Outdoor elopements in Ireland are risky at best. Some would say down right fool hardy. If it’s not the wind, it’s the rain. If it’s not the rain, it’s the heat. But that’s what makes them so special and rare, because when they are pulled off they are just pure magic and nowhere else on earth can beat the views, colour or feelings (in our *slightly* biased opinions).
By the way, when I talk of eloping here, I’m talking of 2-6 people, the Bride and the Groom, and maybe 1 or 2 witnesses from either side. This small (and hopefully adventurous) bridal party means that amazing elopement locations around Ireland can be used as the ultimate wedding venue.
Of course eloping means that family and friends naturally miss out on your big day. But that’s where Hitched Films can help. We can film, edit and deliver a stunning wedding video back to you in time for you’re returning home. Imagine inviting your friends and family to a small house party on your return and then watching their reaction when you tell them you got secretly got married in Ireland and proceed to show them the video! The reactions could be a video in itself.
So thinking about locations across Ireland that would be stunning to frame and film an elopement, I’ve drawn up a short list of 6 spots, which I think would perfect for an Ireland elopement and start you on some elopement inspiration.
Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare
Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare. Image credit: wildrovertours.com
It’s cliché, but so what. On decent days weather wise, with good light, it’s hard to beat the cliffs. The ideally placed O’Briens Tower means you can stand on cement during your ceremony, while the cliffs behind you fade off into the distance. Only downside is it’s likely to be rammed with tourists, so expect onlookers or a very early start.
Derryclare Lough, Connemara
Derryclare Lough, Connemara. Image credit: www.trekkingtrutime.com
Derryclare Lough is found in the heart of Connemara. Surrounded by the Twelve Bens mountain range, the lough is probably most famous for it’s Pine Island, a picture perfect island of Pine Trees. On a still day the water acts like a mirror, giving the image an additional dimension. Connemara is also a great spot for additional landscape images after the marriage ceremony.
Ladies View, Co. Kerry
Ladies View, Co. Kerry. Image credit: www.gigashots.com
Ladies View just outside Killarney in Co. Kerry benefits from a high position overlooking the Lakes of Killarney. Again it’s a popular tourist spot to take photos, but if up early enough, this spot should be relatively quite. It’s on the main road, so no tackling mud or wet grass if that isn’t what you had in mind for your elopement.
Glendalough Upper Lake, Co. Wicklow
Glendalough Upper Lake, Co. Wicklow. Image credit: www.irelandswildlandscape.com
Glendalough is another tourist hot spot, but it’s not hard to see why. An hours drive from Dublin, it’s prefect if you are looking to base yourself close to the city. It’s also a dead handy walk from the car park to this particular spot shown above. Get up early and you’ll have this place pretty much to yourself. Wicklow also has lots of other scenic spots, which will be useful for more elopement shots after the ceremony.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle. Image credit: panoramicireland.com
Heading north now, and located on the edge of a basalt outcropping in County Antrim, this now-ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland provides a backdrop that wouldn’t be out of place in Game of Thrones. In fact Dunluce was the inspiration for Pyke Castle of the Iron Islands. Perfect for any House Greyjoy fans out there that are considering eloping.
Castle Island, Lough Key
Castle Island, Lough Key. Image credit: dreamplango.com
Another picturesque spot, Castle Island is a location born for aerial filming. The castle on the Island is actually a folly castle, but doesn’t it look great. I’ve yet to find a great angle for where an elopement ceremony would take place. Some boating may be required here. Next time I’m down that way I will have to do a recce and see what’s possible. Ideally somewhere on the mainland, with the island and castle in the background, would be magical.
I realise that most of these spots are quite well known or touristy places. I plan on doing another article on quieter, more obscure places around Ireland, which would also be perfect for an elopement wedding video.
