Angela Dunlop - An Evening of Mediumship

Angela Dunlop

An Evening of Mediumship in the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown.

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Ophelia Melita - Fashion City, Dublin

Ophelia Melita

A few shots from our visit to Fashion City, Dublin for John Campbell Fashions – his new Ophelia Melita range.


Bride & Groom standing on the balcony, silhouetted by the beautiful window light behind them

Frequently Asked Questions

We get asked lots of questions about wedding photography. Here’s a few of the most popular ones…

What if it rains?

I love the quote “ Life’s not about avoiding the showers, its about learning to dance in the rain”.
Some of my favourite images were created in “bad’ weather, but obviously the final choice is down to you.
We always discuss with our couples a ‘Plan B’ 🙂

Bride & Groom standing under an umbrella - embracing the rain - outside Castle Bellingham

How long does it take to get my photos?

I love it when clients ask this question!
We aim to have a “sneak peak” of your photos to you within 7 days.
Just imagine lying up on honeymoon looking at your fabulous wedding photos!
The rest of your images will usually be ready for you to view with 14 days of your wedding.
When we chat with you before the wedding we can arrange when and how you can view them though we always recommend coming to our studio and viewing them with us if possible.
That way we can help you make your decisions for your album.

I don’t want much fuss. Is it worth getting a professional photographer?

Absolutely, especially if you don’t want too much fuss or time wasted because we won’t just take photos.
We’ll be there to help you at every stage of the day.
We’ll be helping with flowers, fixing your dress and even entertaining the kids.
I can’t think of anything worse than wasting time on your wedding day with an inexperienced or disorganised photographer.

Who will actually take my wedding photos?

There are two of us here, Simon and me (Ciaran).
When you enquire about your date we will tell you who is available so you can chat with them and see samples of their work.
If both of us are free you can choose.

"Life’s not about avoiding the showers, its about learning to dance in the rain."

— Ciaran O'Neill

How much should I expect to pay for a wedding photographer in Northern Ireland?

I read recently the average price for in Northern Ireland is around £1500.
We are slightly more than that but when you see our images and our stunning albums, I think you’ll see why.

How long will you be there on the day?

That’s up to you but typically we start at the bride’s house and stay until you are called for dinner, until after the speeches or for the first few dances.
We can tailor your package to suit your needs.

Lough Erne Resort - our lovely couple enjoy a stroll across the foot bridge over Lake Hume

Bride sitting in the window of Cabra Castle

Cabra Castle Weddings

Cabra Castle Weddings

Well known as one of Ireland’s best castle wedding venues, Cabra Castle Hotel boasts a proud history dating as far back as 1760.
Its long history lends a mature, cultured air to the castle which can be felt  as you stroll along the castle’s magnificent hallways and stairwells.
Photo opportunities are plentiful. From the magnificent fountain at the front door, through Mitzi’s Garden and on to the elegant entrance staircase, you will be surrounded by beautiful backdrops.
Once inside you are greeted with the grand staircase leading to a host of beautiful rooms on the first floor. These rooms are ideal for quiet bridal portraits and even larger family and friend group shots.  It seems that every corner hides another opportunity.
The friendly staff are alway on hand to help and your food will be second to non.
As wedding photographers covering all of Ireland we consider Cabra Castle Hotel to be one of our closer venues at only 80 minutes drive away.
Come join us for our lowdown on Cabra Castle Weddings…

Bride & Groom standing embracing in front of the Cabra Castle main entrance
The front of the Castle is truly iconic

The Hotel & Grounds

Where to start with such a beautiful castle? Arriving at the main entrance – you are just blown away by the surroundings. The grounds are immaculate and staff are incredibly attentive towards our couples. Sometimes, it works out that we need to get the ‘Castle’ shot straight out of the car, in this case the Piper holds off until the couple are ready. Inside, the drinks reception provides for a fantastic atmosphere. Whilst the guests are enjoying the drinks and canapés – we normally take our bridal party away for 10-15 minutes to use Mitsy’s Garden, or if the weather is struggling to control its temper – we use the main castle staircase and Gold room.

Bridal party in Mitzi's garden
Bridal party in Mitzi's garden
Bridal party in gold room
Bridal party on stairs in the main Castle
Bridal party on stairs in the main Castle

When using the gardens we try and move as quickly as possible. This is to minimise the time you’re away from your guests! Whilst Cabra Castle feels huge – to travel between locations is actually quite quick and accessible for brides (and grooms) in heels!

Bride and groom in courtyard garden at Cabra Castle hotel
Bride and groom in courtyard garden
Oscar the Irish wolf hound from Cabra Castle
Humans Beware! Oscar can easily steal the limelight from our newlyweds lol!
Piper leading bride and groom Cabra Castle
Piper leading bride and groom up the stairway to Cabra Castle

"Cabra are constantly updating their style - the new alcove for cutting the cake illuminates our couples"

— Ciaran O'Neill Photography

The Gold Room

The great JRR Tolkien once wrote: “All that is gold does not glitter.” This time, however, is not the case. One of the finest decorated rooms I’ve ever witnessed (it still beguiles me every time I go to Cabra) is the Gold Room at Cabra Castle.

