How to Elope in Ireland in 2026
Thinking about running away to say “I do” in Ireland? You’re in the right place. This Ireland elopement guide will walk you through the magic, the logistics, and the best spots to tie the knot.
If you’ve ever dreamed of misty cliffs, cozy pubs, medieval castles, and rolling green hills, then eloping in Ireland might just be your fairytale. This country is basically romance wrapped in rugged landscapes! Think: saying “I do” at sunrise on the Cliffs of Moher, sneaking kisses in a castle hallway, or wandering through Galway’s cobblestoned streets after your vows.
So, who should consider eloping here? Honestly, anyone who wants intimacy, history, and a little bit of magic. Ireland’s vibe is equal parts timeless and adventurous. Couples who don’t care for huge ballrooms but love windswept beauty, couples who want cozy evenings in pubs, and couples who crave a unique, cultural backdrop for their vows all find their happy place here.
How To Get To Ireland
By Plane:
Overall, the best airport to fly into will be the Dublin (DUB) airport, as it has the most international flights, the best rates, and most flexible travel routes. Drives from Dublin to popular elopement locations are fairly short! It is about 1.5 hours from Wicklow, 2.5 hours from Galway, 3.5 hours from Cliffs of Moher, 4 hours from Killarney/Ring of Kerry, and 2 hours to Northern Ireland. If you’re eloping in Northern Ireland, flying into Belfast (BFS) could be a great option as well. If you’re eloping on the west coast and want less driving after landing, flying into Shannon (SNN) could be a good choice, but it is much smaller with fewer direct flights.
By Car:
You will need a rental car while you explore Ireland! You’ll be able to get to most places in a standard sedan, and honestly having a smaller car will benefit you for the narrow roads and single-track passing places! Roads in more rural areas are very small and remember Ireland drives on the left side of the road! It is common for rentals to be manual, so be sure to double check that your rental has an automatic transmission if you don’t drive manual. I’d recommend reserving your car rental sooner rather than later—automatic transmission rentals can get booked up fast! As an American, be sure to get your $20 International Drivers License before you go!
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps directions on your phone so that even when you lose service, you can still receive navigation. As beautiful as the scenery is, getting lost probably isn’t on your to-do list!
The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Ireland
For the best weather, I always suggest looking to elope in Ireland in the late spring through early fall. Specifically the months after May, June, September, and early October are my favorites for balancing good weather and fewer crowds.
Spring (March - June)
During this time of year, experience fresh spring greenery, longer days, and fewer tourists than peak summer months. This time of year is great for coastal cliffs, countryside, and castle venues. Earlier spring like March and April can still be a bit more chilly and rainy. May and June will bring sunnier weather but often a bit more crowds.
Summer (July + August)
This is the most popular and busiest time of year in Ireland. While these months are great because they bring the warmest temps and the longest days—it’s also the time of year you will experience the most crowds and prices will be quite expensive. You will especially feel the impacts in popular areas like the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, and Killarney.
Fall (September + October)
This time of year brings a bit moodier of skies and is still beautiful and green. It’s slightly quieter this time of year, which makes it one of the best times for a more peaceful, intimate experience for your elopement.
Winter (November - February)
The winter can be super cozy and dramatic with fog, storms, and empty landscapes. This time of year also brings much shorter daylight and higher chances of rain & wind. Also keep in mind that there are some services that are seasonal and close down during the winter time.
The Best Places to Elope in Ireland
Ireland is made for elopements — dramatic cliffs, misty mountains, quiet beaches, and ancient castles everywhere you look. Here are some of the best places to elope in Ireland, with a quick vibe check for each:
Cliffs of Moher
The most iconic cliff views in Ireland, with wild Atlantic scenery and that epic, cinematic feel — especially at sunrise or in the off-season for fewer crowds.
Dingle Peninsula
One of the most magical areas in Ireland for an intimate elopement: colorful towns, dramatic cliffs, rolling green hills, and beaches that feel like the edge of the world.
Ring of Kerry
A classic Ireland elopement region with rugged coastline, mountain passes, lakes, and endless scenic pull-offs — perfect for couples who want variety in one day.
Killarney National Park
A stunning mix of mountain views, lakes, waterfalls, and lush forest trails, making it one of the most scenic and versatile places to elope in Ireland.
