Approved
High Demand
Mark Barnes Photography
Photographers Carrickfergus, Antrim, Ulster
About Mark Barnes Photography
Wedding Help NI Photographer of the Year 2024 & 2025
Hi, I’m Mark. I am a multi-award-winning wedding photographer based in Carrickfergus, covering all of Northern Ireland and available to travel worldwide.
I have been a wedding photographer for over 20 years and have photographed over 1,000 weddings, starting with my first wedding at 14 years old. Having spent my entire working life in this field, you will struggle to find anyone more passionate about weddings on this island than me.
I put my heart and soul into every wedding or elopement I have the privilege of capturing. Your day should feel like you, full of craic, banter and celebration with your closest family and friends. If you want a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of energy and joy, I’m the photographer for you.
This commitment is reflected in more than 450 five star reviews on my Facebook and Google business pages making me the highest reviewed wedding photographer in Northern Ireland.
I am proud to be recommended by many well-known wedding venues across Northern Ireland, including the Culloden Estate, The Loft at the Rabbit Hotel, Kilmore Country House, Orange Tree House and Lissanoure Castle.
I also served as President of the Professional Photographers Association of Northern Ireland (PPANI) from June 2021 to June 2023. Established in 1966, the PPANI remains the longest-standing professional photography body in Northern Ireland and offers excellent support and networking for fellow professionals.
Please feel free to check out my website and social media pages using the links below:
http://www.markbarnesphotography.co.uk
http://www.instagram.com/markbarnesphoto
http://www.facebook.com/markbarnesphotography
Life’s most beautiful moments, captured by Mark Barnes Photography – because some stories are meant to be seen.
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Reviews
5.0 · 21 reviews- 24-09-2026
Mark was an absolutely amazing photographer. From our very first meeting, we knew he was the one for us, he was so friendly, outgoing and genuinely interested in us as a couple. And he was all of that and more on the day itself. He made everyone feel so at ease and relaxed, and honestly, it just felt like he was another guest there celebrating with us. Nothing was ever too much trouble! He captured our day perfectly, including taking us out for our now-famous “photo in the rain” — and if that photo alone (plus the 100 amazing preview photos the very next day!!!) doesn’t convince you to book him, then I don’t know what will! Thank you so much again, Mark. You’re an absolute legend, and we couldn’t recommend you highly enough!
- 22-09-2026
What a guy! If you want the best photographer in the country and a complete legend to photograph your wedding then look no further! I can't thank this man enough for what magic he captured on our wedding day - but also for how much he made everyone feel at ease. The passion and love he has for what he does shines through, every second hes with yous and your guests you can feel the energy and it reflects in every single photo, we will forever be thankful we made the decision to pick you as our photographer! Thank you Mark - Keep making your magic ❤️
- 18-09-2026
If it’s a high energy, down to earth photographer you’re after Mark is your man. He made our wedding day an absolute walk in the park. We also had Mark photograph our engagement shoot and what a Job he did. He had a selection of photos sent to us the next morning which is definitely going above and beyond. We couldn’t recommend him enough and wouldn’t hesitate to book him again for any other occasions. Absolute legend
- 18-09-2026
We hired Mark as the photographer for our wedding at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in October 2025. We couldn’t recommend him enough, his photos are sublime and we couldn’t happier with the way they turned out. Moreover, we couldn’t have asked for a more professional, efficient and helpful photographer. Everything about the service he provided was top notch, from the meetings and communication before hand to double checking everything was right before the big day. On the day itself, he handled everything thrown at him professionally and calmly. He even went above and beyond, drying the bride’s bouquet, helping the bridal and groom’s party with their button holes, and keeping us on schedule. We had so many guests sing Mark’s praises as he was such good craic, and put everyone at ease. When we woke up the next morning, he had already sent us a selection of teaser photos for us to have a look at, and we got the rest of the 1000+ photos - all of which were incredible - exactly a month after the day. An impressive turnaround! 10/10 we would thoroughly recommend Mark.
