Ireland's autumn magic shines on this micro wedding in Ashford Castle
I recently had my wedding in Ireland and worked with Hattie from Peach Perfect Weddings, and I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about the experience or Hattie!! From the very start, Hattie absolutely blew me away with her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Not only did she take care of EVERYTHING, from planning and logistics to communicating with vendors, she did it all with such kindness and calm energy that made the entire process enjoyable. I was studying for an important exam at the same time as planning my very last-minute wedding in another country, and Hattie went above and beyond to make sure everything was seamless and stress-free. Even the system Peach Perfect Weddings uses for payments, organization, and communication is incredibly user-friendly and easy to navigate. It made keeping track of everything simple, even from abroad, which was such a relief during such a busy time. Thanks to Hattie, our wedding day was absolutely perfect, more beautiful and memorable than I ever could have imagined. Every detail was handled flawlessly, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy the moment. Hattie is the reason our day was so special, and I can’t thank her or Peach Perfect Weddings enough. If you’re considering a destination wedding in Ireland or any of their other amazing locations, Peach Perfect Planners is a must! You’ll be in the best hands possible!
Kenzie & James' elopement in Ireland
Some couples dream of grand ballrooms filled with hundreds of guests. Kenzie and James dreamed of something different — a destination wedding in Ireland in an Irish castle with a little over ten people who matter most.
On October 10, 2025, they flew from the US to Co. Mayo and made that dream a reality at Ashford Castle.
A fairytale castle: The perfect venue for a micro wedding
When Kenzie and James started planning their elopement in Ireland, they knew exactly what they wanted: a venue that felt like stepping into a fairytale, with accommodation for everyone on-site and activities beyond golf. Ashford Castle checked every box.
This stunning 800-year-old castle sits on 350 acres along the shores of Lough Corrib, offering everything from falconry and archery to whiskey tastings and spa treatments. The estate's extensive grounds meant their thirteen guests could explore at their leisure, discovering hidden pathways, lakeside views, and centuries of Irish history.
For a groom who loves animals, the estate's wildlife experiences sealed the deal. The falconry program at Ashford Castle is renowned, and James was thrilled!
The moment they saw photos of the gardens and castle interiors, they knew this was it. The combination of historic grandeur and natural beauty made Ashford Castle the only venue they seriously considered for their Irish elopement.
What really mattered was finding a place that could accommodate their entire group comfortably. With everyone staying on-site, guests could enjoy the full castle experience without worrying about transportation or logistics. It transformed their elopement from a single-day event into a memorable multi-day celebration where everyone could truly relax.
The planning story: Stress-free from across the Atlantic
Here's the thing about planning a last-minute destination elopement while studying for an important exam — it sounds impossible. But working with our planner, Hattie, made it seamless. From coordinating with vendors to managing logistics, Hattie handled every detail so Kenzie could focus on her studies while still getting the wedding of her dreams.
Hattie didn't just coordinate — she curated the best elopement.
Every vendor recommendation came from her deep knowledge of Ireland's wedding industry and her established relationships with the best professionals in the field.
She personally vetted and booked each vendor, ensuring they understood Kenzie and James's vision and could deliver exceptional service. From the guitarist to the florist to the cake maker, Hattie handpicked a team she knew would exceed expectations.
When local knowledge meets genuine care
The couple wanted simplicity: a black-and-white color scheme, a solo guitarist instead of a DJ, and an intimate feel throughout.
They also had specific requests — no traditional cake, but perhaps a champagne fountain or assorted desserts. Hattie listened carefully, then presented options that aligned perfectly with their preferences.
Our wedding planner in Ireland made it happen, keeping communication clear and organized through her great relationships with every vendor. Even from thousands of miles away, Kenzie and James felt fully supported every step of the way. Hattie's responsiveness and genuine care for bringing their vision to life made the entire process enjoyable rather than stressful.
What struck the couple most was how kind every vendor turned out to be. From their first interactions to the wedding day itself, the warmth and professionalism of the Irish wedding industry shone through.
This wasn't a coincidence — Hattie had specifically chosen vendors known not just for their talent, but for their kindness and collaborative spirit.
