Planning an elopement in Ireland from thousands of miles away can feel complicated. Where should you get married? What does an Ireland elopement package actually include? How much should you budget? Can you bring guests? And who organizes the photographer, ceremony, flowers, transportation and legal paperwork?
The good news is that an Ireland elopement can be surprisingly simple when the right pieces are put together.
At Eloping in Ireland, we’ve been helping couples plan weddings, elopements and vow renewals throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland since 2014. We’ve now helped plan more than 1,500 celebrations, many for couples traveling from the USA and Canada.
This guide explains the different types of Ireland elopement packages, what they include, current starting prices, what you may need to add, and what to look for when comparing different packages.
If you’re at the very beginning of your research, you may also want to read our complete How to Elope in Ireland guide.
Ireland elopement packages: the quick answer
Ireland elopement packages can range from a simple couple-only ceremony with professional photography and planning to a more complete wedding experience including a celebrant, flowers, hair and makeup, videography, private transportation, traditional Irish music and multiple photography locations.
At Eloping in Ireland, our Lite couple-only packages start from €2,400, while our main location and experience packages currently start from:
- Lite Elopement Packages – from €2,400
- Cliffs of Moher – from €3,500
- Dunluce Castle – from €4,500
- Ancient Ruins – from €4,950
- Irish Castle – from €5,200
- Irish Pub – from €6,800
The important thing when comparing packages isn’t simply the headline price.
Look carefully at what is actually included, whether location fees and taxes are covered, how much photography you receive, whether there’s an indoor weather backup, whether suppliers can be changed, and whether the package can accommodate guests.
How much do Ireland elopement packages cost?
There is no single price for an Ireland elopement because the location, number of guests and services included can be completely different from one wedding to another.
Here’s a quick comparison of our main package types:
| Ireland elopement package | Starting price | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Lite Elopement Packages | €2,400 | Simple couple-only elopements |
| Cliffs of Moher | €3,500 | Iconic Atlantic cliff elopements |
| Dunluce Castle | €4,500 | Castle ruins and Causeway Coast adventure |
| Ancient Ruins | €4,950 | Historic ruins, castles and Celtic atmosphere |
| Irish Castle | €5,200 | Traditional Irish castle experiences |
| Irish Pub | €6,800 | Ceremony and celebration with guests |
These are starting prices rather than an indication that every package within that category costs the same amount.
For example, our Cliffs of Moher packages range from the Simply Us package at €3,500 through to more comprehensive Signature and Ultimate options. Dunluce Castle works in a similar way.
Prices are a guide and can change. Check the individual package page for current pricing, availability and exact inclusions.
If budget is one of your main considerations, read our separate guide explaining How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Ireland?
What is included in an Ireland elopement package?
There is no universal definition of an “all-inclusive” Ireland elopement package.
Different packages can include very different services, which means two options with similar headline prices aren’t necessarily comparable.
Depending on the package you choose, services can include:
- Ceremony location
- Location or access fee
- Elopement planning
- Photographer
- Celebrant/officiant
- Celtic handfasting
- Hair stylist
- Makeup artist
- Bouquet and buttonhole
- Videographer
- Chauffeur car
- Harpist or Uilleann piper
- Indoor weather backup
- Additional photography locations
- Assistance with the Irish legal marriage process
- Two witnesses if required
- Guest transportation
- Pub or restaurant celebration
- Accommodation assistance
- Vacation and honeymoon planning
So rather than simply asking “Is this an all-inclusive Ireland elopement package?”, ask:
“Exactly what is included in this price, and what will we still need to pay for separately?”
That question makes it much easier to compare packages properly.
Our different types of Ireland elopement packages
Not every couple wants the same wedding day.
Some want the simplest possible experience with just the two of them. Others want flowers, hair and makeup, videography, transportation and traditional Irish music. Some bring 20 or 30 guests.
That’s why we offer several different styles of Ireland elopement package.
1. Lite Ireland elopement packages – from €2,400
Our Lite Elopement Packages are designed specifically for couples eloping alone without guests.
