Elopement in Ireland

Ireland had been on my bucket list for years. Wide green hills, rugged cliffs, moody skies, fresh air that fills your lungs, it’s the kind of place that makes you believe in cinematic landscapes. So when Trang and Viet reached out about their elopement here, I was genuinely excited. They contacted me around Christmas, hoping for someone to capture both photo and video. From our first Zoom call, it was clear they wanted a day that felt slow, personal, and unhurried. I loved that.

Planning their Day

To start, I sent them my Elopement Guide and questionnaire, which helps me understand what’s truly important for each couple. Trang and Viet wanted to sleep in, not rush, and create a day that felt like them.

Next came the research. I looked for a region close to their home, so there wouldn’t be long drives, and then found accommodations that felt calm and connected to nature. That’s how I discovered June Blake’s Garden, a charming stone house surrounded by a colourful flower garden with cozy stables converted into rooms. It immediately felt right.

Then I built their timeline. Driving routes, photo stops, ceremony timing, picnic setup, even how to include the cats, who were joining them for the day. And of course, Viet’s favourite food: pizza. Every detail mattered, and the timeline made that we could include all their wishes.

A sunny start

The day started sunny, which is a treat in Ireland! We arrived early at June Blake’s Garden, had coffee and cake in the sun, and waited for Trang and Viet. When they arrived, we started with pizza in their room. Simple, joyful, and completely theirs. Trang did her hair and makeup while Viet got dressed, and soon it was time for their first look among the flowers. Quiet, tender, and full of smiles, just the two of them in that perfect little garden corner.

Places to elope in Ireland: Wicklow National Park

We continued driving through Wicklow National Park, which is one of the many places to elope in Ireland. Every turn offered a new backdrop, so we stopped for photos along the way. And yes, we met some curious sheep too. The clouds rolled in just as we reached the park, giving the day that soft, classic Irish light that’s perfect for photography.

Their ceremony spot was Lough Bray Upper, a short walk from the road and on the trail, passing hikers congratulated them with kind words. At the lake, they unpacked a blanket, food, card games, a Polaroid camera, and, of course, their cats.

A heartfelt ceremony

Their ceremony was self-led, which made it even more special. They exchanged vows in Vietnamese, voices breaking, tears streaming. They signed their handwritten contract, exchanged rings, and shared their first kiss — all witnessed by their cats, who somehow slept through the whole thing. It was intimate, emotional, and perfectly them. I‘ve never witnessed such an emotional and long self-led ceremony, it was perfect!

The End

After the ceremony, we walked back to the cars. This elopement in Ireland reminded me why I love what I do: it’s never about following rules or formulas. It’s about shaping a day around the couple, their story, and the moments that truly matter to them.