Waterford Castle Wedding | Elegant & Natural Wedding Photography

If you’re dreaming of a wedding straight out of a fairytale, Waterford Castle is the place. With its private island setting, winding drive, and ivy-covered stone walls, it has all the charm and elegance you could wish for. But more than just its looks, it’s the peaceful, intimate vibe that makes it feel so special and personal.

Being local and based in County Waterford—just under an hour away—I’m always drawn back to the charm of Waterford Castle. As a wedding photographer, I’ve captured love stories across Ireland and abroad, but this venue holds a special kind of magic. It’s one of my favourite places to photograph, especially for couples who appreciate meaningful experiences, romantic atmosphere, and timeless imagery.

Elegant Morning Moments in the Presidential Suite

The day often begins in the Presidential Suite, and from a photography perspective, it’s beautifully styled and full of character. The soft tones, refined decor, and calm atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for capturing delicate details, heartfelt moments with your bridal party, and those timeless “stepping into the dress” portraits. It’s a serene and luxurious space to start your day, setting the tone for everything that follows.

Each time I photograph a wedding here, I’m reminded how effortlessly this space lends itself to meaningful, relaxed moments that translate beautifully into images.

Thinking about a first look on your wedding day?

If you're dreaming of a quiet moment together before walking down the aisle, this castle has the perfect spot for it. Just around the side of the castle, away from all your guests, you can slip away for a private first look—just the two of you. It’s such a lovely way to take a deep breath, calm the nerves, and soak it all in before the big moment.

Or, if you’d rather keep the surprise for the aisle, you could do a “first touch” instead—standing back to back or around a doorway, holding hands and sharing a few words without actually seeing each other. It’s just as meaningful and emotional, and makes for beautiful memories.

Danielle and William chose a moment like this for their wedding at Waterford Castle—check out their gorgeous day featured on One Fab Day.

Ceremony Styles to Suit Your Vision

What I love about Waterford Castle is how versatile it is. You can go grand, or keep it intimate—either way, it’s always breathtaking in photos.

Indoors by the fireplace

Whether it’s raining, windy, or just a bit chilly outside, the fireplace ceremony is a dream. Picture the two of you standing in front of a roaring fire, surrounded by candlelight, soft music playing, and your guests wrapped in the cosy atmosphere of the castle. Even on a sunny day, this space feels magical—especially if you're going for an elegant, intimate vibe. The warmth, the glow, and the timeless setting create the kind of moment you’ll never forget.

Outdoors in front of the castle

If the sun is shining, why not say your vows right in front of the castle? The ivy-covered stone walls make the most romantic backdrop. You’ll have all the grandeur of the castle behind you and the beauty of nature all around—perfect for that classic, fairytale look.

A beautiful ceremony in the conservatory

For a more intimate ceremony, the conservatory is a hidden gem. Bright and full of natural light, it feels like you're outdoors—without having to worry about the Irish weather.

With just your closest family and friends, the space feels peaceful, warm, and personal. You can keep the styling simple with greenery and candles or go all out with florals and soft fabrics—either way, the atmosphere is effortlessly romantic. It's the perfect choice if you're dreaming of a calm, elegant ceremony that still feels connected to the beauty of the castle grounds.

On the green lawn

If you’re going for a classic outdoor ceremony, the castle lawn is perfect. Think rows of white chairs on soft green grass, with trees all around and a relaxed, open feel. One of the nicest touches? You get to walk down beautiful stone steps that lead straight to your aisle—it feels special without being too formal, and looks amazing in photos too.

Under the old oak tree

If you’re after something a little more tucked away and enchanting, consider saying “I do” under the big oak tree. It’s quiet, peaceful, and full of charm—perfect for couples who want something a bit more personal and natural.

Picture-perfect spots for your portraits

It’s time to soak it all in and capture some beautiful portraits—just the two of you. Waterford Castle has so many stunning spots, no matter the weather.

Indoors by the fireplace, we can create warm, romantic portraits with soft light and beautiful textures. I use flash in a very natural way, so even inside, the images feel soft, dreamy, and full of emotion—like something out of a movie. Outdoors, the castle grounds are a dream to wander through. From the ivy-covered walls and stone archways to the winding paths and ancient trees, there’s beauty around every corner. Whether it’s golden hour light or a soft cloudy sky, we’ll find the perfect spots to create timeless portraits that feel like you.

Fine dining in a setting that feels like a dream

Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner or a larger celebration, Waterford Castle has the perfect space to match the mood. For smaller gatherings, the elegantly decorated dining room offers a warm, refined atmosphere with soft lighting, rich details, and that cosy, exclusive feel. For smaller guest lists, the conservatory is simply stunning—flooded with natural light by day and glowing with candlelight by night, it feels both luxurious and relaxed.

Evening photos with a touch of magic

After dinner, while your band or DJ is setting up, it’s the perfect time to sneak out for a few final portraits.

In the evening light, I use a special lighting system called MagMod. It allows me to shape and control light in really creative ways—so even when it's dark outside, I can craft beautifully lit, romantic images that feel cinematic and full of emotion.

If you’re planning a wedding at Waterford Castle and want a photographer who captures natural, timeless moments with a relaxed and personal approach, I’d love to hear from you. I can share full galleries of my work to give you a real sense of how your day could look—and connect you with trusted local vendors to make planning easier.

Waterford Castle offers the perfect mix of elegance and intimacy, and my fine art documentary style highlights the beauty, light, and emotion of this incredible venue. From small, heartfelt ceremonies to larger celebrations, I focus on creating photos that feel authentic and effortlessly beautiful.

Ready to capture your story at Waterford Castle? Let’s chat and start planning your unforgettable day.