Fairytale weddings Come to Life at Cabra Castle
As a wedding photographer based in Northern Ireland and travelling across the whole of Ireland, I’ve been fortunate to capture love stories in some truly magical places. One venue that never fails to inspire me is Cabra Castle in County Cavan.
Cabra Castle blends old-world charm with timeless elegance. Its grand architecture, sweeping staircases, and opulent interiors create a setting that feels straight out of a fairytale, while the lush, expansive grounds offer endless opportunities for breathtaking wedding photographs.
At 4Ever Photos, we get inspired when photographing at venues that offer not only beauty and atmosphere, but also that spark of something special. Cabra has transformed beyond recognition over the past 15 years. They continually add extra areas for photographic opportunities. They plan and design these expansions so well making my job a lot easier. Each couple brings their own story, their own energy, and their own magic—and Cabra Castle provides the perfect stage to bring it all to life.
From a photography perspective, Cabra Castle ticks every box. It has drama, elegance, intimacy, and variety—qualities that every couple deserves in their wedding photographs.
The Castle Exterior: The grand façade, with ivy climbing its stone walls and towers rising against the sky, makes the perfect backdrop for cinematic couple portraits. Walking hand in hand up the red carpeted stairs, being presented with a glass of champagne is always a favourite amongst wedding couples. Same spot, different angle and you have the turrets which create timeless, romantic images.
The Grounds: We are loving the new Roman Steps area leading to the gazebo. Lined with statues, it creates an amazing stage for posing the current trends of “Vanity Fair” styled group portraits. The cream coloured steps are the perfect natural reflector - lighting under the chin which is flattering to all chins and necks and bounces light into the eyes. Mitzi’s gardens, the ironwork gates, the water feature …. and that is all just at the front of Cabra Castle. We rarely have the time, but the back of the castle is very different, with coats of arms along walkways, its less romantic feel and more period castle feel.
The Interiors: Irish weather is unpredictable, but Cabra Castle’s interiors are a gift. The sweeping staircases, opulent fireplaces, and regal reception rooms give us countless options for elegant portraits and candid moments. Rain or shine, couples can be confident their wedding photos will be stunning. Most couples wish list includes the Gold Room which is wow for photographs, but many forget the beauty of the chandelier shot in the Green room.
This versatility means your final wedding album will be a piece of family and also cultural heritage memory.
The Granary at Cabra Castle
As a wedding photographer with 4ever Photos, I’m always on the lookout for venues that combine history, elegance, and a touch of modern charm—and the recently opened Granary at Cabra Castle checks every box. This beautifully restored space perfectly balances rustic character with contemporary design, making it an absolutely dreamy backdrop for weddings.
One of the things I love most about the Granary is how it seamlessly brings the outdoors in. With its high ceilings, exposed beams, and abundant natural light, every shot feels airy, romantic, and timeless. It’s easy to see why couples are falling in love with this space—not just for their ceremony or reception, but for the stunning photo opportunities it offers throughout the day.
And the best part? You can get married right on the grounds of Cabra Castle using the Granary space. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this venue offers the perfect setting to create memories—and photos—that will last a lifetime.
Photography Tips for Couples Getting Married at Cabra Castle
Plan for Golden Hour: If possible, schedule 15 minutes around sunset for portraits—you won’t regret the dreamy light. Check out shot below
Embrace the Weather: Whether it’s sunshine, rain, mist, or even snow Cabra Castle always delivers atmosphere. Some of the most romantic photos I’ve captured have been under umbrellas or even in the snow! If it’s Irish missley rain, don’t worry - the inside of the castle has so many hidden gems. I know this castle so well and know all the best places for wedding photographs.
Take Time to Explore: You want to get to the party, but if you give me 25 minutes with you as a couple, I can get the most of this castle captured with the grandeur that it deserves. Allocate 1 hour for the photographs of you, your bridal party and family combination. We plan it all in advance, give lots of scheduling tips. Cabra Castle offers so much - you need a good plan to get all you want from your day. Cabra always run on time which is another reason why it is in my top 3 wedding venues.
What makes Cabra Castle truly special isn’t just its stunning setting—it’s the way it seems to create moments. The bride and groom walking up the grand staircase, guests laughing with each other and catching up with a glass of champagne, couples stealing quiet time together in the gardens. These aren’t just scenes—they’re the heart of your wedding story.
At 4Ever Photos, we don’t just capture how your wedding looks—we capture how it feels. That means always watching for the unplanned, genuine moments: the teary hugs, the bursts of laughter, the knowing glances between you and your partner. Cabra Castle is the perfect backdrop for these natural, heartfelt moments to unfold.
A big part of that magic comes from the team behind the scenes. The staff at Cabra Castle are more than just venue professionals—they create an experience. Their warmth, attention to detail, and calm presence help couples feel truly cared for. And when you feel supported and at ease, it shows. That quiet confidence, that real joy—it comes through in every photo.
Because in the end, it’s not just about the big picture—it’s about the little moments that make it unforgettable.
This gazebo has moved now but I had to add this shot in that I took a few years ago. Still one of my favourite wedding images taken at Cabra Castle taken at Christmas time under a full moon. I have photographed the children of this couple below, but when doing this blog - I had to include it.
And then, of course, there’s the reception. The energy shifts, the music starts, and the celebration comes alive. In the richly decorated ballroom, surrounded by candlelight and clinking glasses, I’ve watched couples lose themselves in the joy of the moment—dancing, laughing, and soaking in the love that surrounds them. It’s during this part of the day that some of the most spirited, joy-filled photos happen, and Cabra Castle knows how to host a party you’ll never forget.
Your wedding photographs are more than just pictures—they’re your family’s history, the images that will be cherished for generations. At 4Ever Photos, I don’t just document weddings, I craft visual stories filled with love, laughter, and meaning.
Having photographed at Cabra Castle many times, I know the best spots, the most flattering light, and the little tricks to make the most of this incredible venue. More importantly, I know how to capture you—your personalities, your connection, and your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
So if you’re planning your Cabra Castle wedding and searching for a photographer who can bring the magic of the venue and the uniqueness of your love story together, I’d love to chat.
✨ Get in touch with 4Ever Photos today to start planning your perfect wedding photography experience.