Imagine yourself standing hand-in-hand with your partner, exploring ancient basalt columns and towering ocean cliffs, listening to crashing ocean waves and sheep across the rolling green hills. A wild, wonderful adventure that’s completely yours.
That’s what eloping on Causeway Coast feels like.
This stretch of Northern Ireland’s coast is a dramatic and wildly romantic place to get married: from the castle ruins to the rocky coves, it feels like you’ve been transported to a fantasy realm.
Whether you’re dreaming of sunrise vows at the Giant’s Causeway or a windswept ceremony overlooking Dunluce Castle, this guide has everything you need to know to elope on the Causeway Coast. Let’s dive in.
1. What Makes the Causeway Coast Perfect for Elopements
There’s a reason this coastline is visited by millions every year and continues to show up in so many movies and TV shows.
Wild Nature and Historic Beauty
From the iconic, hexagonal stones at Giant’s Causeway to the epic walls of Dunluce Castle and the even the soft stretch of White Rocks Beach, this is a landscape straight out of a fairytale.
Compact Geography
Something that makes eloping here so convenient is that everything’s within a 30-minute drive. You can start your day at Dunseverik Castle, say your vows at Dunluce, and end with sunset at Giant’s Causeway, without hours of travel in between.
A Romantic and Cinematic Vibe
If you’ve ever watched Game of Thrones, then you’ve actually already seen a lot of the Causeway Coast. The landscapes are moody, dramatic, and amazingly photogenic. Everything from the sweeping cliffs to ancient ruins, and skies that shift from stormy grey to soft pink in a matter of minutes.
2. Best Places to Elope on the Causeway Coast
Picking your ceremony spot might just be the most fun part of the planning. Here are some of our favorite locations, from iconic landmarks to more out-of-the-way spots.
Giant’s Causeway
The most famous spot of the Causeway coast. Those basalt columns are even more impressive in person, and if you arrive at sunrise or late evening, you’ll beat a lot of the mid-day crowds. The dramatic rock formations and crashing waves make for unforgettable photos. Just be prepared for either a shuttle bus with other people, or a short walk from the car park.
Dunluce Castle
These cliff-top ruins are our favorite place on the Causeway coast. Dramatically perched on top of ocean cliffs, Dunluce feels like something out of a fantasy book. (In fact this castle is thought to be the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ Cair Paravel in the Cronicles of Narnia!) The castle grounds are open to the public, but early mornings or late afternoons offer more privacy. The best part is that you can book the field next the castle completely to yourself to have your ceremony and take photos!
Ballintoy Harbour
Once a hidden gem, this rocky cove is now famous after being used as a Game of Thrones filming location. It’s a gorgeous spot that offers lot’s of great photos and a chance to embrace your inner GOT fan. If you’re not visiting for GOT however, we think there are other spots that offer better views and fewer crowds.
Dunseverick Castle
Less famous than Dunluce but right down the road, Dunseverick sits on a dramatic headland overlooking a wide bay. The ruins are smaller, but the views are massive and there’s even more of a sense of wild, untamed beauty because there’s no visitor center or anything like that, just ruins set against the crashing waves. It’s peaceful and feels like your own secret spot of the coast.
White Rocks Beach
You might now think of this when you think of Northern Ireland, but in addition to all the other scenery you can also have soft sand and white cliffs! White Rocks is beautiful year-round and provides a softer, more romantic setting compared to the rockier locations. Perfect for barefoot vows and sunset photos.
Mussenden Temple
This neoclassical temple perched on a clifftop is one of the most unique ceremony spots in Northern Ireland. It’s privately owned but accessible via the National Trust, the setting is elegant and historic, great if you want something a little different for your Northern Ireland elopement.
3. When to Elope on the Causeway Coast
Timing can make or break your elopement experience, especially somewhere as weather-dependent as the Irish coast.
Best Seasons
Late spring into early autumn (May to September) is the best bet for decent weather and longer daylight, but the Causeway Coast is beautiful in every season. Autumn brings moody skies and fewer crowds, and in winter, dramatic light and often total privacy.
Avoiding Crowds
Most locations, and especially The Giant’s Causeway, can get busy from late-morning to late-afternoon, especially in summer. For a more intimate experience, plan a sunrise or sunset ceremony, and have a weekday elopement. Early mornings are especially magical here, you’ll often have entire locations totally to yourselves.
