Fuck it Lets Elope! Your guide to Eloping in Northern Ireland *updated for 2024*
Not a fan of big wedding drama? Have you found yourself thinking – ”Fuck it, let’s just elope”?
if you’re planning on eloping in Northern Ireland,I get you! I am all about getting hitched intimately with the good vibes – epic backdrops and iconic I DOs! Plus, at the end of the day, you’re not alone. More and more couples stray away from the conventional and go for an intimate affair. Big traditional weddings come with their fair share of stressful tasks, so it is only natural for some couples to elope and avoid being overwhelmed by the whole notion. In essence – that’s the beauty of it! Elopements are a great way to get married in a stress-free and meaningful way, and even tick off some epic bucket list experiences in the meantime.
Not sure whether this is the right choice for you? Trust me, by the end of this guide, you will be sure whether this is perfect for your story. After all, it is about getting married in one of the most iconic locations in the world! And with my experience as an elopement photographer in Northern Ireland since 2015, you will get all the facts. So how do you elope in Northern Ireland and tie the knot in an unforgettable way? Let’s dive in!
lets skip to the good part ( table of contents)
can you legally get married in Northern Ireland if you choose to elope?
The best locations to elope in Northern Ireland
what time of day is best to elope in northern ireland
The best time of year to elope in Northern ireland
Northern Ireland elopement vendors
elope
to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent
I get it, long ago it usually meant running away, just the two of you, and getting married in secret. Thankfully we have all moved away from that age-old thinking because elopements evolved. Now, elopements can even take elements of small intimate weddings without the hustle and bustle of big traditional celebrations. Of course, in any case, you can choose to be just the two of you or bring a handful of your favourite people to share the joy with. Some of our couples truly choose to tie the knot in secret but that’s not because they don’t have permission like in the past, but because they want to savour their love privately! However, most of them bring a few loved ones to simply enjoy the beauty of adventuring on our breathtaking island together and witness their I DOs.
The bottom line is that eloping is exactly what eloping means to you – whatever compliments your tale most amazingly and what feels right. That being said, regardless of how you wish to tailor it, as an experienced elopement photographer, I’m here to capture the full story for you!
Now let us delve into the subject of how to elope in Northern Ireland!
Can you legally get married if you elope in Northern Ireland?
Good news – it's absolutely possible to get legally married when you elope in Northern Ireland! The pandemic has even made it easier, since you can now get married anywhere outdoors with an official celebrant and landowner's permission. And if you're looking for a unique, personalized ceremony, consider a humanist one – they were given legal recognition in 2018, so you can create a ceremony that's completely tailored to your love story. Want to incorporate your favourite movie quote or some Celtic handfasting traditions? Go for it! Just make sure to check out the legal requirements on the government website so you can tie the knot without a hitch
Want to skip on all the stress? Then Consider having a symbolic ceremony instead of a legal one. That way, you can skip the visas, witnesses, and notice requirements and still have a beautiful, meaningful ceremony. Plus, you can even ask a friend or family member to marry you, or hire a celebrant to help you plan the perfect ceremony. And the best part? No need to worry about losing your marriage license along the way. Trust me – we opted for a symbolic ceremony ourselves in 2018, and it was the best (and cheapest!) decision we ever made. So don't sweat it – eloping in Northern Ireland can be stress-free and absolutely beautiful.
The best Locations to Elope in Northern Ireland?
it is no secret that you will be completely spoilt for choice when it comes to this lusciously green island! Besides the epic nature and all those mountains, forests, valleys, cliff tops, and beaches; you get to pick from magnificent castles, ruins, abbeys, historic sites, and so much more! To be honest, here you will find something to compliment anyone’s style. Plus, because Northern Ireland is pretty small, many of the epic locations are within a short drive from one another. That means only one thing – adventuring! You can tick off many bucket list locations within a day. Talk about a great honeymoon as well! Have in mind though, that some of the places might require a fee and may be more popular (and crowded), but when you hire a local Northern Ireland Elopement photographer you get all the insider knowledge regarding the best time to visit these places. Plus, I know so many out-of-this-world spots that aren’t on the tourist map which will allow you to focus on a properly intimate and adventurous experience.
Our favourites? Well, that’s easy, I am fond of lesser-known spots. My top two are Dunseverick Castle and Kinbane Castle. But let’s be real for a second, is it even an Irish elopement if you don’t get hitched at Dunluce Castle?!
click the link below to check out our full roundup of the best locations to elope in Northern Ireland
The best Time of year to Elope in Northern Ireland?
before you start planning, let me give you the lowdown on the best times of the year to tie the knot in northern Ireland. Spring and late autumn are the prime seasons for elopements here – the weather is mild, the sun sets at a convenient time ( around 8 pm), and most importantly, the locations aren't as crowded with tourists. That means you'll have more privacy and freedom to see the beautiful sights, take beautiful, intimate photos, and you can easily grab dinner and celebrate after your ceremony without fighting the crowds. Summer months book out mega quickly, if summer is your choice then my PRO tip is to avoid the peak summer and bank holidays if possible. If not, then plan your wedding day mid-week – it is always the best choice for more intimacy.
The best time of day to Elope in Northern Ireland?
If you want epic elopement photos in Northern Ireland, you need to plan for the best light! As a sunset-chasing photographer, I can tell you that the best photos happen when the light is just right, so it's worth considering when you're planning your ceremony. In winter, the sun sets around 3:30 pm, and in summer, it doesn't set until 10 pm. So to make the most of the golden hour and get those iconic shots, plan your ceremony 2-3 hours before sunset. I use a great app to track sunset times for my couples, so feel free to check it out here and plan accordingly. After all, you've traveled all this way – you deserve to have extraordinary photos of your story!
Northern Ireland elopement vendors
Wedding and elopement vendors differ because intimate celebrations come with a different set of requirements. I work with many amazing humans who are ready to translate your dreams into reality, and they all specialise in elopements. I can easily put you in touch with them! From hair and make-up artists to celebrants and florists, I’ve got you covered.
The best places to stay when you elope in Northern Ireland
There are a lot of choices where you can spend your nights. Usually, there are hotels, Airbnbs, cottages, glamping sites, campervans, stately homes and even castles! In essence, when thinking about how to elope in Northern Ireland, I would always recommend lodging nearby your ceremony spot. As a photographer, for me, it is important for the place to have great light and plenty of windows to capture your preparation moments. Oh, and extra points if it features an unusual vibe! Trust me, there’s nothing worse than getting ready in a magnolia box room with only one window and dodgy 90s curtains ( unless that’s your vibe!). Of course, if you need help, I am more than happy to help you look for an amazing place to stay!
Extra things to do to make your trip memorable
Northern Ireland is a jewel when it comes to finding things to do, places to see, culture to experience and awesome people to meet! After all, it has been a shooting site of many iconic movies and series, such as Game of Thrones, so you can bet there is a myriad of sights to see! If you wish to feel the urban vibe, visit Belfast and experience the lively nightlife with incredible live music. Also, don’t forget the famous St.George’s Market. There are also many great activity ideas such as tasting and touring the Bushmills Distillery or maybe heading off to Belfast to fully experience the new Boundary Brewery.
I hope this guide on how to elope in Northern Ireland has provided you with clarity when it comes to planning your special day. If you love my shooting style and think I am the right photographer to capture your meaningful memories, get in touch! I’d love to adventure with you!
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