Aoibhe & Ryan’s Classy Clifftop Celebration at Dunmore House Hotel

All you need to know about getting married at Dunmore House in Clonakilty


It began as many great Irish love stories do, over teenage flirtation and a bit of harmless scheming. Aoibhe, 16 and full of quiet confidence, persuaded Ryan not to ask out another girl in their school. “I conned him,” she jokes now. Over a decade later, that same duo stood together at the edge of the wild Atlantic, surrounded by 115 of their closest people, the scent of white baby's breath in the breeze, and the low hum of classical music drifting across Incydoney beach.


Their wedding venue, hosted at the family-run Dunmore House Hotel in West Cork, was a day deeply in intimacy and connection, and what Aoibhe affectionately called “the feels.” and really was a dream for any of Corks Wedding Photographers.


West Cork WEDDING VENDORS

Aoibhe was every inch the modern romantic. Her look blended editorial edge with softness, attached are her vendors for her big day:


Wedding guests shower white confetti over a couple during an outdoor celebration on a bright sunny day.

Confetti Wedding Photos at Dunmore House Hotel by Sarah Kate Photography

The Clifftop Ceremony overlooking Inchydoney


At 2pm, Aoibhe stepped out of the ocean suite and walked with quiet poise toward the clifftop ceremony space at Dunmore House Hotel Just her, a breeze off the Atlantic, and a Halfpenny London gown that floated like it had been stitched from sea mist. A civil ceremony unfolded under the sky with Alison Driscoll of Bespoke Words officiating, simple yet meaningful ceremony with gorgeous self written vows.


The couple chose not to see one another before the ceremony. “No first look,” they’d agreed. “Let’s keep the moment.” Aoibhe was super nervous all morning and I wonder with hindsight would a first look have quelled some of her nerves.

Dunmore House Hotel Weddings by

Cork Wedding Photographer Sarah Kate Photography

A black formal suit jacket hangs on a hanger against a white wall with modern artwork in the background.
A groom's wedding accessories including shiny black dress shoes, a patterned bow tie, cufflinks in a box, and a wristwatch.
A person in a black tuxedo adjusts their pink bow tie while standing at the bottom of an elegant white staircase.
Groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos stand together on a scenic beachfront deck with coastal views in background.
A bride in a classic white wedding gown looks thoughtfully out a window in an elegant indoor setting.
Elegant wedding invitation suite with deckled edge blue paper and white floral accents arranged on a neutral background.
Person in a white dress standing with hands covering their face in dim lighting with green foliage visible in background.
Group wearing matching blue and white outfits pose playfully together on a grassy hill overlooking waterfront scenery.
Silhouette of a person in a long dress standing in a doorway overlooking a coastal landscape.
Elegant off-shoulder white wedding dress captured in a dreamy interior setting with soft natural lighting.

Why Choose Dunmore House for your wedding?


With its sweep of shoreline, hands-on hospitality, and gourmet food philosophy, Dunmore House Hotel near Clonakilty, County Cork remains one of the most quietly brilliant Seaview/Coastal wedding venues in Ireland and I'm not going to lie, it's one of the best venues for wedding photos in West Cork.


Here’s what makes it shine:


  • Civil ceremony location with a sea view (no extra travel needed)
  • Stylish accommodation for the couple and their guests
  • Menus crafted with local produce and an ethos of sustainability (and ladies it's delicious)
  • Intimate atmosphere with high-end service


🔗 Visit Dunmore House for weddings

🔗 HSE civil ceremony guidance


If you're dreaming of West Cork for your wedding, Dunmore House Hotel as a wedding venue sits effortlessly in the same league as Fernhill House, Inish Beg Estate and Blairscove House...... all known for charm, coastal air, and food that’ll have your guests going back for seconds. There's a special kind of magic in West Cork.

The West Cork WEDDING Feels Girlies


At the heart of it all, this was a wedding about togetherness. “We just wanted everyone to feel part of something,” Aoibhe said. “To have all our people in one place, by the sea and that was it.”


From couple portraits under a custom floral arch to sneaking out during golden hour for windswept photographs (without hesitation), this couple leaned into the day with open hearts and full trust.


And Ryan? Still spelling “hearth” instead of “heart” in the notes he leaves her.


Documented by Sarah Kate Photography, one of Ireland’s most awarded wedding and vacation photographers.

Dunmore House Hotel Wedding Video by Seaforest Films

Bridal Portraits at Dunmore House Hotel by Sarah Kate Photography

Bridal Portraits at Dunmore House Hotel