The Best Wedding Venues in Northern Ireland
Finding a wedding venue is one of the most exciting elements of wedding planning. Whether you feel like you’ve known where you wanted to get married all your life, or you have no idea where to start your search, it’s always beneficial to be open-minded and to explore before you make that all-important final decision.
If you’ve recently got engaged, and you’re ready to embark upon a quest to find the ultimate location, here’s a guide to 10 of my favourite wedding venues in Northern Ireland to give you food for thought.
What to look for in a northern ireland wedding venue
For many couples, finding the perfect venue is one of the most important wedding planning tasks. Everyone has different ideas and preferences, but many share the same criteria when it comes to choosing one venue over another.
Couples want to celebrate in a place that enables them to host the kind of gathering they have in mind, they need to tick the party size and space box, and the surroundings and aesthetics have to match a mental vision. For many, there’s nothing more appealing than rooms that take your breath away or scenic views that will provide a perfect backdrop for scintillating photo opportunities.
The weather may also influence the decision-making process. As Northern Ireland is not famed for its balmy summer days, it’s always wise to explore plan B just in case you long for an outdoor ceremony, but the weather isn’t playing ball. When you tie all these factors together, you want to find a venue that will play host to an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
what is the average cost of a wedding venue in northern Irealand?
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When is the best time of year to get married in Northern Ireland?
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Top 10 Northern ireland wedding venues
castle leslie
The Castle Leslie Estate is one of the most visually arresting wedding venues in the country. Set in over 1,000 acres, which comprise glistening lakes and dappled forests, this is an idyllic spot to tie the knot. This venue caters for larger parties, as well as intimate gatherings. The waterfront is a stunning location for photographs on a sunny day, while the castle’s bold interior and the stylish pavilion are ideally suited to grey skies.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 5
Rain protection: 4
Space and overall experience: 5
Want to see more of Castle Leslie’s stunning grounds? Have a read at one of our more detailed blogpost’s here
Castle Leslie Website
Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan, Ireland
Drenagh House
A Georgian country estate located in Limavady, Drenagh House is an impressive venue, which caters for parties of all sizes. Offering marquee weddings for over 250 guests, as well as more intimate gatherings inside the historic house, guests will be blown away by the meandering, tree-lined driveway.
The drive is an ideal setting for photographs, and the striking staircase provides a beautiful backdrop for brides keen to show off their gowns in all their glory. The walled garden is another highlight for those eager to capture stunning wedding shots.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 5
Rain protection: 3.5
Space and overall experience: 4
Drenagh house
15 Dowland Rd, Limavady BT49 0HP, United Kingdom
Finnebrogue Woods
A magical woodland escape, this is a unique wedding venue, which will appeal to those keen to embrace al fresco living and party beneath the stars. The enchanting woodland walk leads guests to a series of tipis, which overlook the lake. On a dry day, this mesmerising spot provides a glorious opportunity for photographers to capture the ethereal beauty of the location.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 4
Rain protection: 2
Space and overall experience: 4.5
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 5
Rain protection: 3.5
Space and overall experience: 4
finnebrogue woods
26 Killyleagh Rd, Downpatrick BT30 9BL, United Kingdom
Grace hall
An imposing manor house located in Craigavon, Gracehall offers the best of both worlds. There’s a beautiful outdoor courtyard area for sunny days, and the rustic, beamed Great Hall is perfect for winter weddings. This venue is ideally suited to couples looking for a private, secluded location, and there are fabulous photo opportunities to be enjoyed both in the Great Hall and within the tranquil gardens.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 4
Rain protection: 4
Space and overall experience: 4
Grace Hall
59 Cottage Rd, Lurgan, Craigavon BT67 9ND, United Kingdom
the carriage Rooms at montalto
Nestled amongst picturesque grounds in the heart of County Down, the Carriage Rooms are the star attraction of the Montalto Estate. Spacious, open, bright function rooms that are beautifully appointed overlook spectacular ornamental gardens at this unique venue. The outdoor space, which is characterised by floral arches, water features, and fine examples of topiary, will undoubtedly provide spectacular snaps on a dry day.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 4
Rain protection: 4
Space and overall experience: 4
The Carriage Rooms at montalto
Montalto Estate, Spa Rd, Ballynahinch BT24 8PT, United Kingdom
The wool tower, Broughshane
A reclaimed and sympathetically restored wool tower, this charming venue is the epitome of rustic elegance. Transformed into a truly beautiful setting for a casual, informal wedding, and designed to be a blank canvas, there’s scope for couples to put their own stamp on their day at the Wool Tower. The distinctive beam work provides an eye-catching backdrop for indoor shots, while the rumbling river shines under the spotlight on sunny days.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 3.5
Rain protection: 4
Space and overall experience: 4
The wool Tower, Broughshane
The Wool Tower Raceview MIll, Broughshane BT42 4JJ, United Kingdom
Tullyveery House
Set amongst beautifully-manicured grounds and perched on the top of a spectacular view, this unique, rustic wedding venue has been created from restored farm buildings. Boasting traditional features and picture perfect grounds, this relaxed, tranquil setting is bound to appeal to couples looking to stage a laid-back celebration. There are several areas to choose from, depending on party size, and the front garden overlooking the vast Irish countryside is a sensational backdrop for photographs. This venue suits a more informal but still classy photography style.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 4
Rain protection: 4
Space and overall experience: 4.5
Tullyveery House
7 Ardigon Rd, Killyleagh, Downpatrick BT30 9TA, United Kingdom
Larchfield
An expansive estate that offers incredible facilities for all kinds of weather conditions, Larchfield is a photographer’s dream. Boasting serene gardens, woodland and shady glades and nestled on the banks overlooking glimmering lake waters. They even have a picture perfect greenhouse ready for use in the event of a downpour.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 5
Rain protection: 4
Space and overall experience: 4.5
Larchfield
Bailliesmills Rd, Lisburn BT27 6XJ, United Kingdom
hillmount house
A commanding Georgian house with sea views, Hillmount House offers al fresco and indoor weddings with a choice of venues suited to all party sizes. The orangery is a beautiful spot for indoor photos, while the sweeping gardens, which overlook the sea, are ideal for romantic, outdoor images.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 4
Rain protection: 3
Space and overall experience: 4
Hillmount House
357 Old Glenarm Rd, Larne BT40 2LG, United Kingdom
Ivory Pavilion
Located at Galgorm Castle, the Ivory Pavilion is tucked away in a walled garden with access to a modern, spacious marquee, which offers beautiful, scenic views. A private, peaceful spot for parties of all sizes (50 – 250+), this is a venue that will appeal to those keen to combine indoor and outdoor celebrations. The walled garden provides a picturesque, quaint backdrop for intimate shots and group snaps.
Rating (out of 5):
Photo opportunities: 4
Rain protection: 3
Space and overall experience: 4
Ivory Pavilion
190 Galgorm Rd, Ballymena BT42 1HL, United Kingdom
If you’re on the hunt for the wedding venue of dreams, hopefully, this guide will point you in the right direction! Still need some help? Check out this blog post which goes into greater detail about some important factors you should consider when choosing the perfect wedding venue.
If you made it this far. Thank you so much for reading. Want to see more? Why not check out some more real weddings here.
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