Joyful wedding party celebrates on stone steps with guests blowing bubbles in the background.

Virginia Park Lodge Wedding Photographer

If you've ever dreamed of getting married in a place that feels like it was plucked straight from a fairytale, Virginia Park Lodge in Co. Cavan might just be the one. As a wedding photographer covering in Dublin, I have had the privilege of shooting at some truly stunning venues across Ireland, and Virginia Park Lodge holds a very special place in my heart. Today I want to give you a proper behind the scenes look at what makes this place so magical, and why it photographs so beautifully!

Virginia Park Lodge is nestled in the heart of County Cavan, about an hour and a half's drive from Dublin. It sits on a sprawling 100 acre estate in Deerpark Forest, right on the shores of Lough Ramor. The drive out there alone is gorgeous, winding through the Cavan countryside, and it really sets the tone for the kind of day you are about to have.

For couples travelling from Dublin, the M3 motorway takes you almost all the way there. It is also accessible from Belfast in around two and a half hours, and there are bus connections from Dublin to Cavan town with taxis available from there. Parking on site is ample, which is always a win for guests.

The full address is: Virginia Park Lodge, Deerpark, Virginia, Co. Cavan, A82 T2N6.

Virginia Park Lodge is an 18th century hunting estate with an absolutely gorgeous history. The estate was lovingly restored by renowned chef Richard Corrigan, who actually got married here himself before falling so in love with the place that he bought it! How special is that? He wanted to share that same magic with other couples, and honestly, you can feel it the moment you arrive.

Where do I even begin! This place ticks every box.

Exclusive Use

When you book Virginia Park Lodge for your wedding, the entire estate is yours. The house, the gardens, the grounds, all of it. No other weddings happening alongside yours, no strangers wandering through. Just you, your people, and this stunning property. As a wedding photographer, I absolutely love this because it means we have total freedom to explore and find gorgeous spots throughout the day without any awkward logistics.

The Photography Locations Are Endless

This is the part where I genuinely get a bit giddy! Virginia Park Lodge is a photographer's dream. You have the gorgeous 18th century house itself with its incredible period interiors, the walled gardens, the sweeping grounds, the woodland walks through Deerpark Forest, and of course that stunning lakeside setting on Lough Ramor. The light inside the venue is particularly lovely too, with large windows throughout that flood the spaces with natural light even on a grey Irish day. Anyone who has planned a wedding in Ireland knows that matters!

Whether you are going for romantic and moody lake shots or bright and airy garden portraits, this venue delivers it all.

The Ceremony Spaces

Virginia Park Lodge is licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships, so you can do everything in one beautiful place. You have a few gorgeous options to choose from:

The Lake View Pavilion is the showstopper for big weddings, holding up to 300 guests with views out over Lough Ramor. It is dramatic and stunning.

The Marchioness Banqueting Room inside the historic house is perfect for more intimate weddings of up to 90 guests, with soaring ceilings, arched windows and gorgeous period details.

The Gardens and Walled Garden offer a beautiful outdoor ceremony option for couples who want to exchange vows surrounded by nature.

If you would prefer a church ceremony, the Virginia Church of Ireland is conveniently located right at the end of the driveway! The wedding photographed here was a 1 minute commute up the road.

The Food (Seriously, the Food)

Richard Corrigan is one of Ireland's most celebrated chefs and a four time winner of the Great British Menu. The food at Virginia Park Lodge is farm to fork, with produce coming from their own kitchen gardens and local suppliers. Honestly, every couple I have spoken to raves about it. The bridal suite is also complimentary for the couple on the night of the wedding, which is a lovely touch.

Accommodation on Site

The Lodge House can accommodate up to 125 guests across a beautiful selection of rooms and suites, many with lake views. There are also cosy Shepherd's Huts for a glamping style option, and rooms above the Deerpark Inn on the estate. Having so many guests stay on site creates this magical house party atmosphere that is just gorgeous to document.

Virginia Park Lodge suits couples who want something a little different. Something that feels personal, luxurious and genuinely Irish. It is brilliant for:

Intimate weddings of 30 to 90 guests in the Marchioness Room

Larger celebrations of up to 300 in the Lake View Pavilion

Destination weddings, since Dublin Airport is only 90 minutes away

Multi day celebrations where everyone stays on site

Couples who want beautiful, natural, romantic wedding photos with a variety of backdrops

Location: Virginia, Co. Cavan (approx. 90 mins from Dublin, 2.5 hrs from Belfast)

Capacity: Up to 300 guests in the pavilion, up to 90 in the Marchioness Room

Ceremonies: Licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships on site

Accommodation: Up to 125 guests across the estate

Catering: In house, farm to fork by Richard Corrigan's team

Weddings: Available year round, weekdays and weekends, single day or multi day

Website: virginiaparklodge.com

If you are considering Virginia Park Lodge for your wedding and you are looking for a wedding photographer in Dublin or Cavan to capture it, I would absolutely love to chat! I photograph weddings throughout Dublin, Cavan, Meath, and all across Ireland. I know this venue well and I genuinely love shooting here.

I would love to hear all about your plans!

Deirdre Rusk is an award winning wedding photographer, covering weddings throughout Dublin, Meath, Cavan and wider Ireland.

Check my availability