Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // Why You Should 100% Irish Exit from a Wedding (and Not Feel Bad About It)

by your friendly neighborhood wedding photographer who’s seen it all

Let’s talk about the Irish Exit—you know, that glorious disappearing act where you peace out of a party without saying goodbye to literally anyone. No drama. No drawn-out hugs. No “just one more drink” that turns into shots and you crying with the groom’s second cousin in the parking lot. Just...poof. You’re gone.

Now, I’m not saying you have to Irish Exit every time. I’m just saying—if there’s ever a time when it makes sense? It’s a wedding. Here’s why:

1. No One Will Notice

By the time you’re slipping out the door, the couple is either on the dance floor, shoving cake in each other’s faces, or already halfway through their own exit plan. Trust me. I’ve watched your exit through my lens while photographing Uncle Bob’s dance battle with a chair. You were not the main character in that moment. You were a side quest at best.

2. Goodbyes Are Chaos

You could fight your way through 200 people to say “bye” to the couple. You could also wrestle a bear. Both will end in sweat and confusion. Plus, they’re gonna forget your goodbye in about 12 seconds because their brain is fried from being in the emotional Thunderdome that is a wedding day.

3. Leave on a High Note

You were dancing. You laughed. You maybe cried during the vows. You crushed the photo booth. Why ruin the vibe by standing around awkwardly in line for your farewell hug behind someone’s drunk aunt who’s recapping the entire ceremony to the bride for the third time?

4. No One Wants the Emotional Exit Tour

You don't need to personally thank every vendor, say goodbye to each table, or give the bartender a “farewell and thank you for the tequila” speech. Just go. Irish Exit like a legend. Let your ghost linger on the dance floor.

5. It’s the Chill Power Move

The Irish Exit says, “I had a great time, but I value my sleep and social battery too much to drag this out.” That’s alpha energy. That’s self-care. That’s the wedding guest equivalent of leaving the room in slow motion with sunglasses on.

Pro Tips for the Classy Irish Exit:

Leave a nice note in the card box. Boom. Thoughtful and invisible.
Text the couple the next day. “We had SO much fun! Thanks for such a beautiful night!” Done.
Take your favors if they’re cute. You earned it and they want you to.

So next time you’re at a wedding and your feet are screaming, your Spanx are rolling down, and the DJ just played “Shout” for the fourth time? Don’t feel guilty. Grab your clutch, nod at the dessert table, and slip out like the legend you are.

You didn’t ghost.
You Irish Exited.
Big difference.

Want more hot takes from someone who's survived hundreds of weddings without losing their mind? Stick around. I've got thoughts.