They’re the simplest and most affordable way to have a professionally planned Ireland elopement.
The core package includes:
- Your ceremony location
- Applicable location fee
- Photographer
- Elopement or vow renewal planning
- Applicable fees, taxes and charges
There are a range of locations available across Ireland and Northern Ireland, including cliffs, castle ruins, mountains, lakes, historic churches and even an underground cave.
Options include locations such as Slea Head, Killarney National Park, Three Castle Head, Slieve League, Howth Cliffs, Dunseverick Castle, Aillwee Cave, Fiddaun Castle, Dunlewey Church and Kinbane Castle.
These packages work particularly well for couples who want an incredible Ireland setting and professional photography without paying for services they don’t need.
2. Cliffs of Moher elopement packages – from €3,500
For many couples traveling from the USA or Canada, getting married at the Cliffs of Moher is the dream.
Our Cliffs of Moher elopement packages are based around Hags Head, at the quieter southern end of the cliffs.
Our couple-only Simply Us package starts from €3,500 and includes an intimate ceremony, location fee, private clifftop access, indoor weather backup, celebrant/officiant, Celtic handfasting, photography and planning.
More comprehensive packages can include services such as:
- Hair and makeup
- Flowers
- Additional photography
- Videography
- Chauffeur transportation
- Traditional Irish ceremony music
The Cliffs can also work for couples bringing guests, making this one of our most flexible Ireland elopement locations.
3. Dunluce Castle elopement packages – from €4,500
For couples dreaming of an ancient castle and dramatic Atlantic coastline, our Dunluce Castle elopement packages combine both.
Our Simply Us package starts from €4,500 and includes:
- Intimate Dunluce Castle ceremony
- Location fee
- Private access by car
- Indoor weather backup
- Celebrant/officiant
- Celtic handfasting
- Four-hour adventure photography
- Elopement planning
- Applicable fees, taxes and charges
Your photography experience can also incorporate other spectacular locations along the Causeway Coast.
Our Signature and Ultimate options add further services, with the most comprehensive package including elements such as videography, ceremony music and chauffeured transportation.
One important thing for international couples to understand is that Dunluce Castle is in Northern Ireland.
If you’re planning a legally binding ceremony, Northern Ireland has a different marriage process from the Republic of Ireland.
4. Ancient Ruins elopement packages – from €4,950
Some couples come to Ireland specifically looking for somewhere that feels old, atmospheric and unmistakably Irish.
Our Ancient Ruins Elopement Packages start from €4,950 and offer the chance to marry among historic castles, medieval towers, ancient churches, stone circles and secluded ruins.
These locations can work particularly well for:
- Intimate ceremonies
- Celtic handfasting
- Couple-only elopements
- Romantic wedding photography
- Couples interested in Irish history
- Couples who value privacy over a famous landmark
An ancient ruin can provide an entirely different experience from a traditional wedding venue.
Rather than choosing somewhere because it’s internationally famous, you can have a ceremony surrounded by centuries of Irish history in a location that may feel much more secluded and personal.
5. Irish Castle elopement packages – from €5,200
An Ireland castle wedding can mean two very different things.
You can choose an ancient castle or castle ruin surrounded by wild Irish scenery, or you can choose a traditional Irish castle hotel where your ceremony, accommodation and celebration can all happen in one place.
Our Irish Castle Elopement Packages start from €5,200, with possibilities for different wedding styles and guest numbers.
A castle hotel such as Kinnitty Castle can be particularly useful if you’re bringing family and friends because accommodation, indoor facilities and your celebration can all be centered around the same venue.
Castle ruins, on the other hand, can provide a more adventurous and intimate experience.
This makes an Irish castle package particularly appealing to couples who want the unmistakable feeling of getting married in Ireland but would prefer historic architecture to a cliff or mountain ceremony.
6. Irish Pub elopement packages – from €6,800
For couples who want their wedding to feel like a real Irish celebration, our Irish Pub Elopement Packages start from €6,800.
