Katie & Garrett’s Dream Elopement in Kenmare:

FROM SHEEN FALLS TO HELEN’S BAR, LAID BACK LUXURY WEDDING BY SARAH KATE PHOTOGRAPHY

A Heartfelt Celebration of Heritage

Nature is a big love for this couple. They wanted an adventure that was truly special, so they picked Kenmare, a charming town nestled between mountains and sea. With the picture perfect green landscapes which Ireland is famous for and delightful streets, it was the ideal setting for their small and personal celebration.


Adding a Personal Touch

They brought in meaningful items for the big day. They had a book of hand-written vows, and Katie wore a small family heirloom as her "something old."

These details not only respected their heritage but also made the day feel even more special and personal.

For the couple from Nebraska, the area where Katie's great-grandmother once lived created a heartfelt sense of homecoming. It was a perfect spot for their destination wedding in Ireland.


The Ultimate Five Star Luxury Wedding Venues in Ireland

Their intimate ceremony at Sheen Falls Lodge was followed by a relaxed reception at  Helen’s Bar in Kilmakilloge, a well loved fish restaurant. Sheen Falls was really scenic, the nearby waterfall creating a calming background and a curious seal popping up to see what was happening, as a Kenmare wedding photographer, it's one of my favourite five star luxury wedding venues in Ireland.


Post Ceremony Celebrations at Helens Bar - Home to Ireland's cheapest pint

After the vows, the journey to Helen’s Bar added a relaxed, rustic element to the day, where fresh mussels, pints of Guinness, and stunning views of the bay made for the perfect, cozy celebration.


How to get from A to B along the Beara Peninsula

To simplify transportation for their small group of guests, they enlisted Harrington's Bus Service to shuttle attendees from Sheen Falls to Helen's. However, if you're planning an earlier wedding, say around noon, consider Kenmare Boat Tours along the coastline. This alternative offers breathtaking views of the Beara Peninsula, adding a memorable transition between venues to the day’s events.

Ireland's Wedding Venues - A Mix of Luxury and Uniqueness

Sheen Falls Lodge offers luxury, privacy, and a sophisticated celebration amidst nature's beauty, close to the picturesque town of Kenmare.

Helen's Bar is perfect for appreciating authenticity, charm, and a dash of the wild Irish spirit.

Whether you're leaning towards timeless elegance or a rustic coastal feel, these venues highlight Ireland's rich diversity and hospitality.


Sheen Falls Lodge - A Premier Wedding Venue

Sheen Falls Lodge is a luxury estate just outside Kenmare, amid Kerry's stunning landscapes. Here are key features that make it an outstanding wedding choice:


Breathtaking Location - It will make sense when you see it

Situated on the Sheen River's banks, with waterfalls in the backdrop—a perfect scene for ceremonies in the Boathouse and epic wedding photos.

Close to Kenmare, it offers seclusion with ease of access for guests.


Timeless Elegance - It's like something straight out of a move

Enjoy private estate use for a truly intimate experience, offering activities like clay pigeon shooting or horse riding.

Interiors combine modern luxury with traditional Irish charm, providing a warm yet grand atmosphere.


Versatile Venue Options - When choice is your friend

Choices range from the grand Falls Restaurant to more intimate spots like the Drawing Room or Stables.

Outdoor ceremonies can utilise the estate's stunning grounds.


World-Class Amenities

A spa and wellness facilities help guests relax before or after the event.

Gourmet dining features local flavours prepared by top chefs.


Tailored Experiences

The staff provides personalised service, from custom menus to unique activities like falconry, horse-rising and clay pigeon shooting to name but a few, it really is enhancing the overall experience for your guests.


Sheen Falls wedding packages for your Wedidng in Ireland

Sheen Falls Lodge provides luxury wedding packages to suit different tastes and group sizes, offering both intimate celebrations and grand exclusive-use events, all framed by Kenmare Bay's scenic beauty.


Intimate Wedding Package:

Exclusive Use Package:

  • Perfect for 130-200 guests, reserving the entire lodge for privacy and access to many private venues, including estate lawns and The Falls Restaurant for a seamless experience.

Unique Venue Options:

  • Spaces range from the bay-view boathouse to cozy spots like the Library or Wine Cellar, or elegant areas like the William Petty Suite for up to 80 guests. Outdoor ceremonies make the most of the estate's scenery.

Just for Two:

  • For couples eloping, this package offers simple yet luxurious celebration options in a private setting https://www.sheenfallslodge.ie/weddings/intimate-gatherings/


Sheen Falls Lodge stands out with personalized service, luxury settings, and top-tier hospitality, making it a prime choice for weddings in Ireland. For further information, check their website:


Helen's Bar

Located in Kilmakilloge near the Beara Peninsula, Helen's Bar offers a charming, relaxed atmosphere. It's a hidden gem ideal for couples looking for an authentic Irish vibe.


Authentic Irish pub

Renowned for its warm welcome and unpretentious charm, Helen's Bar overlooks the beautiful Kilmakilloge Harbour. The pub's wooden beams and open fire create a welcoming feel, and outdoor seating offers sea views, especially lovely for summer weddings.


Famous for Fresh Seafood

Famed for fresh, local seafood, Helen's is ideal for a seafood lover's wedding feast. From oysters to crab claws, the menu highlights local catches.


Cultural and Scenic Value

The bar showcases its local history with old photos and often features live Irish music for celebration. Surrounded by Beara Peninsula's wild beauty, it's a superb spot for capturing genuine wedding photos.


Intimate & unique Gatherings

Ideal for small weddings or after-wedding celebrations such as a rehearsal dinner or your day two's, I've had clients dancing at the crossroads to trad music until the mid summer moons and it doesn't get more spectacular than that, Helen's Bar provides a personalised experience in a traditional Irish setting.

Where is Helens Bar?

My Photographer’s Tips for an Unforgettable Irish Elopement: And why Kenmare is one of the best locations in Ireland for your Elopement


Make Time for Epic Photos: Make sure to stop at Uragh Stone Circle for some truly breathtaking couple portraits. Another spot to consider is Healy Pass or Caha Pass, which offers sweeping views of the Beara Peninsula. Both locations are perfect for capturing that wild, romantic essence of Ireland.


  1. Plan for Golden Hour: The hour before sunset is the ideal time for those glowing, romantic photos. If you can time your couple portraits to happen during this magical hour, the light will be soft and warm—just like it was for Katie and Garrett at Uragh Stone Circle.
  2. Consider a Boat Tour: If your ceremony is earlier in the day, think about chartering a boat from Kenmare to your reception venue. Not only does it offer incredible views, but it’s also a fun, unique way to travel and creates some amazing photo opportunities on the water.
  3. You can blend Luxury with Local Charm: Katie and Garrett’s day was the perfect mix of high-end luxury at Sheen Falls Hotel and the down-to-earth atmosphere at Helen’s Bar, a traditional Irish bar overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s a great idea to balance the day with different styles to give your elopement both elegance and local flavour.
  4. Embracing Irish Weather for your Elopement: In Ireland, the weather can change quickly, but that’s part of the magic. Cloudy skies bring out the lush green of the landscape and can add depth to your photos. Bring along an umbrella and enjoy whatever the day brings—it’s all part of the experience!


Katie and Garrett’s elopement perfectly captured the spirit of Ireland, blending family history, stunning scenery, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re planning your own adventure here or just dreaming, take time to create a day that’s uniquely yours!

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