A picturesque garden in front of the majestic Tankardstown House, providing the perfect backdrop for a summer wedding.

Why Tankardstown House is a Photographer’s Dream Wedding Venue


Tankardstown House Wedding Photographer: A Dream Venue in Meath

As a wedding photographer in Dublin and the surrounding counties, I have had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of Ireland’s most stunning locations. However, there are a few select venues that I find myself returning to with genuine excitement every single time. Tankardstown House in Slane, County Meath, is undoubtedly at the top of that list.

Whether you are planning a sun-drenched summer celebration or a cosy winter gathering, this venue offers a blend of luxury, privacy, and photographic potential that is hard to beat. If you are looking for a Tankardstown wedding photographer who knows the grounds inside out, I’m here to tell you why this 18th-century manor house is the perfect backdrop for your big day.

A Summer Wedding reception at Tankardstown House, where the large room is elegantly adorned with white tables and chairs.

A Private Sanctuary in the Boyne Valley

One of the first things that strikes you about Tankardstown is the sense of exclusivity. It feels less like a hotel and more like a private residence where you have been handed the keys for the weekend. Set on 80 acres of parkland and woods, it is a private venue that manages to be grand yet intimately welcoming.

For natural documentary style wedding photography, this seclusion is a gift. Guests relax more quickly here, allowing me to capture those unguarded, authentic moments of laughter and emotion without the distractions of a busy public hotel.

A Summer Wedding at Tankardstown House, with the bride and groom standing in front of a gate in a garden.
Summer Wedding at Tankardstown

Chasing the Golden Hour: Unrivaled Sunsets

Lighting is everything in photography, and Tankardstown offers something quite rare amongst other wedding venues: relatively uninterrupted horizons. Because the venue isn’t hemmed in by towering mountains or other buildings, the light here is often spectacular.

If we are lucky enough to get a golden hour, the sunsets are truly magical. We can step out onto the terrace or stroll down the tree-lined avenue, and the light just spills across the landscape. It allows us to create breathtaking, romantic portraits that feel cinematic yet entirely natural.

Ceremony Spaces: The Walled Garden and The Orangery

Tankardstown spoils couples with its ceremony choices. For summer weddings, the Walled Garden is a standout feature. It is incredibly romantic to exchange vows outdoors surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery. It provides a vibrant, colourful backdrop that requires very little dressing up.

However, we all know the Irish weather can be unpredictable. This is where Tankardstown truly shines. Unlike many venues where the “Plan B” feels like a compromise, the indoor option here is stunning. The Orangery is a magnificent, light-filled space with a glass ceiling and chandeliers. It feels bright and airy even on a cloudy day, making it a dream for a wedding photographer in Meath who favours natural light.

A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet of flowers stands beside a groom in a tuxedo, both looking out of the window with soft light illuminating them—a timeless scene perfect for a Tankardstown House  wedding photographer

A Venue for All Seasons

Summer Weddings

In the summer, the flow of the venue is seamless. Guests can spill out from the main house onto the rolling lawns for the drinks reception. There is ample space for people to mingle, providing me with endless opportunities for candid shots of your friends and family enjoying the day.

Winter and Christmas Weddings

Tankardstown is equally enchanting in the winter months. The main house, with its roaring open fires, antique furniture, and drawing rooms, feels incredibly cosy. It is the perfect setting for a Christmas wedding, offering warmth and old-world elegance.

From a photography perspective, a rainy day here is never a worry. The interiors are rich with character. We have access to the beautifil rooms wwith wonderful windows for soft natural lighting, staircases, the elegant landings, and the bright atrium area. These spaces allow us to create sophisticated, editorial-style portraits without ever stepping foot outside. Your “rainy day option” isn’t just covered—it’s beautiful.

A bride and groom embrace and share a kiss on the lawn near the grand stone walls of Tankardstown House at sunset.

exceptional Food and Service

A wedding isn’t just about how it looks; it’s about how it feels (and tastes!). The food at Tankardstown is excellent, backed by the reputation of their award-winning Brabazon Restaurant.

But what really sets this venue apart is the staff. They are, quite simply, brilliant. In my experience, they are genuinely interested in making sure your day goes exactly the way you want it. They are attentive without being intrusive, ensuring the day flows smoothly so you can focus on celebrating. When the staff looks after you this well, everyone is more relaxed—and relaxed couples make for the best photos!

Your Tankardstown House Wedding Photographer

If you are planning your wedding at Tankardstown House, I would love to be there to capture it. Having shot here many times, I know exactly where to find the best light, the hidden corners of the Walled Garden and locations indoors.

My approach is all about natural documentary style wedding photography—letting the day unfold organically while I capture the magic as it happens.

Would you like to discuss your wedding plans? Get in touch today to check availability.

A bride and groom stand close together on a grassy lawn at sunset, holding hands and facing each other in the grounds of Tankardstown House at sunset.

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