Eimear & Mark’s City Hall and Merrion Hotel Wedding

Morning Prep in Dublin

I started the day with Mark at his mother’s house. It felt familiar from the start because I’ve photographed almost all of Mark’s friends at other weddings over the years as he’s a close friend of my brother Sean, so there was almost a sense of reunion as soon as I arrived. The lads were relaxed and buzzing, a mix of nerves and banter. From there I made my way into the Merrion Hotel where Eimear was getting ready in the bridal suite with her bridesmaids. Danielle Whelan and Ailbhe Lynch had been in since dawn working their magic, and the atmosphere was calm but full of excitement.

Ceremony at Dublin City Hall

I photograph at the Merrion Hotel more than any other venues in Dublin and when couples don’t use the gorgeous Wellington room in the Merrion, my second favourite option is City Hall. Dublin City hall is one of the most stunning venues in Dublin for a wedding ceremony. The dome and marble columns create a setting that feels timeless and elegant. Eimear and Mark’s humanist ceremony with Emer Dillon was heartfelt and personal, surrounded by 70 of their closest family and friends. After the ceremony we stayed back for portraits under the dome. At one point a spotlight streamed in and I was able to play with it, creating some striking images that felt cinematic.

For couples looking at this venue, you can learn more about Dublin City Hall weddings directly on the city’s website.

Portraits Between Venues

We made time for a few portraits outside City Hall before heading to the reception. Eimear and Mark had arranged a vintage car, and I hitched a lift with them to the Merrion. Some of my favourite images of the day came from that drive. I shot through the rear-view mirror, catching reflections and candid glances that had a real rock and roll feel precisely because nothing was staged. Once we arrived at the Merrion, we used a few of the private rooms for more relaxed portraits, blending the elegance of the hotel with the energy of the couple.

Drinks Reception and Speeches at the Merrion Hotel

The Merrion is ideal for an intimate wedding. Alma Kenny, th e coordinator in the Merrion is one of the best in the business and her team had everything running seamlessly, and guests gathered for a relaxed drinks reception before dinner. The couple had asked for candid photography, so I focused on reactions, laughter and little moments between friends. Speeches took place during the reception, keeping the atmosphere light and easy before everyone moved through for the meal.

If you’re curious about the venue, you can read more on the Merrion Hotel weddings page.

Wrapping Up Outside the Merrion

The last shots of the day ended up being some of the most fun. Mark’s group of friends have a tradition at every wedding where they all squat down together, which inevitably turns into a flexibility contest. It has become a running theme across their circle of weddings, and capturing it outside the Merrion felt like the perfect way to close the day.

The Energy of the Day

Eimear and Mark’s wedding was everything they had hoped for: a mix of elegance and joy, formal ceremony in one of Dublin’s most iconic buildings, and a relaxed reception in the heart of the city. They were easygoing, happy-go-lucky, and their choice of venues gave us endless opportunities for both documentary moments and timeless portraits.