Getting Married at the Cliffs of Moher
Having your marriage ceremony at the Cliffs of Moher is a dream for many people - standing on the edge of the world, the Atlantic ocean below, the breathtaking cliffs all around you, nothing is quite like it. But there are some important things you should know when planning an elopement or a destination wedding at the Cliffs of Moher.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s greatest natural wonders, and are under the protection and care of the state and the people who own the land bordering the cliff edge. There are only a few main access points, and they each have their own advantages and drawbacks. If you’d like to get married at the Cliffs of Moher, here’s what you need to know.
HAG’S HEAD & MOHER TOWER WEDDINGS
This is, by far, my favourite place to photograph elopements, vow renewals, intimate wedding ceremonies and destination weddings in Ireland. It is rugged, windy, and real - no barriers, nothing in your way. Because there are far fewer people who even know about this hidden gem, your wedding ceremony will be private and intimate, and the whole landscape is there for the most beautiful wedding photos before, during and after your ceremony.
You can choose to have the wedding ceremony along the cliff’s edge, or if you’re brave, you can venture down to a lower level
and be in the heart of the cliffs
This location is only available through private land access (unless you want to hike the whole edge of the cliffs from Doolin to Lahinch). To get married here, you have to have the permission of the family who owns the land, reserve your date and time, and pay the wedding location fee.
If you’d like to check it out, you can park at the Liscannor Cliff Walk Car Park for a fee of five euro a car. For weddings, the fee allows you to park here, or drive up to the cliffs edge with your guests.
After you park, there are outdoor toilet facilities if you need them
Without driving, it’s a lovely 15 minute walk up to the edge and Moher Tower.
Remember to bring sensible shoes, as it’s rocky, sometimes mucky & a bit slippy. Bare feet can work too.
WEDDING CEREMONIES & WEDDING PHOTOS AT HAGS HEAD
If you are going to wear a wedding dress and take pictures, with or without a celebrant, it is important to reserve a date and a time in advance. They like to make sure that there is only one bride at a time at the cliffs so that each and every couple has their own special memories.
There is another small location that works well if it’s too windy, or if there’s a schedule conflict. And I like this area just as much (or maybe more). It’s quiet and private, sheltered from the wind by a rock edge, has a stone table to use during the ceremony, and breathtaking views.
When you pay for a wedding, you and your guests get to drive straight up to the edge, whether it’s at Moher Tower, or further down at the stone table location. You’ll check in first at the car park before being let through the gates.
THE WEATHER & WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS
It’s Ireland.
Of course there’s a chance it will rain.
And it may be windy (so so windy) and freezing cold. Or, it may be a sunny day.
The thing is, the weather in Ireland in general, and at the Cliffs of Moher is reliably unpredictable, and so you have to make a few contingency plans.
Option 1: Embrace the Rain
Dance and laugh and splash and have memories & photos like no one else has. (Just wear layers & bring something dry to change into).
Option 2: Move to the Cottage
If the weather is just too windy or rainy or cold to have your cliffside ceremony, there is a beautiful cottage with a warm stove that might be a better option. Getting married in an Irish cottage might not be the cliffs, but it will be beautiful, and romantic, unique and so very special.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR WEDDING AT HAGS HEAD
Have layers
Bring layers
Wear layers (yes, this needs to be said 3 x. I know you or your guests have outfits for the occasion, but bring a bag and a scarf, wrap, cardigan and/or coat anyway. The key to enjoying a wedding is being comfortable. You can take layers off, but you’ll be glad to have them if you need them.
Wear sensible shoes - shoes with no or low heels and a bit of grip. Heels sink in the mud and twist on the rocks. If you want heels for some pictures, bring them but also have a back-up pair.
Give yourself time. Your ceremony might short, but give yourself time to enjoy being there, not just for photos, but to drink it all in. Relax, you just got married, enjoy it!
Plan and pre-book your food & drinks after the ceremony.
Ask your photographer (that’s me!) any questions - the more you know, the easier it will all be.
Go with the flow. Ireland has a slower pace of life, and a relaxed attitude toward schedules, plans, and life in general. Less stress, more laughs - at the end of the day, you’ll have a story to tell.
Wedding, engagement, and couples photos at Moher Tower & Hags Head
An Intimate Wedding at the Stone Table in at the Cliffs of Moher
Windy Couples Photos at Hags Head
Wedding Portrait Session at Hags Head
GETTING MARRIED AT THE CLIFF OF MOHER VISITOR CENTRE
Hags Head isn’t for everyone. It’s rocky and muddy and windy, exposed to the elements and there’s nowhere to sit. If you’re looking for an easier, smoother, cleaner wedding, then get in touch with the main visitor center and get married at O’Brien’s Tower.
The visitor centre and O’Brien’s Tower provides the easiest access and the most loved viewpoint of the cliffs. Because it is well paved, with barriers and a cafe, it is easier to see & experience the cliffs. The drawback is that it is a very popular tourist site with little privacy.
Here’s what you need to know about getting married at the Cliffs of Moher visitor Experience:
You must pre-book your tickets and your time slot at the Cliffs of Moher Experience. Since you’re hoping to get married at a tourist highlight in Ireland, expect a tight competition with other couples who are trying to book a slot for a Cliffs of Moher wedding.
Couples can use O’Brien’s Tower for up to 45 minutes.
Legal ceremonies must take place next to O’Brien’s Tower.
Only 10 people are permitted within the tower
You will have access to to the VIP car park with complimentary entry for the celebrant and photographer.
There is a complimentary transport to the tower that must be pre-booked and is limited to 5 people and the schedue is strict.
You can take photos all along the walk
Car parking for guests is in the main car park, and must be booked online in advance. If there are groups of 10 or more, there are different arrangements.
