As someone who has recently traveled to Ireland and fallen in love with its stunning landscapes, I wanted to create a guide for folks wanting to elope here. Whether you’re drawn to the landscapes, like me, or love the rich history and charming culture, eloping in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland can offer a magical experience for any couple. In this article, I’ll break down the basics of how to elope in Ireland, from legal requirements to choosing a location and more.

Northern Ireland vs. Ireland: Key Differences

Before we get into how to elope in Ireland, it’s important to point out some key pieces of information.

First, Northern Ireland and Ireland are actually two different countries. Northern Ireland is part of the UK while the Republic of Ireland (or Ireland) is a sovereign country in the European Union.

In the context of eloping, there are two main things to keep in mind: 

1. Rules and regulations around eloping, visas, marriage, and other practices are different for each country.
2. Currency is different (Northern Ireland uses pounds while Ireland uses euros).

In this article, I’ll touch on eloping in both places.

A Note on Queer-Friendliness in Ireland

Ireland and Northern Ireland have long been influenced by Protestantism and Catholicism, which, in turn, have guided laws, policies, and general social attitudes. 

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has traditionally been more conservative, particularly because of its strong Protestant roots, which have significantly influenced social policies. For many years, Northern Ireland lagged behind the rest of the UK in terms of LGBTQIA+ rights. Gay marriage was legalized in 2020.

With that said, there are many beautiful areas in Northern Ireland that are accepting of the queer community, and I’ll touch on these locations later in this article.

Ireland

The Republic of Ireland is predominantly Roman Catholic and has also had a conservative history concerning policies. However, the country has experienced significant shifts in recent decades, with public opinions moving towards more progressive stances on social issues. This country is often known as more LGBTQIA+-friendly because of the decline of the Catholic Church’s influence.

Notably, Ireland made worldwide headlines for being the first country to legalize gay marriage by referendum in 2015.

Overall, both countries are considerably more queer-friendly than in the past, with strong legal protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals. However, like in any place, homophobic individuals and areas can still exist, so it’s important to do research ahead of time and remain vigilant!

Legal Requirements (For Legally Binding Ceremonies)

If you want to have a legally-binding ceremony, you’ll need to follow a specific process, which differs between Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland. If you don’t plan on making the ceremony legally binding, you can skip ahead to the next section.

Northern Ireland

Here are the requirements to keep in mind for getting married in Northern Ireland:

1. If you’re from outside Northern Ireland, you must get a UK Marriage Visitor Visa. You will need this when giving your notice of marriage or civil partnership.
2. You must give notice in the 12 months before the date of your marriage or civil partnership. The minimum period of notice is 28 days.
3. You will need to include the following with your notice application:
   • A passport with the relevant visa
   • Immigration status statement (if applicable)
4. Depending on the type of celebration, you will require a specific type of officiant. For example, an officiant must be present for religious elopements while a registrar or humanist celebrant is acceptable for secular elopements or weddings. 
5. You must have two witnesses present who are at least 18 years old. 

The Republic of Ireland

Here are the requirements to keep in mind for getting married in The Republic of Ireland:

1. If you do not live in Ireland, you will need to give three months’ notice by mail. To do so, contact a civil registration service. If you live in Ireland, this notice must be done in person.
2. You must apply for a marriage visa (if you live outside of Ireland) after the registrar has confirmed your notification.
3. You must meet the registrar at least five days before the ceremony to sign the declaration form. You will need your passport and birth certificates. The registrar will also give you the Marriage Registration Form.
4. The notification fee is €200 and is non-refundable.
5. To make the marriage legal, a solemnizer must perform the ceremony (must be on the Register of Solemnizers). If it’s a civil ceremony, the registrar will solemnize the marriage (charges may apply for civil ceremonies taking place at a venue outside a registry office).
6. You will need documentation if you are divorced or widowed.
7. For civil ceremonies, your elopement must take place at a location with a postal address. It must be accessible to the public (a standalone building or a field or garden near an identifiable building). It must also meet certain codes, have proper insurance, and not be connected with any religion.
8. You must have two people at least 18 years or older present at your ceremony as witnesses.

Symbolic Ceremonies in Ireland (Not Legally Binding)

You can also make your marriage legal in your home country and elope symbolically in Ireland. This is a simpler way to have a beautiful ceremony with fewer restrictions—you can pretty much elope wherever you want without needing officiants or witnesses! I especially recommend this option if you’re coming from outside of Ireland—doing the paperwork ahead of time in a familiar place leaves you with less of a headache and more energy to focus on celebrating your love.

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Ireland

While the weather can vary depending on where you are in Ireland (Northern or Republic of Ireland), here are some general pointers to keep in mind:

• Like in North America, Ireland’s shortest days are in the winter and the longest days are in the summer. This is helpful to understand when planning elopement itineraries or the best times to capture sunrise/sunset photos.
• Spring lasts from March to May and offers some excellent lighting due to the longer days. This season tends to be less busy with tourists compared to the summer.
• Summer lasts from June to August with temperature highs of 66 degrees (Fahrenheit) or 19 degrees (Celsius). This tends to be the most touristy season. 
• Fall lasts from September to November and can offer beautiful colors and good lighting for photos.
• Winter lasts from December to February and can be cold and wet. Irish winters may also come with nice, snowy days. The wettest months usually occur during the winter.

