Elope In Ireland Or Northern Ireland: A Complete Guide

Whether eloping is a definite route for you and your partner or you’re still testing out the waters, you’ve come to the right place. Especially if you want to know more about how you can elope in Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Ditching the large wedding and opting for a more intimate ceremony has become a rising trend for couples – what better place to do this than among the rugged coastline and lush greenery Ireland has to offer. 

Put your planning pants on because we’re about to walk you through everything you need to know to elope in Ireland.  

Best Places To Elope In Ireland And Northern Ireland

If craggy cliffs, medieval ruins, and 17th-century castles are your thing, you’re in for a real treat. Ireland has no shortage of fantastic venus and ah-inspiring backdrops. 

Famously known for its rainy days, the weather will be a significant factor when planning to elope in Ireland. If you are aiming for an outdoor venue, the best time to plan your elopement is June to August. 

You will have a wide range of great locations to choose from. Some of these destinations will require a bit of a drive, walk, or even some trekking, so it is important to keep this in mind when deciding on your perfect location. 

Without further ado, let’s discover the best places to elope in Ireland. 

1. Cliffs Of Moher 

Address: Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, Co. Clare, Ireland

These abrupt and vertical cliffs have magnificent views out into the Aran islands. For a serene experience, opt for a sunset ceremony. 

If you choose to tie the knot here, you will have to do so in the O’briens Tower, don’t worry, this 19th-century architecture will not disappoint. 

The location is subject to availability, so you will have to plan ahead to ensure the venue is available. You can enquire more information here. 

2. Dark Hedges 

Address: The Dark Hedges, Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX, United Kingdom (In Northern Ireland)

The Dark Hedges is filled with mature beech trees and vast history. These elegant trees have twisted and turned to form a tranquil and captivating tunnel that stretches along the Bregagh Road. 

This was developed in the 18th century by the property owners in hopes of creating an entrancing landscape that made a lasting impression on its guests.

 The goal was clearly achieved; today, the Dark Hedges is a natural phenomenon that attracts visitors from across the globe. 

As this is a sought-after attraction, you will want to opt for a sunrise ceremony as the crowds will start to flood in throughout the day. 

It is unclear whether you need a permit to get married on the premises. You can visit this website for additional tips and contact information. 

3. Kinbane Castle

Address: 81 Whitepark Rd, Ballycastle BT54 6LP, United Kingdom (In Northern Ireland)

Kinbane Castle sits nestled in the mountains on the north coast. This is a great place to elope in Ireland if you’re looking for a destination that is a bit off the beaten path. 

While the Castle itself is not very large, this venue’s views are quite grand. Parking is easily accessible and free.

Be prepared to take on the stairway. While the way down might be an easier conquest, you will be required to climb 140 steps each way. 

It is not completely clear whether or not you will need a permit. You can find out more details in regards to the location here. 

4. Dunluce Castle 

Address: Dunluce Castle, 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY, United Kingdom (In Northern Ireland)

This medieval castle in Northern Ireland will take you back in time and set you in a trance with magnificent views. 

The field overlooking the Dunluce Castle is a popular destination for the ceremony; as this is private property, you will have to get permission from the farmer that owns the land. 

He typically charges £350 ($437 USD) for a two-hour time slot. 

5. Mourne Mountains 

Address: Mourne Mountains, Moyad Road, Newry BT34 5XL, United Kingdom (In Nothern Ireland)

If you choose to elope here, you will be accompanied by the massive Granite Mountains with a broad span of majestic peaks. 

You’ll be treated to coastal views, rich history, and an overall serene feeling as you gaze upon the natural beauty surrounding you. 

If you and your partner are looking for an adventurous venue that may require some trekking, this destination is for you. 

6. Dingle Peninsula

Address: Emlagh East, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Set your sights on rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and white sandy beaches that stretch across the southwest Atlantic coast. Feast your eyes on the famous Blasket Islands along with plenty of mountain peaks. 

