What Ireland Weather Is Really Like for Elopements
This guide is written mainly for American couples planning to elope in Ireland, but it’s useful for couples travelling from anywhere in the world.
I’ve been photographing weddings for over 20 years and have shot more than 800 weddings across Ireland. These days, I focus fully on adventure elopements.
After photographing over 100 elopements outdoors, one thing always comes up.
The weather.
Ireland weather has a reputation, and fair enough. But rain, wind, and mist here are not mistakes. They are part of the atmosphere.
Once you understand how Irish weather actually works, it becomes something you work with, not against. Some of the most emotional elopements I’ve photographed happened in damp air, light rain, and wild conditions.
Why Ireland Feels Colder Than It Looks
Ireland is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. That means the air is nearly always holding moisture.
So even at:
• 10°C
• 12°C
• 15°C
It can feel much colder than expected, especially near the coast, on cliffs, or in the mountains.
Wind plus damp air gets through layers quickly. That’s why locals always say: “It’s not the cold, it’s the damp.”
If you’re used to dry cold in parts of the United States or mainland Europe, Ireland can feel colder even when the temperature looks mild.
Ireland Weather by Season
NOVEMBER TO MARCH
Coldest and wettest months. Windy, damp, and shorter days. A proper warm jacket is essential.
APRIL TO MAY
Cool and changeable. Layers needed, especially outdoors.
JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
Best chance of settled weather. Warmer days, but evenings can still feel cold due to moisture in the air.
OCTOBER
A mix of everything. Often beautiful, often wild, sometimes both in the same day.
TIP
leggings under dresses
Choose skin matching leggings instead of black.
They blend better with a white dress when walking and lifting the hem.
Rain on Your Elopement Day
Rain in Ireland is usually light and passing, not heavy all-day rain. Showers move through quickly and often bring beautiful soft light straight after. Some of the most cinematic elopement photos happen in mist, wind, and light rain. Rain does not ruin an Ireland elopement. It becomes part of the story.
Outfits and Layers
This is where most visiting couples get caught out. Ireland’s damp air and wind make a big difference, even on days that look mild on a weather app. Planning layers will make your day far more comfortable and enjoyable.
TIP
bring layers
Bring a proper jacket, even in summer. Damp air and wind make a big difference.
Little Extras That Help
Standing still during a ceremony or walking between locations is often when people feel the cold most.
I always carry a long jacket and a hiking bag with a few extras that couples are welcome to borrow if needed.
Final Thought
DO NOT plan your Ireland elopement around the number on a weather app.
Plan for damp air, wind, and changeable conditions. That’s when Ireland really shines, and that’s when the magic happens.
