If you’ve ever dreamed of eloping to Ireland, chances are you’ve pictured emerald hills, misty lakes, and historic castles. But beyond the well-known tourist spots lies a hidden gem that captures the essence of a romantic Ireland: Fermanagh.
Known as Ireland’s Lake District, this region offers a rare blend of tranquil beauty, timeless charm, and intimate wedding venues that are perfect for couples flying in from the U.S. Whether it’s a castle wedding, a forest elopement, or an elegant lakeside celebration, Fermanagh is a destination that makes your wedding feel like a storybook moment.
As a Fermanagh-based wedding videographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless elopements and intimate weddings here. In this blog, I’m sharing why this region should be at the top of your list, along with three breathtaking venues where I’ve filmed some of my favourite love stories.
A Little Bit About This Unique County
Fermanagh is defined by its lakes, islands, and breathtaking landscapes. The jewel of the region is Lough Erne, a sytem consisting of 2 large lakes (or as we call, Loughs). The Lower Lough Erne is North and the Upper Lough Erne is South, confusing, I know! In between these Lough’s lies Ireland’s only island town called Enniskillen.
Unlike busier Irish destinations, the Fermanagh Lakelands feel peaceful and untouched. Misty mornings, glowing sunsets, and the gentle stillness of the water create a deeply romantic atmosphere. If you get a chance to witness the sun glistening on the water on a Summer Day, you would think it was a different county!
And logistically? It’s surprisingly easy to get here. It’s about two hours from Belfast or Dublin, making it ideal for destination weddings without the chaos of crowded tourist spots.
1. Belle Isle Estate — A Fairytale Lakeside Venue
Belle Isle Estate is one of those venues that takes your breath away the moment you arrive. Set on a private island on Upper Lough Erne, this estate offers everything couples could dream of.
Why Belle Isle Is Perfect for Your Irish Elopement
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Ceremony by the Water — Exchange vows with the lake as your witness. The soft sound of the water and panoramic views make it unforgettable.
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Timeless Castle Interiors — Ideal for cosy indoor ceremonies or elegant receptions that feel like a period drama.
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All-in-One Location — Ceremony, accommodation, and celebration can all happen on-site, making planning stress-free for destination couples.
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A Cinematic Dream — The light here is just magic. From golden hour next to the water, to ivy-clad stone walls, every frame feels like a movie.
There is also a new pavilion, located right next to the main castle, where more guests can be accommodated and offers stunning views of Lough Erne right behind the top table, can you imagine it? You can find more about Belle Isle and what it has to offer here.
And of course, shameless plug here, I have shot some beautiful weddings at this stunning location. You can find an example below.
2. Finn Lough — A Romantic & Modern Forest Escape
For couples who want to elope in Ireland surrounded by nature and luxury, Finn Lough is a truly magical location. Tucked away in the forest on the shores of Lower Lough Erne, it’s best known for its transparent bubble domes, where you can sleep beneath the stars.
Why Finn Lough Is Perfect for Eloping in Ireland
- Immersed in Nature — A peaceful forest retreat with lakeside views and countless private spots for your ceremony or first look.
- Unique Accommodation — Stay in the famous domes or River Cabins that are perched on the edge of a rewilded waterway. Each spot offers a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
- Dreamy Light — Dappled sunlight through the trees and reflections on the water create stunning visuals for your elopement film.
- Relaxed, Intimate Vibe — It’s the perfect mix of modern luxury and rustic natural beauty.
Whether you’re planning a romantic elopement, a micro-wedding, or even a mini-moon after your ceremony, this hidden gem in the Fermanagh Lakelands offers an unforgettable experience for couples traveling from abroad.
Discover more about Finn Lough and plan your stay here.
Want some inspiration? Check out this unique Finn Lough wedding below.
3. Hilton Park — Elegant Estate Just Over the Border
Ok, I may have cheated a bit here! But just ‘a stone’s throw’ from Fermanagh, in County Monaghan, Hilton Park is another venue I absolutely adore filming at. With its timeless architecture, sweeping gardens, and elegant interiors, Hilton Park offers all the charm of an old Irish estate, with the intimacy perfect for an elopement.
