Romantic Castle Elopement in Kilkenny, Ireland
A Kilkenny Castle Elopement
Laidback Luxury wedding in the Lyrath Estate Hotel & Kilkenny City
For my American couple, Leslie and Brannigan and their son Eden, their elopement on September 9, 2022, was an unforgettable celebration brimming with romance, history, family and a touch of Irish magic. Their adventure kicked off with glamorous bridal prep at the luxurious Lyrath Estate, followed by a heartfelt ceremony in Brannigan's Grandma's garden, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Kilkenny Castle. They wrapped up their day with an intimate and delicious reception at Zuni Restaurant.
Nestled in the heart of Ireland, Leslie and Brannigan chose this enchanting destination not just for its beauty but also to honour Brannigan's Irish roots. Kilkenny Castle, with its centuries-old charm and majestic backdrop, we brought Leslie's dream of a storybook elopement to life. The day was everything they envisioned—romantic, elegant, and full of meaningful touches that made their Irish love story one for the books and as a Kilkenny Photographer, it really ticked all the boxes for me as every wedding photo was magical.
Bridal Preparation Photos in Lyrath Estate Hotel
Leslie's bridal preparation was nothing short of stunning as she embraced the laid-back luxury of the picturesque Lyrath Estate for her intimate Kilkenny elopement.
Leslie's bridal prep was a chill and relaxed affair. The lavishness and opulence of the Lyrath Estate perfectly complemented the laid-back vibes, offering a serene setting for Leslie to prepare for her momentous occasion. Capturing every candid photo on this magical day was me, Sarah Kate Photography, who skilfully documented the joy, anticipation, and love alongside the wonderful elopement videographer Rafal from Daga and Rafal
The ceremony took place in Brannigans grandmothers back garden and then onto the incredibly Kilkenny castle, surrounded by their closest family members. The whole atmosphere was just so emotional and filled with love. It was one of those moments where you couldn't help but get a lump in your throat. And as luck would have it, the lighting that day was absolutely perfect. It was like the heavens above decided to shine down on Leslie and Brannigan as they exchanged their vows and received blessings from their loved ones. It was definitely a magical sight to behold.
We walked over to Kilkenny Castle to take family photos on the steps, it's a beautiful setting for formal family photos but be warned, it can be incredibly busy during tourist season and you also need to be fully insured to do this, luckily I had filled out all the relevant OPW forms prior to arriving.
We then walked through town and enjoyed some time by the Smithicks Experience before continuing on and having a cheeky pint which I will always encourage, in the super cool pub Kyteler's inn which was stabbed in 1324, the staff here were brilliant and encouraged my couple to pull their own pints of Guiness, we enjoyed some live trad music before heading outside to enjoy our pints.
It was such a big deal for me to be their elopement photographer for this extraordinary day. There's just something about elopement photography that allows couples to be their truest selves and really soak in all the beauty around them, it's so chill. And in Ireland, of all places! It truly is the best destination wedding venue you could ever ask for.
If you're thinking of eloping, seriously consider Kilkenny, Ireland as your backdrop. It's got everything you could ever want - stunning castles, breathtaking landscapes, great pubs, luxury hotels near by and a sense of enchantment that you won't find anywhere else. And of course, don't forget to hire a kickass elopement photographer like myself to capture every single moment of your special day. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Well, that's it from me for now. I just had to share the incredible experience I had with Leslie and Brannigan's castle elopement in Kilkenny. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and pure craic. If you're considering eloping, I hope this little story inspires you to take the leap and create your own magical memories. Because life is too short for boring weddings, my friend!
Take care and keep on chasing those fairytales,
Sarah Kate
Kilkenny Castle Elopement Photos
Five Reasons Kilkenny City is the Perfect Elopement Destination for American Couples
- Rich Historical Heritage: Kilkenny's medieval architecture, epitomized by landmarks like Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral, offers a romantic and historically rich setting for couples seeking a unique elopement experience. - Wikipedia
- Small City Beauty: The city's picturesque landscapes, including the River Nore and surrounding countryside, provide stunning backdrops for wedding photographs and intimate moments. - Budget Your Trip
- Warm Irish Hospitality: Known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere, Kilkenny ensures that couples and their guests feel at home, adding a personal touch to the elopement experience - somewherecrazy.com
- How to get there: Located just over an hour's drive from Dublin Airport, and 2 hours from Shannon & Cork Airport, Kilkenny is easily accessible for international travellers coming from the United States or Europe, making it a convenient destination for American couples. - Br By Mary
- Cultural Vibrancy: With a vibrant arts scene, traditional music sessions in local pubs, and numerous festivals such as the Cat Laughs, Kilkenny offers a rich cultural experience that couples can enjoy during their stay. Wikipedia