Tips for planning a Cliffs of Moher Wedding, Elopement or Vow Renewal
The iconic Cliffs of Moher is a stunning location for a small wedding, a romantic elopement, or an intimate vow renewal. The challenge in planning a destination wedding in Ireland is in all the details - where exactly to have the ceremony, how long does it take to drive from here to there, where do you stay the night before or the night after, where should you have the wedding dinner?
Organising the details can be overwhelming, but don’t worry - I’m here to help.
As a wedding photographer in Co Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are one of my favourite places to photograph, and I have a few special places that are dear to my heart. We also take many family vacations in Clare, so aside from the stunning Cliffs, we also know some of the favourite local spots for food, drink, relaxation and fun.
Locations: where to have your ceremony at the Cliffs of Moher
Liscannor Cliff Walk
The Cliffs of Moher stretch from Liscannor to Doolin, and there is a walkway that will take you the whole length. Along that pathway, there are several places with a bit a room and a view. At the moment, there are a few places that are closed for safety, but between O’Brien’s Tower and Hag’s Head is a beautiful, safe, 2 hour walk filled with stunning views.
Hags Head
My favourite place is a bit down the path from Hags Head. For a small fee, the owner’s of the land will let you drive up to the cliffs edge and there, tucked away into the cliff’s edge is a clear space, with a small stone table, and views that take your breath away
But if you need more room, walk along the edge and up to the field where the Atlantic Ocean stretches away before you and on a clear day you can see the Aran Islands.
Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center & O’Brien’s Tower
If you’re looking for the classic “Cliffs of Moher” picture, the three layers of cliffs, the famous O’Brien’s Tower, then the visitor center is perfect. It’s easy to access, has loads of room, is an easier walk for people with mobility issues (like special grannies or little kids) and is safe. It can be very busy.
But it’s perfect for sunrise or sunset, and during the off season
Other locations for small wedding ceremonies at the Cliffs of Moher are at Geurin’s Path, the Visitor’s Centre, & Doolin
Other Elopement, Vow Renewal &
Intimate Wedding Locations in Co Clare
Although the Cliffs of Moher are a beautiful place for a wedding, there are so many other places to get married in Co Clare - especial if you’re looking for somewhere private & quiet with the wild feel of the Atlantic Ocean all around you.
SPANISH POINT BEACH
LAHINCH
WHITESTRAND, MILTOWN MALBAY
These are some of my favourite places to take pictures in Co. Clare, and are all places that are a little less well known but very much loved by locals.
Celebrants for a Cliffs of Moher Ceremony
There are many celebrants & services offering elopements, handfasting ceremonies, vow renewals and intimate weddings at the Cliffs of Moher and along the Wild Atlantic Way. Here are a few places to get you started:
Where to Eat near the Cliffs of Moher
DUBLIN/LIMERICK SIDE
If you’re coming from or going to Cork, Kerry, Limerick, or even Dublin (basically the East of Ireland) you’ll find the following places will fit your itinerary:
Ennistymon (20 minutes from the Cliffs/an hour from Limerick)
The Falls Hotel
VL Resteraunt
Lahinch (15 minutes from the Cliffs / an hour from Limerick
Vaughns Seafood - overlooking the water with a wide variety of food
RanDaddys - more modern food, great view over the water, excellent pizza
Miltown Malbay (20 minutes from the Cliffs/an hour from Limerick)
Nothing fancy, but very “real” Ireland
We love Cogan’s Pub
Spanish Point Beach (20 minutes from the Cliffs/an hour from Limerick)
The Armada Hotel - a stunning hotel & restaurant overlooking the water with a cozy pub in the back.
The Bellbridge Hotel - a traditional but very locals-friendly hotel & restaurant with traditional food and music. Gorgeous casual outside area during the summer.
Ennis: about 30 minutes from Limerick and 30 minutes from the cliffs, Ennis is Co Clare’s main city. Here you will find so many options for food, accomodation, but also details like… florists, musicians, celebrants, etc. It makes an excellent stop to or from your destination.
GALWAY / WEST OF IRELAND SIDE
If you’re coming from or going to the West of Ireland - Doolin, Galway, Sligo, Mayo, Donegal, then check out these places
Doolin (about 15 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher visitor center/1 hour from Galway)
Oar - Michelen Star
Wild Honey Inn
Stonecutter’s Cottage
Fitz’s Pub
Russel’s Seafood Bar
Other villages in the area: Fanore, Ballyvaughn, Lisdoonvarna
Where to Stay near the Cliffs of Moher
There are so many places to stay that making a list would be a bit overwhelming. And I’ve rarely heard anything disappointing. But I do know that if you want somewhere very private, not far from the beaches, the Cliffs of Moher, and in the most lovely country spot, then you have to check out THE GIANT’S COTTAGE.
This newly renovated family cottage has charm, convenience, history, and the nicest owners you could want. Tell them Marie referred you and find them here.