Giants Causeway
One of Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders, featuring dramatic basalt columns and rugged ocean views that feel truly otherworldly.
Dunseverick Castle
A quiet, windswept cliffside ruin along the Causeway Coast that offers epic views and a more secluded, off-the-beaten-path elopement backdrop.
The Burren
A totally unique landscape that feels almost otherworldly — rocky limestone terrain, golden light at sunset, and an underrated, peaceful vibe for adventurous couples.
Dunluce Castle
A breathtaking medieval castle perched on ocean cliffs, offering one of the most dramatic and cinematic elopement settings in all of Ireland.
Wicklow National Park
If you want mountains, lakes, and waterfall scenery without traveling far from the airport, Wicklow is an amazing option (and great for shorter trips).
Irish Castles + Estate Venues
If you want something romantic and timeless (and weather-proof), Ireland has incredible castle venues and manor estates that feel straight out of a fairytale.
Do We Need a Permit to Elope in Ireland?
In most cases, no permit is required to elope in Ireland. You’re free to choose from many of the country’s iconic landscapes—as long as you follow local regulations and Leave No Trace. I’ll help you navigate all the logistics so your elopement is legally sound and responsibly planned. There are private locations such as castles where you may need to reserve if you want it to be part of your elopement / wedding experience!
What Do You Need To Elope In Ireland?
Okay, let’s talk logistics and paperwork requirements for an Irish elopement:
You must give at least three months’ notice of your intent to marry to the civil registrar.
You’ll need valid passports, original birth certificates, and a “certificate of freedom to marry.”
For foreigners getting married in Ireland, you don’t have to be a resident, but you must meet the legal paperwork requirements.
Fees apply, and you’ll need an appointment with the registrar before your big day.
There are two types of ceremonies here: civil (legal) and symbolic (non-legal). If you want to keep it simple, some couples handle the paperwork at home and then have a symbolic ceremony in Ireland, which frees you up to exchange vows literally anywhere.
So yes, the legal requirements for eloping in Ireland sound a little official, but they’re totally manageable once you know the process.
How To Elope In Ireland As A Foreigner
This is the part that sounds complicated but isn’t – for international couples planning to marry in Ireland, the steps are simpler than you think:
Book your registrar appointment (at least 3 months ahead).
Collect documents: passports, birth certificates, and the certificate of freedom to marry.
Decide whether you’re having a registrar, religious officiant, or celebrant perform your ceremony.
Confirm your visas (most visitors from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the EU don’t need special visas to marry).
If the paperwork feels like a lot, don’t stress. Many couples choose to legally wed at home first and then have their symbolic celebration here. Both options are valid. The difference is just whether you want to say “I do” legally on Irish soil.
Where To Stay For Your Ireland Elopement
Dublin
Ireland’s vibrant capital is the easiest place to fly into and a great starting point for your elopement trip, offering historic charm, amazing food and pubs, and quick access to nearby scenic spots like the Wicklow Mountains.
Galway
A fun, colorful hub with amazing restaurants and live music — great if you want a mix of adventure and nightlife.
Doolin
A cozy coastal village with traditional pubs and quick access to the Cliffs of Moher and cliffside walks.
Killarney
One of the best home bases for eloping couples, with easy access to Killarney National Park, lakes, and mountain viewpoints.
Dingle
A lively seaside town full of charm, great restaurants, and quick access to Slea Head Drive and epic coastal locations.
Portrush
A classic coastal town with great access to Giant’s Causeway, beaches, and cliffside viewpoints.
Pro Tip: If you are planning to be having guests at any point of the day for either a ceremony, intimate dinner, or reception, be sure to get an event-friendly rental! Not all vacation rentals are event friendly and nothing would be worse than getting kicked out by your host mid elopement experience! For all my tips on finding an event-friendly rental, view my blog on how to plan your Airbnb elopement.
Ireland Elopement Activity Ideas
One of the best parts about eloping in Ireland is that your wedding day can feel like an experience, not just a ceremony. With dramatic coastlines, rolling green hills, ancient ruins, and cozy towns full of music and history, Ireland offers endless ways to turn your elopement into a full-day (or multi-day) adventure.
