Tinakilly House Weddings – A Photographer’s Guide to Timeless Romance in Wicklow
There are wedding venues that simply take your breath away the moment you arrive. Tinakilly House is one of them. Nestled on the Wicklow coastline, this 19th-century Italianate mansion is wrapped in history, rolling gardens, and sweeping views of the Irish Sea. Photographing weddings here never feels like “work” – it’s a dream setting that seems to invite romance into every frame.
Why Tinakilly House Is So Special
Tinakilly isn’t just a wedding venue, it’s an experience. The tree-lined drive opens up to manicured lawns, towering oaks, and that grand Victorian façade that whispers elegance before you’ve even stepped inside. Inside, period drawing rooms give a sense of heritage and intimacy, while the newer extensions open into bright, airy spaces designed for modern celebrations. It’s that blend of history and contemporary luxury that makes Tinakilly so versatile for weddings big or small.
For me as a photographer, the variety of backdrops here is unmatched:
Golden-hour portraits in the gardens with the sea just visible in the distance.
Candid champagne moments on the terrace.
The timeless romance of the drawing rooms with their tall windows and antique details.
And of course, the grand staircase – an icon of Tinakilly weddings.
A Day at Tinakilly – Through My Lens
Weddings at Tinakilly have a unique rhythm. Mornings start with laughter in the bridal suite – spacious enough for hair, makeup, and a full bridal party without ever feeling cramped. By the time guests arrive, the house feels alive, filled with the buzz of anticipation.
Ceremonies can be held indoors in the bright and elegant Garden Suite, or outdoors in the gardens when the Irish weather plays along. I’ve seen couples exchange vows under a canopy of leaves with birdsong in the background – pure magic.
The evening usually moves seamlessly into the Captain’s Veranda or the Pavilion, both spaces designed with atmosphere and flow in mind. The dancefloor always seems packed here, which makes for unforgettable documentary photographs of guests letting go and celebrating in style.
Photography Tips for Couples Choosing Tinakilly
If you’re considering Tinakilly for your wedding, here are a few things I’ve learned from photographing here:
Golden hour is unbeatable – plan your timeline to sneak out for ten minutes just before sunset. The gardens glow.
Don’t forget the staircase – it’s a classic spot for portraits and works beautifully for group shots too.
The drawing rooms are perfect for winter weddings – cosy fires, rich colours, and an atmosphere that feels warm and intimate.
Consider the Pavilion for dancing – it’s bright, spacious, and makes every first dance feel cinematic.
Why I Love Photographing Tinakilly Weddings
Every couple I’ve worked with here has left with a gallery of images that feel both timeless and deeply personal. There’s a calmness about Tinakilly that allows people to relax – and when couples are relaxed, the photographs tell their story honestly and beautifully.
As a documentary photographer, I thrive on capturing real moments: the quiet nerves, the burst of laughter, the hand squeezes under the table. At Tinakilly, those moments happen naturally in a setting that already feels like it belongs in a storybook.
Planning Your Own Tinakilly Wedding?
If Tinakilly House has captured your imagination (and it will), my advice is simple: visit it in person. Walk the gardens, step into the drawing rooms, stand at the top of the staircase and picture yourself there. You’ll understand why it’s one of Wicklow’s most loved wedding venues.
And if you’re searching for a photographer who knows Tinakilly inside out – who can capture its beauty while making sure the real heart of the day, your connection, shines through – I’d love to chat.
Get in touch here to check availability for your Tinakilly House wedding.