Are you dreaming of an adventurous, romantic, and intimate wedding day surrounded by lush green landscapes, charming quaint villages, and stunning coastlines? Then you’re in the right place! The island of Ireland has all you need for a fairytale elopement, whether you want to say “I do” on the grounds of a centuries-old castle or a breathtaking cliffside wedding overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Whether you’re considering the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, we’re here to help you find the ideal place to elope in Ireland. We've got you covered on everything from the ideal dates to travel to the top locations and traditions to make your elopement truly unforgettable. So, grab a cup of Irish coffee, and let’s start planning your Irish elopement. 

Reasons to Elope to Ireland

Ireland is a dream wedding destination for couples looking to elope off the beaten path. Here are just a few reasons why Ireland should be at the top of your wedding elopement list.

1. Warm Hospitality and Welcoming Culture

The Irish are well-known for their friendliness and hospitality. Our Dream Team and the warm locals will make sure you feel right at home. Ireland’s small towns and villages offer a sense of community and intimacy, perfect for an adventurous elopement. The locals’ genuine interest in your love story and their eagerness to help make your day perfect will turn your wedding into a trip of a lifetime.

2. Stunning Natural Landscapes Offering Unique Photo Opportunities

Ireland has it all - from serene lakes, and quaint villages with thatched-roof cottages to impressive old castles, green rolling hills, and dramatic cliffs with beautiful secluded beaches. You could say your vows at the stunning Cliffs of Moher and then go to the mystical Dark Hedges for an extra wedding photoshoot. Whether you prefer a coastal view, a forest setting, or a picturesque village, the island of Ireland has it all. 

3. Mild Climate

Ireland's mild climate makes it possible to get married here year-round. In Ireland, you won’t have to worry about extreme heat or cold, allowing you to enjoy your special day in comfort. Whether you choose a springtime ceremony with blooming flowers, a summer wedding with long days of sunshine, an autumn elopement with stunning fall colors, or a cozy winter celebration, you’ll love getting married in Ireland.

4. World-renowned Irish Whiskey and Delicious Cuisine

During your elopement and honeymoon trip to Ireland, make sure to treat yourselves to a feast of Irish delights, from seafood caught that morning or Irish stew to locally produced cheeses and artisan bread. Visiting a local distillery for a unique whiskey-tasting experience or a tour of a Guinness or a local artisanal brewery can add a unique and memorable experience to your Irish elopement.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Ireland

As mentioned before, Ireland's famously mild and temperate climate makes it a fantastic destination for elopements year-round. The best time to elope depends on your personal preferences and the type of scenery you desire for your special day. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you choose the perfect time.

Spring (April to June)

Spring can be a wonderful time to elope in Ireland. At this time, the countryside is lush and green, and the blooming flowers add vibrant colors to the landscapes. While it can be a bit rainy, this season is also less busy with tourists, providing more privacy for your ceremony. You can also expect longer daylight hours, not to mention that spring brings a sense of new beginnings, making it a perfect time for new commitments. If you love a good party and want a truly unique wedding elopement in Ireland, consider coming around Saint Patrick's Day.

• Pros: Lush landscapes, blooming flowers, less crowded.

• Cons: Weather can be unpredictable.

Summer (July to August)

Summer is the warmest season in Ireland, with longer days and plenty of sunshine. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding ceremony with a stunning coastal view or a scenic countryside backdrop, this is the best time to visit. However, as it’s also the peak tourist season, make sure to book your accommodations and venues well in advance.

Summer in Ireland also offers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and experiences, such as hiking in the Wicklow Mountains, exploring the coastal paths of the Wild Atlantic Way, or taking a boat trip to the Aran Islands. Plus, there are some great cultural festivals that you won’t want to miss, like the Galway International Arts Festival held in July, combining arts, music, dance, and other impressive performances and unique installations throughout Galway.

• Pros: Warm weather, long daylight hours, cool cultural festivals.