Share your vows at sunrise on the Cliffs
Take a scenic road trip around Ring of Kerry
Go hiking in a national park
Walk the cliffside paths at Cliffs of Moher
Visit a castle or ancient ruins
Have a cozy pub celebration
Have a private chef cook at your bnb
Pop champagne somewhere scenic
Take a ferry to a remote island
Plan a picnic on a hidden beach
Start your morning slow with coffee and vow writing
Ireland Elopement Timeline Examples
Not sure exactly how much time you need for your dream Ireland elopement? Here are a few timeline examples to help you get a feel for what might be the best fit!
8 Hour Elopement
12:30pm Sally Arrives at Castle Airbnb for Getting Ready Photos
3:00pm First Look + Private Vow Reading
3:30pm Group Photos with Friends & Family
4:00pm Ceremony on Lawn with Castle in Background
4:30pm Cocktail Hour
5:30pm Private Chef Dinner
6:15pm Toasts, Cake Cutting, First Dance
7:00pm Casual Reception Coverage
8:30pm Photography Coverage Ends
12 Hour Elopement
10:00am Sally Arrives at Airbnb for Getting Ready Photos
12:00pm First Look at Bnb
12:30pm Drive to Dunseverick Castle
1:30pm Ceremony + Portraits
3:00pm Drive to Giants Causeway
3:30pm Begin Hike
4:30pm Giants Causeway Portraits + Exploration + Picnic
6:30pm Hike Back to Parking
7:30pm Drive to Town
8:00pm Pub Celebration!
10:00pm Photography Coverage Ends
Must Know Ireland Elopement and Travel Tips
Here are the must-know tips for traveling and eloping in Ireland — the things that will make your trip smoother, your day less stressful, and your elopement feel truly intentional.
Expect all four seasons in one day
Ireland weather changes fast — sun, rain, wind, and mist can all happen within a few hours (sometimes minutes). Pack:
a waterproof jacket
warm layers
comfortable shoes you can walk in
an umbrella (optional, but wind can make it useless on cliffs)
Moody skies are part of the magic, so don’t panic if the forecast isn’t perfect.
Rent a Car (and Book an Automatic Early)
If you’re eloping outside of Dublin, a car makes everything simpler. Many of Ireland’s best locations are spread out and public transportation doesn’t always align with sunrise/sunset plans. Many rental cars will be manual be default and automatics are limited and sell out early. Also a reminder that in the UK, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road!
Add buffer time for rural driving
Google Maps can be misleading in Ireland — short distances can take a while because of small roads, slow farm traffic, one-lane bridges, and sheep on the road (yes, really). If your ceremony is time-sensitive (sunrise/sunset), leave early.
Be extra cautious near cliff edges
Cliffside locations are stunning, but wind gusts can be intense and the ground can be slippery. Avoid standing too close to edges, especially in dresses/suits, and choose safe spots for vows.
Tipping is appreciated but not required
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Ireland, but it’s always appreciated for great service. A small tip or rounding up the bill is totally fine. (And pro tip: you usually have to ask for your check — it won’t automatically be dropped off.)
Ireland Elopement Packages
I’m much more than a photographer, I’m someone who is super passionate about supporting couples on their big day, from scouting hidden gems for the ideal location, stress-free planning, and of course capturing raw, authentic moments. As a photographer specializing in adventure elopements, you’ll be in safe hands. So, are you ready to say yes to Ireland?! More information on my packages below:
Packages
4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 2 Day elopement photography
Photography on digital, film, and drone (where permitted)
A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
Personalized elopement location recommendation list
Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
Custom-built-for-you elopement timeline
Assistance to help you with permits and licenses
90+ page elopement planning guide with my best tips & tricks
Optional complimentary officiant services
Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
5-7 day sneak peeks
Travel fees to anywhere in Ireland already included
Starting at $6,000
Video Add-Ons
For an extra special, immersive reminder of your special day, I now offer the following options for video add ons to your elopement packages:
Documentary style highlight reel
Super 8 film
Ceremony recording
Hey, I’m Sally! I’m a destination adventure elopement photographer based in Washington, but traveling worldwide!
CHECK OUT MY FREE ELOPEMENT PLANNING GUIDE & CHECKLIST!
This freebie gives you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to plan your dream adventure elopement.
