Belfast, Northern Ireland: City Elopement Inspiration
Back in July, I hopped on a train, a plane and into a hire car to photograph and incredible city elopement workshop in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. With just a couple, a tux, a simple dress and beautiful bunch of bright pink peonies, we captured some inspirational elopement style photos and it really goes to show that getting married does not have to be big or stressful to be beautiful.
Starting off at The Umbrella Street - the neon umbrella installation on Commercial Court, home to the Duke of York pub. The umbrellas stood as a beacon of hope while The Duke of York pub was closed during the pandemic. Photographing early in the morning meant we almost had the alley to ourselves, however as a documentary photographer I also think there is something magical about ordinary people rushing past a couple on what is an extraordinary day for them. For an elopement, an early ceremony time would work well for this if you did want a clearer view in the middle of the city.
Stopping by Belfast City Hall for some photos in front of the gorgeous Grade A listed building. As registry offices go, this is without doubt one of the more aesthetic ones!
We moved on to the rooftop of a building with a fantastic view of Belfast, including the iconic yellow cranes (named Samson and Goliath) at the longstanding Harland and Wolff shipyard where RMS Titanic was built. A city elopement does allow for more time spent on couple portraits - at a wedding, I’m conscious of also wanting to capture candids of the day and allowing you to spend a great deal of time with your guests at your wedding. During elopements, I still have a big focus on documentary style, candids and less on posing but with just the two of you in mind, we’re able to spend more time wandering and visiting icons, particularly if you have travelled for your elopement.
The simplicity of just the couple and the great back drop of the city was really all we needed for some inspirational elopement photos and also speaks to my relaxed approach when it comes to couple portraits, elopements and especially my passion for doing your own thing when it comes to YOUR wedding celebrations.
I would love to photograph a real elopement in Northern Ireland, so if you’re currently planning your day, scroll on for some city elopement photos and get in touch if you’re in need of a wedding photographer in Belfast!
