Wilton Castle, a hidden gem in County Wexford, is the perfect destination for a fairytale wedding. As a wedding photographer, I recently had the pleasure of working at this enchanting Irish castle for the first time, and it was an unforgettable experience.
The wedding was a destination castle wedding for an American couple, Annie and Michael, who travelled to Ireland to make their dream of an Irish castle wedding come true.
The Perfect Setting for Your Dream Irish Castle Wedding
Wilton Castle offers an idyllic setting that combines old-world elegance with modern comforts. This 12th-century Irish castle, steeped in history, has been lovingly restored to provide a unique and memorable experience for you and your guests.
This content is borrowed from the official Wilton Castle website.
Nestled on the scenic banks of the Boro River in County Wexford, Wilton Castle offers a serene escape surrounded by lush parkland and tranquil woodlands. With roots dating back to 1247, when the first fortified tower was erected, the castle has been an integral part of the local landscape for centuries.
Renowned for its longstanding tradition of hospitality, Wilton Castle became a beloved destination in the 1800s. In 1852, a visitor remarked that “not only are strangers welcomed to explore the grounds, but even their horses are well cared for.”
Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Wilton Castle can comfortably accommodate 60 to 70 guests.
This makes it ideal for couples looking to share their special day with close friends and family. The castle’s versatile spaces, including the beautiful courtyard, lush gardens, and elegant indoor rooms, offer various options for your ceremony, reception, and wedding photography.
A Royal Experience at Your Irish Castle Wedding
At Wilton Castle, every detail is designed to make you feel like royalty. You’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and personalized service from the moment you arrive. The dedicated team at Wilton Castle is committed to making your wedding day as stress-free and magical as possible.
For Annie and Michael’s wedding, Bernie from Elevate Weddings and Events was the wedding planner, bringing her expertise to ensure that every detail was perfectly executed.
Learn more about Bernie and her services at Elevate Weddings and Events. The wedding coordinator, Bernie, can also be reached at info@elevateweddingsandevents.ie for those interested in planning their dream wedding at Wilton Castle.
Here’s a look at the talented team that helped make this Irish castle wedding magical:
- Florist: Lennie Wall – info@wallflower.ie
- Makeup: Anita Conroy – anitaconroymakeup@gmail.com
- Hair: Rebecca Cooper – rebeccacooperhmua@gmail.com
- Band (ceremony and drinks reception): The Wild Turkeys – thewildturkeys2011@gmail.com
- DJ: info@djsandmore.ie
- Catering: Catering 365 – deiric@catering365.ie
- Wedding Photographer – DKPHOTO
This team of professionals ensured that the wedding was extraordinary, bringing their skills and creativity to every aspect of the event.
Wedding Dress tips:
https://www.dkphoto.ie/bride-guide/11-tips-brides-guide-selecting-wedding-dress/
A Special Moment: The “First Touch” Instead of a First Look
One of the most touching moments of Annie and Michael’s wedding was their decision to have a “First Touch” instead of a traditional “First Look.” About an hour before the ceremony, they held hands around a corner, not seeing each other but feeling the connection and anticipation of the coming moment. It was a beautiful, intimate experience that allowed them to share a private moment without breaking the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony.
They shared a shot of Irish whiskey to make the moment even more unique, symbolizing their union and adding a uniquely Irish touch to their day. This thoughtful gesture was a perfect way to calm any pre-wedding nerves and celebrate their love in the heart of Ireland.
Timeline Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding Day
As a wedding photographer, I love capturing first looks or first touches—they provide an intimate moment that can add much emotion to your wedding day. However, it’s essential to plan accordingly.
If you’re considering a first look or touch, you must be fully dressed and ready at least 1.5 hours before the ceremony. This allows for the moment to happen about an hour before the ceremony begins, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Discussing this timing with your makeup artist and hairstylist well in advance is crucial. Ensuring they know this timeline will help everything run smoothly on your big day.
For more detailed timeline tips and advice on planning the perfect wedding day schedule, check out my Bride Guide: Wedding Day Timeline on my website.
Luxurious Accommodations at Your Irish Castle Wedding
Wilton Castle offers luxurious accommodations that will make your wedding experience even more special. The castle boasts a selection of beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each with its unique character and charm. Wake up to stunning views of the castle grounds and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the grand dining room before preparing for your big day.
Your guests will also have a memorable stay with comfortable accommodations and access to the castle’s many amenities. The castle’s convenient location, close to the market town of Ross-on-Wye, means your guests can easily explore the local area before or after your wedding.
Capture the Magic of Your Irish Castle Wedding with Stunning Photography
One of the highlights of a wedding at Wilton Castle is the opportunity to capture the magic of your special day with stunning photography. The castle’s historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and scenic surroundings provide endless possibilities for breathtaking wedding photos.
Whether you take photos by the river, in the castle’s elegant interiors, or against the backdrop of the castle’s ancient walls, you’ll have a collection of images you and your loved ones will treasure forever.
Make Your Fairytale Wedding a Reality at an Irish Castle
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and Wilton Castle is the perfect Irish castle venue to make it truly unforgettable. With its enchanting setting, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional service, Wilton Castle offers everything you need to create the fairytale wedding of your dreams.
If you’re still exploring options for your perfect castle wedding venue, you might find inspiration in my blog post on Ireland’s Top 18 Castle Dream Wedding Venues. It features some of Ireland’s most beautiful and sought-after castles, including Wilton Castle.
Start planning your dream wedding at Wilton Castle today. Contact the castle’s experienced team to learn more about their wedding packages and schedule a private venue tour. Your fairytale wedding awaits at Wilton Castle, your dream Irish castle.
Wilton Castle Fairytale Wedding
Would you like to book a photographer for your Castle Wedding in Ireland?
Call me now at 087 780 7297 or by email – contact.