Weather Expectations
Let’s be real here: this is Ireland. Rain is always a possibility, and the wind can be strong. But that’s what you’re here for! In our opinion the weather is part of its magic. Moody skies create incredible photos, and a bit of weather adds drama to your day. Pack layers, bring waterproofs, and embrace whatever the coast throws at you.
4. Expert Tips from the Elopement Photographers: The Chaffins
We’re The Chaffins, award-winning elopement photographers who’ve captured love stories in some of the world’s wildest places, from Northern Ireland and Scotland, to the Dolomites and all over the USA. We specialise in adventurous elopements and we eloped ourselves! Here’s our best advice from our years of experience:
On Timing Your Elopement:
If you want to avoid the crowds, elope in the shoulder season. The Causeway Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the county because of its wild beauty, so if you’re willing to be a bit more chilly in exchange for more privacy while you explore, opt for a time like April or October.
On Embracing the Weather:
The Causeway Coast gets a lot of rain, so prepare for that—and our advice? Embrace it! The rain makes photos look absolutely beautiful and romantic. We’ve photographed multiple elopements in the rain and they always turn out amazing and such an adventure.
On Taking Your Time:
Give yourself plenty of time to explore so you don’t feel rushed. The magic of eloping here is in the freedom to wander, pause, and take it all in together.
On Creating an Authentic Experience:
Invest in an experience that feels authentic to you. This means planning an elopement that incorporates things you love, whether it’s hiking or cheering some Guinness in a pub. And don’t be afraid to spend some of that money you saved by not having a big wedding on creating an unforgettable experience for the two of you.
On Working with the Right Vendors:
Work with vendors that are experienced in elopements whenever possible. Elopements work differently than traditional weddings, especially in a wild place like the Causeway Coast, so work with vendors, from photographers to HMUA and florists, who understand your vision and will help make it a reality.
Check out our elopement photography and contact us on our website: The Chaffins
5. Legal Requirements to Get Married in Northern Ireland
Before you book your ceremony spot, it’s important to understand how marriage works in Northern Ireland.
How to Legally Get Married Here
To legally get married in Northern Ireland, you must first send your completed marriage notice forms and relevant documents to the local registrar at least 28 days before the intended date of the ceremony (though it is recommended to do this 8-10 weeks in advance). You can send the forms by post or deliver them in person, along with identification such as passports and full birth certificates. A fee is required with the application. For further information and contact details, visit the official NI Direct website.
Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremony
Many couples prefer to simply have a legal ceremony back home, and then have a symbolic vow exchange at their dream location on the Causeway coast. You’re totally free this way: no paperwork stress, and you can make every word and every moment personal! We recommend this as it’s a lot easier.
Coming from Abroad?
If you are coming from outside of the UK or Ireland, you will need to check with the General Register Office for Northern Ireland about what documents you will need. Requirements vary depending on your nationality and marital status.
6. How to Get There & Where to Stay
Getting to the Causeway Coast is easier than you might think, and there are some truly lovely places to stay.
Getting There
The nearest airports are Belfast International and George Best Belfast City Airport. From there, it is about an hour’s drive north to the Causeway Coast. Car hire is essential: Public transport is limited, and you will want the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Where to Stay
Accommodation here often looks like cozy cottages or boutique hotels. Here are a few ideas:
Cozy Cottages or Airbnb: Perfect if you want privacy and a homey base. Look to stay near Bushmills, Portballintrae, or Ballycastle, each are within 20 minutes of all the main spots.
Boutique Hotels: Bushmills Inn is charming and historic, while The Distillers Arms offers modern comfort with coastal style. Both are nearby the best locations.
Make sure to stay within 30 minutes of your ceremony spot to minimise travel time on the day and have a cozy base to head back to afterwards.
7. What to Pack for a Causeway Coast Elopement
The weather here is wild, beautiful, and unpredictable so smart packing is key.
Layers: The weather is often changing so pack bridal cardigans, jackets, scarves, or even matching raincoats for photos.
Boots or waterproof shoes: Heels aren’t recommended for windswept ocean cliffs.
Hand warmers, hairpins, and a travel umbrella: Small things like this can make a big difference.
A blanket or picnic set-up: ideal for those cozy post-ceremony photos.
Warm drinks or a flask: Hot chocolate or whiskey, or both!
And don’t forget your sense of adventure. Moody weather makes for gorgeous photos and a fun time, so be sure to roll with it!
Ready to elope on the Causeway Coast?
The Causeway Coast is wild, beautiful, and completely unforgettable. It’s where ancient landscapes and your love story connect, so if you dream of cliffs, castles, and cozy seaside vibes, this is the spot for you!
