This past fall, I had the absolute pleasure of traveling to Ireland to photograph Jocelyn and Jexle’s stunning wedding. Ireland is such a magical place—steeped in history, rich in culture, and overflowing with green cliffs, stone castles, and breathtaking ocean views. Capturing a couple’s love story in a place so naturally cinematic was an unforgettable experience. Not only did I photograph their wedding, but I also created a film (this sounds funny??) that brings the magic of the day—and of Ireland itself—to life.
For any couples dreaming of an Irish elopement, or photographers looking to shoot in Ireland, I wanted to share not only highlights from the shoot, but some of the best castles, coastal cliffs, and hidden gems I explored during my time there. If you’re a couple dreaming of an Irish elopement or a photographer looking to shoot in Ireland for the first time, I wanted to share some favorite locations from this trip—and a few things I learned along the way.
Weather: Moody Skies & Irish Charm
We visited in November, and true to its reputation, Ireland was chilly and overcast most days—with temperatures hovering between 40–50°F and a brisk coastal wind. I was honestly so excited about the lighting—the diffused sky created the dreamiest soft light for photos. If you’re photographing or planning a fall or winter elopement in Ireland, layers are key. Pack cozy coats, scarves, waterproof shoes, and for brides, consider a wrap or shawl that keeps you warm and looks beautiful in photos.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle, nestled on the edge of a dramatic cliff along the Northern Irish coast, was one of the most jaw-dropping places we visited. The castle is partially in ruins, which adds a medieval romance to the backdrop. While there’s an entrance fee to explore the inside, you can still capture stunning engagement or elopement photos from the nearby lot or walking paths.
This is a great location for elopement photos, especially at golden hour when the light hits the cliffs and stone ruins just right. It can be a bit tourist-heavy in peak seasons, but during the off-season (like November), it’s a peaceful and moody spot for romantic photos.
Kinbane Castle
If you’re looking for a quieter, more rugged castle ruin, Kinbane Castle is a must. Situated on a grassy cliffside, the hike down to the ruins takes about 30 minutes—but it’s worth every step. The location feels untouched, wild, and incredibly romantic. There’s even a tiny rocky beach nearby where we spotted otters playing in the waves. We had the place almost to ourselves, and I was able to shoot both digital and film photos that captured the raw beauty of the setting.
It’s the kind of place where you feel transported back in time, surrounded by the raw, wild beauty that makes Northern Ireland so unforgettable. For adventurous couples, this spot is a dream for an intimate elopement or engagement shoot. Just make sure to wear sturdy shoes, as parts of the path can get muddy.
Giant’s Causeway
While Giant’s Causeway is a popular stop for tourists, it’s not the easiest place for a photoshoot. The unique stone formations are stunning, but the crowds and distance from the parking area can make it tricky—especially for couples in formal attire. There’s a fair walk from the parking lot, and fees for entry and shuttle rides. If you’re scouting for locations as a photographer in Ireland, it’s still worth seeing, but I’d recommend planning a sunrise session to beat the crowds.
Dunseverick Castle
Dunseverick Castle is one of those places that feels like you’ve stepped straight into an ancient Irish legend. Though the castle itself is largely in ruins—just a crumbling tower perched on a cliff—the surrounding landscape is what makes this location absolutely magical for couples and photographers alike. It’s set on the rugged northern coast of Ireland, surrounded by rolling green pastures, steep cliffs, and the wild Atlantic Ocean crashing below.
The actual ruins are perched on a small outcrop that’s difficult to access on foot, however, some of the best photo spots are along the nearby cliffs and grassy hills, where you can frame the ruins in the background and let the sweeping coastline do the storytelling.
This area is perfect for couples planning an elopement in Ireland who want something quiet, dramatic, and untouched by crowds.
