The first dance is often one of the most emotional and symbolic moments of a wedding day. At Markree Castle, there’s more than one way to make it unforgettable – and each location has its own charm. Whether you dream of dancing in the garden at golden hour, under the castle’s stone archway, surrounded by sparklers in the courtyard, or kicking off the party on the indoor dancefloor – this guide will help you choose the perfect spot.
These images come from real weddings I’ve photographed, and this post will be updated regularly with new moments and inspiration.
👉 You can also explore the full wedding gallery here:
Markree Castle Wedding Archives
First Dance in the Garden – A Golden Hour Moment
Markree Castle offers couples the rare opportunity to have their first dance surrounded by nature. For weddings with outdoor ceremonies or summer celebrations, the castle’s garden lawn becomes the perfect space for a magical golden hour moment.
The soft evening light, open sky, and peaceful backdrop of the castle create an atmosphere that feels like something out of a fairytale. Whether it’s a small circle of close friends or all your guests watching with sparklers, the garden offers space and flexibility while still feeling intimate.
👉 You can see more real garden moments and outdoor celebrations here:
Markree Castle Wedding Archives
First Dance under the Archway – Intimate and Timeless
For couples seeking a quiet, romantic moment, the first dance under Markree Castle’s historic archway is a magical option. Located just beside the main entrance, this stone arch becomes a peaceful hideaway in the evening, illuminated by soft light and shadows.
It offers a sense of intimacy while still carrying the grandeur of the castle around you. This spot is often chosen by couples who want a first dance without the crowd – cinematic, timeless, and deeply personal.
First Dance in the Courtyard – Sparklers, Lights & Celebration
After dinner, as twilight settles in, many couples choose the castle courtyard (also known as the Quiet Yard) to invite their guests for a magical sparkler moment. It often becomes the stage for a first dance under string lights, with live music or a DJ and the full support of family and friends.
This space blends openness with celebration. Guests form a circle, holding sparklers as the couple dances at the center, creating a festive and emotional experience. For those who love connection, energy, and evening rituals – the courtyard is a perfect first dance location.
Explore more real weddings in this space here:
Markree Castle Wedding Archives
First Dance on the Castle Dancefloor – Classic and Full of Energy
If you’re dreaming of kicking off your wedding party in a traditional and lively way, the main dancefloor at Markree Castle is the perfect spot. Surrounded by your guests, lighting, and often live music or a DJ, many couples choose this classic setup for their first dance.
The castle’s interior offers elegance and great acoustics, and when lit well, the space becomes a cinematic stage. For many, this moment becomes the emotional peak of the evening – met with applause, cheers, and spontaneous guest reactions.
As a Wedding Photographer, I often capture these moments in a candid, real way – combining the eye of a Documentary Wedding Photographer with the creativity of an Art Wedding Photographer for couples planning their Destination Wedding in Ireland.
First Dance in the Woodland – For Couples Who Want Something More
If you’re dreaming of something more personal, wild, and meaningful – the woodland area at Markree Castle might be exactly what you’re looking for. Tucked away among the trees and hidden from the main courtyard, this space is made for couples who want to experience their first dance their own way.
It’s the perfect setting for elopements and micro weddings, but also for destination wedding couples who wish to end their day far from the noise and lights – just the two of them, surrounded by nature, under hanging string lights.
Picture it: fairy lights strung between trees, soft moss beneath your feet, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the quiet beginning of your first dance.
It’s not just romantic – it’s a cinematic moment, one that will stay with you forever (and look incredible in your wedding photos).
Which First Dance Location Is Right for You?
Markree Castle offers a rare opportunity to choose between five completely different locations for your first dance – and each one brings something truly special. Depending on the season, the mood of your day, and the kind of atmosphere you want to create, you can choose a space that fits your story perfectly.
🌿 Garden
For couples dreaming of an outdoor dance – surrounded by greenery, under the open sky, with the last light of the day. It’s a perfect setting for a romantic sunset moment, especially in the summer months. The garden offers both space and intimacy, and when the weather is right, the effect is pure magic.
🏰 Under the Archway
An intimate and cinematic choice. Dancing beneath the castle’s stone arch is ideal for those who value symbolic, quiet moments with a beautifully historic backdrop. Best just after sunset, with soft lighting and a sense of stillness – right in the heart of the venue, yet set apart from the noise.
✨ Courtyard
This is where the energy lives – sparklers, laughter, celebration, and guests all around. Perfect for couples who want to involve everyone, dance beneath string lights, and turn the end of dinner into a shared emotional moment. With a saxophone or DJ playing, and friends holding sparklers in a circle – this dance will be unforgettable.
