An Elopement Adventure From the Dark Hedges to a Castle in Northern Ireland

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

If there’s one thing we hear from couples again and again who decide to elope it’s to expect the unexpected—but in the best way possible. Adam and Sally longed for an adventurous elopement someplace outside their home of Tennessee. So, they began to plan their nuptials in Northern Ireland! And sure, they could plan where to stay, roughly where to say their vows, and perhaps the pub where they’d celebrate after. But who could have foreseen the fresh snowfall, the animals they’d meet along the way, or the kind locals who’d take them in for tea? It’s in the unexpected where the magic happens! Here’s more from Sally:

We knew we wanted to have our wedding in a beautiful, memorable destination, but we also realized that it would be very difficult for our family to be able to make a trip overseas. After an engagement in our hometown of Charleston, SC surrounded by family and our sweet, blind golden retriever Sydney, we wanted to find a place new to the both of us to begin our lives together. We were inspired by the stunning coastal landscape of Northern Ireland and felt it would be the perfect setting for an intimate elopement.

Priscila Valentina Photography accompanied A + S on their adventure and captured every dreamy moment along the way! Away we go to gorgeous Ireland!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

The day began with a snowy first look—already as dreamy as can be!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

The bright white of fresh snowfall mingled with deep greens, making for some stunning photo ops!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Pure magic!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

A Walk Through the Dark Hedges

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

A local farm family loaned Adam + Sally their beautiful horse for the occasion! Can you even imagine?

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

If you’re not familiar, the Dark Hedges is a dream-like tunnel of beech trees Northern Ireland. (Game of Thrones fan? You might recognize this as part of Kingsroad in the television series!)

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

The sort of magic you can’t even plan: as the snowfall began to melt it created this stunning mirror effect on the road!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

My goodness, where do we start! We made the drive from Belfast to the Dark Hedges to start the day. On our journey, our small "sword hand" compact couldn't make it up the snowy hill that entered the Dark Hedges—so that is where the adventure began! Wedding dresses are made for pushing cars up snowy passes, right? From the dark hedges to the sheep jumping on each other's back while we tried to spend quality time with them were some of our memorable moments!

But for all the memories, we felt the sweetest was visiting this family’s farm and being invited inside their home to share biscuits and a cup of tea. We were truly moved by their hospitality and generosity and both felt the time spent visiting in their kitchen was truly precious and memorable.

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Cliffside Ceremony at Dunluce Castle

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Dunluce Castle was a Medieval-style castle, now in ruins along the Irish coast. No big deal, just a totally epic ceremony backdrop, right?!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

So sweet!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Look at the snow falling! So romantic!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Newlywed in Northern Ireland!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Isn’t Sally such a lovely bride?

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Thinking about a chilly adventurous elopement, too? Don’t forget the faux fur + waterproof shoes!

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Winter Ireland Castle Elopement

Wow…such an incredible adventure! Adam + Sally ended the day in a traditional Irish pub, celebrating with a pint or two! SO fun. Congrats, you two!

photography: Priscila Valentina Photography // venue name: Dunluce Castle, Ireland // florals: Flowers Are Us

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