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Karen and Colton’s elopement in Northern Ireland was a full-hearted tribute to love, legacy, and wild adventure. With Irish and Scottish roots in both of their families, they chose the windswept cliffs and ancient ruins of Ireland’s North Coast for an intimate celebration that honored their past, present and future.
From a first look on the shores of Whiterocks Beach to a sunset finale at the Giant’s Causeway, their incredible day unfolded as a true adventure. Their elopement was filled with laughter, tradition, unexpected surprises and the kind of emotional depth that only comes from eloping with the people who matter most. Their journey through these stunning locations highlighted the emotional and adventurous aspects of their elopement.
Captured by Shauna Ward of Wild and Green Photography, their love story shows exactly why Ireland is a dream location for couples craving intimacy, history, and a bit of rain-soaked romance on their elopement day.
Meet Karen & Colton
Photography by Wild and Green Photography
Karen and Colton met while working together in the emergency department, and their bond was strengthened by a shared love for the outdoors and adventure. As avid hikers and ice fishers in Colorado, they knew early on that a big, traditional wedding wasn’t for them.
“We aren’t huge on parties,” Karen shared. “We just wanted something outdoors and meaningful that would bring us happiness.”
With Irish and Scottish heritage on both sides and the recent passing of Karen’s Irish German father, getting married in Ireland felt right. They brought a small group of close family and friends to join them for their special day, then headed to Scotland for their honeymoon.
“It felt like a day/trip that was more for us rather than everyone else,” Karen said, marking the start of their new lives together.
Their Vision & Planning Process
For Karen and Colton, the decision to elope came naturally.
They both envisioned something intimate, intentional, and adventure-filled so they could build a meaningful day shared with a small group of their closest loved ones.
With family roots tracing back to Ireland and Scotland, the location felt aligned and destined for them.
“My dad was Irish/German and passed in 2023,” Karen said. “Colton’s family also has Irish and Scottish ancestry, so we decided to celebrate in Ireland with a small group, and then head to Scotland for our honeymoon.”
Planning was surprisingly easy for these two wild adventurers, and it all began, as many modern love stories do, on Instagram. While browsing, Karen came across a recent feature showcasing Wild and Green Photography. The timing was serendipitous.
“I found Shauna through a Wandering Weddings post, and reached out right away,” Karen said. “She was absolutely amazing. We had a meeting, and she helped me connect with Lee, our celebrant, and even sent over a planning guide with everything I might need for the day.”
From there, the vision unfolded naturally: a full-day elopement experience filled with celtic tradition, scenic backdrops, and deeply personal moments along Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline. They achieved the wedding day of their dreams, filled with everything they had hoped for.
Choosing the Best Places to Elope
Photography by Wild and Green Photography
When it comes to choosing the best places to elope in Northern Ireland, there are plenty of options to consider. Dunseverick Castle is a popular choice, with its dramatic cliff-top location and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Other favorite parts of Northern Ireland include the Giant’s Causeway, the Mourne Mountains, and the beautiful beaches of County Donegal. Whether you’re looking for a fairytale castle, a rugged coastal landscape, or a picturesque village, Northern Ireland has the perfect location for your intimate ceremony. With its rich Celtic tradition and stunning natural beauty, it’s the ideal place to tie the knot and start your new life together.
Permits & Leave No Trace (LNT)
Photography by Wild and Green Photography
Karen and Colton’s ceremony took place at Dunseverick Castle a breathtaking cliffside ruin along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast. One of the most iconic spots for an Ireland elopement, this location currently does not require a permit to host a small ceremony.
However, photographer Shauna Ward of Wild and Green Photography emphasizes that regulations can change as popularity increases. It’s always wise to double-check the latest guidelines before planning your Dunseverick Castle elopement. You can find updated access information here.
Part of what makes Ireland so magical is its raw, untouched beauty and preserving that matters. Shauna encourages couples to respect the land and follow Leave No Trace principles when planning an outdoor elopement in Ireland:
- Stick to established trails, especially around fragile coastal terrain
- Pack out all trash and personal items
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather: bring waterproof layers and sturdy hiking shoes
Eloping in Ireland offers a whole lot of freedom, but with that freedom comes responsibility to the land, the locals, and future couples seeking the same magic.
If you’re sure you’re going to elope in Ireland, then we suggest exploring our members who specialize in Ireland elopements
A Celtic Handfasting Ceremony at Dunseverick Castle
Photography by Wild and Green Photography
Karen and Colton’s elopement story began with a quiet moment on the sand and a first look at Whiterocks Beach, where the waves crashed behind them and their eyes welled with happy tears.
The sky was overcast, the air salty and cool, its the the kind of moody, cinematic atmosphere that makes Ireland the perfect setting for a romantic elopement. Nothing was rushed. No distractions. Just a still, powerful moment between two people about to begin a new chapter.
Their elopement ceremony took place at the windswept ruins of Dunseverick Castle — accessed by hiking down a grassy hillside with their loved ones in tow. There, surrounded by ancient stone and sea air, Celebrant Lee of Lovelee Weddings led a traditional Celtic Handfasting Ceremony. The long grasses used to bind their hands were gathered from the very land beneath their feet — a beautiful symbol of love rooted in nature and Irish tradition. The ceremony concluded with a traditional kiss, symbolizing the couple starting their lives together.
Exchanging vows at the windswept ruins of Dunseverick Castle, surrounded by ancient stone and sea air, was a deeply personal and meaningful part of their ceremony. Then, as it often does in Ireland, the rain arrived. But no one flinched. Coats came on, umbrellas opened, and spirits stayed high. Colton passed around shots of Irish whiskey, warming everyone from the inside out. Laughter replaced the chill.
