As a wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of witnessing countless couples embark on the journey of planning their special day. Each engagement brings with it a unique set of emotions, dreams, and challenges. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing the joyous moments of a couple's engagement, and it got me thinking about the whirlwind that follows once the question has been popped and the answer is "yes."

For many couples, the excitement of getting engaged quickly transitions into the daunting task of planning a wedding. And when it comes to tying the knot in Ireland, there's an added layer of magic and romance that surrounds the process. From breathtaking landscapes to historic venues, Ireland offers a plethora of options for couples looking to create their dream wedding.

The first step for any engaged couple planning their wedding in Ireland is often to establish a budget. Setting financial boundaries from the outset can help guide decisions and ensure that the couple's vision aligns with their resources. Once the budget is in place, the next step is often to choose a date and venue. With its diverse array of stunning locations, Ireland offers everything from rustic barns to elegant castles, each providing a unique backdrop for saying "I do."

Choosing the date and venue can be tricky. Unfortunately, in Ireland, we won’t find bright and sunny weather throughout the year, so it is reasonable that the high season for weddings happens around June and August. Consequently, the prices follow the demand. However, weddings during autumn are blessed with colors and a palette of hues that you may not find at any other time of the year. Many couples opt for springtime, which is a great choice because it will have brighter days with low-season prices. Choosing winter for your special day can become a bumpy road. Not only is there the cold to contend with, but the fact that the sunset happens before 5pm can make your day feel rushed if you choose to have your ceremony far away from the reception location and try to get the remaining daylight for your couple portraits. However, the Christmas decorations are so dreamy that if you endure the coldness long enough and have a well-organized timeline that prioritizes the daylight for your bridal and couple photos, you will have hit the jackpot. But don’t just take my word for it; check out these Christmassy wedding decorations and photos and tell me if it isn’t a real fairy tale.

Also, consider your guest count, as it can have a huge impact on your final budget. The average cost per person for a reception ranges from €80 to €120. Therefore, even a difference of just 20 people can drastically change the final amount. Not only this, but your guest number may also interfere with your choice of venue. You will need to check if they can accommodate everyone for the reception, dinner, and party, as well as determine how many rooms will need to be booked to secure your dream venue.

I know a lot of couples are opting for elopements in Ireland instead of big weddings. Although I love everything about big weddings, the intimate vibe of two people saying their vows with just 10 people around them witnessing their love story is unique. I want to give a lot of attention to this topic, so I will write something special for elopements soon. However, if you are considering a destination wedding, I already have a sweet post about getting married in Denmark with some photos from our last wedding there. You can find it here.

Okay, you've decided the season in which you want to have your special day. The next step is securing a venue in Ireland. You can have a traditional wedding in a church and move the party to a hotel that offers rooms and all the amenities for a reception until the last dance on the dance floor. Alternatively, you can have everything in the hotel if they offer a room for your celebration. Thinking of getting married in Dublin city? There is no lack of options. Many hotels offer rooms for your celebration, or you can also opt to get married at the City Hall or the Register Office and go to a pub for some pints, go around the city for some photos, and book a dinner at the restaurant of your choice, We do loads of weddings in the city, check the vide and photos of our most recent relax and stress-free wedding in Dublin. However, keep in mind if you choose to have your ceremony in the city and the reception elsewhere, consider the traffic time from one point to the other and put some buffer time here and there so you won’t need to rush or feel that you are missing out on your reception because you didn’t get there in time.

All set up? Now, all attention turns to selecting vendors. From photographers to caterers to musicians, there are countless professionals who play a vital role in bringing a couple's vision to life. As a photographer, I always encourage couples to prioritize not only finding a photographer whose style resonates with them but also finding someone with whom they can have open and easy communication, I wrote another post talking about how to choose your photographer and get the best combo of value and price, check it out here. After all, the photos captured on their wedding day will serve as cherished memories for years to come.

While word of mouth recommendations can certainly be valuable in the vendor selection process, I always remind couples that ultimately, the decision should reflect their own preferences and priorities. Each couple is unique, and what works for one may not necessarily be the best fit for another. By trusting their instincts and doing their own research, couples can ensure that their wedding reflects their personalities and values.

As the excitement of the engagement gives way to the nitty-gritty details of wedding planning, it's important for couples to remember to enjoy the journey. Planning a wedding can be stressful at times, but it's also a time for celebration, love, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And as a photographer, I feel honored to be able to capture those moments of joy and love for couples as they embark on this incredible journey together.