Belleek Castle Wedding – Emily and Joey

Belleek Castle wedding destination for a unique Irish Castle wedding – from a photographer.

Belleek Castle -a Mayo wedding story

It is always lovely when you get to photography another family wedding. When a family invites you back to capture another very special day in their lives. I had the honour of photographing Emily’s sister Andrea’s wedding at the Maryborough Hotel back in 2023. And this time it was Emily and Joey’s turn to say their “I do”s at the stunning Belleek Castle.

Placed along the banks of the River Erne, Belleek Castle both timeless and sophicticated setting. It is a venue steeped in romance and refinement. Every detail, from the riverside views and ornate turrets to the elegant and authentic reception rooms, whispers authentic Castle wedding. Thus making Belleek Castle a storybook experience brought to life.

Getting ready at your very own castle

Emily and Joey who hail from Dublin chose to get ready at the Castle as well. This added a real relaxed vibe to their day. And allowed me to document both of their preparations. From Emily’s hair and makeup preparations and beautiful details to Joey relaxing and easing pre-wedding nerves with a drink with his friends and groomsmen. Denise Ford styled Emilys hair, leaving it down which worked so well with Emily’s gown with its basque waist and modern twist from the Suite Bride. The girls all looked radiant with makeup Sarah Dineen on the day.

I loved all of Emily’s deatils from her flowers by Judi from Balla Florists to the blue and white tones of their very unique wedding invitations. Everything was just perfect and so well considered.

Black bridesmaids dresses are always so elegant and a real editorial look.

The ceremony space at Belleek Castle

The ceremony space at Belleek Castle is such a beautiful setting. The rustic cream walls and crystal chandeliers teamed with the flittering candles and a real sense of authenticity to and Irish Castle wedding. the whole space is styled so beautifully. And the ceremony was just equisite, exactly a reflection of what Emily and Joey wanted – just the right amount of sentiment mixed with good humour, so that everyone felt the importance of why they were there and really enjoyed the ceremony as well.

Irish Castle wedding drinks reception

The setting for the drinks reception was wow. You have the beautiful interiors of the Castle as well as the grounds of Belleek Castle drenched in sunshine for the afternoon. And what a location for bridal portraits as well. Emily, Joey and I snuck away for a short time from the drinks reception, followed the meandering steps behind the Castle and stopped for portraits along the way. We really were spoiled.

The interiors for the evening meal and entertainment are so well done at Belleek. The ballroom in the cellar has a real Castle vibe decorated beautifully in monochrome by Emily and Joey with thoughtful details such a their mirror welcome sign, pretty place cards and table signs and guest telephone for everyone to leave voice messages for the couple. I loved this idea compared to a guestbook as it is so lovely to hear the messages from everyone instead of just reading them.

Emily changed things up just before the dancing and changed into a shorter dress to dance the night away but not before some more portraits in the bar, Emily’s favourite part of the Castle and then it was off to the first dance and the real party!

For more castle wedding inspirations, I have a post here with 4 dream castle wedding destinations in Ireland. Or if you would like to see more of my wedding couples there is a Waterford Castle wedding here for you. Or another winter Waterford Castle Wedding here