Why American's getting married in Ireland
I'm assuming you’re an American couple dreaming of cliff tops, candlelit castles, Guinness by a turf fire, and a wedding gallery that looks like it belongs in Vogue. In that case, Ireland might just be your perfect destination. And no, it's not just for the Outlander-obsessed (hello Jamie Fraser, you big dirty ride) or folks tracing their Irish roots.
More and more Americans are choosing Ireland for their luxury weddings, and with good reason, lads, it’s drop-dead gorgeous, value for money, and brimming with exclusive wedding venues that will knock your woollen socks off - I mean, have ye bitches seen Ashford Castle? The place is insane!
Plus, the Scenery is Ridiculous Sexy (In a Good Way)
Ireland is one of the most photogenic countries in the world, and that’s not just patriotic exaggeration.
You’ve got:
• The Cliffs of Moher
• Wild Atlantic coastlines
• Ancient forests & Romantic lakes
• Rolling green hills with lots and lots of sheep shit!
Ireland’s landscapes are one of the main reasons destination weddings here have exploded in popularity, not just because of social media or terrible movies like Irish Wish (having said that, it is great to see Lyndsey Lohan back acting again), but it really provides a homecoming of sorts for lots of couples choosing an Irish wedding venue.
Best Luxury Wedding Venues in Ireland
If you're dreaming of a destination wedding that feels straight out of a film, Ireland is packed with incredible luxury wedding venues. From five-star castles to elegant manor houses and historic estates, couples travel from all over the world to get married here.
Some of the most beautiful luxury wedding venues in Ireland include:
• Adare Manor – one of the most luxurious wedding venues in Europe, famous for its neo-Gothic architecture and five-star service.
• Dromoland Castle – a spectacular castle hotel with centuries of history and an incredible estate.
• Cashel Palace Hotel – elegant Georgian luxury beside the iconic Rock of Cashel.
• Sheen Falls Lodge – a beautiful five-star estate overlooking Kenmare Bay.
• Kilshane House – a stunning private estate perfect for exclusive weekend weddings.
• Ashford Castle – one of Ireland’s most famous castles and a truly iconic destination wedding venue.
• Ballyfin Demesne – often described as one of the most beautiful country houses in the world.
• Castle Leslie Estate – a castle venue with serious Bridgerton vibes.
• Mount Juliet Estate – a five-star country estate famous for its elegance and incredible grounds.
These venues combine history, architecture, sexy scenery and world-class hospitality, which is why Ireland has become one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury weddings in Europe.
And honestly, girlies… when you’re getting married somewhere that looks like a castle from a movie set, half the job of making the day look incredible is already done.
Adare Manor Wedding Photos by Sarah Kate Photography
Why is Ireland One of the Best Destination Wedding Locations in the World?
Ireland is having a bit of a moment when it comes to weddings. From Ashford Castle in Mayo (featured on the House of Guinness), Cashel Palace in Tipperary (with its swanky spa and Michelin-starred dining), to Adare Manor in Limerick (hello, five-star fairytale), there’s no shortage of luxury wedding venues in Ireland that bring the wow factor.
But it’s not only about castles and pints of the black stuff (though, predominantly, it is). There’s an undeniable magic here, the kind you feel in your chest when the uilleann pipes begin to play, or when the rain halts just long enough to reveal a rainbow over the mountains.
And that touch of magic? Sarah Kate Photography captures it effortlessly and with great craic. Recognised as one of Ireland’s top wedding photographers, she specialises in romantic, elegant storytelling that remains playful and fun, just like her couples.
If you’re getting married in Kerry, Cork, West Cork or Tipperary, you’ll want me in your corner... rain, hail or shine.
There’s a reason Ireland is famous for it's warm welcomes.
There’s a reason Ireland is famous for it's warm welcomes.
Irish Hospitality (Also Known as “The Craic”)
Irish Hospitality (Also Known as “The Craic”)
We literally have a phrase for it, lads: “Céad Míle Fáilte”, a hundred thousand welcomes.
Guests arriving for weddings here often say the same thing:
“That was the best wedding we’ve ever been to.”
Between the live Irish music, the storytelling, the Guinness, and the inevitable moment where someone’s uncle decides he’s a professional dancer, Irish weddings have a reputation for being unbelievably good fun.
And the dance floor? It's usually carnage past 10 pm!
EDITORIAL & FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s Perfect for Destination Weddings
Ireland has quietly become one of the most sought-after destination wedding locations in Europe.
For couples travelling from the US, UK, Australia and Europe, it’s an easy and magical place to celebrate.
Here’s why it works so well:
• English-speaking vendors (no translation stress)
• Incredible luxury venues
• World-class food, hospitality and Golf
• Stunning scenery for photography
• Endless travel adventures for guests, think falconry, horse riding, sea swimming (if you're brave enough to brave the cold!)
Your wedding becomes more than a day.
It becomes a full Irish adventure weekend, castles, whiskey tastings, scenic drives, cosy pubs, and probably a good, strong hangover if you're doing it right.