At the end of the day, the best time to elope in Ireland depends on your preferences. Do you like cloudier, colder weather? Do you prefer longer days? Make sure to discuss your preferences with your partner before deciding on a date. My personal recommendation is to go during the spring to get the best mix of all seasons.

Budgeting for Your Ireland Elopement

Your budget largely depends on your priorities. Check out my guide on creating an elopement budget to help you plan yours. Overall, if you’re not from Ireland, you’ll have to keep costs like flights, accommodations, and other travel-related expenses in mind.

You’ll also need to factor in any vendors (like photographers), venue fees (if applicable), outfits, planned activities, paperwork fees, food, guests (if applicable), and a chunk of change for any unexpected costs.

Vendors to Book When You Elope in Ireland

I always recommend prioritizing photographers and videographers for your elopements (and it’s not just me being biased!). Photographers can offer so much more than capturing your big day. They can help you plan the logistics and ensure everything is lined up for a smooth ceremony. 

Other vendors you might want to consider include:

• Hair and makeup artists. 
• Florists
• Planners
• Desserts
• Officiant (they are called “celebrants” in Ireland and keeping things non-religious means they are a humanist celebrant) 

The good thing about elopements is that you tend to need fewer vendors than big weddings (i.e., you probably won’t need a food caterer or DJ to join you on those beautiful cliffs).

Personal vendor recommendations with their Instagram handles:

• Makeup: Rebecca Duff (@rebeccaduff_makeup)
• Hair: Vicki Mitchel (@hairbyvickimitchell)
• Florals: Tortraits Floral Design (@tortraits_floral_design)
• Desserts: Suzanne & Hannah (@sweetnessandlight_cakery)
• Celebrant: John Foley (@johnfoleycelebrant)

Elopement Locations

Getting married in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland can be the most breathtaking experience, especially for those looking to elope. Both countries boast stunning landscapes and rich history.

Keep in mind that if you choose to have a symbolic (not legally binding) ceremony, your options for locations are endless! However, as mentioned above, if you do choose to make it legal, certain celebrants may have strict criteria regarding locations. Additionally, as a general rule of thumb, bigger cities in both countries tend to have more progressive attitudes toward the LGBTQIA+ community than rural areas.

Here’s a list of some perfect elopement locations in each country, especially for queer folks.

Belfast City Hall (Northern Ireland)

For couples who enjoy an urban setting, Belfast City Hall offers a grand and historic backdrop right in the heart of the city. The building is a magnificent example of Baroque Revival architecture—it’s not your average city hall, to say the least. Additionally, as the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is home to a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community!

Murlough Bay (Northern Ireland)

As a lesser-known gem, Murlough Bay offers a more secluded nature vibe. It’s known for its deep greenery and coastal views, perfect for folks looking for a more private ceremony. One thing to keep in mind about this location is that there’s a steep hill, so having a car or hiring a driver could be beneficial, especially if you’re not from the country or are used to driving on the opposite side of the road.

Ballintoy Harbor (Northern Ireland)

This quaint harbor is located in the small village of Ballintoy. Known for its charming, rugged scenery featured in the TV series Game of Thrones, Ballintoy Harbor offers a serene, old-world charm. It has rocky shores, traditional fishing boats, and all the natural beauty you can dream of for an intimate elopement in Northern Ireland.

Benone Beach (Northern Ireland)

Stretching seven miles along the northern coast, Benone Beach is one of the longest beaches in Northern Ireland. It offers expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and Donegal hills, pristine sand, and a backdrop of the Mussenden Temple standing on the cliffs above. Its open space is ideal for a small beach elopement ceremony! There’s even a sauna company right on the beach, so you can go in and out of the sauna and into the ocean as a fun pre- or post-elopement activity.

Portrush (Northern Ireland)

For a more small-town feel, Portrush offers a friendly atmosphere and a seaside resort vibe with its beautiful sandy beaches, like Whiterocks Beach. It’s an excellent place along the northern shore to grab some dinner or pints, and can be an especially good spot to book your overnight accommodation!

Cliffs of Moher (Republic of Ireland)

Standing 702 feet at their highest point and stretching for almost 5 miles along the Atlantic coast, the Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s most stunning natural attractions. The views and dramatic cliffs make for a beautiful backdrop for your Ireland elopement. Keep in mind that this location is a popular tourist destination, so if you’re looking for a more private setting, consider booking your book day during the off-season.

Dingle Peninsula (Republic of Ireland)

The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry is known for its rugged beauty, rich history, and vibrant Irish culture. The area has ancient archaeological sites, charming pubs, and breathtaking landscapes, like sandy beaches and rolling hills. 

Glendalough (Republic of Ireland)

Glendalough, or “Valley of the Two Lakes,” is a glacial valley in Country Wicklow, renowned for its early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century. Surrounded by dense forests and tranquil lakes, the historic ruins and beauty of the area offer a mystical and peaceful setting for an elopement.

