A West Cork Wedding at Inish Beg: Island Magic with a Relaxed Vibe

West Cork Wedding Photographer Sean Clarke

If you're planning a West Cork wedding, let me introduce you to one of my all-time favourite venues: Inish Beg Estate. It's a private island (yes, an actual island!) just outside Baltimore, and it's got everything – woodland trails, walled gardens, a boathouse by the water, and that relaxed, do-your-own-thing energy that makes West Cork so special.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve shot a bunch of weddings here – each one different, each one full of heart. If you're looking for somewhere you can truly make your own, Inish Beg should be top of your list.

A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand along a scenic hilltop path with rolling green landscapes and cloudy skies.

A couple in wedding attire stands together on a grassy hillside beneath a bright blue sky with white clouds.

A couple shares a romantic moment on coastal cliffs overlooking a blue ocean bay on their wedding day.

Why Inish Beg Just Works

Inish Beg isn’t your typical wedding venue. It’s more like a blank canvas surrounded by nature, where you can let your imagination take over. You want an outdoor ceremony under the trees? Sorted. Drinks in the sunken garden? Easy. A boathouse dinner party followed by dancing under the stars? Go for it.

The best part? It’s all yours for the weekend. The estate has accommodation for family and friends, so your wedding turns into a full-on celebration – not just one day that flashes by.

Rocky coastal cliffs and turquoise waters along a rugged shoreline under bright blue skies in Wales.

A couple shares a romantic moment in a lush bamboo forest with bright orange floral bouquet.

Wedding guests mingle and celebrate in a lush garden setting during an outdoor ceremony reception.

A wedding ceremony takes place on a wooded path with guests gathered among lush greenery.

Wedding guests shower confetti on happy couple walking down outdoor garden path at joyful celebration ceremony.

Rustic wooden footbridge spans over a tranquil stream surrounded by lush ferns and flowering plants in a garden setting.

Rose petals scattered in wooden box with rustic ribbon decoration photographed from above on tree stump.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a tree-lined path surrounded by lush autumn foliage.

That Classic West Cork Feel

There’s something magic about getting married in West Cork. Maybe it’s the sea air, the slower pace, or the fact that people here really know how to celebrate. Whatever it is, it gives weddings down here a warmth and authenticity that’s hard to beat.

From artisan food to local flowers and music, the West Cork wedding scene is full of talented suppliers who care about what they do. I always recommend keeping it local – it’s better for the planet, better for your budget, and you get that lovely handmade, heartfelt touch.

A veil floats dramatically in the wind on a scenic coastal cliff overlooking the ocean in black and white.

Bridesmaids in burgundy red dresses share joyful candid moments during an outdoor wedding celebration.

Bridal party walks along a forest path wearing elegant red and white gowns while holding bright orange bouquets.

Groomsmen in black tuxedos and sunglasses toasting drinks together at outdoor wedding celebration.

Wedding party holds vibrant autumn bouquets with sunflowers, pink blooms and orange ribbons against burgundy dresses.

A person in a black tuxedo and bow tie stands between tall green bamboo stalks in a garden setting at night.

A bride in a white lace gown holds a colorful bouquet while standing in front of tall bamboo stalks in a garden.

Couple shares romantic moment together surrounded by tall green bamboo forest in natural outdoor setting.

A couple walks hand in hand through a garden path on their wedding day wearing formal black tuxedo and white gown.

A Photographer’s Dream

I’ll be honest – as a photographer, Inish Beg is a dream location. The changing light through the trees, the reflections on the water, and the lush greenery all make for stunning, natural backdrops. But more than that, it’s the feel of the place. Everyone’s relaxed, no one’s rushing, and that means I get to capture real, candid moments – the ones you’ll actually want to look back on.

Whether it’s a quiet moment between you two in the woods, a cheeky hug from your granny, or a confetti explosion in front of the boathouse, those are the shots that tell the real story.

A couple embraces near a rustic stone wall with blooming flowers during a wedding photoshoot.

Black and white photograph of newlyweds standing in front of rustic wooden doors at their wedding venue.

Planning Your Inish Beg Wedding

A few tips from someone who’s seen it all here:

Make it a weekend affair – plan a BBQ the night before or a chilled-out brunch the day after. There’s space to spread out and relax.
Embrace the outdoors – weather in West Cork can be a bit unpredictable, but that’s part of the charm. Have the umbrellas ready and enjoy every second, rain or shine.
Trust your suppliers – local vendors know the venue well and will help everything run smoothly, even when things don’t go exactly to plan (because let’s face it, they rarely do – and that’s part of the fun!).

Wedding party stands together outdoors with greenery and stone pathway in the background.

A group of groomsmen wearing black suits with sunglasses posing together outdoors at a wedding.

Let’s Tell Your Story

If you’re planning a relaxed West Cork wedding at Inish Beg (or anywhere nearby – from Glandore to Schull), I’d love to hear from you. My style is all about natural, documentary-style photography – no awkward posing, just real moments that feel like you.

Head over to www.seanclarkephotography.com to check out my portfolio, or drop me a message if you want to chat about your day. I’ll bring the camera – you bring the love.

contact sean clarke photography