When it comes to getting married, Northern Ireland is one of the most beautiful places in the world to choose as your backdrop, featuring stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks and unique venues that are perfect for any couple’s wedding day. Choosing the best wedding venue is a significant challenge faced by all couples, as it helps to set the overall mood & atmosphere of your special day.
Where there are so many amazing wedding venues in Northern Ireland, it can be hard to know what the best option is when it comes to your wedding day. With the countless different weddings we have photographed in Northern Ireland over the years, we have been lucky enough to capture special moments across all iconic venues in this much-loved location.
Drawing on this experience, we have created our ultimate guide which highlights the best wedding venues in Northern Ireland. We will give you a brief rundown of each venue, as well as cover the key benefits as to why you should choose a particular location.
1) The Wool Tower - Broughshane
A stunningly rustic venue that can host intimate wedding ceremonies and has bags of character to help make your wedding day unique to you. Located at the Raceview Mill in Broughshane, Northern Ireland, this venue is licensed for weddings up to 200 guests. Sitting on the banks of the river Braid and housed in a reclaimed woollen mill, expect plenty of naked brickwork, with mesmerising high-vaulted ceilings.
This wedding venue has an open-plan layout whilst still keeping everything close together. From authentic interior backdrops to stunning natural landscapes, there is a different look for epic wedding photography at every corner of The Wool Tower.
Why Choose The Wool Tower?
A mix of stunning landscapes and rustic interiors
Restored woollen mill offers a charming experience
Ideal for both intimate and larger weddings
2) The Merchant Hotel - Belfast
If you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city environment, then The Merchant Hotel is hard to beat. Based on Skipper Street in Belfast, this 5-star outfit offers the height of luxury, with plenty of options for photographs in their gorgeous suites, grand entrance, cocktail bar and much more. Although all styles of wedding photography work great for this location, the glamorous nature of this wedding venue means that editorial wedding photography can really come to the fore here.
The Cathedral Quarter is just a stone's throw from this wedding venue, with plenty of opportunities to shoot unique wedding photography with a quirky urban backdrop. With its prime Belfast location and beautiful setting, this can be considered one of the best wedding venues that Northern Ireland has to offer.
Why Choose The Merchant Hotel?
Tiered offerings to suit all budgets and preferences
Amazing location in the heart of Belfast
True luxury with stunning rooms and decoration
3) Larchfield Estate - Lisburn
The ultimate full-day option. Get ready at the lodge on the estate grounds, before an outdoor ceremony (if the Irish weather plays ball) in the secret garden. Enjoy the multiple cobbled forecourts, huge walled gardens and fishpond lake allocated within this history-steeped site. With over 600 acres of land to explore, you and your guests can get lost in the wonder of the Larchfield Estate - there is so much natural beauty to explore and enjoy.
Although it won’t feel this way when you are lost in this picturesque rural venue, it is located just a short 20-minute drive away from Belfast, making it conveniently accessible for your guests. This place is a photographer's playground & a wonderful option for a big wedding bash. Stunning ceremonies, endless exploring and late-night partying - what’s not to love?
Why Choose Larchfield Estate?
Idyllic countryside setting, packed with natural beauty
Situated very close to Belfast for easy accessibility
Can host your full day of celebrations in one amazing location
4) Darver Castle - Readypenny
Okay, so strictly speaking Darver Castle isn’t actually located in Northern Ireland… But it is such a wonderful venue which is just a short 20-minute drive from the NI border so we just had to include it. Darver is the perfect blend of the grandeur one expects of a castle setting with the intimacy you would want from such an emotion-filled day.
There is plenty of room to explore across the grounds, yet everything is close together so you still maintain the feeling of togetherness. The gardens out front offer up so much opportunity for epic photographs and the interiors are just perfect. And despite it being a castle, the Darver team make it feel like a home with a warmth that would make you want to move in - their hospitality truly is second to none. We love shooting weddings at Darver Castle, it is a true embodiment of luxury, that manages to maintain an air of intimacy.
The banqueting suite is a site to behold, featuring exposed beams, beautiful decor and stunning architecture, and it can cater for anywhere between 50 to 280 guests. In terms of accommodation, Darver Castle features 50 rooms, and many of these have been individually designed, helping to create a more personal touch for you and your guests.
Why Choose Darver Castle?
A stunning atmosphere which combines luxury and intimacy
Exceptional hospitality for a warm and welcoming environment
Beautiful architecture for unique indoor shots
5) Corick House Hotel & Spa - Clogher
Gorgeous inside and out, Corick House Hotel & Spa offers luxury at every turn. Located on Corick Road in Clogher, this award-winning venue claimed the accolade of Northern Ireland Wedding Venue Of The Year 2024, winning the same award previously in 2023. From the grand entrance to the Victorian walled gardens, there is a genuine air of luxury everywhere you look at Corick House Hotel & Spa.
With lush rolling hills forming the perfect backdrop for outdoor shoots, this venue provides an idyllic setting for capturing memorable moments on your special day. We love the walled gardens here, as it offers a unique setting for beautiful wedding photography. The minimum guest number requirements during peak season vary between 100 to 130 guests depending on the day, but more intimate weddings are welcome upon request.
Why Choose Corick House Hotel & Spa?
