Castle Court Hotel Westport – Karen & Alan’s Irish Destination Wedding

Destination Wedding Videography in Ireland

With two school age kids, destination weddings are not practical for us to do very often. But when Karen and Alan got in touch to ask if we could photograph and film their big day in at the Castle Court Hotel in Westport, Ireland, we couldn’t resist it. Karen grew up in the tiny village of Ballycroy, which is on the remote west coast of Ireland. The scenery, both rugged and beautiful, is very different to even hilly parts of England. But with regular flights from Liverpool to Knock airport it’s actually very accessible and affordable for a weekend break. We’ll definitely be back, either for leisure or maybe another wedding if the opportunity arrises.

Getting Married Abroad

Karen left Ireland to live in England when she was just 19, now living with Alan in Greater Manchester. It must seem a million miles away from Ballycroy. I’m sure arranging a destination wedding is a complicated task. But I have to say, from the moment we met Karen at breakfast at her sister’s B&B in the morning, through to evening party at the Castle Court Hotel, the whole day went perfectly. Karen and the girls got ready at her Mum’s house 3 miles outside the village, and the marriage ceremony was at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Ballycroy. The church had been beautifully decorated by the Enchanted Wedding Company.

After the ceremony we stopped on route to the hotel for photographs with stunning views over to Achill Island. England were playing Sweden in the World Cup Quarter Finals as we were driving along the N59 to Westport, and the second England goal was scored just as Karen and Alan was getting out of the car at the Castle Court Hotel. So Karen stepped out of the car to a chorus of cheers, even if they weren’t all from wedding guests!

Castle Court Hotel Wedding Venue in Westport

We loved the Castle Court Hotel, with its gorgeous plaza. It was a real sun-trap, and a great place for Karen, Alan and their wedding guests to relax. With the Same Day Edit video package, I began editing the highlights film while they were eating the meal. We showed the film later in the evening, after the excellent band’s first set. Thanks to the guys from the hotel for helping with supplying a projector (I usually take my own but I don’t think it would have survived Ryanair’s baggage handling).

For more examples of our Same Day Edit wedding films, here’s Kerri-Anne and Rob’s wedding at Upper House Hayfield, and Scarlett and Rob’s wedding at the Gamekeeper’s Inn.