Tinakilly House Wedding Photography – A Complete Guide
The History and Charm of Tinakilly House
Fun fact: Tinakilly House is a Victorian manor built in the 1870s by Captain Robert Halpin, commander of the ship that laid the first transatlantic telegraph cable. The house was designed to impress, with grand reception rooms, high ceilings, and gorgeous period features.
What makes Tinakilly House incredibly special for weddings (other than the architecture) is the seven acres of gardens and woodlands that surround it. Ancient trees form natural archways, lawns roll gently towards the house and quiet paths wind through shaded corners. These gardens have an established, timeless quality that no amount of styling could replicate. It’s just nature doing it’s thing, beautifully.
The venue is located just outside Rathnew in County Wicklow less than an hour from Dublin. It feels like an escape without being remote making it easy for guests to travel while still giving you that countryside vibe. For larger celebrations, Tinakilly offers a marquee that extends your reception space in a way that feels connected to the house and gardens rather than separate from them.
Ceremony Options at Tinakilly House
Tinakilly House gives couples flexibility when planning their ceremony:
Catholic ceremonies: Many couples marry at St. Joseph’s Church in Glenealy, about ten minutes away. This gorgeous church has beautiful stained glass and traditional charm.
Civil and humanist ceremonies: Tinakilly is licensed for on-site ceremonies, so you can legally marry without leaving the venue. Guests love this for the ease because once they arrive on site ,they’re set up for the day.
Outdoor ceremonies: The gardens at Tinakilly are an incredible setting.
Ceremonies beneath the trees or on the lawns with the house as a backdrop don’t need much decoration. A simple arch and seating are all you need to complement the natural beauty.
Symbolic ceremonies: From handfastings to blessings, the grounds provide endless options for creative, personal touches.
When the weather works an outdoor ceremony here feels incredibly special And if it doesn’t the interiors of the house offer beautifully elegant indoor alternatives.
If you are thinking about Tinakilly House weddings, this is the guide for you. It brings together everything we have learned as local wedding photographers who have had the pleasure of working here several times a year for the past 10 years. We are Kheffache Studios: Annie, Kevin, and Aaron and we specialise in relaxed, documentary coverage that shows the real story of your day.
Over the years, we have photographed wonderful couples at Tinakilly House and we know every corner of this beautiful estate. This guide shares everything you need to know, from ceremony options and reception spaces to costs, guest experience and the best locations for photos. You will also find real wedding inspiration and planning tips that will hopefully inspire you for your own Tinakilly House wedding
Reception Spaces and Atmosphere
The reception spaces at Tinakilly adapt easily to different guest numbers and styles. The main house offers period dining rooms for intimate weddings. For larger parties, the marquee becomes a versatile option that connects the house and gardens.
Couples often use the house for the drinks reception, spill out onto the lawns for games (and occasionally ice cream vans. Top tip: Teddy’s love it here!) and then move into the marquee for dinner and dancing. This natural flow keeps energy high and the atmosphere relaxed.
Evening celebrations at Tinakilly often have a festival quality. Festoon lights transform the gardens into a twilight party space. The dancefloor usually spills outdoors and sparklers are often part of the first dance.
Guest Experience at Tinakilly House
Your guests’ experience is one of Tinakilly’s strengths.
Accommodation: Rooms in the main house and surrounding buildings allow family and friends to stay overnight. Sharing breakfast the next morning extends the celebration in a natural way.
Food and service: The kitchen team is great. Menus can be tailored to your tastes and always deliver on both presentation and flavour. Service is professional yet personal, which creates a relaxed flow to the day.
Atmosphere: Guests describe Tinakilly weddings as warm, welcoming, and easy to enjoy. The balance of indoor and outdoor space means people never feel crowded, and there is always something to explore.
Tinakilly House Wedding Cost Guide
Tinakilly House typically prices weddings on a per-person basis. Costs vary with the season, day of the week, guest numbers, and package details.
Peak summer Saturdays are the most expensive dates.
Midweek or shoulder-season weddings offer better value.
Packages often include ceremony setup, drinks reception, multi-course dining with wine, and exclusive use of the house and marquee.
Accommodation for the couple and sometimes close family is usually included.
Expect a broad range, but most couples find the value strong compared to other luxury venues. What you are paying for is not just food and space but exclusive use of a historic manor, gardens, and accommodation that let your wedding feel like a private retreat.