Over the years, it has always been a sanctuary for our couples – either a bit of respite from the onslaught of well-wishers, or providing a stunning backdrop to family photos. Cabra recently upped their game and use it as a landing place for the bridal party to enjoy a bit of downtime with nibbles and drinks.

Bride sitting in window with reflection in glass table Cabra Castle Ciaran O'Neill Photography
Ok, ok. Technically its not the Gold Room - but the room faces the Gold Room and is stunning in its own right :-)

The Bridal Suite

The two bridal suites Cabra offer are equally stunning – however we tend to use the castle room as it lends itself more to photos. From the four posted bed to the Victorian style bathtub – photos and opportunities abound!

Bride with flowergirl in window Cabra Castle Wedding Ciaran O'Neill Photography
The staircase just beside the bridal suite makes for a beautiful walking photo

"All that glitters IS Gold!"

— Ciaran O'Neill Photography

The Staircase

Is there a more dramatic staircase in Ireland? Perhaps…but this one has to be one of our favourites. So many opportunities present themselves from so many different angles.

Bride lit from behind on stairs in Cabra Castle
Naturally lit from the window light behind the bride
Off camera flash provides the light in this image - which was taken at night in Winter time
Bride and daughter going to bed Cabra Castle Ciaran O'Neill Photography Northern Ireland Wedding Photographers
Bride & her daughter walk up the steps hand in hand

Civil Ceremonies & Evening Time

We’ve been lucky to capture civil ceremonies inside and outside of the castle. These are very intimate ceremonies and allow us as photographers to blend in with the guests and surroundings as we capture those special moments.

Bride and groom kiss during an intimate ceremony at Cabra Castle
A couple 'tie the knot' during a hand fasting ceremony outside of the Castle
Irish wolf hound walks through ceremony at Cabra Castle
We are not kidding about Oscar stealing the show!

The Gate house at the entrance of the Castle is an amazing space for hosting your bridal prep.

Bridal party laughing and drinking champagne on the morning of the wedding

Night Time

Bride and groom at Christmas tree Cabra Castle
Bride and groom in front of Cabra night-time
Bride and groom kissing in front of fireworks Cabra Castle Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland Ciaran O'Neill Photography
First dance Cabra Castle
Bride and groom leaving hotel under sparklers held my guests Cabra Castle
Bride and groom in gazebo at night Cabra Castle Ireland
Bride and groom in front of gazebo Cabra Castle hotel at night

Sports Car Photoshoot - Mourne Mountains

Maserati 3200GT Vs Porsche Cayman

Photoshoot for sports car owners in the spectacular Mourne Mountains


Birde and groom standing outside Killeavy Castle with her veil flowing in the wind

Killeavy Castle Weddings

Killeavy Castle Weddings

As the centrepiece of a 350 acre estate and woodland in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle is one of Ireland’s “newest” castle wedding venues. The recently renovated castle provides intimate surroundings while the newly built hotel area gives a thoroughly modern feel. It is truly the best of both worlds.
The wonderful staff are always on hand. Of all the magical areas in the grounds, one of my personal favourites is the tunnel from the old area to the new. It is always bathed in beautiful flattering light from the garden. Its always a winning shot for our brides too.
Lying only a few miles off the Belfast – Dublin main road, Killeavy Castle are within easy rest of most of Northern and Southern Ireland.
Continue reading for our lowdown on Killeavy Castle weddings…

Couple outside Killeavy Castle

The Hotel & Grounds

Killeavy’s grounds are extremely well kept and get better every time we have the privilege of shooting there. The different seasons offer different photo opportunities – Autumn in particular provides a wealth of orange and red tones with the forest area just behind the car park. Our advice, go walking in the forest for some beautiful images…

Couple enjoying a laugh as they stroll through the forest
Couple enjoy a stroll along the lane at Killeavy Castle
The tones brought out in Autumn are stunning

We mentioned the Archway and tunnel earlier – it was originally used to transport food and drink into the main Castle. No matter the weather it is accessible – so if it is raining outside you can get into the tunnel and capture some stunning photos without getting soaked!

This is one of the entrances to the tunnel
Light flows in from three entry points - creating atmospheric and moody visuals.
Couple embrace in a tunnel under Killeavy Castle
Autumn tones surround our a beautiful bride as she stands outside a tunnel
Grooms standing in an archway during a Killeavy Castle wedding
Bride stands in the archway at Killeavy Castle

"Slieve Gullion forest is a small walk away - it provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photos"

— Ciaran O'Neill Photography

Gardens & Outdoor Opportunities

The Walled Gardens are getting better and better each time we visit. The pebbled walkways are clean and absorb water quickly, meaning if you get a break in the rain. you can use them shortly after without getting your dress dirty or soaked.

Bridal party in the Walled Gardens

"Weddings in Killeavy are a mix of moments - romantic, peaceful, majestic - it is truly a place of your own"

— Ciaran O'Neill Photography

Photo Opportunities Further Afield

Main Hotel & Marquee

Civil ceremonies in the marquee are private and personal – allowing you and your guests the opportunity to enjoy a full day at the Castle without the intermediate travelling. The main hotel is modern and spacious.


The Castle & Bridal Suite


Night time


Ciaran O'Neill Photography - Logo - Mobile - Dark

Rose Cottage Studio
84 Cottage Road, Lurgan, BT67 9LP
Tel: +447733305089

E: info@ciaranoneill.photography