Engagements · Proposals · Couple Shoots
Engagement & Proposal Photographer in Ireland
You’ve dreamed of Ireland — let’s make sure you never forget it. Relaxed, natural couple photography in the country’s most beautiful places.
You’re not just hiring a photographer. You’re hiring a local.
Almost 90% of the couples I photograph each year travel to Ireland from overseas — mainly the US, Canada, Australia and Asia. They arrive wanting something memorable; they just need someone who can make it happen. After 16+ years photographing couples here, I know the locations that work — the hidden spots that don’t show up on Google, the best light at different times of year, and exactly what to do when the Irish weather has other plans.
We start with a relaxed Zoom call to talk through what you’re imagining, and I’ll help you choose the perfect spot for your time here. Think of me as your photographer, location scout and unofficial Irish guide — all in one.
“We’re terrible in front of a camera.”
That’s OK — most people say the same.
I don’t shoot the way most people imagine. I work at a distance — often through foliage, across a field, or around a corner. You’re not posing; you’re just walking, talking and laughing together. Most couples forget I’m there within minutes, and tell me afterwards it was nothing like they expected. No stiff poses, no awkward silences — just the two of you, somewhere beautiful, with photos that actually look like you.
Secret Proposals
Pop the question somewhere unforgettable
Planning to propose while you’re in Ireland? It’s one of my favourite things to photograph — and I’ll make sure the moment is captured beautifully without ever giving the surprise away. We plan everything quietly in advance over a quick video call, so on the day you can simply be present and enjoy it.
- Completely discreet — I blend in like any other photographer or hill-walker; your partner won’t have a clue.
- A simple signal — we agree a subtle cue so I’m ready the instant you drop to one knee.
- Beautiful, private spots — chosen to suit your story and keep the moment yours.
- Straight into a celebration — once you’ve said yes, it flows into a relaxed engagement shoot.
Most secret proposals run 30–60 minutes and turn into a mini engagement session the moment the ring goes on — the perfect way to remember the day everything changed.
Plan a secret proposalA little of what we’ll create
Want to see more?
View the full engagement portfolio →David made the entire experience feel effortless, fun and incredibly natural. We’re not people who usually take professional photos and were both a little nervous — but he immediately put us at ease. The photos were beyond anything we could have imagined.
Mackenzie Dougherty (USA) — Dromoland Castle
Sessions & pricing
Whichever session you choose, here’s what’s always included:
- Planning Zoom call to design your shoot
- A choice of stunning locations to suit you
- Fully edited private online gallery
- High-resolution downloads with a print release
- Sneak peeks within 48 hours
Dublin & Wicklow sessions
Mini · 30 min
Ideal for quick secret proposals with a few portraits, in Dublin city or county – Dublin Mountains, Howth Head, Killiney Hill.
60 min
Dublin City Centre, the Dublin Mountains, Howth Head or Killiney Hill.
90 min
More time for photographs or an outfit change — and the option to add cinematic video.
Signature experiences
Glendalough · 2 hr
Two hours in the lakes, forests and ruins of Glendalough National Park, Co. Wicklow.
The Wicklow Experience
The best of two counties — 3+ locations across Wicklow and the Dublin Mountains: valleys, lakes and mountains, ending at sunset.
The Wild Atlantic West
Fully bespoke days through Connemara and the west coast. Most run three hours or more.
A professional 90-second reel on 90-minute sessions (Dublin & Wicklow).
Beautiful printed extras to remember the day.
Add professional video to your 90-minute shoot
For couples who want to relive the day in motion as well as in photos — a cinematic 90-second reel, filmed by a professional videographer I work closely with on weddings.
Most couples don’t think about video until their wedding day — and then wish they’d had more of it. Adding it to your engagement shoot gives you a reel you’ll actually use: on your wedding website, in a save-the-date, or just to relive the day. It’s also a low-stakes rehearsal for having a photographer and videographer working together before the day that really matters.
Photo + Video — €1,200. Available on 90-minute sessions in the Dublin & Wicklow area; travel fees may apply elsewhere.
Where to take your engagement photos in Ireland
Most visitors to Ireland arrive via Dublin and spend at least a few days here — so these are some of my favourite locations close to the city. I’ll help you choose the right one for your trip and the season.
Killiney Hill
My most popular Dublin spot for engagement photos — easy to reach by car or train.