• Cons: Peak tourist season, higher prices, need to book in advance.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumns in Ireland are incredibly picturesque, with the changing foliage painting the backdrop of your wedding photos. With mild weather and fewer tourists, it provides a more intimate setting for your Irish elopement wedding. Furthermore, as autumn is also a season of harvest, you can expect an abundance of fresh, local produce, as well as many local harvest festivals which are tons of fun.

• Pros: Beautiful fall colors, delicious food, fewer tourists, mild weather.

• Cons: Shorter days, cooler temperatures.

Winter (December to March)

Although not many couples dream of a winter wedding elopement, they can be quite enchanting. While the weather is colder and more unpredictable, the festive atmosphere and beautiful winter landscapes can make your wedding feel like a fairytale. Winter is also a time when many local traditions and festivities take place, such as Christmas markets, St. Stephen’s Day celebrations, and New Year’s Eve festivities. 

• Pros: Cozy and festive atmosphere, less crowded, beautiful winter landscapes.

• Cons: Cold and unpredictable weather, shorter days.

Best Places to Elope in Ireland

You can find plenty of stunning elopement destinations in Ireland. Here are some of the best places to elope in Ireland that you need to check out!

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher rise 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean offering dramatic and breathtaking views. They are not only one of Ireland’s most famous natural landmarks but also a place of immense rugged natural beauty and ecological importance. The cliffs are home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

If you like the idea of having your wedding ceremony at the Cliffs of Moher, you can rest assured that by booking Somewhere Crazy, your ceremony will be scheduled for early morning or late evening. This will ensure that your elopement in Ireland skips the peak tourist hours for a more private and intimate experience. The changing light during sunrise or sunset creates an even more dynamic and dramatic backdrop for your wedding photos.

If you’re thinking of eloping by the Cliffs of Moher, take a look at the breathtaking wedding gallery of Gloria and Taylor, a lovely couple that enjoyed a day tailored perfectly to the two of them.

Kinbane Castle and Dark Hedges

The picturesque ruins of Kinbane Castle, perched on a dramatic cliff along the Antrim coast, provide a romantic setting for your wedding vows. The castle, which dates back to the 16th century, offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the North Atlantic Ocean. 

Nearby, the Dark Hedges, are a stunning avenue of beech trees with intertwined branches creating a natural tunnel. The Hedges have become famous due to the TV series Game of Thrones, adding a touch of fantasy for all the show lovers out there. 

Finally, you could consider combining a visit to Kinbane Castle and the Dark Hedges with a trip through the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge or the scenic Causeway Coastal Route.

For more inspiration on how your elopement in Ireland at these locations could look, we recommend taking a look at Paige & Spencer’s wedding gallery.

Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and Bushmills

The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Its unique hexagonal basalt columns provide a surreal setting for your Irish elopement photoshoot and a great location for saying “I do”. Take a look at Hanna’s and Kent’s elopement photos to see The Gian’t Causeway in all its glory!

Just a short drive away you’ll find the Dunluce Castle’s dramatic ruins on the edge of a cliff. This 13th-century castle offers stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline, ideal for an additional Irish wedding photoshoot.

Finally, finish your Irish elopement day in the lovely village of Bushmills which is famous for the Old Bushmills Distillery. Dating all the way back to 1608, it’s considered to be one of the oldest distilleries in the world. The village itself is picturesque and welcoming, with traditional cottages, quaint shops, and friendly locals and a perfect location to finish your wedding day with a lovely dinner at a local pub or before heading to your quaint accommodation.

Take a look at Katie & Ryan’s wedding photos to see what your elopement at the Giant’s Causeway combined with a visit to the Bushmills and its Distillery can look like! Another great gallery that we’d recommend checking out is Arely & Josue’s who combined their wedding ceremony at Giant’s Causeway with a photoshoot at Dunluce Castle.

Galway and Clifden

The famous Galway has a vibrant culture, colorful streets, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for couples looking for a mix of natural beauty and fun cultural experiences. The city is known for its rich history, lively arts scene, and welcoming atmosphere. The colorful buildings, bustling markets, busy pubs, local restaurants, and an array of music venues offer plenty of opportunities to celebrate after a beautiful elopement day in Ireland.

