Table of Contents:

• Where is Northern Ireland?
• Why Elope in Northern Ireland?
• 7 Best Places to Elope in Northern Ireland
• When is the Best Time to Elope in Northern Ireland?
• Legalities of Getting Married in Northern Ireland
• 10 Epic Activities + Ideas for Your Northern Ireland Elopement
• Hiring an Experienced Northern Ireland Elopement Photographer

Thinking about eloping in Northern Ireland? I am SO glad you’re here. This region of Ireland is full of dramatic cliffs, historic castle ruins, and the most epic coastal views you’ve ever seen—making it a super cinematic and magical place to tie the knot. From the textures of the rolling hills to the craggy seaside cliffs, your elopement portraits will feel like they’re straight out of your favorite fantasy film. Here is everything you need to know to plan your dreamy Northern Ireland elopement, + reach out here to book your adventure!

Where is Northern Ireland?

If you’ve never visited Ireland, you might not know that the island is actually split into TWO countries: the Republic of Ireland (the southern part of the island), and Northern Ireland, which constitutes the northeast region of the island. While there isn’t an actual border between them, they’re totally separate places with different capital cities, different currencies, and different laws! The Republic of Ireland is much larger, home to 32 counties while Northern Ireland only has 6. 

Curious to see more of what the Republic of Ireland has to offer? Liz + Dan’s Epic Destination Micro Wedding in Westport will give you all the inspo you’ll need.

How to Get to Northern Ireland

You do not need a tourist visa to travel to Ireland, unless you’re planning to have a legal ceremony there—but more on that later! To get there, you can fly into either Belfast International Airport (BFS) or Belfast City Airport (BHD). If you want to explore the Republic of Ireland, you could also fly either into or out of Dublin Airport (DUB), and rent a car to travel to Northern Ireland.

How to Travel Around Northern Ireland

Speaking of renting a car, you will definitely want to do so when you elope in Northern Ireland! While more urban areas of Northern Ireland do offer public transportation, renting a car gives you the most flexibility to travel around at your own pace + explore the more rural parts of the region. Just remember that you’ll be driving on the opposite side of the road!

Why Elope in Northern Ireland?

Breathtaking countryside views, windswept fields that make you want to cozy up in your favorite sweater, picturesque road trips and unforgettable scenery. . . the real question is why would you NOT elope in Northern Ireland?!

Eloping in Northern Ireland is basically an automatic ticket to the most enchanting adventure of your life, exploring the spectacular scenery, immersing yourselves in the local culture, and embracing the island spirit. Everybody in Northern Ireland is so warm and friendly, and will welcome you into their community right away. Maybe this means connecting with strangers at a dimly-lit pub over a glass of whiskey, maybe it means laughing your heart out as a random group of locals cheers you on when they see you exploring in your elopement attire. The community is just SO lovely and offers the perfect place to celebrate your marriage.

The island of Ireland is also incredibly diverse in its landscapes, consisting of so many different types of beautiful terrain: long stretches of dramatic coastline, massive cliffs, gentle plains, rolling green hills. . . whether you dream of eloping in the quiet countryside or next to the ocean, Ireland has it all. Northern Ireland, specifically, is famed for its stunning mountains, lakes, waterfalls, woodlands, cliffs, fascinating rock formations, and ocean shores that rival even the most beautiful in the Pacific Northwest. You truly cannot go wrong eloping ANYWHERE in Northern Ireland—the hardest part will be choosing what you can realistically fit into your trip!

Plus, all this insane scenery makes for the ultimate elopement road trip. The Causeway Coastal Route is rated one of the top five road trips in the world, with all kinds of phenomenal viewpoints, seaside villages, and diverse scenery along the way. How fun would it be to add a little road trip into your elopement itinerary? You can experience the Northern Ireland coast, countryside, and cities all within a few hours!

7 Best Places to Elope in Northern Ireland

1. Dunseverick Castle

I did a couples session with Nicole & Kenzo at Dunseverick Castle recently and let me tell y’al, it was UNREAL. These ruins lie just outside Dunseverick village, nestled on a grassy cliff that overlooks the ocean, and have been around since the original 5th-century castle was destroyed in the 1650s. Dunseverick Castle is one of those places that’s incredible no matter the weather, with fairytale-esque scenery that looks equally as magical in the sun as it does in the rain. The towering cliffs remind you of just how tiny you are, and are truly an awe-inspiring place to experience your elopement day. Near the castle, there’s also a stunning waterfall that cascades into the sea!

