Luttrellstown Castle Autumn Wedding Inspiration
Dublin, Ireland
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stand on the grounds of an Irish castle that feels like you’ve stepped into the most beautiful historical romance novel?
This past Fall I had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Dublin, Ireland to photograph an incredible editorial designed and curated by Britt Jones Co. and executed alongside a talented creative team of world-renowned wedding vendors. I say that it was the opportunity of a lifetime, but truthfully I hope I find my way back to Ireland and Luttrellstown Castle Resort on many more occasions in my lifetime.
This wedding was inspired by the very best that Ireland has to offer. In the season of autumn, the details were everything you hope to see when you dream of being whisked away to the gates of a castle as the air turns crisp and the temperatures inspire transitional attire - the beautiful in-between of seasons as you leave behind warmer weather and anticipate the arrival of holiday magic. This editorial had every intention of replicating and inspiring real wedding-day-beauty and was complete with thoughtful tablescapes, a cake with incredible floral accents, a full wedding invitation suite, guest welcome gifts (including Guinness, of course), an intimate ceremony, couple’s portraits ascending the castle towers, and ample time getting lost amongst the halls of Luttrellstown exploring beautiful room after beautiful room - each adorned with its own unique attributes that put your head in a spin of wondering about the people who have slept amongst these ivy covered walls (more specifically, Virginia Creeper that turns the most gorgeous red during the autumn months).
The color palette for this Irish October wedding editorial included ivory, neutrals, autumnal tones, and blue. The blue accents provided a bit of a unique pop of color and were brought in by the bridesmaid dresses, napkins, stationery, and signage. The florals by Rosehip and Berry were also complementary of the season and included elements such as leafy branches and berry bushels. The bride wore a high neckline Eva Lendel lace gown and Lena Rom accessories. Her hair was in a tousled top knot while her makeup alluded to natural and romantic.
General Information About Luttrellstown Castle Resort
This property is home to a 15-century castle with 20 uniquely distinguished rooms. In Luttrellstown Castle Resort's romantic history is the wedding of David and Victoria Beckham in 1999 and even more recently this stunning Irish wedding venue was recognized as Europe's Leading Luxury Wedding Resort at the World Travel Awards in 2023.
One thing I absolutely love about this venue, particularly as it’s positioned as one of Ireland’s top Luxury Wedding Venues, is that it felt like a hidden gem. While recognized worldwide, Luttrellstown maintains its intimacy and magic in the way it’s poised on 567 acres of incredible parkland and, in the way I imagine any good castle is protected, has gates that protect its charm from onlookers without specific granted access.
Six hundred years into its existence, Luttrellstown has an unbelievable hold on the meaning of hospitality and entertainment as they cater to each specific occasion’s priorities - their experience is incredibly custom, and that’s speaking my love language as a wedding photographer who puts a great deal of thoughts into crafting meaningful and intentional experiences for my couples.
But the best part is that while it feels tucked away it really isn’t far from the vibrant and bustling city of Dublin. Which means if you have your wedding here, you and your guests truly have access to everything this city offers.
Planning a Wedding at Luttrellstown Castle Resort
Venue Type: You have two choices when selecting where to celebrate on the grounds of Luttrellstown: Castle or Clubhouse - The Castle can host gatherings from 20-180 guests, and the Clubhouse up to 140 guests.
The Castle aesthetic almost goes without stating, it fits every vision you could imagine when thinking “Irish Castle,” but the Clubhouse is an alpine-lodge-style with a truly unique design in Ireland. The clubhouse is located at the end of the 18-hole World Championship golf course.
As noted on their website, Luttrellstown is an exclusive venue for hire, which means it will be just you and your guests on the property for your event and the day-of. No “wedding-factory” vibes from this venue! The hiring of this Irish wedding venue includes several of their luxurious features with access to all 20 of the castle bedrooms, breakfast, centerpieces, menu tasting, red carpet arrival and a myriad of other amenities. Access to the castle begins at 3PM on the day of your event, or if you would like earlier access plan to stay on site the night before. Wedding evenings don’t have to wrap up until 2:30AM which means there really isn’t a limit to the kind of celebration you can host. And quite possibly one of the most important questions to answer as a photographer:
Will you have access to the grounds of Luttrellstown for wedding portraits? And the answer is an absolute yes! And I really can’t emphasize enough just how serene and gorgeous the setting is with so many opportunities for incredible wedding portraits.
Getting Here
Luttrellstown Castle is about 30 minutes (19.1km) from the International airport in Dublin and 8.km from Dublin’s City Centre - its actual address is in the suburb of Castleknock, Dublin 15. I would absolutely recommend downloading the app “Free Now” before setting your feet in country because it will make life a lot less stressful securing transportation to your destination.
To anyone thinking about or amidst planning a wedding in Ireland - consider this your sign to go for it. And if you happen to be reading this and are already and considering Luttrellstown for the beginning of your real life fairytale (for a destination wedding or a local one!), I can say with full confidence that you won’t regret exchanging your vows here. There is something so undeniably enticing about the way this castle invites you into its story that I just know you’ll want your story to be hidden amongst these castle walls for eternity.
Travel & Attractions in Dublin, Ireland
This is truthfully going to require an entire entry of its own, and it will be coming very soon, but I’m going to mention a few things here that are pertinent to know if you are planning a destination wedding in Ireland. Most importantly is the way I can guarantee the magic of the Emerald Isle will whisper to your soul and awaken a sense of wonder. Lush landscapes, rolling hills, Irish ruins, and history woven in every element of the structures made of stone and countryside landscape alike. To say I was in awe during my first visit to this incredible country is an understatement. The people are kind (including one of our transportation hosts who took the time to pull out his lineage book and show me where my ancestors likely originated from) and the warmth that you will feel is guaranteed
During my short stay in Dublin I was able to visit the Guinness Storehouse (which was arguably a very large part of my decision to select this editorial to photograph in the first place), see the Book of Kells at Trinity College as well as walk The Long Room, head to the coast to visit Doolin and stand on the Cliffs of Moher, learn a bit more about the bus transportation system in the city, take an Irish step dancing class (thanks, Britt!), eat a lot of great Irish pub fare, and meet local business owners that I can’t wait to return to work with. I was disappointed that although I stayed just across the street, none of the opening hours at Kilmainham Gaol allowed me to visit this time, but when I return I’m looking forward to soaking in more of the history of Dublin, and because my stay at Hilton Dublin Kilmainham was so lovely I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
The allure and charm of Ireland really can’t be put into words. Admittedly, I still look at the photographs taken during my time in Ireland and think it feels like one big beautiful Irish dream. I’m grateful to be adding to my portfolio as a destination wedding photographer and look forward to many more days spent abroad capturing love stories and legacy moments.
Creative Team
Photographer | Cora Jane Photography | @corajanep
Venue | Luttrellstown Castle | @luttrellstowncastleresort
Planning & Design | Britt Jones Co | @britt.jones.co
Florals | Rosehip and Berry | @therosehipandberry
Rentals | Caterhire | @caterhire.ie
Stationery and Signage | Dayflower Designs | @dayflowerdesigns
Linens | BBJ LaTavola | @bbjlatavola
Cake | Cupcakes and Counting | @cupcakesandcounting
Hair & Makeup | Jen Lagers | @jenlagers
Dress | Eva Lendel | @evalendel
Suit | The Black Tux | @theblacktux
Accessories | Lena Rom | @lena_rom_
Flat Lay Mats | Lovelo Backdrops | @lovelo.backdrops
Bridesmaid Dress | Revelry | @shoprevelry