Eloping in Northern Ireland: Finding Beauty and Romance on the North Coast
More and more couples are choosing to elope for their weddings rather than having a traditional ceremony and reception. Eloping offers numerous advantages – it’s faster, simpler, more intimate, and often much less expensive than a conventional wedding. Northern Ireland provides an ideal destination for couples looking to elope in a place overflowing with beauty and character. Specifically, the dramatic coastline of Northern Ireland’s north coast offers an unforgettable backdrop for an intimate elopement ceremony.
The north coast of Northern Ireland stretches along the Atlantic Ocean from County Londonderry towards County Antrim.
It’s known for its rugged natural landscapes, with lush green hills rolling down to meet windswept beaches and cliffs. Several charming villages dot the coast, including Portrush, Portstewart and Ballycastle. This is a place of wild, untamed beauty, where the forces of nature are vividly on display. It’s the perfect setting for couples seeking a memorable, meaningful elopement experience.
One major advantage of eloping in Northern Ireland is the simplicity of the legal requirements.
In Northern Ireland, couples can give legal notice of their intent to marry just a few days before their ceremony.
There is no lengthy waiting period or complicated paperwork. The minimal legal formalities make it easy for couples to plan an elopement with relatively little hassle or lead time.
The north coast offers breathtaking backdrops for exchanging vows. One iconic option is the ruins of Dunluce Castle, perched precariously atop a cliff overlooking the sea near Portrush. The medieval castle was built in the 16th century and partially collapsed into the ocean. The ruins emerging from the clifftops create a dramatic scene, especially at sunset. Exchanging vows here provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For a beachfront ceremony, Whiterocks Beach near Portrush is a top choice. This windswept beach is often deserted, with golden sand backed by rocky cliffs and rolling green hills. The roaring waves provide a soothing soundtrack as you exchange rings with your beloved. Rathlin Island, reachable by ferry from Ballycastle, is another excellent spot for a secluded beach elopement.
The famous Giant’s Causeway provides a unique geological backdrop. Here, clusters of hexagonal basalt columns form a natural staircase leading down into the sea. Irish legend claims the Causeway was built by an Irish giant for challenging a Scottish giant. The awe-inspiring formations make for unforgettable wedding photos. Nearby Dunseverick Castle, situated on a grassy clifftop, allows couples to tie the knot overlooking the famous stones.
The picturesque little town of Cushendall is another atmospheric option, with its old stone buildings and sheltered beach surrounded by rolling hills. The lovely Glenariff Forest Park contains walking trails, waterfalls and a riverside lookout ideal for an intimate ceremony in natural surroundings.
Seaside caves also abound along the north coast. Ballintoy Harbour features a striking arched cave right beside the rocky shore which can accommodate a tiny gathering for a dramatic elopement. For a more secluded cave, venture to the ruins of Dunseverick Castle and follow the scenic path down to a hidden sandy cove containing the picturesque Mermaid’s Cave.
Many charming villages provide quaint accommodations perfect for newly eloped couples, like B&Bs, cottages and boutique hotels. Ballygally Castle Hotel near Larne offers stylish rooms in a scenic 17th century castle with stunning sea views. The Londonderry Arms Hotel in Carnlough provides a cozy retreat with an acclaimed restaurant.
Food plays a big role in Irish culture, so savoring local cuisine can be an integral part of the elopement experience. Fresh seafood like oysters and Atlantic salmon are north coast specialties. Sample authentic fish and chips from Morton’s in Ballycastle or nip into Harry’s Shack in Portstewart for lobster rolls on the beach. In Bushmills, the Tartine restaurant crafts creative entrees using quality local ingredients.
Toast your nuptials with Irish whiskey, like a tasting at the Old Bushmills Distillery in Bushmills or a tipple of 10-year-aged Jameson at the No. 1 off licence in Coleraine. Sea views and pints of Guinness also pair nicely at waterfront pubs like Central Wine Bar in Ballycastle.
For accommodation during your elopement in Northern Ireland, we offer our large spacious self-catering accommodation just outside of Ballycastle (voted one of the best Air BnBs in Ballycastle), and also offer our smaller self-catering cottage for that cosy and romantic feel.
We’re experienced not only in hosting couples from America, Australia and throughout the world who want to elope in Northern Ireland, but also in providing them with a full-scale planning and consulting service, working with elopement videographers such as Adam White Wedding Films, but also with local photographers, celebrants and other local elopement vendors who know the importance of getting your elopement just right.
An elopement on Northern Ireland’s stunning north coast blends adventure, natural grandeur and Old World romance in one unforgettable package. For couples seeking an intimate wedding in a place brimming with atmosphere and beauty, this windswept coastal region welcomes you with open arms. Let Northern Ireland’s north coast provide the setting for your own unique elopement love story.
Want to get the whole family under one roof for your elopement? Our large house sleeps 16 and cottage sleeps 7 – at just over £20 per person per night they can be booked separately or together. For more information about our elopement accommodation in Northern Ireland, take a look at our elopement accommodation page.
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