Enjoy the hardware pubs in the town center, along with fine dining and rich history. 

You may require a location permit depending on where you decide to have your ceremony.

How To Elope In Ireland 

Once you have decided on where to elope in Ireland it’s time to get down to the logistics. Ireland makes getting married here accessible for everyone, as you do not have to be an Irish citizen to tie the knot here legally. 

The major necessities are:

• Obtaining permission for the venue
• Receiving a marriage registration form 
• Finding a registered officiant 

Obtain A Permission For Your Location

Depending on where you decide to have your wedding, you may be required to obtain special permission or a permit. It is best to check with the county or city in which you intend to marry for exact instructions. 

If the location is privately managed, you will have to gain permission from the owner. 

Retrieve Your Marriage Registration Form 

If you plan to tie the knot legally, you will be required to take a trip to Ireland or the United Kingdom before the wedding. You and your partner must book a marriage notification appointment three months before you intend to wed. 

You can schedule your appointment online here. You and your partner must attend this meeting together.

Be aware that the three months notice begins on the day you and your partner arrive in person for the appointment so it’s important to plan ahead. 

The notification appointment fee is €200 ($210 USD) and is normally paid at the time of the meeting. 

Make sure to bring the following documentation with you: 

• Passport 
• Birth certificate with an Apostille for Irish authorities (contact your state’s Secretary of State office for instruction on how to receive this.)
• Civil Letter of Freedom to Marry (check with your local county and the county you tend to marry in Ireland.)
• Completed Capture of Data form 
• Proof of address
• Know the nature of the ceremony- civil, religious, secular
• Name and address of venue 
• Name of officiant 
• Proper evidence of the termination of your previous marriage, if applicable
• Name and date of birth of your two witnesses 

These instructions are for US citizens and may change based upon your country of residency. 

Find An Officiant

A registered solemnizer must officiate the wedding for it to be legal. 

You can find an approved list of civil, religious, and secular officiants here.

Civil, Religious, And Secular Ceremonies 

You will have your choice between three ceremony types; civil, religious, and secular. 

If you wish to have a religious ceremony, you may be required to complete additional paperwork and receive permission from both your church and the one you intend to marry in. 

A secular ceremony is performed by an officiant that does not have a spiritual or religious viewpoint. The most common secular ceremonies performed are humanist. 

The civil ceremony is administered by a civil registrar and must take place in an approved room or venue. 

Symbolic Ceremony 

Legally eloping in Ireland can require a lot of paperwork as well as back-and-forth trips and consistent communication. To avoid some unnecessary stress, many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony. 

A symbolic ceremony allows you to have the wedding of your dreams without legal obligations. 

It is customary for many elopements or destination weddings to legally marry in your home country and have your ideal vow exchange at your planned destination. 

If you opt for a symbolic ceremony you can select an officiant of your choice and will not be required to have any witnesses as you are already legally married. 

Ireland Elopement Packages

If you’ve read through this guide and still aren’t quite sure where to start, there is no need to worry. Ireland has a wide range of agencies that are happy to help plan your elopement. 

This can include booking flights and hotels, assisting with the marriage license, finding an officiant, photography, hair, and makeup, and obtaining location permits. 

An all-inclusive package starts at around £3,000 ($3,748 USD) and continues to increase based on your additions. 

Final Thoughts On Eloping In Ireland 

If you and your partner have been yearning for an adventurous wedding, eloping in Ireland will be a perfect decision for you. There’s no lack of excitement with jaw-dropping views, beechwood arborway, and century-old castles. 

Getting legally married here may require a bit of paperwork and additional travel; it may be best to opt for a symbolic ceremony to avoid this.

Want to travel around Ireland while you’re there? Read about the best Ireland bucket list experiences.

Not sure if you want to elope in Ireland? Read our eloping guides about different destinations:

• Elope in Spain
• Elope in Colorado
• Elope in Mexico