Tankardstown House Wedding Photography: Your Complete Guide
Picture this: a Georgian manor set in 80 acres of parkland, where ancient trees line the driveway, golden light streams into elegant reception spaces, and walled gardens burst with colour. This is Tankardstown House, one of Ireland’s most sought-after country house wedding venues. As a Tankardstown wedding photographer who has photographed multiple weddings here, I can tell you it is a place that naturally lends itself to storytelling and relaxed, authentic images.
Located in Slane, Co. Meath, only 45 minutes from Dublin and close to Newgrange, Trim, and the Boyne Valley, Tankardstown is the perfect mix of luxury and warmth. Whether you are planning an intimate celebration for 75 or a grand affair for 180, it adapts beautifully while giving you endless opportunities for stunning wedding photos.
The Tankardstown Story: History Meets Modern Comfort
Dating back to the 1820s, Tankardstown House combines Georgian grandeur with thoughtful modern renovations. It feels less like a commercial venue and more like a friend’s country estate: elegant but welcoming, polished but relaxed.
Every space flows into the next, making it ideal for documentary wedding photography. Guests move naturally between the Orangery, the main house, and the conservatory atrium, and every corner offers another backdrop for candid, storytelling images
Ceremony Options at Tankardstown House
The Orangery: Light-Filled Elegance Year-Round
The Orangery is a stunning indoor ceremony option. Its floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light, creating photography that feels bright and romantic in any weather.
When Jamie and Rachel chose the Orangery for their June ceremony, the 3pm summer light created a natural spotlight on them as they exchanged vows. With 75 guests, it felt intimate but still grand.
The Walled Garden: Outdoor Romance
For couples who dream of an outdoor ceremony, the walled garden is magical. Sheltered by centuries-old brick walls and filled with seasonal flowers, it feels private and intimate while still being right beside the house.
Laura and Stephen married here on an October afternoon with 180 guests. The garden gave a sense of warmth and seclusion, and the red brick walls created depth and texture in their ceremony photographs.
Reception Spaces That Flow Beautifully
The Main House
Georgian interiors, high ceilings, and elegant artwork make the main rooms perfect for cocktails or small receptions. They also create gorgeous settings for candid photography as guests mingle.
The Atrium and Conservatory
The glass-fronted atrium is where most dinners are held, and it is also one of my favourite spots for photographs. It blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, filling every image with natural light.
Insider Photography Insights from a Tankardstown Wedding Photographer
The Tree-Lined Driveway: A cinematic spot for entrances and couple portraits, especially in autumn.
Golden Hour in the Walled Garden: About an hour before sunset, the light warms beautifully against the brick walls.
The Main Reception Room: When guests are called for dinner, the room is often empty just as golden hour light streams in. This is perfect for relaxed couple portraits.
The Staircase: A mix of elegance and spontaneity, great for capturing quiet moments between events.
Rainy Days: Far from a problem. The Orangery and conservatory areas give beautiful covered options with soft, romantic light.
Seasonal Wedding Photography at Tankardstown
One of the reasons I love working here is how the estate transforms with the seasons.
Spring: Blossoms in the walled garden and fresh greenery across the estate. Morning light in the Orangery is especially soft and flattering.
Summer: Long evenings give extra time for portraits. Golden hour along the tree-lined driveway is spectacular.
Autumn: Warm foliage tones turn the grounds into a painterly backdrop. The gardens look incredible for couple photos.
Winter: Candlelit ceremonies in the Orangery and cozy receptions in the atrium create atmosphere and intimacy. Even on shorter days, Tankardstown has spaces that photograph beautifully.
Each season brings its own personality, which is why no two weddings here ever feel the same.
Destination Weddings at Tankardstown House
Tankardstown is also popular with couples travelling from abroad. Its location makes it ideal for destination weddings:
Proximity to Dublin Airport: Less than an hour’s drive, making it easy for guests flying in.
Luxury Accommodation: On-site rooms and nearby guesthouses provide comfort for families and friends.
Local Attractions: The Boyne Valley, Newgrange, Trim Castle, and the charming town of Slane make great pre- or post-wedding excursions.
For international couples, Tankardstown offers everything in one place: history, luxury, and the relaxed Irish welcome that makes guests feel at home.
Why Couples Choose Tankardstown House
Flexibility: Perfect for both intimate weddings and larger guest lists.
Natural Flow: Ceremony, cocktails, dinner, and dancing all transition smoothly.
Variety: From Georgian interiors to gardens and the glass-fronted atrium, every space offers a unique backdrop.
Professional Team: The staff understand weddings and work seamlessly with photographers.
Guest Experience: Exceptional food, attentive service, and spaces that keep the day moving naturally. Guests always feel cared for.
For couples considering a country estate, Tankardstown and Powerscourt Hotel are two of Ireland’s most spectacular options
Planning Your Tankardstown House Wedding Photography
Timeline: Leave breathing space between ceremony and dinner. The grounds deserve unhurried portraits.
Seasonal Beauty: Spring blossoms, summer light, autumn colours, winter candlelit warmth.
Weather: Rain creates mood and romance. The Orangery and conservatory keep the day bright regardless of weather.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tankardstown Weddings
Can we have our ceremony outdoors at Tankardstown House?
Yes, the walled garden is available year-round. Many couples choose the Orangery in winter for comfort.
What happens if it rains?
Rain can be a gift here. The Orangery, conservatory, and main house offer covered, light-filled options that photograph beautifully.
How much does a Tankardstown House wedding cost?
Packages vary depending on season and guest count, but couples should budget for a luxury-level investment. Always confirm directly with the venue.
What are the best spots for photographs?
The walled garden, driveway, Orangery, staircase, and conservatory are favourites, but there are hidden gems throughout the estate.
Can Tankardstown handle both small and large weddings?
Absolutely. It feels intimate for 75 but easily accommodates up to 180 guests.
Is Tankardstown good for destination weddings?
Yes. Its proximity to Dublin airport and guest accommodation make it a strong choice for couples travelling from abroad.
How does golden hour work here?
The walled garden and reception spaces catch golden light beautifully. About an hour before sunset is ideal..
What makes Tankardstown special for documentary photography?
The relaxed flow and variety of spaces mean genuine moments unfold naturally. Couples feel comfortable, which makes for authentic, storytelling images.
Your Tankardstown House Wedding Story Awaits
Tankardstown House is a venue where elegance feels relaxed, where gardens and Georgian interiors flow seamlessly, and where every corner offers another story to capture.
As a Tankardstown wedding photographer who specialises in documentary, storytelling photography, I help couples who do not love posing feel completely at ease. My focus is on capturing how your day feels, not just how it looks.
If you are planning a wedding at Tankardstown, I would love to show you more real weddings and talk about how I can capture yours.
👉 Contact Kevin Kheffache Photography to check availability.
👉 Considering city venues? Explore The Merrion Hotel Dublin.
👉 Want to compare with another estate? See my Powerscourt Hotel guide or the K-Club Hotel.
👉 Still exploring? Read my Top Dublin Wedding Venues guide.