Why Hilton Park Is Ideal for Destination Elopements
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Elegant Interiors — A grand yet welcoming house with beautiful details in every corner.
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Breathtaking Gardens — A romantic setting for ceremonies, portraits, or sunset films.
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All-in-One Experience — Like Belle Isle and Finn Lough, Hilton Park allows you to host your entire day in one place, keeping everything simple and stress-free.
For couples dreaming of an Irish countryside wedding with timeless elegance, Hilton Park offers a truly special experience. This family-run estate is known for its heartfelt hospitality, peaceful seclusion, and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s the kind of place where your celebration feels deeply personal and unforgettable.
Learn more about Hilton Park and explore hosting your wedding here.
And finally, you can check out a wedding I captured at this unique venue below.
Honourable Mentions — More Beautiful Fermanagh Venues
While Belle Isle Estate, Finn Lough, and Hilton Park are some of my favourite places to film, there are a few other hidden gems in Fermanagh that deserve a special mention for couples dreaming of an intimate Irish wedding.
Manor House Country Hotel
Perched on the shores of Lower Lough Erne, Manor House Country Hotel offers stunning lakeside views and classic Irish charm. With everything on-site, from elegant ceremony spaces to a boat for private hire, it’s perfect for couples seeking relaxed luxury in a breathtaking setting.
Find out more here.
Check out the video below showcasing Manor House at a recent Styled & Captured Co. event.
Tempo Manor
For couples craving privacy and timeless style, Tempo Manor is a beautifully restored Georgian estate surrounded by peaceful countryside. Its romantic gardens, warm interiors, and golden evening light make it an idyllic spot for an intimate elopement or micro-wedding.
Find out more here.
Check out the video below showcasing Tempo Manor at a styled shoot.
A Cinematic Backdrop for Your Love Story
Okay, maybe I am biased because I am fortunate enough to call County Fermanagh my home. But one of the reasons I love filming weddings in Fermanagh is because every location feels like a movie set. Whether it’s the soft Irish light, the mist on the lake in the early morning, or the way the sun sets over the water, the Lakelands offer a visual magic that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Because venues like Belle Isle, Finn Lough, and Hilton Park offer such diverse scenery on-site, there’s no need to travel elsewhere for portraits. You can get castle elegance, wild forest beauty, and lake views all in one place.
This is why so many international couples choose Fermanagh for their elopement. The entire day can be captured beautifully without ever needing to leave the venue.
An Authentic Irish Elopement Experience
Beyond the scenery, what makes Fermanagh so special is its warmth. The people here are genuinely kind, and the venues often work closely with local suppliers to make planning your day from abroad seamless.
Many couples extend their stay after their elopement to enjoy the Irish countryside, exploring islands on Lough Erne by boat, visiting historic ruins, or simply soaking in the peace and quiet. Then, after all of the celebrations, you aren’t far from mini-mooning or holidaying around the Wild Atlantic Way, or visiting cities rich in Irish culture like Galway, Sligo or Donegal.
Ready to Elope in Fermanagh?
If you’re dreaming of a romantic elopement in Ireland that feels personal, beautiful, and unforgettable, Fermanagh might be the perfect match. With lakeside castles, forest retreats, and elegant estates, this region is made for love stories.
If you’re new here, I’m Sophie, a wedding videographer based in Fermanagh, and I’ve had the honour of capturing countless intimate weddings and elopements here for couples from across the world. My approach is candid, emotional, and timeless. I like to focus on documenting your day exactly as it felt in the moment. Alongside my digital storytelling, I also use a vintage Hi8 camcorder to weave in an extra layer of nostalgia and authenticity, giving your wedding film that beautiful, documentary-style warmth that feels like a memory come to life.
✨ Let’s create something beautiful together.
📸 Enquire about your date here to start planning your dream Irish elopement.
