An intimate island castle wedding
Sarah and Patrick flew in from the United States to marry with just thirteen of their closest family around them. With a short ferry ride to a private island, a garden ceremony under blossom trees and portraits around ivy-covered walls, their Waterford Castle wedding proved that a small wedding can feel truly grand.
Waterford Castle, The Island, Co. Waterford
Waterford Castle stands on its own 310-acre island in the River Suir, a little downstream from Waterford city, and can only be reached by a short car ferry. It began as a single medieval stone tower, and the Anglo-Norman FitzGerald family held the island for around eight centuries. Today it is a castle hotel and golf resort with ivy-covered granite walls, mullioned windows, a courtyard and wisteria on the façade.
A morning of happy tears
Sarah got ready in a period room with damask wallpaper, heavy curtains and tall leaded windows, in an off-the-shoulder gown, a long veil and soft loose curls. Her mum cried happy tears, her dad gave her a long hug and a kiss on the forehead, and down the corridor Patrick straightened his bow tie by the window in his navy tuxedo.
A ceremony in the castle gardens
The ceremony took place outdoors, along a stone path lined with lanterns and white blossom trees. Sarah walked down the aisle with her dad carrying white flowers and eucalyptus, while Patrick waited with a white orchid buttonhole. With only thirteen guests, everyone was close enough to hear every word, and her mum's smile said it all.
Confetti and an island to ourselves
Family and friends showered the couple with confetti in front of the castle, and then we explored the island together: under the wisteria by the old windows, against the ivy-covered tower and in the courtyard, where Sarah twirled her gown in front of the great wooden door. Having a castle almost to ourselves made it one of the most magical portrait sessions of our year.
Tips for an intimate wedding at Waterford Castle
Plan around the ferry: share the crossing times with guests and suppliers and leave a little extra time in the schedule. Use the whole castle for portraits, as the courtyard, towers and wisteria are only a short walk apart. And if you are travelling from abroad, a venue where you can stay, get ready, marry and celebrate in one place makes everything easier.
Planning an intimate or destination wedding in Ireland?
Whether you are marrying at Waterford Castle or travelling to Ireland for a small wedding, we would love to hear your plans. Emerald Wedding offers wedding photography, videography or both, with one team and one consistent style.
More castle weddings: Luttrellstown Castle · Darver Castle · Check your date with us →
Venue: Waterford Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Co. Waterford · Film: Emerald Wedding