Ireland Elopement Packages: What Should Be Included? A Guide for American & Canadian Couples

If you're planning an elopement or small destination wedding in Ireland from the USA or Canada, one of the first things you'll probably search for is Ireland elopement packages.

But comparing packages isn't always straightforward.

Two packages with similar prices can include very different services, and the cheapest starting price isn't necessarily the least expensive option once everything required for the wedding day is added.

Having planned weddings and elopements throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland since 2014, we've put together some practical advice on what American and Canadian couples should look for when comparing Ireland elopement packages.

What is normally included in an Ireland elopement package?

• Elopement or wedding planning
• Ceremony location
• Photographer
• Officiant or solemnizer
• Bridal bouquet and boutonniere
• Hair and makeup
• Ceremony music
• Wedding transportation
• Videographer
• Assistance with the Irish legal marriage process
• Backup arrangements for outdoor ceremonies

Some packages include most of these services, while others provide only a ceremony location and a small number of vendors.

That makes it important to compare what is actually included rather than simply comparing the headline price.

How much do Ireland elopement packages cost?

There isn't one standard price.

For a simple couple-only elopement, packages can start from approximately €2,400–€3,500, while more comprehensive packages involving premium locations, additional photography, videography, transportation and other services can cost €5,000–€9,000+.

Guest numbers can also affect the overall cost.

A couple traveling alone will obviously have different requirements from a destination wedding with 20 or 30 guests.

Are there all-inclusive elopement packages in Ireland?

• Planning fees
• Location fees
• Photographer
• Officiant
• Flowers
• Hair and makeup
• Transportation
• Ceremony music
• Legal marriage assistance
• Taxes or other charges

You should also check whether you are tied to specific vendors or whether you have flexibility to choose the photographer, officiant and other suppliers you prefer.

Can Americans and Canadians legally marry in Ireland?

Yes.

You do not need to be an Irish citizen or resident to legally marry in Ireland.

For marriages taking place in the Republic of Ireland, couples normally need to give at least three months' notification of their intention to marry and complete the required process with Ireland's Civil Registration Service.

Most of the preparation can be completed from overseas, although couples will need to attend a meeting with the Registrar in Ireland before the wedding (usually 2 or 3 days).

Northern Ireland has a different legal marriage system, so don't assume the paperwork or requirements are the same if you're considering locations there.

Should legal marriage assistance be included?

For American and Canadian couples, we'd recommend choosing a planner who is familiar with weddings involving overseas couples.

There are dates, documents, appointments and ceremony requirements to coordinate, and these are much easier to understand when you're dealing with someone locally who regularly works with international couples.

Even when couples complete the official paperwork themselves, their planner should be able to explain the process and coordinate the wedding arrangements around it.

What should I ask about the ceremony location?

A beautiful photograph doesn't tell you everything you need to know about a location.

Ask:

Is the location public or private?

Some famous Irish locations can be busy with visitors, while others offer much greater privacy.

Is there a location or permit fee?

Don't assume access is included in the package.

How accessible is it?

This becomes particularly important if parents, grandparents or guests with limited mobility are attending.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Ireland's weather is part of its character, but every outdoor wedding should have a realistic weather plan.

Ask exactly what happens if conditions aren't suitable for your original ceremony location.

Should photography be included?

Photography is one of the most important things to compare between Ireland elopement packages.

Don't just ask whether a photographer is included.

Ask how many hours of photography are included.

Two hours may be sufficient for a very simple ceremony and portraits, whereas four hours or more gives considerably more flexibility for traveling between locations, getting-ready photographs, a pub stop or exploring the surrounding countryside.

You should also ask to see the photographer's portfolio before booking.

Can we customize an Ireland elopement package?

This is another important question.

Some couples want the simplest possible wedding: a beautiful Irish location, officiant, photographer and flowers.

Others want hair and makeup, a chauffeur, traditional Irish musicians, videography, a wedding cake, dinner and perhaps a celebration with 20 or 30 guests.

Look for a package that can be adapted rather than paying for services you don't actually want.

Do we need an Ireland-based wedding planner?

You don't have to use a wedding planner, but planning locally can make a significant difference when you're organizing everything from thousands of miles away.

An Ireland-based elopement planner should understand the locations, travel times, weather considerations, local vendors, ceremony logistics and legal requirements involved.

They should also be available locally if something changes before or during your wedding.

What are the best locations for an Ireland elopement?

• Atlantic sea cliffs
• Ancient castle ruins
• Historic Irish castles
• Medieval and woodland ruins
• Country houses
• Mountains and lakes
• Beaches
• Gardens
• Traditional Irish pubs
• Private estates

For American and Canadian couples, it's often better to decide on the type of experience you want first rather than immediately choosing the most famous location.

Do you want dramatic scenery? Privacy? An ancient ruin? Easy access for guests? Somewhere close to accommodation? Or somewhere completely wild and remote?

Those answers can narrow down the options very quickly.

How far in advance should we book an Ireland elopement package?

For popular dates and locations, we'd recommend beginning the process well in advance, particularly if you're traveling with guests.

However, smaller elopements can sometimes be arranged on much shorter timelines.

The important thing is to confirm availability for the location and essential vendors before committing to flights and accommodation around a particular wedding date.

Ireland elopement package checklist

Before booking, make sure you know:

What's included in the advertised price?

Are there additional location or access fees?

How many hours of photography are included?

Can you choose or approve your vendors?

Can the package be customized?

Is assistance with the legal marriage process provided?

What is the backup plan for bad weather?

Who coordinates everything on the wedding day?

Does the planner actually operate from Ireland?

Getting clear answers to those questions makes comparing Ireland elopement packages considerably easier.

Planning an elopement in Ireland from the USA or Canada

We've been planning weddings and elopements throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland since 2014, helping couples organize their celebrations from overseas before they ever arrive in Ireland.

Today, Eloping in Ireland has planned more than 1,500 celebrations, with experience ranging from couple-only ceremonies to intimate destination weddings with family and friends.

If you're still at the research stage, our How to Elope in Ireland guide explains locations, costs, legal requirements, planning timelines and many of the questions couples ask when starting to plan from the USA or Canada:

https://elopinginireland.ie/how-to-elope-in-ireland/

You can also explore our Ireland elopement packages and locations here:

https://elopinginireland.ie/

If you're considering getting married in Ireland and aren't sure where to start, feel free to ask a question below. We're always happy to offer some local advice.

Love from Ireland,

Stephen & Roisin
Eloping in Ireland

E-mail: hello@elopinginireland.ie
Call toll-free: 1-800-481-4055 (USA & Canada only)
Text toll-free: 1-833-210-7193 (USA & Canada only)