Kilkea Castle Wedding | Ailbhe & Stephen
Some weddings just feel good from the very start. Ailbhe and Stephen’s winter wedding at Kilkea Castle was one of them. Maybe it was the laughter that filled the lodges that morning or the way their little boy Cuán toddled around like he owned the place or maybe it was that mix of heritage and warmth that Kilkea always has. Whatever it was, this day had that kind of energy that only happens when people are genuinely happy to be together.
Morning at the Castle
I arrived to photograph Ailbhe at Willow Lodge, one of the lodges on the grounds of Kilkea Castle. The morning had the calm of a winter’s day but you could feel the anticipation too. Family dropping in, hair and makeup in full swing with Danielle Whelan and Danielle Mahon working their magic, and a very proud little boy keeping everyone entertained.
Stephen was getting ready just a few doors down in another lodge with his groomsmen and family. That’s one of the reasons I love photographing Kilkea weddings. Everyone is close by but still has their own space which makes the morning relaxed and keeps things running smoothly.
A Winter Ceremony in the Castle
The ceremony took place inside the castle itself led by their celebrant Shona Weymes. With Christmas only days away the rooms were softly lit and decorated which gave it a beautiful cosy atmosphere. You could sense how much it meant to them not just because it was their wedding but because it brought everyone together especially after a few years when weddings had been smaller and quieter.
If you’re planning a destination or getting married in Ireland, you can read my guide on what makes Irish weddings so special
It was emotional and full of laughter. Little Cuán stole the show more than once but that only added to the story. It was a day that never took itself too seriously which is exactly the kind of wedding I love to photograph.
Braving the Wind
After the ceremony we had plans for portraits around the castle grounds but the weather had other ideas. It was insanely windy. We only made it outside for a few short minutes but sometimes those wild-weather moments are the ones that stand out most.
There was one happy accident I’ll never forget. A photo of Ailbhe caught mid-turn with her veil flying in the wind while the castle stood tall behind her. The bouquet blurred in the foreground, her movement sharp and her expression completely unposed. It’s one of those frames that sums up what documentary wedding photography is all about: real moments not planned ones.
Twilight, Flash and the Party
As daylight faded the wind eased just enough for a few more shots. On their walk from the castle to the dinner hall the light dropped and I switched to direct flash. It gave the portraits this cool editorial fashion-style feel which is one of my favourite ways to shoot at winter weddings when the light disappears early.
Inside the day turned into exactly the celebration they’d hoped for. Ailbhe and Stephen had said they were the last of their friend group to get married and wanted to make this one last big party to send off the group. And that’s exactly how it felt: a big joyful slightly wild night surrounded by friends and family who clearly adore them. You can see more real weddings like this on my blog.
Spring Break, their band, kicked things off after speeches and dinner which were both perfectly timed thanks to Shannon, Kilkea’s wedding coordinator. The dance floor was packed from the first song and I barely stopped shooting until the very end.
A Perfect Kilkea Castle Wedding
I’ve photographed a lot of weddings at Kilkea Castle and it never disappoints. The staff are brilliant, helpful without ever feeling formal, and visually it’s a photographer’s dream. From the castle interiors to the manicured lawns and the cosy lodges it’s a venue that has everything in one place.
For Ailbhe and Stephen it was the perfect mix of family, fun and celebration. I love when couples trust me to photograph their day in a documentary way focusing less on poses and more on moments because that’s where the real story lives.
This one had it all: wind, laughter and that sense of joy that you can’t fake.
If you’d like to explore other Irish Castles, you should heck out my Top 10 Castles Blog where Kilkea Castle is, of course featured.
Suppliers
Venue: Kilkea Castle
Celebrant: Shona Weymes
Videographer: Ivory Films
Hair: Danielle Whelan
Makeup: Danielle Mahon
Florist: YourBloom
Cake: SweetiePie
Band: Spring Break
Photography: Kevin Kheffache Photography
FAQs about Kilkea Castle Weddings
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Yes. AMAZING. The castle interiors are warm and full of atmosphere and the staff handle winter weddings beautifully. The grounds still photograph well even with unpredictable weath
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The main courtyard, the steps leading to the great hall and the tree-lined driveway are all stunning. In winter the candlelit interiors add another layer of beauty for portraits.
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Pricing for professional wedding photography at Kilkea Castle varies but couples typically invest between €2,000–€5,000 depending on coverage, albums and options like film or content creation.
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Yes. I’ve photographed several weddings at Kilkea Castle and it’s one of my favourite venues in Ireland. Each one feels unique but the mix of history, style and staff hospitality always stands out.