As Shauna said, “The weather in Ireland is unpredictable, but that’s part of the magic. If you lean into it, the day becomes even more meaningful.”
Looking for more Ireland elopement inspiration? Check out this Wild and Romantic elopement through Northern Ireland’s enchanting landscapes!
Exploring Northern Ireland’s Rugged Coastline After the Ceremony
Photography by Wild and Green Photography
After their heartfelt elopement ceremony at Dunseverick Castle, Karen and Colton, along with their small group of loved ones ducked into a local coffee shop to warm up, dry off, and officially sign their marriage certificate. Then, it was time for more adventure.
Next up was Ballintoy Harbour, one of the most scenic coastal locations on the Causeway Coast and a well-known Game of Thrones filming location. With sea arches, windswept cliffs, and mossy caves, this lesser-known gem offered the perfect backdrop for more candid moments and breathtaking portraits.
Together, they climbed fences, hiked along muddy trails, and navigated rocky outcrops all while soaking in the wild beauty of Northern Ireland’s elopement locations, enhanced by the sun casting a warm glow over the landscape.
Karen’s dress got a little dirty, her shoes caked with mud, but she smiled the entire time. Colton, a former wrestler, lifted her over fences with ease and helped re-bustle her gown between stops — a mix of strength and tenderness that made the day feel like a true team effort.
As golden hour approached, the group headed to The Bushmills Inn — a cozy, historic spot just minutes from the coast. Karen and Colton poured their own pints of Guinness, shared dinner and dessert with their favorite people, before setting out for sunset.
Seasonal Considerations for Your Elopement
When it comes to planning your elopement in Northern Ireland, it’s essential to consider the time of year. Summer is a popular time for elopements, with its warm weather and long days. However, autumn and spring can also be beautiful seasons, with their mild temperatures and stunning foliage. However, if you’re looking for a truly unique and romantic experience, why not consider a winter elopement? With its snow-covered landscapes and cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect time to get married in a fairytale castle.
Whatever the season, Northern Ireland has plenty to offer, from its stunning natural beauty to its rich Celtic tradition and history.
Photography by Wild and Green Photography
Kinbane Castle & A Sunset Goodbye at Giant’s Causeway
As golden hour set in, Karen and Colton made their way to Kinbane Castle, then ended their elopement at the iconic Giant’s Causeway standing together on ancient basalt columns as the sky lit up in a fiery farewell.
Photographer Shauna described it as a day she’d never forget:
“I loved that Karen and Colton wanted to spend their entire day adventuring along the North Coast of Ireland. They were up for anything I suggested and didn’t let anything stop them. The sunset at Giant’s Causeway was incredible — the way they looked at each other, it felt like the world paused for them.”
It was the perfect close to a day built on intention, presence, and adventure.
Ready to say “I do” in Ireland? Check out our Ireland elopement packages
The Cost of Eloping in Ireland (and Beyond)
Karen and Colton spent approximately $10,000 USD on their destination elopement that included travel, accommodations, attire, food, and photography. For them, it was well worth the investment in an experience that felt deeply personal and unforgettable.
Here’s a breakdown of what that covered:
- ✈️ Roundtrip flights from Denver to Dublin, with onward travel to Belfast and later to Edinburgh for their honeymoon
- 🚗 Two rental cars for flexibility while exploring the Irish coast
- 🏡 Two Airbnb stays, one in Ireland and one in Scotland
- 👗 Wedding attire, including Karen’s dress and Colton’s suit
- 📸 Photography coverage from Shauna of Wild and Green Photography
- 🍽️ Meals and snacks, including dinner at The Bushmills Inn and cozy café stops
- 🏞️ Tours and attractions, like visiting Game of Thrones filming sites and iconic landmarks such as Giant’s Causeway and Kinbane Castle
Compared to the cost of a traditional wedding, which often exceeds $30,000 in the U.S., their elopement adventure was a more intentional and experience-focused alternative.
Every dollar supported a memory: a muddy coastal hike, a quiet coffee shop moment, a Guinness poured by their own hands.
As they explored the windswept cliffs of Northern Ireland, laughed through the rain, and shared the day with their loved ones, they knew they had made the right decision.
“It was exactly what we wanted,” Karen said. “Simple, meaningful, and completely us.”
Ready to Elope? Start here!
Advice from the Couple
Karen and Colton’s Ireland elopement wasn’t about grand gestures or elaborate décor, it was about creating a day that felt meaningful and true to them.
They kept things simple: just a few guests, an intimate ceremony, stunning scenery, and an experience rooted in connection.
“Eloping was the best decision,” Karen shared. “It felt like it was more for us, rather than everyone else.”
Final Reflection
Karen and Colton’s adventurous elopement along Ireland’s wild coastline is a beautiful reminder of why so many couples choose to elope. It’s about creating space for connection, presence, and the freedom to celebrate in a way that feels real.
From handfasting rituals to windswept cliffs, their day was filled with meaning and movement — proof that your day can be both simple and extraordinary.
Whether you’re dreaming of eloping in Northern Ireland or simply want a more intentional wedding experience, their story is a reminder: the best wedding days are the ones that reflect you.
Photos From This Elopement
Thinking about your dream elopement day?
Explore our elopement planning resources or browse our trusted vendors and photographers who specialize in unforgettable, intentional elopements, from Ireland to wherever your heart takes you.