Outdoor wedding guests sitting on wooden chairs surrounded by blooming white dogwood trees under a bright blue sky.

Elope to West Cork


There’s just something about elopements that hit different. No big productions, no pressure — just two people, wildly in love, doing things their way. And when the setting is somewhere as peaceful as The Retreat Country House in Bandon, you really can’t go wrong.

Elyssa and Paul eloped from Sacramento California to West Cork with a few family and friends for this amazing day and the sun was here to greet them!

This elopement had all the good stuff — real emotion, stunning light, and the kind of quiet moments that make my job as a wedding photographer feel like the best job in the world. Oh, and a little bonus? We snuck off to Kinsale for some portraits, and let me tell you… coastal light and colourful streets? Yes, please.

Three pairs of brown leather wingtip oxford shoes arranged on a dark wooden surface in a sliding sequence.
Elegant couple in formal attire stands between white columns on grand stone steps of historic building.
Elegant white coastal house with multiple windows and columns features exterior architectural details against blue sky.
A white Georgian style house with symmetrical windows and pink lounge chairs on a manicured lawn.
Newlywed couple stands together against rustic red barn door with white stone wall and trailing lace wedding dress.

The First Look

Just before the ceremony, Elyssa and Paul chose to do a first look in the shaded garden behind the house — and honestly, it was one of the most beautiful moments of the day. The soft dappled light filtering through the trees, the stillness, the anticipation… it all just came together perfectly. You could feel the nerves melt away the second they saw each other. No big crowd, no distractions — just a quiet space where they could take a deep breath, lock eyes, and soak it all in together. As a photographer, these are the kinds of moments I live for — the raw, unfiltered stuff that really tells the story.

Wooden chairs arranged on a sunny lawn in front of a white colonial house with blooming magnolia trees in spring.
A bride in a white lace gown stands elegantly on the steps of a classic columned entrance with potted plants.
A bride in a lace gown waits on a grassy lawn while someone stands in a suit in the foreground.
A couple in wedding attire share an intimate moment outdoors, with the groom wearing a teal suit jacket.
A joyful couple shares a romantic moment on their wedding day in a sunny garden setting with lush greenery.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a garden setting with the person in teal suit kissing their partner's hand.
A couple shares a romantic moment together in a sunlit green park setting during a wedding celebration.
A couple embraces on their wedding day in a lush garden with green trees and a bright blue sky.
A person aims a camera in a green sunny park setting with trees and grass in the background.

The Elopement


The day started slow and calm at The Retreat — birds singing, surrounding family, a couple getting ready in their own time. It was one of the suniest days of the year and for that time of the year in Ireland it was nothing short of magic!

Elyssa & Paul said their vows in the garden, surrounded by greenery and just a few close family members. It was intimate, relaxed, and completely full of heart.

Afterwards, we explored the grounds for some chilled family portraits. This place is made for it — ivy-covered walls, soft light through the trees, and a timeless old-world feel that just works so well in photos.

A bride in a lace wedding gown with long sleeves is captured in a series of elegant getting-ready photos.
A person in a teal suit jacket stands near a window, gazing thoughtfully at natural light streaming in.
A group of friends in elegant dresses raise their glasses in celebration during a special occasion.
A series of wedding preparation candid moments in front of wooden cabinets with red curtains.
Three men in formal suits look at a smartphone during a wedding preparation, standing in front of a wooden armoire.
A vintage pink wedding dress hangs in a window frame, backlit by natural daylight in a cozy room with red curtains.
Chess pieces are arranged in gameplay with a player in contemplative thought beside a sunlit window.
A black and white photograph showing two people in an intimate parlor setting with a large full-length mirror.
Wedding preparations showing multiple brides in white lace dresses getting ready in various rooms of an elegant venue.
People in teal and turquoise attire walking and laughing together in a lush garden setting near a white building.
Two people walking together on a lush green lawn with a white manor house in the background.
A couple celebrates their outdoor wedding ceremony with an officiant near blooming pink flowers in a garden setting.
Wedding celebration outdoors with blooming white rhododendrons in a garden setting on a sunny day.
Outdoor wedding ceremony shows couple exchanging vows in a garden setting with green foliage in background.
A couple shares an intimate moment surrounded by blooming white spring flowers in a garden setting.
Five wedding reception chairs and decorative items are arranged outdoors on a lush green lawn with blooming flowers.
Wedding party stands together outdoors raising their arms joyfully in celebration against green foliage background.

A Quick Trip to Kinsale

Later in the day, we took a short drive over to Kinsale, one of my favourite coastal towns in West Cork. The colourful buildings, sea breeze, and relaxed vibe gave the whole shoot a fresh energy. We wandered the streets, popped by the harbour, and grabbed some of my favourite frames of the day.

Adding in a second location like Kinsale is such a great idea if you want a mix of countryside calm and a bit of coastal charm in your elopement gallery.

A romantic couple at a coastal stone castle wall overlooking sparkling waters on a sunny day in Ireland.
A happy couple shares a sweet moment against a rustic red wall during their wedding celebration.
Wedding couple poses against a rustic red wall in intimate photo series.
A couple stands beneath a vibrant floral arch against a bright orange wall at a festive venue.
A couple walk hand in hand across lush green coastal cliffs overlooking the ocean on their wedding day.
A couple strolls between colorful pink, yellow and purple buildings on a narrow cobblestone street.
Someone in an ornate lace wedding gown holds a white floral bouquet against a terracotta colored wall.
A series of formal portraits against a red background show a person in a black suit and glasses in different poses.
A couple poses in formal wedding attire against a rustic red barn door and white stone wall at their countryside wedding.
Two people share a romantic moment in front of a rustic red barn door with a bride in a flowing lace gown holding flowers.
A couple poses for a wedding photo against vibrant orange and purple walls.
A wedding couple poses against vibrant orange and purple walls in an artistic urban setting.
A couple in wedding attire standing along a scenic waterfront harbor with stone walls on a sunny day with blue skies.
Newlywed couple shares a romantic moment under an arched stone entryway at their outdoor castle wedding.
A couple stands in formal attire at the entrance of a historic stone gateway with wooden bridge.
A newlywed couple share an intimate moment at a rustic wooden table inside a cozy stone-walled room.
A wedding couple poses in front of The Spaniard pub with its distinctive yellow facade.
A wedding portrait captured in front of a yellow pub building called The Spaniard on a sunny day.

Why I Love The Retreat Country House (and Elopements in General)

As a wedding photographer in Cork, I’m always on the lookout for places that feel authentic — and The Retreat really nails it. It’s got that vintage Irish feel without being overly styled, and there’s space to breathe, think, and just be.

It’s perfect for elopements, micro weddings, or even a destination wedding in Ireland if you're travelling in. You can keep things low-key without compromising on the beauty of the experience.

A couple stands between white columns on their wedding day, with the bride holding a white and green bouquet.

Let’s Tell Your Story

If you’re planning an elopement in Cork, want some time by the sea in Kinsale, or just need someone to document your day in a relaxed, honest way — I’d love to be there. I keep things natural, let the moments happen, and focus on capturing your connection just as it is.

Thinking of eloping in Cork or Kinsale?

I’d love to hear your plans. Reach out via www.seanclarkephotography.com or drop me a message