- 17-09-2026
We booked Mark for our wedding at Ballymascanlon Hotel on the 23rd August 2025. Mark had photographed my sister’s wedding back in 2019 and when I got engaged I had no idea where I wanted to get married but I knew I had to have Mark as my photographer. Mark is one of the nicest people I have ever met and also the best craic. Mark has become a friend to the family and is talked about often due to how helpful and kind he is. My husband and I are not naturals in front of the camera but Mark kept us so at ease the entire day. I don’t think we stopped laughing when we were with him! We loved our wedding day from start to finish and I firmly believe Mark was a big part of the reason why. By lunch time the day after our wedding we had preview of our photos which were incredible! Mark's turnaround time is amazing, we had our full album less than a month later. I would encourage anyone and everyone to book Mark for their wedding, you will not be disappointed!!
- 16-09-2026
Mark Barnes was honestly one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. From the very start he was a genuine, top-class guy, professional, friendly, and clearly someone who knows exactly what he’s doing. On the day itself he was calm, organised, and brought such a great atmosphere with his constant banter that it kept everyone relaxed and smiling naturally. The photos are absolutely amazing, better than we ever could have hoped for. He captured everything so beautifully, from the big emotional moments to the little details we didn’t even notice at the time. Mark blended in perfectly, never intrusive, but always somehow in the right place at the right time. If you’re looking for a photographer who’s talented, reliable, and a real pleasure to have around on your wedding day, Mark is 100% the right man for the job. We couldn’t be happier and would recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat.
- 16-09-2026
Having Mark as our photographer was the best decision we made! Mark blended right in, kept the craic going and nerves at bay! Mark is insanely talented and such a lovely person to deal with.
- 16-09-2026
When my husband and I began planning our wedding our choice of photographer was a no brainer... Mark Barnes!! In addition to the fact that Mark and Matthew are cousins (which made the whole experience so personal and extra special) Marks reputation and experience speaks for itself! One of my favourite things about Mark was his communication. From the day our date was confirmed Mark was always one step ahead, keeping us posted and never left me feeling unclear. Leading up to the day Mark invited us to his studio. He spent time talking us through what his role in the day would look like, album options and he also took the time to get to know us as couple and what was important for us to get from our photographs. Again as a bride this was so reassuring!! On the day of the wedding Mark arrived to my parents house in good time and as Mark is so friendly and bubbly there were no awkward small talk or silence... just craic. This was Mark all day (our guests loved him)!!! Between us Matthew and I have three children, the youngest only 3years old. Mark was so patient and child lead. The children were so relaxed in his company and he caputured the most beautiful photos of them all. Within 24 hours of the wedding Mark had sent us our first look. Which in the depths of the wedding blues was so exciting. When we later received our final wedding album I could not get over (and still can't) the quality of the album. We also purchased the parents albums which was a perfect Christmas gift. We are so happy to have such beautiful keepsakes of our day and everytime we look at it keeps the memories fresh. We would recommend Mark over and over and over again!! His efficiency, work ethic and overall high quality experience.. it's a decision you will not regret!! Thank you Mark!!
- 16-09-2026
Mark is an absolute artist with his photography! He took the most STUNNING photos of our wedding, and we are so incredibly happy we chose him as our photographer. He was communicative, open, and willing to work with our vision. On the wedding day he brought the energy and vibes that made everyone comfortable and excited which made for even better photos. Thank you Mark for everything!
- 16-09-2026
We had Mark as our photographer for our wedding at Castle Leslie on 2 January 2026 and he was outstanding from start to finish. He is down to earth, easy to talk to, and an absolute professional. He made the day feel relaxed and enjoyable, and we always felt everything was under control. In the lead up, Mark’s communication was excellent. He took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and showed us examples from his previous work, which helped us decide on a mostly candid approach. On the day, he blended in effortlessly, worked brilliantly with our guests, and was fantastic with the children. We are usually awkward in photos, but he made us feel comfortable and natural. Even in a place as stunning as Castle Leslie, he still picked out little spots we would never have thought of and turned them into brilliant photos. The photos are exceptional. I do not know much about photography, but the pictures feel real, warm, and true to the day. Nothing looks overly posed, and the candid moments are exactly what we hoped for. The portraits of the two of us are the best we have ever had. The images take us straight back to how the day felt, and they mean a great deal to us. We will cherish them forever. His turnaround time was also exceptional. We received around 100 preview photos within 24 hours, and more than 900 fully edited photos in about three weeks. We would recommend Mark to anyone who wants a reliable, talented photographer who makes the whole experience easy and enjoyable.