💃 Castle Dancefloor
A timeless classic that never fails. This is ideal for colder days or when you want a seamless transition from your first dance into the party. The castle’s interior offers elegance, flattering lighting, and great acoustics – a perfect choice for a bold entrance filled with cheers and energy.
🪵 Woodland
For couples looking for something entirely different. This hidden forest space offers the chance for a completely unique and private first dance – away from the crowd, among the trees, beneath string lights, and with birdsong in the background. It’s a dream setting for nature lovers, elopements, and destination weddings that are meant to feel personal and wild.
Family Moments During the First Dance
While most couples enjoy their first dance as a romantic moment for two, sometimes it becomes a beautiful shared experience with parents or close family members.
One of the most touching examples? A bride dancing with her father as the guests look on with smiles, tears, and glasses raised. These moments are deeply emotional and make for timeless photographs.
If you’re planning your first dance at Markree Castle, consider including your family in a way that feels natural and meaningful – whether it’s a surprise father-daughter moment or an impromptu group sway under the stars.
A Spectacular Ending – Fireworks at Markree Castle
Some couples choose to end their first dance with a breathtaking fireworks display over the gardens of Markree Castle. Others plan the show later in the evening as a grand finale to their celebration. No matter the timing, it always becomes one of the most unforgettable moments of the day.
Guests are mesmerized, emotions fill the air, and the photos… truly magical. With lanterns glowing, the castle standing tall in the background, a starlit sky, and the newlyweds surrounded by vibrant bursts of light – it’s a cinematic scene to remember.
It’s a perfect choice for couples planning a Destination Wedding in Ireland who want to finish the day with elegance, emotion, and a truly spectacular touch.
About Me – A Local Photographer with Deep Experience at Markree Castle
My name is Wojciech Koza, and I’ve been photographing weddings at Markree Castle for years. I know this venue inside and out – not just as a photographer, but as someone who works here often and returns with genuine appreciation for its beauty.
Living just a few minutes away from the castle, I often begin the day by capturing the early morning light over the estate – before preparations even start. Sometimes I use my drone, sometimes it’s quiet, documentary-style imagery of the venue before the day begins. Then I return to document the bride’s morning in full.
I know every corner of Markree Castle – from the woodland and boathouse to the courtyard and ballroom. I know when the light hits the bridal suite just right, where to position a first look, and how to capture the full atmosphere of the venue in a natural, emotional way – no stiff posing, just real moments.
What Couples Say About Their Markree Castle Weddings
Bernadette
Wojciech was an absolute dream to work with. He knew Markree Castle inside out, suggesting the most beautiful locations for our photos. His photojournalistic approach meant that every shot was filled with emotion and natural beauty. The final photos? Breathtaking.
Lynne
Markree Castle was the perfect venue for our intimate wedding. Wojciech made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera, and his documentary photography style captured every emotion naturally. The photos are filled with magic, light, and joy — exactly what we dreamed of.
Muireann
We got married at Markree Castle, and Wojciech knew exactly where and when to capture the best shots. His photojournalistic style made the entire album look so natural and full of real emotions. We highly recommend him to any couple looking for an experienced, talented, and professional wedding photographer.
Markree Castle Wedding – FAQ for US & UK Couples
Where can we have our first dance at Markree Castle?
You can choose from multiple locations: the Dance Floor inside the castle, the romantic Courtyard under sparklers, the Archway at the entrance, the Garden Lawn during sunset, or even the secluded Woodland path. Each setting offers a unique mood depending on the vibe of your day.
Is it possible to plan a first dance outside instead of inside the castle?
Absolutely. Many couples choose the Courtyard or Garden for their first dance under the stars or during golden hour. Just coordinate timing and music with your wedding planner or DJ.
Can our photographer capture the first dance in low light or outdoor settings?
Yes. As a local photographer familiar with Markree Castle, I often use lighting techniques, flashes, or even drones to capture magical outdoor moments during first dances, even in tricky lighting conditions.
Is the Courtyard a popular choice for a first dance?
Definitely. The Courtyard becomes a magical setting with sparklers, music, and guests gathering around. It’s often used after dinner and makes for unforgettable nighttime images.
Do we need to book or reserve certain locations in advance?
Usually not, but it’s best to let the Markree Castle coordinator know your first dance preference. This way, the staff can help set up lighting, music access, and timing based on your flow of the day.
Planning your first dance at Markree Castle?
Let’s talk💍 Need inspiration? Explore real moments at Markree Castle Wedding Archives