Just an hour away from Galways you’ll find Clifden, known for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastlines, and charming village atmosphere. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Twelve Bens mountain range, the Sky Road scenic drive, and the pristine beaches of the Atlantic coastline. 

If you’re combining your elopement in Ireland with your honeymoon and have a few days to spend, enjoy a cultural immersion in both Galway and Clifden. Then, consider taking the scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way and visiting the stunning Kylemore Abbey, or take a boat trip to the Aran Islands for a truly unique and memorable Irish elopement experience.

For inspiration, take a look at the wedding elopement gallery of Karina & Torsten who said “I do” during sunrise and were even blessed with a visit from a white horse.

Dublin

For those who prefer a city elopement, Dublin offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy with a welcoming atmosphere. We could start your elopement in Dublin with a ceremony in the St. Stephen’s Green, which is a beautiful public park in the heart of Dublin, offering a serene setting for your wedding. You’re sure to be impressed by the park’s lush gardens, historic monuments, and tranquil lakes.

Afterwards, we could head to the historic Trinity College which has beautiful grounds. The iconic Long Room library provides memorable opportunities for your elopement photoshoot. Finally, we could finish your day with a bang, visiting the infamous Temple Bar district known for its colorful streets and lively atmosphere. The area is home to many great pubs, restaurants, and music venues, offering plenty of opportunities to celebrate your elopement with the cheerful locals. 

Ireland Elopement Packages and Services

For a stress-free elopement in Ireland, consider opting for an elopement planning service. At Somewhere Crazy, we specialize in creating personalized and intimate weddings with expertise, sustainability, and mindfulness at the forefront of everything that we do. Our Ireland elopement package comes with an expert wedding planner who will arrange everything - crafting your wedding day itinerary, gathering the finest local vendors, and making sure that your special day is captured on film by an amazing Ireland elopement photographer and/or videographer. 

Our Standard Ireland Elopement Package includes a wedding planner, the day-off coordinator, a photographer, celebrant, as well as a wedding bouquet and buttonhole. We also offer additional services such as hair and makeup, videography, and personalized activities to make your elopement truly unique. Our packages typically last 4-5 hours and include photoshoots at various locations, ensuring you have unique photos in various locations to remember your special day. The same applies to elopement packages Northern Ireland.

Our team of experienced elopement planners will work with you to create a personalized and unforgettable wedding experience. From selecting the perfect location to helping you with private transportation, charming accommodation, and the best restaurant recommendations, we will do everything in our power for you to have a trip of a lifetime!

Personalizing Your Irish Elopement

Make your Irish elopement truly special by incorporating Irish traditions and personal touches into your ceremony. Here are some ideas to help you personalize your elopement.

Incorporate Irish Traditions

Including traditional Irish elements such as handfasting, a unity candle ceremony, or an Irish blessing can add a unique and meaningful touch to your ceremony. Handfasting, an ancient Celtic tradition, involves tying the hands of the couple together with a ribbon or cord to symbolize their union. The unity candle ceremony, where the couple lights a single candle from two separate candles, represents the joining of their lives. An Irish blessing, written by a family member or friend and recited by your celebrant can add a heartfelt touch to your Irish wedding ceremony.

Personalized Vows and Ceremonies

Writing your own vows allows you to express your love and commitment in your own words. Personalize the ceremony with readings, poems, or songs that are meaningful to you as a couple. You could also consider incorporating quotes from your favorite books, movies, or songs. These personal touches will make your ceremony unique and very special for you both.

Unique Activities and Experiences

Enhance your elopement experience with unique activities such as a traditional Irish music concert by local musicians, a whiskey-tasting experience, a romantic boat trip on a serene lake, or a private guided tour of a historic site. Consider adding an additional couple’s photoshoot to these experiences and enjoy a more relaxed and natural photoshoot.

Conclusion: Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality in Ireland

Wedding elopement in Ireland can be a truly special experience with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re dreaming of a cliffside ceremony, a fairytale castle wedding, or an intimate celebration in a charming village, Ireland has it all. With the help of our experienced elopement planners, you can create a personalized and unforgettable wedding experience that reflects your unique love story. Inquire today and get an exact quote for your Irish elopement.