“So You Want to Elope in Ireland? Here’s the Craic No One Warned You About”
You’ve seen the moody cliffs, the wild coastlines, the castles brimming with more charm than you thought possible. Eloping to Ireland sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
Well… it is.
But also, there are things people don’t tell you. Little things. Funny things. Sometimes muddy things. And as someone who’s photographed (and planned) more elopements than I’ve had hot whiskeys, I’m here to spill the beans.
So, here it is:
10 things no one tells you about eloping in Ireland (but I will, because I care about your shoes, your sanity, and your happily-ever-after).
1. Your Hair Will Not Behave. And That’s Okay.
Ireland doesn’t care about your curl routine or your perfectly straightened fringe.
The wind has plans. The sea spray is feeling frisky. And your hair? It’s going full main character in a Jane Austen storm scene.
But honestly? That’s part of the magic. Wind-blown, wild-hearted, laughing-in-the-rain type of beauty. You didn’t come here to look boring, did you?
2. You’ll Probably End Up Talking to a Sheep
Somewhere between the ceremony and your celebratory toast, a sheep will appear.
They’re like Ireland’s unofficial wedding crashers.
They will stare into your soul. They might try to photobomb.
I say lean in. It’s their land, after all. We’re just visiting.
3. You Don’t Need a Giant Dress (Unless You Want One, Then Rock It Like Royalty)
Dragging 7 layers of tulle up a mountain in County Kerry? Brave.
Dragging 7 layers of tulle back down after a rain shower? Legendary.
But the truth is, your outfit should match your vibe, not some Pinterest-perfect idea. Flowy, fitted, woolly Aran sweater? All fair game. Be you, not the algorithm.
4. The Weather is Basically a Mischievous Leprechaun
Forget the forecast. It lies.
You’ll see sun, rain, mist, and possibly a double rainbow all within 30 minutes.
Bring a decent jacket, trust your photographer (hi, that’s me), and roll with it.
Some of the most unreal photos I’ve ever taken happened mid-drizzle or fog.
5. Strangers Will Congratulate You Like You’re Beyoncé
Whether you’re in a castle, on a cliff, or walking into a pub for your first Guinness as newlyweds, expect the locals to go mad with love.
“You got married today? Ohh jaysus, that’s gorgeous — come in and we’ll buy you a pint!”
It’s wholesome. It’s hilarious. You’ll leave feeling like Irish royalty.
6. Ceremony Spots Aren’t Always Obvious… and That’s What Makes Them Magic
There’s no neon sign saying “Elopement This Way →” (although I’d love to install one someday).
You might find your ceremony spot just by feeling it:
A mossy ledge overlooking a valley. A patch of sunlight near a waterfall. The place where you both suddenly stop talking because the view hit you right in the chest.
We follow the light. The vibe. And occasionally, a curious fox.
7. Legal Stuff is Kinda Boring But Very Important
If you want your Irish elopement to be legally binding, there are steps (and deadlines) you’ll need to follow.
Ireland = 3-month notice.
Northern Ireland = 28 days.
But hey — that’s where I swoop in with the info, spreadsheets (don’t worry, I make them cute), and reminders.
Spiritual ceremonies are a lovely alternative too — especially for free-spirited folks who care more about the moment than the paperwork.
8. You’ll Probably Cry — And It’ll Feel Like the Most Natural Thing Ever
It might be the wind. It might be the vows. It might be the feeling of standing in a place older than time, holding the hand of your favourite person.
Tears are welcome here.
So are deep belly laughs, dramatic cloak twirls, and quiet, shaky “I love yous.”
9. Ireland Doesn’t Do “Perfect” — It Does Real, Raw, and Ridiculously Beautiful
You won’t find plastic backdrops or rented flower walls here.
You’ll find rugged cliffs, unpredictable skies, and moments so honest they feel like folklore.
If you want posed perfection, this might not be your jam.
But if you want soul? You’re in the right place.
10. You’re Going to Remember the Weirdest Little Things
Like how the officiant used a buttercup to test if you liked butter (yes, that’s a thing).
Or the cow that mooed right as you said “I do.”
Or how you danced to no music, in a field, and it felt like the whole world was clapping.
Elopements here aren’t just weddings. They’re stories.
And they don’t care about timelines or chair covers. They care about you two.
Showing up. Loving each other. Being fully, wonderfully yourselves.
So, Ready to Run Off to Ireland?
Bring your boots. Bring your hearts. Bring your weird inside jokes.
I’ll bring the camera, the craic, and maybe a flask of something strong if it’s a chilly day.
Let’s make a day you’ll never forget — muddy boots, windswept hair, sheep and all.