Cobh (Republic of Ireland)

Situated on the south coast of County Cork, Cobh is a colorful seaside town with a rich maritime history. It’s known as the last port of call for the Titanic, and offers a stunning waterfront, historic architecture, and panoramic views of the Cork Harbor, making it a unique choice for an elopement.

Dublin (Republic of Ireland)

As the capital and largest city of Ireland, Dublin is known for its rich history, culture, and large LGBTQIA+ community. The city is home to the famous Temple Bar area, numerous historic sites like Dublin Castle, and beautiful parks. Dublin is perfect for those who want more of an urban elopement experience.

A Note on Preserving the Land

As you can probably guess, Ireland attracts tourists from across the globe every year. For the sake of preserving nature, it’s best to avoid having your elopement in overused places that are super touristy, like the Dark Hedges and Giant’s Causeway.

Choosing Your Location

Where you choose to elope in Ireland depends on your preferences. To help you narrow down your options, consider the following:

• How much physical activity do you want to include on your big day?
• How many guests (if any) will your location have to accommodate?
• Are accessibility requirements necessary for your ceremony?
• What is the overall vibe you want to go for?
• What are your priorities?

Involving Family, and Friends When You Elope in Ireland

It’s totally up to you whether or not you want to involve guests at your elopement. I go a ton into this topic in this guide to inviting friends and family. While inviting family and friends can make the elopement special, couples often opt for a more intimate ceremony with just a few close guests or just themselves.

Keep in mind that if you are traveling to Ireland, bringing guests along can make things slightly more complicated. You’ll need to decide on how much you want to cover for them and give them plenty of notice so they can take time off work, plan their schedules, and book their flights.

Where to Stay

Northern Ireland

• Royal Court Hotel: Located on Whiterocks Beach in Portrush
• Corrstown Village: Also located in Portrush, Corrstown Village offers cozy cottage stays.
• Merchant Hotel: A luxurious hotel in the capital of Northern Ireland!
• Bishop’s Gate Hotel: A restored Edwardian building offering a small, intimate hotel experience!

Republic of Ireland

• The Westbury: A luxury hotel in the heart of Dublin.
• Ashford Castle: A medieval castle-turned-hotel.
• G Hotel: Located in Galway, G Hotel offers a modern accommodation experience.
• The Montenotte Hotel: Offers stunning views of Cork.
• Wildflower Glamping: Offers beautiful countryside views.

Both Ireland and Northern Ireland also have a ton of cute cottages, inns, and Airbnbs (like this Hobbit House)!

Personalizing Your Day (What to Do)

When it comes to curating your perfect elopement experience in Ireland, the possibilities are endless. Always discuss your priorities and preferences with your partner to ensure your day feels right for you! Here are some ideas to consider including in your itinerary:

• Cliff walking and hiking
• Kayaking or canoeing
• Spa day (e.g., Hotbox Sea Sauna)
• Garden visits
• Whiskey and brewery tours
• Cultural and historical tours
• Scenic drives
• Grab a pint at the local pub (and listen to local music)
• Have a picnic
• Have afternoon tea

Other Details

As you can probably tell, planning your elopement requires careful calculation of a lot of moving parts. For a more detailed breakdown of how to plan an elopement in general, check out my guide to eloping. Aside from what I discussed above, here are some other details to consider:

What to Bring

Here is a general checklist to keep in your back pocket when packing for your trip:

• Weather-appropriate attire
• Comfortable footwear
• Elopement outfits and accessories
• Vows and rings
• Passports and travel documents
• Marriage documentation
• Visa paperwork
• Travel Insurance
• First aid kit
• Universal power adapter
• Backpack or day pack
• Snacks and water

Booking Flights, Accommodations, and Transportation

As a general rule of thumb, the sooner you book flights, accommodations, and transportation (like rental cars), the better. Once you choose your date and location, booking these should be a top priority.

Also, keep in mind that Ireland drives on the left side of the road and often has lots of manual cars. If you’re not comfortable driving yourself with these arrangements, you can consider booking a driver or taking buses!

Currency

Keep in mind that Northern Ireland is part of the UK, therefore, it uses pounds. The Republic of Ireland, on the other hand, uses euros. So, if you need to take out any cash, make sure you have the right currency!

Should You Elope in Ireland?

Eloping in Ireland can be a dream come true for many couples, but like any big decision, it requires careful consideration. Eloping in Ireland might be a good fit for you if:

• You enjoy hiking
• You have a personal connection to the country
• You desire beautiful sceneries
• You like sheep
• You don’t mind unpredictable weather (often wet weather)
• Your budget can allow for travel costs on top of other elopement expenses
• Your guests can travel abroad (if applicable)
• You want a Guinness at the end of the day

Ready for Your Ireland Elopement?

Having traveled to Ireland myself, I can speak from first-hand experience: It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth for an elopement. As an LGBTQIA+ elopement photographer, I also want to remind you how important it is to do your research ahead of time to find queer-affirming spaces—and there are many of them, which I am more than happy to help you scout out!

If you’re ready to begin planning your Ireland elopement and are looking for a photographer to join you for the ride, reach out to me!