The Ultimate Wedding Venue Guide

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Thinking about having your dream wedding at the Ballyliffin Lodge? Then you’ve chosen one of the best venues Donegal has to offer. This venue is a castle-like building with views surrounding Pollen Beach. All you need to know is if you want beach vibes, outdoor capabilities, and a front porch for a hell of a drinks reception. Ballyliffin Lodge has it all. View more below on more things Ballyliffin Lodge Weddings.

BALLYLIFFIN LODGE

 

Hey, welcome to the ultimate Ballyliffin Lodge wedding venue guide! A dedicated webpage on my website where I share everything about the wedding venue and why I love shooting there. I’ve been shooting around the grounds of the Ballyliffin lodge for the past 6 years, and even though it’s only a stonethrow away from my front door the location couldn’t be any sweeter with the Wild Atlantic Way. I know the place like the back of my hand! I teamed up with wedding coordinator and trusted guide, Ron, to discuss why the Ballyliffin Lodge is the ideal location to have your wedding day. Here is what he says…

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 01.

 

What makes Ballyliffin lodge such a cherished wedding venue for couples on their special day?

We are Ireland’s most northerly 4* Hotel set in the blissful, coastal Village of Ballyliffin in County Donegal. Who doesn’t love Donegal eh!! We believe the main reason we are so popular would be the one-stop shop offerings. We offer Civil Ceremonies onsite at the Hotel either on our wonderful Wedding Garden overlooking Pollan Bay or in our New Gate Lodge purpose-built Ceremony Venue onsite at the Ballyliffin Lodge.  Not to mention we have exceptional, professional and friendly staff, stunning local produce cuisine to name but a few! Being right on the coast you can imagine the views and local Wedding Photography hot spots ain’t bad either!!

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What sets Ballyliffin Lodge apart from the rest?

In Donegal we boast some fantastic Hotels but we feel our stunning views and impeccable service accompanied by our impeccable Hotel stands us apart.  P.S. our New Gate Lodge onsite Civil Ceremony Venue is a real treat also. Old Irish style cottage on the outside but step inside and well,  we won’t spoil it for you, check it out online!! You could also say our stunning, chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce Phantom and Top-spec Range Rover Vogue Weddings Cars don’t hurt either!

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What types of weddings does your venue cater to?

We accommodate Weddings from 80 Adult Guests right up to 500, any day of the week!   Every Wedding at the Ballyliffin Lodge, no matter what size gains the special Lodge Top-class service.

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COUPLES WANT THE WEDDING OF THEIR DREAMS, HOW DOES YOUR VENUE ASSURE THIS?

Well, it’s in our Motto – YOU DREAM IT, WE’LL DO IT. We have around 150 Weddings & Events a year every year and for just one per day. That’s some going! You could say we have it down to a tee!!

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WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE COUPLES WHO ARE PLANNING A STRESS-FREE WEDDING DAY

Relax, chill out, enjoy your planning. To be clíche – you really are in the hands of the professionals with us here at the Lodge

 

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What is the most epic request you have honoured to date?

Too many to mention to be honest, but probably the Indian Wedding that we hosted a few years ago. So many outfits changes, amazing outfits, dancing and unique wedding transport!

Learn more about the Ballyliffin lodge by tapping the button below.

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GOT QUESTIONS ? I´VE GOT ANSWERS!

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS

Me? I’ve been told from my past couples that I’m fun, passionate and an all rounded great professional third wheel.

My style of photography is documentary with a twist. I want to capture the heartfelt moments, the unscripted, the flow but also the planned. I’m abit of a wildcard, but I truly love this approach. It’s not all about taking photos, its more so the planning of your unique day and showing you that I wont miss a photograph that you require.

My go-to words are Relaxed, Romantic and Fun Loving.

WE HATE HAVING OUR PHOTO TAKEN, WE DON'T WANT LOADS OF POSED SHOTS, IS THAT OK?