Read the guide →
Howth Head
Dramatic cliffs and sea views — a favourite for engagement shoots and secret proposals.
Read the guide →
Dublin Mountains & Lough Tay
Engagement photos at the Guinness Lake, with sweeping mountain views minutes from the city.
Read the guide →
Wicklow & Dublin Mountains
Engagement photos across the Garden of Ireland — valleys, lakes, forests and twisty roads.
Read the guide →Dreaming of a fairytale Irish castle? These four are favourites with couples travelling over from the US — each one perfect for an engagement shoot or a secret proposal, with its own story over on the blog.
Kilkea Castle
A 12th-century fairytale castle in Co. Kildare, an hour from Dublin — and a favourite for secret proposals.
Read the guide →
Malahide Castle
Turrets and romantic woodland just 30 minutes from Dublin city — easily reached by car, taxi or DART.
Read the guide →
Dromoland Castle
A grand 16th-century estate on the west coast — storybook gardens, a wooded gazebo and a walled garden.
Read the guide →
Huntington Castle
A romantic ivy-clad castle and gardens in Co. Carlow — one of my favourite spots for a secret proposal.
Read the guide →Good to know
- Close to the cityMost of my favourite spots are within ~40 minutes of Dublin by car or DART.
- No car? No problemFor some locations I can collect you from a local train station.
- Golden-hour lightI usually shoot in the evening, around sunset, for the most beautiful light.
- What to wearWear something you feel great in — comfy shoes for the hills, and a second outfit if you fancy a change.
New & Exclusive
Step into your own fairytale at Howth Castle
I’ve partnered with the historic Howth Castle to offer something truly rare: one hour of completely private, exclusive access to an 800-year-old Irish castle, just for the two of you. No crowds, no tourists — just you, your partner and centuries of beauty as your backdrop.
- Complete privacy — the castle and private garden, closed off just for your moment.
- 800 years of history — elegant period rooms and timeless portraits.
- Cliffs & castle combo — pair it with a Howth cliffside shoot for the complete Irish experience.
- Rainy-day plan B built in — propose inside or out, whatever the weather.
Exclusive partnership pricing is available only when you book through me.
Enquire about Howth Castle
From €995 · Fully bespoke
The magic of Ireland’s wild west
The open bog, the Atlantic coastline, the kind of landscape that stops you mid-sentence. These days are built entirely around you — no fixed route, no two sessions alike.
Whether it’s a slow wander through Connemara, a cliffside along the Wild Atlantic Way, or somewhere you’ve had in mind since you first saw it in a photo — we build it around your trip. Most sessions run three hours or more, because that’s what it takes to do it justice.
- Personalised planning — we’ll time it for that legendary Irish light.
- Versatile locations — from Diamond Hill to the quiet shores of Pines Island.
- Expert guidance — I handle the logistics so you can focus on the moment.
Vow Renewals
Renew your vows in beautiful Ireland
A vow renewal can be even more meaningful than the wedding day itself — a chance to pause, look back on your journey together, and say it all again somewhere breathtaking. Whether it’s a clifftop in Howth, a quiet Wicklow lakeside, or a wild Atlantic beach, I’ll capture the laughter and the tears while showing you some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery.
Enquire about a vow renewalCliffs of Moher engagement shoots
Since 2024 I no longer offer shoots at the Cliffs of Moher, as they’re no longer possible due to the cliff-path closures. If you’d like the full story — or you’re simply planning to visit while you’re in Ireland — it’s worth a read.
Read why →David pre-planned our route after chatting over video months in advance, and took us to the most amazing locations along the Wild Atlantic Way. We can’t say enough how pleased we are — I currently have five hanging in my office!
Holly Cline (USA) — Full-day west coast shoot
Helpful planning resources
Two reads to help you prepare before you fly over — one covers everything an American couple needs to plan the trip, the other helps you decide what to wear on the day.
Engagement Shoots & Proposals in Ireland for American Couples
Your complete resource — the best seasons, top locations, how castle shoots really work, travel and accommodation, secret proposals and elopements.
Read the guide →
What to Wear for Your Engagement Shoot in Ireland
Simple, practical outfit tips for every season and setting — so you look great, stay comfortable and feel relaxed in front of the camera.
Read the guide →Let’s make it happen
No pressure and no hard sell — just two people working out if we’re a good fit. Dates around sunset and in peak season book up fast, so the earlier you reach out, the better.