Venues where Americans are choosing to get married in Ireland
Kerry
Killarney, Kenmare, Dingle… It’s like every romantic Irish film rolled into one. Whether it’s a lakeside ceremony in Muckross Abbey or a party at Sheen Falls or Dromquinna Manor, Kerry offers drama, charm, and a really good time. Let's not forget Dingle for the all-round beauty that is Slea Head. Say your vows at Dunquin Pier and party away at Dick Mack's while staying at Dingle Skellig.
Cashel Palace – Tipperary
Hello, five-star Georgian decadence. Cashel Palace Hotel overlooks the Rock of Cashel, and feels like something out of Bridgerton (only with better food and fewer corsets). It’s where you go when you want to feel like actual Irish royalty. Or hire out your very own Regency Manor House, Kilshane House, a perfect exclusive venue for keeping all your guests in one place.
Adare Manor – Limerick
This luxury wedding venue is a firm favourite for American couples, and for good reason. Michelin-starred food, private ballroom, staff who remember your dog’s name.....it’s got it all. Not cheap, but 100% worth it... think viral TikTok wedding of Sean and Ally
Dromoland Castle - Clare
Let’s be real, girlies, Dromoland Castle is that Irish wedding venue. A full-blown fairytale castle in County Clare that absolutely understands the assignment when it comes to luxury weddings in Ireland. We’re talking a 16th-century castle, manicured parkland for days, chandeliers, open fires, and the kind of ceremony and reception spaces that make guests audibly gasp. If you’re planning a Dromoland Castle wedding, expect black-tie vibes, flawless service, unreal photo locations, and the kind of atmosphere that turns an Irish wedding into a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s elegant without being stiff!
Dromoland Castle Wedding Photos
Cork Wedding Venues
From the cliffside luxury of Dunmore House Hotel to forested hideaways like Glengarriff Lodge, West Cork is a photographer’s dream. Think candlelit ceremonies, woodland portraits, and small-town magic. Ballyvolane House has an Irish farmhouse charm that's unrivalled if that's your wedding aesthetic. And the 5-star Castlemartyr Resort is close to Cork City and offers an unrivalled sense of luxury.
Sarah Kate Photography is based here and absolutely buzzing with craic, ready to show you around.
Dingle Wedding on the beach at Slea Head
How much does it cost to get married in Ireland?
Yes, a luxury wedding in Ireland can be an investment not just monetarily but also in memories. But compared to a big-budget bash in the US, you’ll often get way more bang for your buck here, ladies. Think: renting out a private estate, having your ceremony in a castle chapel, and dancing the night away in a glass-walled ballroom overlooking a lake… all for a price that might just surprise you, and it's the reason more and more Americans are choosing this European country to get married in.
Average Costs (in USD):
Weddings in Ireland Cost Range
- Luxury Venue Hire $8,500 – $60,000 USD (approx)
- Wedding Planner - $3,700 – $10,600+USD (approx)
- Sarah Kate Photography From $4,300 USD (approx)
- Florals & Styling $3,200 – $10,600 USD (approx)
- Music & Entertainment $1,600 – $5,300 USD (approx)
- Celebrant/Legal Fees $530 – $1,060 USD (approx)
- Hair & Makeup $320 – $850 USD (approx)
- Accommodation (5-Star) $265 – $640/night
For reference, Adare Manor (adaremanor.com ) and Ashford Castle are on the higher end, but the service and exclusivity are unmatched. You’re not just booking a venue; you’re booking an experience.
Wedding Planners are essential for destination weddings. They handle local logistics, legal documents, timelines, and those panic-y emails you’ll send at 2 am.
Whether you're after a luxury wedding photographer in Ireland, a once-in-a-lifetime venue, or a laid-back elopement along the Wild Atlantic Way, here’s why Ireland is quickly becoming the “I do” destination of dreams.
Why You Need an Irish Luxury Wedding Photographer
Aside from knowing venues and irish weather inside out......
Once the cake’s gone, all you have left are the photos. Having someone local who understands the area, vendors, and most importantly, where to get the best creamy pint!
Sarah Kate Photography specialises in luxury weddings in Ireland and works almost exclusively with couples from the US. Expect stunning light, relaxed direction, and photos you’ll print out and hang on your wall.
FAQ: Can Americans Get Married in Ireland?
Can non-residents legally marry in Ireland? Yes! It’s totally doable and totally legal back home in the US.
What do I need to do?
- Give 3 months' notice to the Irish Civil Registrar
- Submit documents like birth certs, passports, and a declaration of freedom to marry
- Have a face-to-face meeting with the registrar (most couples build this into a pre-wedding trip)
Full details: HSE Ireland Marriage Information
Do I need a wedding planner?
Highly recommended, especially if you're not based in Ireland. They’ll deal with venues, legalities, time zones, and “wait, where is the nearest florist who speaks American?” situations.
Please note that most of my clients legally marry in the United States and have an Irish Blessing here, known as a handfasting ceremony, it's where the phrase tying the knot comes from, believe it or not girlies.