Fun fact: Dunseverick Castle was actually one of the film locations for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon! It’s also only a 10-minute drive from the Giant’s Causeway, so it’s an easy place to stop on your trip along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route.

2. Dunluce Castle

Located in County Antrim (the same county as Dunseverick Castle), Dunluce Castle is a gorgeous, romantic castle perched above the powerful sea. The ruins date back to the 16th-17th centuries, previously home to both the MacDonnell and McQuillan clans. Now, it’s a beautiful sight to see in Northern Ireland, with options to stop at the Magheracross Viewing Point and picnic area nearby for a dreamy elopement picnic! And if you love Narnia or Game of Thrones, you’ll definitely want to visit Dunluce Castle—it’s widely thought to be the inspiration behind Narnia’s Cair Paravel, and was the House of Greyjoy in Game of Thrones. Would be sooo cool to get some epic shots of the two of you exploring the area around the ruins as if you were starring in your own fave fantasy film or TV show.

3. Kinbane Castle

Just off Whitepark Road in County Antrim is Kinbane Castle, another site of historic castle ruins that have been around for longer than you and I could even imagine. Set among the incredible Causeway Coast, you can walk up the steps to Kinbane Castle and get amazing views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort, as well as the deep blue ocean that stretches out beneath. If it’s windy or raining, be careful on the steps to the castle as they can get quite slippery and treacherous! Kinbane Castle is a beautiful elopement location if you want to go a little off-the-beaten-path, as it’s a bit more secluded and hidden than other well-known tourist spots along the coast.

4. Dunfin Farm

Y’all aren’t ready for this one! Dunfin Farm is a literal SHEEP FARM in the Northern Ireland countryside that you can rent out for your elopement celebration. If it’s important to you to get an authentic Irish experience during your elopement in Northern Ireland, I highly recommend visiting Dunfin Farm (even if you don’t elope here, and you just stop by to get up close with the farm animals—which include lambs in the spring!). The scenery is breathtaking, the people are lovely, and the hands-on experience with the farm life is a memory you’ll never forget. If you’re planning a Northern Ireland destination elopement with guests, the farm’s rustic barn venue is a dream come true for an intimate post-ceremony gathering!

5. Shean Horse Farm

Shean Horse Farm is another spot that animal lovers won’t want to miss! They offer once-in-a-lifetime, off-road horseback riding experiences in Northern Ireland, where you get to participate in an escorted trek through the picturesque hills of North Antrim. Whether you’re a total beginner or you grew up riding horses, they provide riding experiences for all levels of riders—so bring your family and friends along if you’re eloping with them! This would be a truly magical way to experience the rolling hills of the Northern Ireland countryside, and to celebrate your elopement with a total bucket list activity.

6. Giant’s Causeway

You didn’t think I’d forget about Giant’s Causeway, did you? It’s only one of the most iconic and recognizable places in Northern Ireland! The 40,000+ basalt columns are one of the coolest natural wonders you will ever see, formed by volcanic activity a whopping 60 million years ago. What a wild and powerful place to tie the knot and make your promise to each other, right? 

If you don’t feel like hiking, you can simply drive up to Giant’s Causeway and explore from there—or if you’re craving a longer adventure, you can park further away and trek a short section of the Causeway Coastal Route. Dunseverick Castle is a great starting point for a 4.5 mile point-to-point hike!

The biggest thing to note about eloping at Giant’s Causeway, though, is that there are pretty much ALWAYS crowds of tourists everywhere you look, mainly during the peak months of May-September. If you want to elope at Giant’s Causeway with more privacy, I’d recommend eloping in the late fall, winter, or early spring, and arriving as early in the day as you can. 

7. Private rentals

Finally, there are tons of private rentals around Northern Ireland that you can rent out for an unforgettable elopement experience! From modern homes, to charming countryside cottages, to elevated glamping sites, you can for sure find a place that fits your vibe + the type of atmosphere you’re craving for your elopement. As your Northern Ireland elopement photographer, I’ll help you find the perfect place to cozy up and enjoy all that these enchanting landscapes have to offer.

When is the Best Time to Elope in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland offers jaw-dropping scenery and incredible experiences all year-round, but there are definitely seasons that are better for elopements than others.