A traditional Irish pub can combine the intimacy of an elopement or small destination wedding with food, drinks, music, laughter and the atmosphere couples imagine when they picture celebrating in Ireland.
This option works particularly well for couples bringing family and friends.
Rather than having a ceremony followed by a large formal wedding reception, you can combine your wedding with a relaxed pub celebration.
It’s particularly suited to a small destination wedding in Ireland, where couples want the simplicity and personality of an elopement while still celebrating properly with the people closest to them.
Can Ireland elopement packages be customized?
Yes.
And this is one of the most important questions you should ask before choosing a package.
We don’t believe couples should have to pay for services they don’t want simply because they’re included in a fixed package.
Depending on your chosen location and package, services can be adjusted or added.
Photography
Increase your photography coverage or incorporate additional Ireland locations into your wedding day.
Videography
Add professional videography so you have a wedding film as well as photographs.
Hair and makeup
Professional wedding hair and makeup can be arranged at your accommodation.
Flowers
Add a bridal bouquet, buttonhole or additional floral arrangements.
Chauffeur transportation
Private transportation can be arranged for your wedding day.
Traditional Irish ceremony music
A harpist or Uilleann piper can add a distinctly Irish element to your ceremony.
Pub or restaurant celebration
We can help arrange a pub or restaurant for after your ceremony.
Accommodation and travel
Assistance can be provided with accommodation, transportation and travel arrangements for you and your guests.
Legal marriage
We can guide you through the requirements for getting legally married in Ireland.
The result is an Ireland elopement package built around the wedding experience you actually want, rather than simply adding every possible wedding service.
Can you bring guests to an Ireland elopement?
Absolutely.
The modern idea of an elopement has changed considerably.
For some couples, eloping in Ireland means just the two of them standing on a cliff or inside an ancient castle.
Others bring their parents and siblings.
Some bring 10, 20 or 30 guests and create what is effectively a small destination wedding in Ireland.
The number of guests you invite can influence which location and package will work best.
A remote mountain, cliff or castle ruin may be incredible for two people but much less practical for a group containing young children or elderly relatives.
For larger groups, castles, country houses and locations with nearby restaurants or pubs can often work better.
If you’re considering bringing family and friends, our Small Destination Wedding Ireland guide goes into much more detail about planning an intimate Ireland wedding with guests.
Can Americans and Canadians legally get married in Ireland?
Yes.
Couples traveling from the USA, Canada and other countries can legally marry in Ireland provided they complete the applicable legal requirements.
However, there is an important distinction:
The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have different marriage processes.
That means a legal wedding at the Cliffs of Moher doesn’t follow exactly the same process as a legal wedding at Dunluce Castle.
If legal marriage in Ireland is important to you, decide early whether you’re marrying in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
Our Ireland-based team can help guide you through the process.
Start with our Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Ireland guide.
Some couples choose another approach: complete the legal marriage at home and have a symbolic ceremony in Ireland.
That can provide greater flexibility over the location and format of your ceremony.
What happens if it rains on your Ireland elopement?
This should be one of the first questions you ask when comparing outdoor Ireland elopement packages.
Ireland’s landscapes are green for a reason!
Rain doesn’t necessarily ruin an elopement. In fact, dramatic skies, mist and changing weather can produce some incredible wedding photographs.
But there should still be a sensible plan.
Some of our location-specific packages, including our Cliffs of Moher and Dunluce Castle packages, include an indoor weather backup.
For other locations, your planner should discuss the available weather alternatives and flexibility during the planning process.
Never assume an outdoor Ireland elopement package automatically includes an indoor alternative.
Ask what happens if the weather isn’t suitable before you book.
What isn’t normally included in an Ireland elopement package?
This depends entirely on the individual package.
However, there are some expenses couples should specifically check.
Flights to Ireland
Couples generally arrange and pay for their own flights.
Accommodation
Unless accommodation is specifically listed as part of the package, you should assume it’s separate.
