have backup plans for outdoor elements. Venues are experts at switching things quickly.
Traditions: Handfasting, ring warming, Irish blessings and traditional music are all beautiful ways to add meaning.
Guest Experience: Build in local touches. Guinness tastings, castle tours, and ceilidh dancing are highlights your guests will talk about for years.
Your Wedding Photographer in Ireland: Perspective & Guidance
After photographing more than 400 weddings, I know my role is more than clicking a shutter.
Cultural translation: Explaining Irish toasts, tipping customs or helping guests join in the craic.
Timeline management: Irish weddings often run later and looser than American ones. I help create realistic schedules that flow naturally.
Irish light: Our skies are soft, cinematic, and ever-changing. Rain is not a disaster. It is liquid luck :)
Authentic moments: Irish hospitality creates an atmosphere where guests let go. That is where the best photos happen.
This is why couples search for a wedding photographer Ireland can trust to guide them, not just photograph them.
Your Ireland Wedding Planning Checklist
Planning a wedding abroad is easier when you break it into stages. Here is the same checklist I share with my couples:
12 to 18 Months Before
Research Irish marriage requirements for your nationality.
Gather documents if you plan a legal ceremony.
Visit Ireland to tour venues and meet vendors if possible.
Book your venue.
Decide between a legal ceremony in Ireland or a symbolic ceremony.
Send save-the-dates to give guests plenty of time.
Book your wedding photographer in Ireland [link to packages page].
Research and book your key vendors: musicians, planners, florists.
8 to 12 Months Before
Book all major vendors still outstanding.
Confirm catering details and menu selections.
Reserve accommodation blocks for guests.
Book your own flights and accommodation.
Create your wedding website with travel info for guests.
Schedule your civil registration appointment if you are doing a legal ceremony.
6 to 8 Months Before
Send formal invitations with RSVP deadline.
Create detailed information packs for guests.
Finalize ceremony and reception timeline.
Arrange transport for guests and wedding party.
Book rehearsal dinner venue.
3 to 6 Months Before
Confirm headcount and update vendors.
Choose readings, music, and special touches for your ceremony.
Plan welcome bags with Irish treats.
Confirm vendor arrival times and setup requirements.
Complete civil registration appointment if having a legal ceremony.
1 to 3 Months Before
Confirm all travel arrangements.
Arrange international phone plans or local SIMs.
Share final timeline with all vendors.
Confirm delivery details for flowers, cake, and rentals.
2 to 4 Weeks Before
Confirm final guest count with venue and catering.
Prepare ceremony programs and welcome materials.
Pack wedding day emergency kit.
Double-check weather backup plans.
Arrange rehearsal timing with officiant and bridal party.
Wedding Week
Arrive in Ireland 2 to 3 days before the wedding if possible.
Walk through the venue.
Conduct rehearsal.
Host welcome event for guests.
Confirm timeline with vendors.
Relax and enjoy the adventure.
After the Wedding
Send thank-you notes to vendors and helpers.
Submit paperwork if having a legal ceremony.
Share sneak peek photos.
Write reviews for vendors.
Receive final wedding photos.
Order albums and prints.
Start planning your anniversary trip back to Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
For summer weekends and castles, 12 to 18 months is best. Spring and autumn often have availability with 6 to 9 months’ notice.
-
It is unpredictable (at best!) but rarely extreme. Summers average 15 to 20°C, winters 5 to 10°C. Light rain is common but often brief. Always have a backup plan and embrace it when the skies turn dramatic.
-
Most couples spend €25,000 to €60,000 depending on venue, guest count, and level of luxury.
-
US citizens only need a valid passport for stays under 90 days. UK and EU guests travel freely. Always remind guests to check passport validity.
-
You must give three months’ notice at an Irish civil registration office and appear in person with documents. Many couples prefer to do the legal part at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Ireland.
-
Offer three options at different price points. Secure hotel blocks 8 to 12 months out. Include transport plans if the venue is rural.
-
Not essential, but a planner can make things easier, especially for international couples. Consider hiring one for day-of coordination even if you do most of the planning yourselves
-
Look for someone who knows the venues, understands Irish light, and has experience with international couples. I have photographed more than 400 weddings across castles, estates, and coastlines, helping couples from the US, UK, and Europe feel comfortable and supported while creating timeless, natural images.
Ready to Begin Your Irish Love Story?
Planning a destination wedding in Ireland is about more than logistics. It is about creating memories that will stay with you and your guests forever.
If you are dreaming of Ireland for your wedding day and are searching for a trusted wedding photographer in Ireland, I would love to help. From the moment you start planning to the day itself, I will be there to capture the story with honesty and heart.