- 15-09-2026
My husband went from not wanting a photographer at all, to booking Mark for a full day package after meeting him. Mark took the time to listen to what we both wanted from the day & went above & beyond to give us it. We truly felt like we had a friend there taking pictures of us, there was no awkwardness & plenty of laughs. Probably too many to be fair! My mum even commented on how Mark knew everyone in the bridal parties names which is that extra touch you get from him & it is much appreciated.
- 06-09-2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 all around! Mark Barnes was absolutely brilliant from start to finish. He was full of personality and brought such a great atmosphere to the morning, keeping everyone calm, relaxed and somehow still in line 😂 He’s not just a photographer… he’s a photographer, seamstress, hairdresser, problem solver and basically anything else you need him to be 😂 He went above and beyond and made the whole experience so enjoyable. And to top it all off, having his wife as our celebrant made the whole experience even more special. Together, they really are the dream team! They worked so well together and brought such a lovely energy to the day. Couldn’t recommend Mark enough. Professional, talented, hilarious and an absolute pleasure to have around. 10 out of 10 all around! 📸❤️
- 04-09-2026
I would give a 5 Star review 10 times over for Mark if I could! Right from booking to post wedding, the communication, friendliness, fun and laughs with Mark were second to none. Extremely clear cut from the beginning we knew exactly what we were getting, how the day was going to look to include our photos, and the absolute talent was amazing. Mark blended seamlessly into our day and made us all feel so comfortable and we just had a ball. We received the most beautiful photos, in such fantastic time and will cherish them forever. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts 🤍
- 04-09-2026
Book Mark NOW. Secure that date. Get him in the books. Get your deposit in. Now now now!!! I AM SO IMPRESSED. I was asking how you are supposed to choose a photographer as a lot of wedding photos are very similar and I was advised to go on personality and how well you get on with your photographer. I decided to meet Mark since I was chatting to his amazing wife and booking her as our celebrant…we all just clicked!!! Mark is the most down to earth, funny, heart warming man. We felt so comfortable with him, he made us laugh but in a natural way, not a forced awkward way. He totally got our sense of humour and just felt like an old friend. This made our photos come out so natural and beautiful. ALSO. WE GOT SENT 100 PHOTOS THE VERY NEXT DAY!?!? my friends were saying they had to wait months for any photos. I asked how long the rest would take expecting maybe 4-8 months or so. He said only 5 weeks. FIVE WEEKS!?!? Guys, honestly. Mark got our vision. He was so easy to get along with. He knew exactly what we wanted and delivered. He never once made us feel awkward and didn’t drag us away from the day either. Please do not hesitate in booking Mark as your wedding photographer, you will not be disappointed!!!!
- 04-09-2026
We cannot recommend Mark enough. He really made our day so special capturing beautiful memories from start to finish of our Wedding day! Mark made us both feel at ease and provided all the laughs along the way, a dream to work with. The photos speak for themselves and we are so happy we have all the beautiful moments to look back on. Thank you so much Mark you are so talented!!
