Markree Castle Wedding

Markree Castle Wedding || Sligo Wedding Photographer

The Ideal Destination for a Sligo Wedding in Ireland

Having the privilege to be a Sligo wedding photographer at Orla and Scott’s wedding was nothing short of extraordinary. Situated in Ireland’s stunning coastal county of Sligo, the wedding provided a breathtaking backdrop complete with awe-inspiring beaches and expansive coastal views.

An Array of Personal Touches and Style

What captivated me the most about this special day were the numerous personal details that Orla and Scott wove into their celebration. Adding a splash of intrigue was a delightful surprise during the wedding reception, all caught through the lens of my candid photography style. Below is an in-depth look at the unforgettable moments that made their Markree Castle wedding truly unique.

Unique Romantic Weddings at Markree Castle

Why Choose Markree Castle for Your Wedding?

Markree Castle isn’t just a beautiful venue; it’s a dream setting that promises an experience as grand as the castle grounds themselves. Licensed for civil ceremonies, Markree Castle gives couples the choice of multiple elegant indoor and outdoor spaces, offering complete privacy for a range of celebrations—be it civil, spiritual, or humanist. With room to accommodate up to 210 guests, your choice for style and grandeur are endless. The venue perfectly blended traditional elegance with modern amenities, highlighting the uniqueness of Markree Castle as an idyllic wedding destination.

Sacred and Intimate Vows

The Chapel and the Grand Hall are the castle’s two mesmerizing indoor options for your ceremony. The Chapel’s beautiful stained-glass windows and antique organ are elements you and your guests won’t easily forget. Even though Orla and Scott chose an outdoor ceremony, the allure of the Chapel was too captivating not to capture in some late pictures. If a smaller, more intimate setting is what you’re after, the Grand Hall, brimming with relaxed elegance, might be your style.

Outdoor Splendor

Orla and Scott decided on the castle terrace for their ceremony, one of three stunning outdoor options. The terrace overlooks a whimsical wishing well and is adjacent to the impeccably manicured lawns and rose garden. For those who love the embrace of nature, the gardens and landscaped forest offer an intimate and romantic setting.

A Photographer’s Dream

The grounds of Markree Castle are a paradise for wedding photography. From the winding gravel roads to the manicured lawns and secluded woodland forest, every corner offers a scenic backdrop that adds a touch of sophistication to your wedding pictures. The countryside surrounding Markree Castle provides endless photo opportunities, allowing me to capture the true essence of Orla and Scott’s special day.

A Venue with a Rich History

History buffs will appreciate that Markree Castle dates back to the 17th century, offering an architectural grandeur that is both visually impressive and steeped in history. Adding to its appeal is convenient on-site accommodation and a dedicated team to help you relax and realize your dream wedding.

Irish Markree Castle Wedding Venue

Getting Ready

I initiated this wedding day documentary by capturing various elements like the bridesmaids’ footwear, the wedding invitations, the bridal gown, and the engagement rings. These items, except for the rings, often fade into memory after the big day. Through photography, you can immortalize them to share with loved ones later.

Other elements captured included the bride’s special footwear, her choice of jewelry, and the dresses worn by the bridesmaids. Following this, I snapped some pictures of the bride and her bridesmaids enjoying a pre-wedding toast before proceeding with their hair and makeup. The atmosphere was filled with joy, culminating in a touching first-look moment between the bride, her bridesmaids, and her father after she was dressed.

Then I captured prewedding portraits of the bride and bridesmaids. It included gorgeous pastel-colored love-shaped umbrellas. I then took bridal portraits and pictures of the ring bearer and flower girl before everyone headed to the ceremony location.

Wedding Ceremony

This wedding ceremony took place on the Castle terrace with lovely views of the manicured lawns at Markree Castle. I used my candid photography skills to capture the nuances of the celebration, staying out of the way but still taking pictures. It started with a professional and then the bridal march with Orla escorted by her father.

As their civil service proceeded, I took beautiful pictures of the entire setting, including the impressive castle behind the couple. Then I captured the couple saying their vows and the ring exchange. Orla and Scott also had a hand-binding ceremony, and I documented aspects of that as well.

This couple chose to go with bubbles as their confetti and I loved it so much. They shared a kiss as they were pronounced married and then took a walk together through the rose garden. It was then time for cocktail hour and the wedding day photoshoot.

Wedding Day Photo shoot with Bride and Groom and Wedding Party / Cocktail Hour

We started this wedding day photoshoot right next to the castle walls while the guests had a cocktail hour. We took a walk down the beautiful winding gravel road of the estate while I took wedding day pictures of them. They looked so beautiful and in love.

Next, we took pictures of the landscaped forests before taking group pictures of the bride and bridesmaids and then the groom and groomsmen. Then the couple returned to join guests at the cocktail hour. They shared drinks and had conversations and I also took pictures of their pet and also group pictures.

Another thing I loved capturing during cocktail hour was the setup for the wedding reception. The chandeliers, flowers, and table settings all looked splendid. I loved how every detail followed a similar theme and the coordination of all their décor details.

Unique Luxury Irish Castle Wedding Sligo

Wedding Reception

The Johnsons had a gorgeous indoor wedding celebration in the luxurious Markree Castle. As a Sligo wedding photographer, I love when indoor spaces are well lit and this space was perfect. Guests had a great time with the speeches, including a thank-you speech by Scott.

The wedding celebration also featured a surprise performance by Tone Cold Sober, a lovely singing group from Sligo. But this was after the couple cut their wedding cake with a sword (Yes, you read that right). It was truly a time to remember.

As I mentioned earlier, I loved the architecture of this place so I took some indoor photos of the couple. I especially loved their chapel photos with the stained windows as a backdrop. Then I captured them on the dancefloor for their first dance.

Soon enough Orla and Scott were joined by their loved ones as the live band played fun dance music. I took pictures of everyone having fun on the dancefloor before finally calling it a night.

Final Words

I loved being the Sligo wedding photographer at Orla and Scott’s Markree Castle wedding. This celebration had lots of personal details which I enjoyed documenting. I also loved that the couple and their guests had a wonderful time. Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day Orla and Scott. I wish you both the very best now and always.

One could hardly imagine a more beautiful venue for a wedding; the countryside location and the relaxed atmosphere contribute to making Markree Castle the ideal location to celebrate any couple’s dream day.