Why I love photographing weddings at this beautiful venue
As a Galway wedding photographer, I’ve worked in lots of gorgeous venues across the city & county. However, The Ardilaun Hotel is always one I genuinely enjoy returning to. Not only because it looks beautiful, but also because it works so well from a photography point of view.
The layout, the gardens & the way the light moves around the property make it an easy place to create natural, relaxed images. Best of all, nothing ever feels rushed.
What it’s like to photograph a wedding at The Ardilaun
Every time I arrive to photograph a wedding here, I notice how calm it feels. That atmosphere makes such a difference to couples on the morning of their wedding. It helps everyone slow down & really enjoy what’s happening rather than feeling swept along by the schedule.
From a photographer’s perspective, that relaxed energy is gold. As a result, I can quietly observe & capture real moments as they unfold instead of forcing anything.
Light, shade & why it matters
Light is everything in photography & The Ardilaun gives me so much to work with. On bright sunny days, the surrounding flora & fauna become such a gift. The trees, garden pathways & greenery provide natural shade. Because of this, I can gently move couples out of harsh glare without it feeling forced.
This is one of the best features of the venue. Instead of battling strong sun, we can step into soft dappled light that flatters skin tones & creates a more timeless look. As a result, portraits feel relaxed, comfortable & natural which always shows in the final images.
Wedding photography locations on site
One of the biggest advantages of choosing The Ardilaun Hotel for your wedding is that everything you need for amazing photos is right on site.
This means we can:
• wander through the gardens
• find soft pockets of light
• use natural shade on bright days
• duck indoors if the weather changes
Because of this, there’s no pressure & no stiff posing. Instead, you get a few quiet minutes together while I capture you being yourselves.
Ceremonies & real moments
The indoor ceremony spaces work beautifully. They’re bright, comfortable & never feel overwhelming. As a result, everything feels intimate & personal.
On a summer’s day, the outdoor space & gardens are gorgeous for a drinks reception. Guests can relax, mingle & enjoy the surroundings while I capture natural candid moments.
During ceremonies, my focus is always on the in-between moments:
• nervous smiles & glances
• hand squeezes
• proud parents
• happy tears
These unscripted reactions are what truly tell the story of your day.
The celebrations
The dining & ballroom space at The Ardilaun is fantastic to photograph. It has a large capacity, high ceilings & is drenched in natural light. Because of this, there’s always a lovely atmosphere in the room. Even when it’s full, it never feels cramped. Instead, there’s a real sense of space which keeps everything relaxed & comfortable.
From a photography point of view, that natural light is a huge bonus. It allows me to capture candid guest photos, genuine reactions during speeches & those lovely moments of you both mingling with friends & family.
Later in the evening, there’s plenty of room for dancing & celebrating. The layout also gives me lots of space to move around discreetly. This means I can document the energy of the dance floor without being in anyone’s way.
Some of my favourite images from Ardilaun weddings are the quiet moments in between:
• best friends laughing
• couples sneaking a quick hug
• old friends reconnecting & catching up
These are the memories that last.
Why I always enjoy photographing here
Every venue has its own energy & The Ardilaun always feels warm, relaxed & welcoming. The team keep everything running smoothly. Because of this, couples can focus on enjoying their day. That’s exactly what I want to document.
Planning an Ardilaun Hotel wedding?
If you’re getting married at The Ardilaun & searching for your wedding photographer, I’d love to hear all about your plans.
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Galway Wedding Photographer – Local Expertise
As a Galway wedding photographer, I’ve photographed weddings across the city & county including Salthill, Claddagh, Oranmore, Moycullen, Oughterard, Connemara & beyond. The Ardilaun Hotel is always a favourite thanks to its location, gardens & relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re planning a wedding in Galway, choosing a photographer who knows the area makes such a difference — from lighting conditions to the best portrait spots, rainy day options & timeline planning.