Dunseverick Falls
Nearby, just a short drive or walk down from Dunseverick Castle, we discovered one of the most unexpectedly magical spots of our entire trip—an untamed stretch of river rapids that spills into the ocean. The area is surrounded by moss-covered rocks, rich green grass, quant homes, and the dramatic cliffs that make this part of Ireland so iconic.
A word of caution: getting down to the rapids does involve a bit of a trek. You’ll need to hop a railing, descend a muddy hill, and walk across uneven terrain—so definitely bring sturdy shoes (and maybe a backup outfit if you’re photographing a couple in wedding attire). But if you’re up for a bit of effort, it’s one of the most rewarding spots I’ve found for Ireland elopement photography. You may even get lucky and spot some otters playing along the shoreline like we did!
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges honestly felt like something straight out of a storybook. You’ve probably seen photos of it before—maybe on Instagram or in a scene from Game of Thrones—but nothing really compares to walking down that tree-lined road in real life.
My friend (and fellow photographer) and I went on a quiet morning in late November and lucked out with barely anyone else there. The trees arch overhead like a tunnel, and the soft light filtering through the bare branches created the perfect setting for whimsical, romantic photos.
If you’re a couple dreaming of photos that feel fairytale-like or a photographer looking to capture that ethereal, moody Irish vibe, this spot is a must. It’s super easy to access, too—there’s a big free parking lot just a short walk away, and right next to it is a cozy café where you can grab a hot drink after your shoot.
Pro tip: get there early in the day. Even in the off-season, it can get a bit busy later on. Early mornings give you the best chance to experience the road without the crowds and really take your time with your photos.
Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne
This was one of the most photogenic places in Northern Ireland. The Mussenden Temple sits perched above the beach, offering panoramic views of the ocean, while the ruins of Downhill House feel like a movie set. This location is versatile, with large open fields, stone structures, and dramatic coastlines – all in one stop. It’s ideal for wedding portraits, elopement ceremonies, or even cinematic engagement sessions.
There’s also a café and restrooms on-site – huge win for couples getting ready or photographers needing a break.
Downhill Beach
From the temple, we drove down to Downhill Beach, where the stone cliffs towered behind us and the ocean stretched endlessly in front. Despite the cold and rain, this location felt calm and cinematic. It’s a beautiful contrast of color and texture—perfect for a moody elopement or bridal portraits.
Shooting Film in Ireland
Throughout this trip I had the opportunity to shoot film in some of the most beautiful areas of Ireland. Film photography has more recently become a service I offer for weddings, elopements, and any other shoot. There’s something about the way film captures light, emotion, and atmosphere—especially in a place as textured and soulful as Ireland.
The film photos from this trip turned out beautifully. They hold a nostalgic, dreamy quality that feels timeless and romantic—perfectly encapsulating both the magic of the landscape and Jocelyn and Jexle’s love.
Whether you’re a couple wanting your memories captured with the depth and softness of film, or a fellow photographer considering adding film to your workflow, Ireland is the perfect place to explore this medium.
Derry and the Drive Through Northern Ireland
We also spent a day in Derry and exploring more of Northern Ireland’s countryside. There are no border checkpoints when crossing from Ireland into Northern Ireland, but keep in mind they use a different currency (British pounds vs. euros). Locals are incredibly welcoming, and the landscapes are just as green and magical as the rest of the country. If you’re planning an Irish elopement or destination wedding, don’t skip the Northern half—it’s full of hidden gems and rich culture.
Final Thoughts
Ireland was full of so much beauty and it quickly became one of my favorite places to shoot. From cliffside castles and ancient ruins, to moody skies and cozy cafés, it’s an ideal setting for both photography and unforgettable experiences.
For couples dreaming of eloping in Ireland, I’d love to help you plan the perfect day and create imagery that reflects your love and the natural magic of this incredible place. And for photographers hoping to shoot in Ireland, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to share more insight from my trip.
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in Ireland, or you’re a traveling photographer looking for inspiration, I hope this guide helps you fall in love with this place the way I did.
