Secret Ireland Elopement with Epic Main Character Moment
Dennis got his Irish citizenship mere months before running away with Sarina to make things official in secret on the Emerald Isle. With the stress of planning a big traditional wedding, Dennis and Sarina knew they wouldn’t be able to be completely themselves.
We chose to elope because we do not want the stress of a large wedding and having to feel like we need to please everyone. Dennis is good at being the center of attention, but Sarina is not and does not want the stress of standing in front of a large group of people saying vows. We decided to elope without telling anyone so we can be our authentic selves for the day and enjoy all our time with each other.

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Ireland holds a special place in Dennis’s heart, with family still in-country. In fact, Donegal (where Dennis’s family lives), was on their itinerary immediately after their ceremony on the Dingle Peninsula.
DAY ONE – The Gap of Dunloe and Ring of Kerry
Day one of Sarina and Dennis’s multi-day Ireland elopement adventure saw us explore the Gap of Dunloe via jaunting car. Jimmy (the driver) and his steed, Thomas, showed us various stops and was game for portraits all along the gap, wherever Sarina, Dennis, and I felt called to stop!
Top Tip: If you’re exploring the Ring of Kerry, don’t go midday, especially if you want to drive it instead of walk or take a jaunting car.
Afterward, we ventured out along the Ring of Kerry to a lighthouse, perched on rugged rocks overlooking crashing waves. Sarina is a fan of lighthouses – as a past park ranger on the Oregon Coast at a lighthouse, we got to nerd out at the lighthouse’s history and placement.
DAY TWO – Dingle
Day 2 began with a quaint first look in their cottage outside of Killarney, complete with a few details to remember loved ones who have passed away.
Then we were off! Their next stop was their ceremony location: an hour and change to something out of the latest Star Wars trilogy.
Their ceremony was conducted by Helen, who I’d personally like to grab a pint with sometime. Her personality and verve were a perfect fit for Sarina and Dennis and their senses of humor. Sarina’s friend Terry (whom she met in her travels) lives outside of Belfast and was able to make it down as their witness.
If you notice in the background of the images, there are sheep. Spring is lamb season and before we departed, Sarina and Dennis were able to hold some lambs who were newly introduced to this world.
Our day continue with visits to a relatively nearby castle ruin, though because many castles are on private property, we viewed the castle from the nearby beach. After some private moments together at the ruins, Sarina and Dennis took in the late afternoon at the end of the Dingle Peninsula at a pier known for its usage with herds of sheep. The pair commented on the vibrant colors of the hillside and the variety of topography all in one spot – cliffs, seaside, rolling hills and sea stacks!
Main Character Moment at Irish Pub
The day couldn’t have ended any better, with a main character moment in a local Dingle pub. After grabbing dinner, I suggested to Sarina and Dennis that we catch a local trad session at a pub. Ireland is known for its trad music sessions, with artists gathering to play traditional Irish ballads, jigs, reels, shanties and more on tin whistles, bagpipes, cellos, accordions and more.
We were content to just watch when one of the servers came up to me and asked me the couple’s name. A few minutes later, the band was serenading Sarina and Dennis in their first dance as a married couple, ending with the packed pub applauding, hooting, hollering and cheering. What a surreal way to end their elopement adventure before embarking on their honeymoon through the rest of the country!
Vendors
MAKEUP/HAIR: Sandra Flynn Beauty
CELEBRANT: Helen O’Sullivan
If you’re dreaming of a day like this, full of intention and connection with a splash of “epic” thrown in, reach out, and let’s adventure together…