Food and drinks
Your planner may help arrange a restaurant or traditional Irish pub, but the cost of the meal and drinks may be separate depending on the package.
Government and legal fees
Government marriage registration or legal fees may be separate from your wedding package.
Optional wedding suppliers
Videography, hair and makeup, flowers, transportation and ceremony music may be included in some packages and optional in others.
This is why comparing two Ireland elopement packages purely on their starting prices can be misleading.
A cheaper headline price isn’t necessarily better value if you later discover that important services, location access or supplier costs are additional.
Are Ireland elopement packages really all-inclusive?
Sometimes.
But don’t choose a package simply because the words “all-inclusive” appear in its description.
There isn’t one standardized definition of an all-inclusive Ireland elopement package.
Instead, compare the actual inclusions.
Before booking, check whether your quoted price includes:
- Wedding or elopement planning
- Ceremony location
- Location and access fees
- Photographer
- Number of photography hours
- Celebrant/officiant
- Flowers
- Hair and makeup
- Videography
- Transportation
- Ceremony music
- Indoor weather backup
- Taxes and charges
- Legal assistance
- Additional guest charges
This gives you a much more meaningful comparison than simply looking for the words “all-inclusive.”
Ireland elopement package comparison: what should you look for?
When comparing different packages, concentrate on these areas:
| What to compare | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Location | Is the ceremony location included? |
| Access | Is private or special access included? |
| Location fees | Are these included in the advertised price? |
| Photography | How many hours do we receive? |
| Planning | How much planning assistance is provided? |
| Celebrant | Is the officiant/celebrant included? |
| Weather backup | What happens if an outdoor ceremony isn’t possible? |
| Suppliers | Can we choose or change suppliers? |
| Guests | Is there a guest limit or additional charge? |
| Legal assistance | Will someone guide us through the marriage requirements? |
| Transportation | Is transportation included or additional? |
| Taxes & charges | Is the quoted price genuinely the final package price? |
This is the comparison to make before paying a booking fee.
How do you choose the right Ireland elopement package?
Start with the experience you want rather than immediately looking at a list of suppliers.
Ask yourselves:
- Are we eloping completely alone or bringing guests?
- Do we picture ourselves on a cliff, in a castle, beside a lake, among ancient ruins or somewhere indoors?
- How important is privacy?
- Does anyone attending have mobility restrictions?
- Do we want to legally marry in Ireland?
- How much photography coverage do we want?
- Do we want videography?
- Do we want professional hair and makeup?
- Do we want flowers?
- Would we like a chauffeur?
- Would a harpist or Uilleann piper add something special to the ceremony?
- Do we want a pub or restaurant celebration afterwards?
- What’s our overall budget?
- What happens if the weather changes?
Once you answer those questions, choosing between different packages becomes considerably easier.
If the location is your biggest question, we’ve also created a detailed guide to the 20 Best Places to Elope in Ireland.
Why choose an Ireland-based elopement planner?
If you’re planning from the USA or Canada, you’re relying on someone thousands of miles away to understand Irish locations, access, weather, suppliers, travel times and the practical realities of getting married here.
That’s why local knowledge matters.
Eloping in Ireland has been based in Ireland and planning weddings here since 2014.
We’ve helped organize more than 1,500 weddings, elopements and vow renewals, and our couples have left 300+ five-star WeddingWire reviews.
Being based here means we can help couples understand not only what looks beautiful online, but what actually works on a wedding day.
That includes location access, travel times, guest logistics, local suppliers, weather alternatives, legal requirements, ceremony arrangements and accommodation considerations.
We also believe in vendor flexibility.
Where options are available, couples can choose suppliers and styles that suit their wedding rather than simply being handed one fixed supplier because they’re included in a package.
You can learn more about our planning process in How It Works.
Ireland elopement packages FAQ
How much does an Ireland elopement package cost?
Our Ireland elopement packages currently start from €2,400 for a couple-only Lite package. Our main package categories range from €2,400 upwards depending on your location and what’s included.
What is the cheapest Ireland elopement package?