Sure thing!

I know at first-hand what that feeling is like. It can be daunting standing in-front of a camera but I promise you, I can help with your anxiety on this with little actions I’ve picked up over the years – I used to model and have a camera randomly pointed at me too – yikes.  Most of the photos I take during your wedding will be natural, unposed and relaxed. Occasionally I will steal you for 10 – 20 mins to capture some intimate moments of you both, but trust me, you will look back and love them.

Camera Shy? Here’s some info that might help

Can we request specific shots?

I completely understand that every couple has specific photographs they want from their day. That’s why I include a section in my questionnaire where you can tell me exactly what’s most important to you. Whether it’s a particular moment or a set of shots, I’ll make sure to prioritize them based on your preferences, so nothing is missed and everything that matters most to you is captured beautifully.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR OUR PHOTOS TO BE READY?

During your wedding day, I’ll share a little sneak peek of the moments we’ve captured so far. After that, you can expect to receive your full gallery within 4 to 6 weeks.

How do you approach wedding day timelines?

In the first intial meeting I ask you what your wedding day looks like. Once I know all the deeds, I will be able to form a rough timeline of your day. If you decide that I’m the guy for you, then 6 weeks before your wedding day I will send you a questionaire for you to fill out, this is where you spill absolutely everything about your wedding (and you will know alot more about it then). 4 weeks before the day – We meet up for another coffee (Yay) and go over a more structured timeline so you know everything about your wedding day as it flows.

Do you require a deposit, and when is the balance due?

In order to secure your wedding date, I require a non-refundable deposit of £300. However, if you prefer, I also offer a flexible payment plan: a cost-of-living deposit of £150 per month for 2 months. After the date is secured: You can choose to pay whatever amount you’re comfortable with, whenever you’d like, and any payments you make will be deducted from your overall balance.

DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?

I sure do! I have only but the best protection for myself and for you on your wedding day! If you or your venue would like a copy to view this, I can give you a copy as proof. Safety first.

We are so glad we picked James as our wedding photographer, my partner has a real hatred of getting photos taken but James was incredibly patient, positive and organised with us at every step to ensure that we got the photos we wanted with as little stress as possible. Thank you so much! James was really quick sending over loads of preview images which we were completely thrilled with.

– DEBORAH & ALEXANDER –

From the very first conversation with James we knew we wanted him to be our photographer! Hes the most chilled super fun person to be around, really made us feel so comfortable, we chose the package which included the pre wedding photoshoot and they turned out absolutely brilliant, we couldn’t wait to see him again for our wedding day photos! He even gave us a preview on our wedding night which we loved! James took me and my husband away for a few minutes throughout the day to let us both just take it all in. James standard of photography is next to none! I would highly recommend him, in fact we are gonna get him booked in for future photoshoots! 5* thanks for everything James!

– SARAH-JANE & WILLIAM –

James made things happen by absolute magic, orchestrated photos and people to where they needed to be and did this in such a perfect manner. Even when I was feeling overwhelmed he recognised this and give me and my husband time to take it all in and not rush us, he captured pure magic. James was a joy and an absolute pleasure to have around and so many of my guests commented on how lovely he was. I am sure James does weddings nearly every week but it is so clear he gives 110% every time it clearly shows in his work. He captured our personality and style and relationship perfectly and tells our love story so beautifully.

– EIMEAR & TERRY –

James Aiken Photography
 BALLYLIFFIN LODGE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | ICED LATTE LOVER  |  CRAIC STARTER

HEY, I’M JAMES, THE GUY BEHIND THE CAMERA.

 

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A documentary-style wedding photographer based in Derry, with an eye for genuine moments and a knack for making even the camera-shy crack a smile. I picked up a camera in 2014 to document my wee girl growing up, and by 2017, I was capturing weddings—now there’s nothing I love more. I’m all for the relaxed romantic & the fun-loving couples who want their wedding photographs to bring them right back to how it all felt.