Perfect autumn glow for a clifftop small wedding in Clare
Marissa & Justin's intimate wedding in Ireland
From the towering cliffs of County Clare to the warm embrace of a traditional Irish pub, Marissa and Justin's small wedding in Ireland was everything a destination celebration should be - breathtaking, authentic, and utterly unforgettable.
This Georgia couple chose to exchange legally binding vows on October 17, 2024, at Hag's Head, where the dramatic Atlantic Ocean crashes against ancient rock formations. Their micro wedding in Ireland brought their closest loved ones across the ocean for an experience that went beyond a simple ceremony.
With autumn sunshine warming the rugged coastline, a surprise rainbow blessing their vows, and a cozy pub reception that captured the heart of Irish hospitality, their wedding day became a perfect blend of natural wonder and cultural immersion that neither they nor their guests will ever forget.
The planning journey: Trusting the vision
Planning a destination wedding from thousands of miles away might seem daunting, but Marissa and Justin found peace in working with their wedding coordinator in Ireland, Lorraine, who handled every detail from start to finish. From the initial vision of navy, emerald green, and gold accents to the careful selection of vendors and venues, Lorraine orchestrated the entire celebration.
She managed vendor recommendations, bookings, and all the logistics that come with hosting a legal ceremony in a foreign country. The couple's trust in their planner allowed them to focus on what truly mattered - celebrating their love in one of the world's most spectacular settings.
This collaborative approach meant that when they arrived in Ireland, everything was beautifully prepared and waiting for them.
A cliffside venue like no other in Clare
Hag's Head stands as one of Ireland's most dramatic natural settings, where towering cliffs meet the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. This wasn't just a backdrop for Marissa and Justin's intimate wedding in Ireland—it was an active participant in their love story.
The rugged coastline of County Clare offered everything adventure-loving couples dream of: windswept landscapes, crashing waves below, and views that stretch to infinity. Unlike traditional wedding venues with four walls and a ceiling, Hag's Head provided an ever-changing canvas painted by nature itself.
The autumn season added its own magic, with softer light and crisp air that made the October day feel both invigorating and romantic. This location perfectly captured the wild beauty that draws couples to Ireland's western coast, making it one of our couples’ favorite wedding venues in Ireland.
Nature's welcome: A rainbow during the ceremony
As Marissa made her way toward the ceremony spot on the cliffs, something extraordinary happened. A vibrant rainbow appeared in the sky behind her, arching over the Atlantic Ocean as if nature itself was blessing their union.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect - just as she walked toward Justin, waiting at the cliff's edge, this spectacular display of color materialized against the Irish sky.
Their guests watched in awe as the bride moved through this magical moment, the rainbow creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere around the celebration. It was one of those unrepeatable instances that reminded everyone why Ireland holds such a special place in the hearts of couples seeking something more than an ordinary wedding day.
Vows on the edge of Ireland
While many couples choose symbolic ceremonies when marrying abroad, Marissa and Justin made their commitment legally binding right there on Irish soil. Standing at the cliff's edge with their closest family and friends gathered around them, they exchanged vows as the autumn sun shone down and the Atlantic breeze carried their words out to sea.
The sound of waves crashing against the rocks below provided nature's own soundtrack to their promises. A violinist's music floated through the air, adding an elegant touch to the raw beauty of the surroundings.
This wasn't just a wedding ceremony - it was a profound moment of connection between two people and the spectacular landscape that witnessed their union, all made official under Irish law.
That’s the beauty of our Ireland wedding packages - you can choose to make your vows legally binding, and we'll handle all the paperwork so you can focus on celebrating.
Golden hour magic: A photoshoot at Hags Head
After the ceremony, the real visual magic began. The autumn sun created the most breathtaking orange sky, painting the cliffs in warm, golden tones that photographers dream about. Marissa and Justin's photoshoot captured them against this stunning backdrop, with sunshine streaming through the clouds and illuminating the landscape in amber and gold.
The dramatic cliffs, the vast ocean, and that perfect Irish light combined to create images that looked almost too beautiful to be real. They explored different spots along the clifftops, the changing light creating new scenes with every passing moment.
These weren't just wedding photos - they were artistic portraits that captured both the grandeur of the Irish coastline and the intimate connection between two people beginning their married life together.
An authentic Irish celebration at the pub
The reception brought everyone from the wild beauty of the cliffs to the warm hospitality of a traditional Irish pub. Forest green and white created an elegant color scheme that complemented the pub's rustic charm perfectly. Candles flickered throughout the space, adding sophistication to the authentically Irish atmosphere.
The pub's natural character - exposed beams, cozy corners, and genuine Irish character—needed little decoration to feel special. Guests enjoyed local fare and raised glasses of Guinness in celebration.
Rather than a DJ, the couple chose a carefully curated Spotify playlist that played throughout the evening, with the pub staff helping to manage the special first dance songs. This small wedding in Ireland proved that intimate doesn't mean less festive—just more meaningful, personal, and connected to place.
A first-time Ireland experience worth celebrating
make such a significant journey for their micro wedding in Ireland showed their adventurous spirits and desire to create something truly memorable.
They brought their Georgia roots to the Emerald Isle, blending American warmth with Irish hospitality in a celebration that honored both backgrounds.
The October timing meant experiencing Ireland in one of its most beautiful seasons, when autumn colors warm the landscape and the tourist crowds have thinned. This leap of faith - traveling to a country they'd never visited for their wedding - created not just a ceremony but an entire adventure that they and their guests will treasure forever as the ultimate celebration of love and courage.