- 02-09-2026
Honestly don’t know where to start with how amazing Mark is! Want to say a big thank you for providing the most unreal photos and capturing our day perfectly. Mark is friendly, professional and most importantly great craic and brings the vibes you need from a photographer on your day to hype you up! Even guests and family said how much of a legend he was 🙌 Mark captured my sisters wedding 2 years ago and on the very day of her wedding we knew right away we would want nobody else and it has been the best decision we made! Mark had preview photos to us by the end of dinner, even more photos before we went to bed that night and our full gallery back within 4 weeks, honestly couldn’t fault it! Thank you so much Mark your talent is unreal 👏
- 02-09-2026
Honestly don’t know where to start if you haven’t booked Mark what are you doing !! Best photographer we could have picked for the most special day of our lives. We are so lucky we changed the year of our wedding as Mark didn’t have the date we originally picked and to be honest I don’t know who else I would have picked. He made us all just feel so comfortable and at ease from start to finish from we first met Mark right through to the wedding day the craic he had with us was brilliant just laughs from the morning right through to he left he kept us all chilled and relaxed and made sure we enjoyed our day. As for the photos they speak for themselves he had a sneak preview sent across before the wedding day was over and our full album of photos across within 5 weeks !! Moments we can look back on with our most special people forever. The photos he captured were just everything we wanted and more. I couldn’t recommend Mark enough to anyone getting married honestly get him booked!! Thank you for everything Mark we will be forever grateful we chose you as our wedding photographer. ❤️
- 02-09-2026
When it comes to your wedding photographs, you honestly dont want anyone else!! Mark was the first and only photographer we wanted to capture our special day. We booked him 2 years in advance and right from our first meeting with Mark, he was friendly, down to earth and professional. He explained everything clearly and we left the meeting absolutely buzzing and so excited for the big day. Mark stays in touch with you throughout, puts you completely at ease on the day and is so friendly with all your family/friends. He takes all your main family / friends names so it really gives that personal touch on the day as he knew who everyone was. The photos are out of this world!! We are so happy with them and his turnaround times are incredible. We had lots of photos to look through the next morning and then exactly 4 weeks from our wedding our whole digital album was ready. He goes the extra mile for all his couples and we cannot recommend him enough. If you want a photographer who is unreal vibes and completely puts you at ease then look no further! Thank you Mark ya legend! ❤️
- 02-09-2026
Where do we even start?! Mark was an absolute legend from start to finish. Not only is he incredibly talented at what he does, but he made everyone feel so comfortable and completely at ease throughout the day. His humour was brilliant and he fitted in so naturally that it genuinely felt like we had a friend there with us rather than a photographer. He went above and beyond to help everything run smoothly and was so much more than just our photographer. He was there to help, organise, reassure and keep everything moving whenever we needed it. The photos are absolutely incredible and we honestly couldn’t be happier with them. He captured all the little moments, emotions and memories of the day so beautifully! We were also blown away to receive a preview of over 100 photos within just 24 hours — such an amazing surprise when we were still on such a high from the wedding! We genuinely couldn’t recommend Mark highly enough. He was such a huge part of our day and we’re so grateful we chose him. An absolute pleasure to have there and, in our opinion, the best in the business 📸🤍
- 31-08-2026
We can never thank Mark enough for being our photographer at our wedding. He had stunning photos over to us in less than 24 hours, and that was only a snippet of what is to come. We were obsessed with the ones we got already, Mark is so talented and amazing at what he does. Mark was so so easy to work with, very professional and ensured everything ran so smoothly. He was on time and ensured we had a guide of what the day would look like. He got along with everyone and nobody felt like there was a camera on us all day. He has the best sense of humour, and also the biggest hype man on the day 🤣 he was constantly fixing my dress and veil, nothing was too big or too small for him to get stuck in to. Everybody complimented on how amazing Mark was, and he had such attention to detail which I loved. There’s a reason Mark is so recommended by everyone. 1000% book Mark as your wedding photographer. And the photo’s he delivers just speaks for themselves, stunning. Thank you again Mark for everything, what a day 🥰
- 28-12-2025
Mark Barnes was honestly one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. From the very start he was a genuine, top-class guy, professional, friendly, and clearly someone who knows exactly what he’s doing. On the day itself he was calm, organised, and brought such a great atmosphere with his constant banter that it kept everyone relaxed and smiling naturally. The photos are absolutely amazing, better than we ever could have hoped for. He captured everything so beautifully, from the big emotional moments to the little details we didn’t even notice at the time. Mark blended in perfectly, never intrusive, but always somehow in the right place at the right time. If you’re looking for a photographer who’s talented, reliable, and a real pleasure to have around on your wedding day, Mark is 100% the right man for the job. We couldn’t be happier and would recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat.
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