Best Photo Locations at Tinakilly House
As photographers, Tinakilly House is a dream. Some of our favourite locations include:
Front of the house: Elegant, symmetrical backdrop for portraits and family photos.
Gardens: Mature trees, dappled light, and secluded paths for romantic images.
Woodlands: Atmospheric and private, ideal for candid couple portraits.
Lawns: Perfect for mingling shots, games, and candid guest moments.
Outdoor dance area: Lit with sparklers or festoon lights, this space creates striking night images.
Planning a Tinakilly House wedding and want a relaxed, unobtrusive approach to your photos? See Anne and Andrew’s full celebration here.
Real Wedding Stories at Tinakilly House
One of our favourite Tinakilly House weddings was Anne and Andrew’s summer celebration. Their day felt like a garden festival with outdoor vows, ice cream, lawn games, and a sparkler-lit first dance.
They wanted a relaxed vibe that allowed their friends and family to reconnect. The photos reflect that atmosphere: guests laughing in the sunshine, children running across the lawns, and a dancefloor glowing with colour late into the night.
“We are blown away… how you are able to replicate feelings past felt through the medium of a camera is mind blowing.” — Anne & Andrew
You can read their full story and see more photographs in our Tinakilly House wedding blog.
Tips for Planning a Tinakilly Wedding
Seasons: May to September offer the best chance for outdoor elements. Winter weddings bring cosy interiors and dramatic weather.
Weather planning: Always have a backup for outdoor ceremonies. Indoor alternatives are beautiful, so you will not lose atmosphere if plans change.
Guest flow: Allow time between ceremony, drinks, and dinner. Guests love exploring the grounds, and unscheduled time creates candid moments.
Personal touches: Lawn games, outdoor bars, live music, and food trucks all work beautifully at Tinakilly.
Vendors: Choose suppliers who know the venue or are willing to visit. Experience matters for getting the most from the grounds and the light.
Thinking about your own Tinakilly wedding? Get in touch with us to talk through your plans.
Why Choose Kheffache Studios as Your Tinakilly House Wedding Photographer
We specialise in documentary wedding photography. That means real moments over rigid poses. Our style is relaxed and unobtrusive, letting your day unfold naturally while we capture it beautifully.
We know Tinakilly House well: where the light falls best, which corners are most private, and how to work with the flow of the day. This familiarity means you get timeless images without losing time with your guests.
If you value authentic storytelling, we would love to be part of your Tinakilly House wedding. Contact us here to check availability and start a conversation.
Your Tinakilly House Wedding Awaits
Tinakilly House offers something rare: historic character combined with modern flexibility. Whether you imagine a small garden ceremony or a large celebration that flows between house, marquee, and lawns, the venue provides the setting and service to bring your vision to life.
As photographers, we love documenting weddings here because the setting, atmosphere, and couples who choose Tinakilly always create beautiful stories.
If you are planning a Tinakilly House wedding and want it captured with warmth and authenticity, get in touch with us today. We would be honoured to tell your story.
ALso, feel free to check out ANne & ANdrews real wedding blog to see how a full Tinakilly House wedding will flow HERE
If you like the feel of Tinakilly, you mighte also love the Station House Hotel wedding photographer guide which covers everything about this Meath favourite.
CHECK A TINAKILLY HOUSE FEATURED WEDDING
Tinakilly House Wedding FAQs
How many guests can Tinakilly House accommodate?
Tinakilly can host weddings from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations of around 180 guests, depending on the spaces used.
Where are the best spots for wedding photos at Tinakilly House?
The front façade, gardens, woodlands, and outdoor dance area all provide unique and beautiful settings for photography.
How far is Tinakilly House from Dublin?
It is about 50 kilometres south of Dublin, roughly an hour’s drive.
What accommodation is available onsite?
Rooms in the main house and nearby buildings range from doubles to suites. Wedding packages often include accommodation for the couple and close family
Can you include outdoor elements at Tinakilly weddings?
Yes. Outdoor ceremonies, drinks receptions, games, and even dancing under sparklers are all possible.
Is Tinakilly House exclusive use?
Yes. Booking gives you private use of the house and grounds for your celebration but you shuold check this with the venue.
Can Tinakilly House host outdoor ceremonies?
Yes. The gardens are licensed for ceremonies and provide stunning natural backdrops.
Why choose Kheffache Studios as your Tinakilly House wedding photographer
We capture the real story of your day with experience, creativity, and a relaxed approach that suits Tinakilly’s atmosphere perfectly.