Thinking of eloping or having your wedding photos taken in Northern Ireland?
If you’re dreaming of something epic, enchanting, and a little bit eerie (in the best way possible), let me introduce you to one of the most iconic photo locations in County Antrim…
✨ The Dark Hedges — where twisted beech trees meet windswept romance, and where couples come to live out their fantasy elopement dreams (with maybe a few dragons in the distance).
🌳 What Exactly Are the Dark Hedges?
The Dark Hedges are a naturally dramatic tunnel of ancient beech trees lining Bregagh Road, near the town of Ballymoney in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors as they approached their Georgian estate (Gracehill House), these trees have grown into something… otherworldly.
Over time, their branches have intertwined, twisted, and tangled above the narrow road like something straight out of a gothic fairytale. The result? One of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland — and one of the most magical spots for elopement or wedding portraits.
🎬 Game of Thrones Fans, Assemble
If the trees look familiar, that’s because they are.
The Dark Hedges were famously featured in Game of Thrones Season 2, Episode 1, when Arya Stark escapes King’s Landing disguised as a boy. The scene shows Arya traveling north with Gendry and the Night’s Watch recruits — and the atmospheric stretch of road? That’s our beloved Dark Hedges, reimagined as the Kingsroad.
Since the episode aired, this location has become a bucket list stop for Game of Thrones fans, fantasy lovers, and couples looking to inject a bit of cinematic grandeur into their day.
And yes — I’ve definitely whispered “Winter is coming” during a photo session or two.
💍 Why The Dark Hedges Are So Popular for Elopement & Wedding Photos
Now, let’s talk love.
As a Northern Ireland elopement photographer, I can tell you that The Dark Hedges are one of the most-requested photo locations in all of Antrim — and for good reason.
Here’s why elopement couples LOVE this spot:
- Instant drama — The trees bring mood, magic, and mystery to every shot.
- All-weather beauty — Whether it’s foggy, sunny, or raining sideways (hello, Irish weather), the scene looks epic.
- Fairytale energy — It feels like stepping into a secret realm. Eloping here = main character vibes.
- Close to other stunning spots — It’s just a short drive from Dunluce Castle, The Giant’s Causeway, and the Causeway Coast, making it perfect for adventure elopement routes.
- A mix of history and fantasy — It’s not just beautiful — it has roots, both literal and historical.
🧭 Where Is The Dark Hedges & How Do You Get There?
The Dark Hedges are located along Bregagh Road near Ballymoney, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
📍 GPS Coordinates: 55.1341° N, 6.3754° W
Closest town: Ballymoney (about 15 minutes away)
From Belfast: ~1 hour 15 minutes drive
From Dublin: ~3 hours drive
🚗 Pro Tip: You can’t drive down the road anymore — it’s been closed to traffic to preserve the trees. Park nearby at The Dark Hedges Hotel (yes, that’s a thing) and take a short stroll to the famous view.
📷 Best Time for Elopement Photos at The Dark Hedges
Timing is everything, folks.
📅 Best Months:
- April to October for lush greenery and softer light
- November to February for spooky, misty, moody vibes
🕰️ Best Time of Day:
- Sunrise or golden hour — Trust me, it’s hauntingly beautiful with soft morning fog or warm, low sun peeking through the trees.
⚠️ Avoid mid-day tours: This spot is popular, and it gets busy. To keep your elopement or photo session intimate and free of busloads of selfie-sticks, let’s aim for off-peak hours. (I’ll help plan it — don’t worry.)
👰🏽♀️ Is It Legal to Get Married at The Dark Hedges?
Here’s the tea.
You can have a symbolic elopement ceremony at The Dark Hedges (vows, handfasting, readings — all the good stuff), but due to conservation efforts and tourism rules, legal ceremonies aren’t typically performed directly on the road.
BUT — I know a few scenic, quiet spots nearby where legal ceremonies are possible, and you can still head to The Dark Hedges for your stunning portraits before or after.
📄 Need help with paperwork? As your elopement photographer and planner in Northern Ireland, I guide you through all the legal bits and help you find a registrar or celebrant who’s flexible and awesome.
🧙🏻♂️ Fun (and Slightly Weird) Dark Hedges Legends
Because no Irish location is complete without a slightly spooky legend.
Locals say the ghost of a grey lady wanders through the trees at dusk. (Don’t worry, she’s said to be friendly — just a little floaty.) Some say she’s the spirit of a maid from Gracehill House, while others think she’s from a nearby abandoned graveyard.
Either way, she’s not photobombing your ceremony. Probably.
📸 What It’s Like to Have Me Photograph Your Elopement at The Dark Hedges
Picture this:
You’re walking down a quiet, tree-lined road that feels like something out of a fantasy novel. The sun peeks through gnarled branches. There’s mist rising from the fields. Maybe there’s a raven cawing in the distance for cinematic effect.
You exchange vows, laugh nervously, maybe cry a little — and I’m right there, quietly capturing the moment in a way that feels natural, not staged.
I blend in like a mate you’ve known for years. I’ll fix your veil, hold your bouquet while you twirl, and shout “YESSSSSS” when the light hits just right. You’ll never feel rushed, posed, or awkward.
And after we wrap at the Hedges? We can head to the coast, castle ruins, or a pub for a celebratory pint. Sound good?
🧳 What to Bring for Your Dark Hedges Elopement or Photo Session
- ✔️ Comfortable shoes (it’s a short walk on gravel)
- ✔️ Clear umbrella (this is Ireland, after all)
- ✔️ Warm wrap or cloak for autumn/winter sessions
- ✔️ Vows (handwritten always hits different)
- ✔️ Snacks — bonus points if you share
- ✔️ A sense of adventure and a love for magical locations
📌 Final Tips for Eloping at The Dark Hedges
- 🧭 Book early if you’re planning peak season — I help you lock in the best time & date
- 📸 Go for a weekday session to avoid crowds
- 🛑 Be mindful — it’s a protected site, so no confetti, loud music, or climbing trees
- 🚫 Drones are not allowed unless licensed
- 🎞️ Want more cinematic photos? I offer day-before adventure sessions to hit multiple locations with no pressure
❤️ Why You Should Hire Me for Your Northern Ireland Elopement at The Dark Hedges
I’m not just your Dark Hedges photographer — I’m your guide, planner, and right-hand adventurer.
When you hire me, you’re getting:
- 📸 Stunning, candid, cinematic photography
- ☘️ I work with the Elopement team at Eloping In Ireland.ie who take care of all your planning
- 🗺️ Location knowledge from someone who’s been there a dozen times
- 💡 Creative ideas to make the most of light, angles, and timing
- 📄 Help with permits, timelines, and vendor connections
- 🧠 Planning expertise, I can help to guide you to Ireland’s no1 wedding planner elopinginireland.,ie— especially for couples traveling from the U.S.
- ☘️ Craic, calm energy, and Irish charm — with zero awkwardness
📩 Ready to Make Your Dark Hedges Elopement a Reality?
Whether you want moody Game of Thrones magic, heartfelt vows under ancient trees, or just a cracking good photo of you both looking epic — I’ve got you.
👉 Get in touch here to start planning your Dark Hedges photo session or elopement.