Our Lite Ireland Elopement Packages currently start from €2,400 and are designed for couples eloping without guests.
How much is a Cliffs of Moher elopement package?
Our Cliffs of Moher packages currently start from €3,500.
How much is a Dunluce Castle elopement package?
Our Dunluce Castle packages currently start from €4,500.
How much is an Ancient Ruins elopement package?
Our Ancient Ruins packages currently start from €4,950, with different historic locations and package options available.
How much is an Irish Castle elopement package?
Our Irish Castle packages currently start from €5,200.
How much is an Irish Pub elopement package?
Our Irish Pub packages currently start from €6,800 and are particularly well suited to couples wanting to combine their ceremony with a relaxed Irish celebration.
What does an Ireland elopement package include?
Depending on the package, it can include the ceremony location, location fee, planning, photographer, celebrant, Celtic handfasting, weather backup, hair and makeup, flowers, videography, transportation and traditional Irish ceremony music.
Can Americans legally elope in Ireland?
Yes. American couples can legally marry in Ireland provided they complete the applicable legal process. Requirements differ between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Can Canadians get married in Ireland?
Yes. Canadian couples can legally marry in Ireland subject to the relevant marriage requirements.
Can we elope in Ireland with guests?
Yes. An Ireland elopement can involve just the two of you or include family and friends. Your guest count will influence which locations and packages are most suitable.
Can we customize an Ireland elopement package?
Yes. Depending on your package and location, services such as photography, videography, celebrant, flowers, hair and makeup, chauffeur transportation and traditional Irish ceremony music can be added or adjusted.
Do Ireland elopement packages include accommodation?
Not necessarily. Only consider accommodation included when it’s specifically listed as part of the package.
Do Ireland elopement packages include flights?
Generally not. Couples normally arrange their own flights to Ireland.
Do we need witnesses to get married in Ireland?
Legal marriages require witnesses according to the applicable marriage requirements. If you’re eloping alone and witnesses are required, we can help arrange them.
What happens if it rains on our elopement day?
This depends on your location and package. Some of our packages, including the Cliffs of Moher and Dunluce Castle options, include an indoor weather backup.
Is it cheaper to elope in Ireland than have a traditional wedding?
It can be considerably less expensive, particularly for a couple-only or very small wedding, because you aren’t paying for a large reception, catering and many of the expenses associated with a traditional guest wedding.
Your final cost will depend on the package, suppliers and travel arrangements you choose.
How far in advance should we book an Ireland elopement?
Popular dates, locations and suppliers can book well in advance, particularly during the busier wedding season. Starting early gives you the widest choice, although shorter-notice elopements can sometimes be arranged depending on availability.
What are the best places to elope in Ireland?
Popular choices include the Cliffs of Moher, Dunluce Castle, Killarney National Park, Three Castle Head, Slieve League, Slea Head, ancient Irish castles and secluded ruins.
We’ve compared 20 different options in our Best Places to Elope in Ireland guide.
Ready to start planning your Ireland elopement?
There isn’t one Ireland elopement package that’s right for everybody.
Some couples want just the two of them on a wild Atlantic cliff.
Some want an ancient castle followed by hours exploring the Irish coastline.
Others bring their closest family and friends for a ceremony followed by dinner and a few pints in a traditional Irish pub.
The best package is the one that includes the parts of the wedding day that actually matter to you.
Explore our full collection of Ireland elopement packages, browse our Lite couple-only packages, or get in touch with our Ireland-based planning team to start discussing your ideas.
About the author
Stephen Neary is the founder of Eloping in Ireland.
Stephen and the Eloping in Ireland team have been helping couples plan intimate weddings, elopements and vow renewals throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland since 2014.
The team has now helped plan more than 1,500 celebrations, with many couples traveling from the USA and Canada, and has received 300+ five-star WeddingWire reviews.
Their experience ranges from couple-only ceremonies on remote cliffs and among ancient ruins to Irish castle weddings and intimate destination celebrations with family and friends.