A garden elopement ceremony worth crossing an ocean for
On a perfect October afternoon, a small group of guests gathered in Ashford Castle's gardens for a ceremony that felt pure magic. This is one of our finest wedding venues in Ireland with a fairytale garden for the most whimsical elopements.
As Kenzie walked down the garden aisle, more than one guest whispered about her striking resemblance to Drew Barrymore. With her warm smile, effortless elegance, and radiant joy, the comparison was undeniable. She moved through the gardens with natural grace, completely present in the moment, embodying that same approachable beauty and genuine warmth that makes Drew Barrymore so beloved.
Ireland's autumn light filtered through ancient trees as Kenzie and James exchanged vows, accompanied by a talented guitarist and singer whose acoustic melodies set the perfect intimate tone. The musician Hattie had recommended was exceptional — his music carried beautifully through the outdoor space without overwhelming it, providing just the right amount of musical accompaniment.
The garden setting provided natural elegance that needed no extra decoration. Just two people, their closest loved ones, and centuries-old castle grounds creating a moment no one present will forget.
Perfect autumn weather for outdoor Irish weddings
October in Ireland offers something special — generous sunlight without summer crowds, and weather that's reliably beautiful for outdoor celebrations. The temperature was mild, the sky clear, and the light absolutely perfect for both the ceremony and photos.
Their guests stood comfortably throughout the ceremony, wrapped in the beauty of the moment and the surroundings.
Capturing castle magic in their elopement photos
After the ceremony, Kenzie and James explored the estate with their photographer, capturing the grandeur of Ashford Castle from every angle. Wide shots showcasing the couple against the castle's impressive facade. Intimate moments in hidden corners of the grounds. Lakeside portraits with Lough Corrib stretching out behind them.
The photographer, another excellent recommendation from Hattie, had an artist's eye for composition and a warm, encouraging presence that put the couple completely at ease. His kindness showed in every interaction, gently guiding them to the best locations while giving them space to simply be themselves. He knew Ashford Castle intimately, understanding exactly when and where the light would be most flattering.
Kenzie's Drew Barrymore-like charm translated beautifully to camera. Natural, unforced, radiant. James's obvious adoration for her came through in every frame. These weren't stiff, awkward posed photos — they were genuine moments of joy captured by someone who truly cared about documenting their story authentically.
The photoshoot wasn't rushed — it was an experience, a chance to soak in the surroundings and the significance of the day. They wandered the estate, discovering new perspectives and special corners they might have otherwise missed. This is what happens when you choose a venue with real substance. Every frame tells a story, and Ashford Castle provided endless storytelling opportunities.
Special furry surprise in the cake
Instead of a traditional cake, the couple surprised everyone with a custom creation featuring two dogs — sweet nods to two special furry loved ones back home in the States. The cake maker, recommended and booked by Hattie, had captured the dogs' likenesses perfectly, adding a personal touch for their elopement in Ireland. The kindness of all the vendors shone through in moments like this — small details handled with care and genuine investment in making the couple happy.
An evening of intimate celebration
As the sunset, the celebration moved inside to one of the castle's beautifully appointed rooms. Rustic chic decor met castle elegance, with candles creating warm, flickering light throughout the space. The ambiance was perfect — intimate without feeling cramped, elegant without feeling stuffy.
The reception felt like an elevated dinner party — laughter echoing off stone walls, stories shared between courses, and genuine connection without the formality of a traditional wedding reception.
Conversations flowed naturally, with guests moving between topics and sharing memories that illuminated why this particular small group mattered most to Kenzie and James.
No dance floor. No DJ. Just over ten people who traveled across an ocean to celebrate love in one of Ireland's most iconic settings. The guitarist continued playing softly through dinner, providing the perfect soundtrack without overwhelming conversation. Every element worked together harmoniously, a testament to Hattie's careful planning and vendor coordination.
That's exactly what destination elopements are made for — bringing your favorite people to an extraordinary place, stripping away everything unnecessary, and focusing entirely on celebration and connection. Thanks to Hattie's meticulous planning and the kindness of every vendor she brought to the team, Kenzie and James got exactly that.
