Waterford Castle Wedding – A Timeless Island Celebration

Q: Where do morning preparations usually happen?

Most brides choose the Presidential Suite. Grooms often use nearby castle rooms or the lodges.

Q: What wildlife appears in photos?

Deer, birds, and the island’s resident wallaby.

Keith Sullivan
Nov 13
5 min read

Updated: 15 hours ago

wedding couple at outdoor ceremony in Waterford Castle

A Wedding on a Private Island – Why Waterford Castle Is One of Ireland’s Most Magical Venues

I’ve been photographing weddings in Waterford Castle for more than 15 years, and no matter how many times I take that short ferry crossing onto the island, it still makes me smile. There’s something special about leaving the mainland behind — the quiet, the wildlife, the sense that the whole island belongs to you and your guests for the day.

I know every inch of this island at this stage — the woods, the avenue, the castle steps, the gardens, the viewpoints by the river, the lighthouse at the far end, and even the hidden trails through the old Irish village. I’ve had couples come from all over the world to get married here: Irish, American, English, Canadian, Norwegian, Slovenian, Indian, and more — and every one of them is blown away by the charm of this place.

It’s impossible not to be.

Morning Preparations – Calm, Elegant, and Full of Light

Most couples get ready in the Presidential Suite, which has huge windows, soft natural light and plenty of space for hair, makeup, champagne and nerves. The room photographs beautifully — the type of morning light that makes everything look timeless and elegant.

Grooms often get ready in one of the nearby rooms or in the lodges, depending on guest numbers. I’ve photographed lads sharing a quiet whiskey, reading letters from their partner, and having a game of golf outside before heading up to the castle — all part of the relaxed island vibe.

See more full wedding stories in my gallery.

Ceremony Options – Indoors, Outdoors & Everything in Between

Waterford Castle is brilliant because almost any style of ceremony works here:

Outdoor Garden Ceremonies

Down the garden steps, the trees open out to a beautiful lawn that feels completely enclosed and private. It’s perfect for humanist or spiritual ceremonies, and ideal for couples who want that close-to-nature feeling.

Castle Interior Ceremonies

Inside, the ceremony room is warm, intimate and full of history — wood panelling, soft window light, and a natural atmosphere that doesn’t need any decorating.

Drinks Reception Flow

Afterwards, guests pour onto the lawns outside or into the main rooms of the castle for music, drinks, oysters, chats and hugs. There’s always plenty of space for everyone to spread out.

Portraits Around the Island – Hundreds of Locations, All Within Minutes

This is where Waterford Castle really shines.

I always tell my couples:“You don’t need to leave the island — I have everything we need right here.”

Some of the spots I regularly use:

1. The Front of the Castle

Classic, elegant, and the perfect backdrop for those iconic couple photographs.

2. The Avenue

Tall trees lining the road create beautiful leading lines and soft filtered light.

3. The Gardens & Steps

Ideal for bridal party photos, big family groups, and natural moments.

4. The Woods & Old Irish Village

A small pocket of forest that feels like another world — earthy, moody, magical.

5. The Lighthouse at the Far End of the Island

If a couple are up for a spin, we hop into the golf buggy and head right down to the lighthouse. It’s bright, open and incredible for sunset.

6. The Riverbank

Perfect for quiet moments together and soft, reflective light.

No matter the weather, we always get great shots — Waterford Castle has shelter, trees, indoor spots, and covered areas everywhere.

Wildlife on the Island

The island is full of animals that regularly appear in photographs:

Deer running across the lawns
The friendly Australian marsupial (wallaby) that lives on the island
Birds, squirrels, and the occasional fox

It all adds to the charm of the place. Guests love it.

a deer in the background of a couple photoshoot

Wedding Stories Told Through Real Moments

Over the years I’ve photographed everything from:

Same-sex weddings
Multi-cultural weddings
Intimate elopements
Big family celebrations
Two-day wedding events
Small morning ceremonies followed by forest portraits
Couples who arrived by boat
Couples who took the buggy across the island with champagne in hand

Reception, Speeches & Dance Floor Energy

Inside Waterford Castle, the reception room transforms beautifully for evening dining. The food is always exceptional — beautifully presented, seasonal, and full of flavour.

Guests flow between the bar, the reception room and the outside spaces, especially in summer. There’s a warmth to the evenings here that feels more like a big gathering at a family home than a formal event.

Once the band starts, the place comes alive. I’ve seen some of the best dance floors of my career here. Every time, the island gives the wedding its own personality.

first dance of couple at Waterford Castle

Why Waterford Castle Couples Book Me

Couples getting married at Waterford Castle usually want:

Natural documentary-style photography
Editorial-style portraits (fast, relaxed, elegant)
A photographer who knows the island inside out
Someone who can take charge but keep things calm
A balance of storytelling + beautiful couple portraits

My style fits Waterford Castle perfectly — fast transitions, soft natural light, strong compositions, and a relaxed approach that lets the day unfold.

If you’d like to see real Waterford Castle wedding images, you can explore my wedding gallery here:👉 https://www.infokus.ie/gallery