Imagine this: two women, both originally from abroad, travel to the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, to a little cove just outside Roundstone in Connemara, County Galway. They choose this spot because it connects to the memory of family visits, the rugged beauty of the land, and the promise of a wedding day that’s as much about authenticity as it is about love. They discover one name again and again in their search: Áine, the inclusive and generous wedding celebrant based in Galway.
When they first reached out, they told Áine they wanted a ceremony that felt Irish — the wind off the sea, a few Celtic touches, laughter, tears, and really, a sense of being fully seen. They also told her that it must be safe, welcoming, flexible, free of anything rigid or formulaic. And Áine delivered.
On the morning of the wedding, the tide was turning, clouds parted and showed the grey-green hills of Connemara. The couple walked the sandy shoreline, their nearest family and friends gathered in a semi-circle. The dog, their beloved Labradoodle, wore a small floral wreath, matching the brides. The ceremony was simple, heartfelt — and then, in a moment of surprise, Áine lifted her voice in a soft Irish folk song she had prepared just for them. It wasn’t in the contract — it was a gift. As one of the guests later said, “You never felt safer, more in welcoming hands.”
What makes this story special isn’t just the scenery or the fact it’s a same-sex wedding in Ireland (both beautiful in their own right). It’s the way the day reflected the couple’s personality: fun, spontaneous, deeply personal. It’s the way Áine adapted to the setting, the community, the mood. And it’s the fact the journey here was one of spirit: the couple chose the West of Ireland because one had a grandmother from Galway, the other had always dreamt of the Atlantic horizon. They chose Ireland because it’s known for marriage equality and warm welcome — one guide notes: “All of our venues & vendors are LGBTQ+ friendly and we absolutely love making dreams come true for same-sex couples from all over the world.” Eloping in Ireland
For LGBTQ+ couples thinking of a destination wedding in Ireland, here are three take-aways from this day:
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Choose a celebrant who gives all of herself. A ceremony is more than words; it’s atmosphere, trust, tone. Áine brings her heart fully and is open to unique touches.
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Go for a location that resonates. Yes, the beach is beautiful, but what matters is that it means something to you both. One bride told me the sound of the waves reminded her of childhood summers in Cornwall; the other loved how the Connemara hills looked like the hills at home in Canada.
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Know that inclusion isn’t optional — it’s essential. Ireland’s legal landscape is strong for same-sex marriage (legalised in 2015 by popular vote). Ireland.com+1 But beyond law, you want genuine warmth. When the planning is done and you arrive, you’ll want to feel you belong.
If you’re dreaming of saying “we do” somewhere magical, somewhere safe, somewhere full of heart — reach out to Áine at Wedding Celebrant Galway. Whether you’re planning a full legal wedding or a symbolic destination ceremony, whether you’re local or coming from abroad, she’d love to help you craft a day that’s truly yours.
Let the Atlantic wind, the Irish hills and your love story take centre-stage.
