From Oxford with love - Ballyvolane House Wedding Photos by Sarah Kate Photography
A couple's romantic Irish jaunt for their exclusive Manor House Irish wedding
Carin and Chris met at Oxford University, where Irish born Carin was studying Law and Chris, well god knows what Chris was studying but it sure involved studying Carin! And you know what, it paid off, with a stunning civil ceremony under the whispering tress in the secluded gardens at Ballyvolane House. A soft rain tempted the couple but held off, after handfasting, bridesmaid Izzy read a mercurial Strawberries Edwin Morgan
"I bent towards you
sweet in that air
in my arms
abandoned like a child
from your eager mouth
the taste of strawberries
in my memory
lean back again
let me love you
let the sun beat
on our forgetfulness
one hour of all
the heat intense
and summer lightning
on the Kilpatrick hills
let the storm wash the plates"
The couple stole a kiss under a sea of umbrellas and afterwards, the guest played boules on the lawn. Chris brazenly cut the cake with a samurai sword and the chitter chatter of loveliness swept them all into a night of dancing, adrift amongst the stars.
A Love Story Begins at Oxford University
Carin and Chris met at Oxford University, where Irish-born Carin was studying Law and Chris—well, God knows what Chris was studying, but it sure involved studying Carin! And you know what? It paid off. Fast forward to their stunning civil ceremony under the whispering trees in the secluded gardens at Ballyvolane House, one of Cork’s most luxurious wedding venues.
A Magical outdoor Ceremony at Ballyvolane House
A soft rain threatened to crash the party but held off just in time. After a heartfelt handfasting ceremony, bridesmaid Izzy read Edwin Morgan’s poem Strawberries, which was as mercurial and romantic as the couple themselves:
"I bent towards you
sweet in that air
in my arms
abandoned like a child
from your eager mouth
the taste of strawberries
in my memory..."
The couple stole a kiss under a sea of umbrellas, and honestly, it was the kind of moment that makes you believe in love, rain, and everything in between.
Boules, Samurai Swords, and Dancing Under the Stars
After the ceremony, the guests played boules on the lawn (because why not?), and Chris, ever the showman, brazenly cut the cake with a samurai sword. The chitter-chatter of loveliness swept everyone into a night of dancing, adrift amongst the stars.
Why Ballyvolane House is Cork’s Best Wedding Venue
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s equal parts intimate and luxurious, Ballyvolane House is the place to be. Nestled in North Cork, this stunning manor house offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable wedding photos. Don’t just take my word for it—check out Ballyvolane House’s glowing Google reviews, where couples rave about its charm, hospitality, and picture-perfect setting. As an award-winning Cork wedding photographer, I can confidently say it’s one of the best wedding venues in Cork—and these Ballyvolane wedding photos prove it!
Let’s Make Your Wedding Dreams Come True
Planning a wedding in Cork? Let’s chat! Whether you’re after a romantic handfasting, a samurai sword cake-cutting, or just a day filled with love and laughter, I’m here to capture every magical moment. And if you’re searching for “Ballyvolane wedding photos” or “Cork wedding photographer,” you’ve come to the right place.
Final Thoughts
Carin and Chris’s wedding was the perfect blend of English charm and Irish magic, and Ballyvolane House was the star of the show. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that’s as unique as your love story, this is it. Now, go check out these Ballyvolane wedding photos and start dreaming of your own happily ever after!
Wedding Reception Photos at Ballyvolane House
Carin and Chris's Journey to finding the perfect wedding venue in Ireland - All you need to know about booking a wedding at Ballyvolane House, Cork.
Ballyvolane is located in Castlelyons which is only a 40 minutes from Cork Airport & 3 hours from Dublin! Carin and Chris had a lot of guests traveling from the UK, Uni friends and work colleagues, which family also traveling from around Ireland too, so it made the perfect location due to its easy access just off the motorway!
Ballyvolane House is unique in that the whole venue is available for hire, this historic Irish country house has plenty of extraordinary warmth that provides luxury manor house accommodation, bespoke intimate weddings, glamping and private house parties/exclusive house rentals, located in the beautiful North Cork countryside of southern Ireland. Ballyvolane House is also home to Bertha’s Revenge Gin, so you can drink all your cares away in comfort and style. It really is a Picturesque Escape. Situated in the stunning North Cork countryside, this venue offers breathtaking views and charming surroundings.
Ballyvolane house wedding price
Ballyvolane House offer tailored wedding pricing based on your needs and wants.
Medium to Large weddings at Ballyvolane House - Fun Wedding Party for up to 140 Guests
For medium and larger weddings, a minimum two-night rental is required for all weekend weddings from April to October. For midweek weddings year-round or weekend weddings from November to March, no minimum stay applies.
If you'd like more details about costs, just ask! The rental fee covers:
- Accommodation in the house, which includes six bedrooms sleeping up to 12 people, plus a full Irish breakfast each morning. We also have extra Z-beds and cots available if needed.
- Glamping (available in summer only) is not included, but your wedding guests can book this directly with the house.
The venue can host up to 140 guests (excluding staff)
Small is Beautiful Weddings – Intimate Gatherings for up to 25 Guests
Ballyvolane House is an ideal setting for small weddings, offering a cozy and elegant atmosphere for up to 25 guests. Here’s what’s included when you book the house:
Cost: From €5,000 (for a 1- or 2-night rental)
What’s Included:
- Exclusive use of the house and gardens from 3 PM on the day of your arrival until 12 noon on your departure day.
- Wedding reception canapés, featuring delicious charcuterie.
- Accommodation for up to 12 people in the six house bedrooms, with a full Irish breakfast each morning. Extra Z-beds and cots are available if needed. (Glamping in the summer is an additional cost, and guests can book this directly with the house.)
- Dedicated planning support from our experienced team, who have been hosting weddings at Ballyvolane House since 2004.
- Tailored preparation of the house and gardens to create a setting just right for your wedding.
Small weddings typically take place in the main house, but if you’d like to include the dining terrace and adjoining barn, this can be arranged for an additional fee and I'm not going to lie, they make for the coolest wedding photos! If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding in a stunning Irish setting, Ballyvolane House could be the perfect fit for you x
