A Guide to Dunluce Castle Elopements in 2024

A Guide to eloping at Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland

*Updated December 21st 2023

Dunluce Castle elopements are so special. This iconic castle ruin on the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland provides the most incredible backdrop for adventure elopements. Could you imagine saying your vows on a rugged Irish cliff top overlooking this stunning ancient castle? It really is like eloping in a fairytale. If you want to know how to elope at Dunluce Castle, you’re in the right place!

How much does it cost to elope at Dunluce Castle?

The field overlooking Dunluce Castle is privately owned by a farmer. You are able to hire the field for your elopement ceremony for just £350 for a 2-hour slot. He brings a 4×4 and drives you down to the viewpoint to save you and your guests hiking across the field.

If you would like to access his field just for portraits with the castle in the background it will cost £50.

I know the farmer and will be able to organise access & secure your date for you.

When is the best time of year to elope at Dunluce Castle?

The most popular time of year to elope at Dunluce Castle is between March & November. Northern Ireland has a pretty mild but cool climate. The lowest average temperatures in winter are around 32℉ and the highest average temperatures in Summer hit around 70℉.

The busiest time for tourism is in the summer of which July & August are the most popular months.

What time is the sunset at Dunluce Castle?

One important thing to be aware is of the huge difference in sunrise & sunset times throughout the year. In winter there are only 8 hours of daylight but in summer there are 17 hours of daylight. If you want to get awesome photos you need to be shooting at sunrise or sunset. Having sunset portraits in the summer time will mean you’ll be finished at around 10.30pm. Couples who are bringing a handful of guests often want to go for dinner with them, so early spring or late autumn works best so that they can be done with portraits and still be able to head to a restaurant.

When is it not rainy in Ireland?

The Emerald is green because it rains here, all year long. It’s not like the crazy rain you might experience in Florida or Georgia where you get soaked in seconds. The rain in Northern Ireland is much more mild and tends to come and go quite quickly. On your elopement day you might experience a shower of rain here and there. The best thing to do is to go with it and embrace the elements, it’s part of what makes your elopement in Ireland an adventure.

Where in Ireland is Dunluce Castle?

Dunluce Castle is located in Bushmills, Northern Ireland. It is nestled in heart of the famous Causeway Coast in County Antrim.

Which airport should you fly into for your Northern Ireland elopement?

If you’re flying into Ireland for your elopement the closest airports to Dunluce are Belfast City Airport (90-minute drive) or Belfast International Airport (60-minute drive). If you plan to fly direct from the US for your elopement then you will probably fly into Dublin Airport which is 2 hours 40 minutes from the Causeway Coast.

Where should you stay for your Dunluce Castle elopement?

If you want awesome getting ready photos you should pick a nice bright Airbnb around Bushmills or Ballycastle. Avoid going for a hotel in the area because generally hotel rooms do not lend themselves to great photos as they tend to be small and dark. Small & dark is a bad combo if you want gorgeous elopement prep photos.

Are there any other great locations for photos near Dunluce Castle?

Hell yes!!! Dunluce Castle is in an area called the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland and it is the best place to elope in the world. Within a 45 minute drive from Dunluce there are at least 12 incredible locations such as the Dark Hedges or the Giants Causeway and many sites that have been made famous by Game of Thrones. If you’d like to see all 12 spots just click HERE.

A real elopement at Dunluce Castle

Here are some images from Dave & Morgan’s beautiful elopement at Dunluce Castle. As you will see it really does make the perfect backdrop for your elopement here in Ireland.

VENDORS

Videographer – Pigmint Films

Flowers – The Rosehip & Berry

If you are considering a Dunluce Castle elopement, I’d love to hear from you! Click here to get in touch.

More elopement planning resources

I want to help you have the most amazing elopement experience. I believe that eloping is the best way to get married! Whether your heart is set on a Dunluce Castle elopement or you’re not sure where you want to elope, I’ve placed a few links at the bottom of this post that can further help you plan your perfect elopement! So stick around, have a read, see some awesome photos. If you have any questions get in touch, I’m here to help.