If your top priority is eloping when the sun is shining, the skies are blue, and the weather is warmest, then you should elope in Northern Ireland in the summer (June-August)! Summer is by far the best time to hike and enjoy the outdoors, especially if you want to admire mountain views or enjoy sunrise/sunset along the coast. 

But if you’d prefer a quieter, more private elopement with fewer tourists around, you may want to consider eloping in Northern Ireland in the winter (December-February), instead. Places like Giant’s Causeway (and anywhere along the Causeway Coast, really) get super busy in the summer months, which can make it hard to elope without a bunch of people in the background. If you’re down for chillier temperatures and more rain, winter is a really magical time to visit Northern Ireland: think cozy pubs, holiday markets, festive decor, log fires, and moody, drizzly days. . . I don’t know about you, but I thrive in that kind of atmosphere.

Want to find a bit of a middle ground? Elope in the fall (September-November) or spring (March-May)! These shoulder seasons are a great opportunity to experience milder weather without quite as many crowds as the summer months, but usually a bit more than Northern Ireland sees in the winter. Fall is the ultimate season for couples who crave that crisp autumn air during their elopement, and who want to experience the scenic landscapes while they’re covered in gorgeous fall colors (my personal favorite time of year!). Whereas in the spring, the landscapes are coming alive after the winter, boasting lots of wildlife, wildflowers, and lush greenery. It’s a truly amazing time to explore the countryside, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the locals!

All in all, there is no “wrong” time to elope in Northern Ireland: it all comes down to what kind of vibe you’re envisioning, and what your unique priorities are for your special day.

Legalities of Getting Married in Northern Ireland

Can Americans elope in Northern Ireland?

You can, but the process can get a little complex! Because Northern Ireland is part of the UK, you need to follow the UK’s rules for getting married as foreigners. This includes:

• Applying for a Marriage Visa, and scheduling an appointment at a visa application center to prove your identity
• Submitting a marriage notice form to the General Register Office of Northern Ireland

Completing the legal paperwork in Northern Ireland is doable, but definitely adds a big task to your to-do list in the final months of planning—especially if you’re eloping somewhat last-minute. 

Because of this, you might want to consider having a symbolic elopement ceremony in Northern Ireland instead! This basically means that you’d finish all your paperwork back at home before your trip, and you’d already be technically married once you get to Northern Ireland. Then you can have a purely symbolic ceremony where you exchange vows, read each other letters, etc., and won’t have to worry about the legal side of things! 

Do you need a permit to elope in Northern Ireland?

If you’re having a symbolic ceremony, most locations around Northern Ireland won’t require you to get a permit!

10 Epic Activities + Ideas for Your Northern Ireland Elopement

Besides the amazing farm experiences and hikes I’ve already mentioned, here are 10 more memorable ways to experience Northern Ireland during your elopement!

1. Rent a campervan and road trip along the Causeway Coastal Route

2. Visit a haunted castle (like Ballygally Castle) for all the spooky vibes

3. Take a delicious food tour in Belfast

4. Get up early and watch sunrise at Giant’s Causeway

5. Treat yourselves with a luxurious outdoor spa experience, like the one at Treetop Spa

6. Walk across the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

7. Explore the local shops and art museums in Belfast

8. Hike + have a romantic elopement picnic in Glenariff Forest Park

9. Walk up the Cuilcagh Boardwalk (aka the Stairway to Heaven)

10. Go camping in the beautiful Tollymore Forest Park

Hiring an Experienced Northern Ireland Elopement Photographer

One of the most crucial steps to planning your epic Northern Ireland elopement? Hiring a photographer who has firsthand experience in the area, and knows exactly how to help you curate the adventure of your dreams. I’m Dawn, a Northern Ireland elopement photographer who is completely in love with this region of Ireland, and I’ve got a ton of secrets up my sleeve to share with you when we start planning your special day!

When it comes to finding activities, locations, and accommodations for your elopement, I’ll be there to help. When you don’t know how to plan your timeline, or which locations to visit and when, I’ll be there to guide you with my professional recommendations + real-life experience. And when you’ve finally arrived in Ireland, ready to marry the love of your life, I’ll be there to document it all through authentic, inspired storytelling imagery.

Ready to begin planning your one-of-a-kind Northern Ireland elopement? Find out more about your photography investment here, and then get in touch—I can’t wait to get your adventure started.

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Whether your dream destination elopement takes places on the cliffs of Ireland or along the coast of Italy, planning is a whole lot easier when you’ve got these two resources in your back pocket!

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