Splendid walled gardens and lush surrounding areas
An award-winning venue that is popular all year round
Perfect for larger weddings, although can also suit intimate occasions
6) Belmont House Hotel - Banbridge
With an entrance fit for royalty, the Belmont House Hotel is another superb wedding venue in Northern Ireland that we just love capturing newlyweds at. Located at Rathfriland Road in Banbridge, this venue is perfect for both intimate and large weddings alike for 10 to 200 guests. At Belmont House Hotel, you have the option of holding your ceremony either in the hotel or in the beautiful garden - weather permitting of course.
With 9 acres of idyllic gardens to explore surrounding the premises, there is plenty of space to roam about and enjoy with your guests. As we mentioned at the start, the grand entrance area provides the perfect location for amazing wedding photos, with stone columns flanking both sides of the entrance staircase.
Why Choose Belmont House Hotel?
Fantastic photo opportunities at the grand entrance
9 acres of gardens to explore and enjoy
Ideal for both intimate and larger weddings alike
7) The Mill - Ballydugan
If you fancy a truly unique venue for your wedding, there is nowhere better than The Mill, a restored 18th-century flour mill. This venue is packed full of history, blending old-style rustic charm with modern elegance for an unforgettable wedding experience. The red carpet welcoming on arrival is a nice touch for the bride and groom and also makes for some fantastic wedding photography opportunities.
Located at Ballydugan in Downpatrick, and falling within the province of the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are countless photo opportunities in the nearby area with stunning coastal and countryside backdrops.
That isn’t to say The Mill isn’t gorgeous in its own right of course! As well as the quirky charm you can enjoy from the restored flour mill, you can also explore the beautiful private grounds in the immediate surrounding area. This wedding venue is wonderful for intimate weddings, but also for larger events where a marquee can be supplied if needed.
Why Choose The Mill?
Unique and quirky charm from the restored flour mill
The surrounding area offers unrivalled natural beauty
Perfect for both intimate and larger weddings
8) Orange Tree House - Greyabbey
Intimate, remote and downright beautiful. If you are looking for a wedding venue that is away from the busy city environment, then look no further than the Orange Tree House. Situated in the quiet village of Greyabbey, this venue is located on the coast of the Strangford Lough in Greyabbey Bay - also in the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is always a pleasure shooting weddings at the Orange Tree House and utilising the wonderful surroundings to capture romance-packed photos of loving couples.
Aside from the location, the Orange Tree House is a delightful venue, thanks to its quirky architecture. High vaulted ceilings, traditional stone walls and exposed beams all help contribute to this venue's character, offering a plethora of fantastic photo opportunities. With the main ceremony room having a capacity of 130 guests, this venue is ideal for both intimate and medium-sized weddings.
Why Choose the Orange Tree House?
The most wonderful natural surroundings Northern Ireland has to offer
Quirky architecture for unique photo opportunities
Perfect for intimate and medium-sized weddings
9) Clandeboye Lodge - Bangor
Originally a 19th-century schoolhouse, the Clandeboye Lodge is rich in history and class, making it a great venue for your wedding. Clandeboye Lodge is the perfect venue for any wedding size, featuring a wide range of superbly outfitted suites. Of these suites, The Blackwood is ideal for more intimate occasions and The Clandeboye is perfect for larger weddings - suitable for anywhere between 120 to 300 guests.
It’s not only the fantastic options that make this venue so special though; it’s the superb decoration and furniture which really give this place a distinct charm. The outside areas are lit up beautifully at night, not only making for great photo opportunities but also ensuring that the party can continue long into the night! Situated in Bangor, the Clandeboye Lodge is well located; near several coastal areas of natural beauty, but only a 20-minute drive away from Belfast. What is not to love?
Why Choose Clandeboye Lodge?
Great location near to several POIs
Countless options to create your perfect wedding package
Perfect for intimate or very large weddings
10) Ulster Museum & Botanic Gardens - Belfast
Now this one is a bit more of a left-field option, but the Ulster Museum is another fantastic choice to consider for your wedding venue. Located in the heart of Belfast, the Ulster Museum perhaps isn’t the first location that comes to mind when you think of NI wedding venues, but it does offer a completely different backdrop to capture your special day. It isn’t just a case that you can hold your reception or party at this location, the Ulster Museum is fully licensed for religious and civil ceremonies.
The Belfast Room features elegant white walls and a private entrance hall and can accommodate intimate ceremonies for up to 100 guests. For an unforgettable wedding reception, you should opt for The Atrium - an unbelievable space surrounded by artwork and historical collections, dramatised by an extraordinarily high vaulted ceiling. This space is one-of-a-kind and it will be sure to create an experience that will live forever in the minds of your friends and family.
From a photographer's perspective, what is really exciting about the Ulster Museum is the Botanical Gardens it is situated in. The Botanical Gardens are a true canvas for crafting unique and delightful wedding photos, utilising the wonderful scenery to create a distinct wedding album that will stand the test of time. Created in 1828, the Botanical Gardens are entwined with history, possessing endless photography opportunities due to the 28-acre size of the area.
We simply love shooting wedding photos in the Botanical Gardens, and you really should consider the Ulster Museum as your venue if you fancy a wedding with a difference.
Why Choose the Ulster Museum & Botanic Gardens?
A truly distinct wedding venue, away from the norm
Botanical gardens offer some of the best photo opportunities in NI
Perfect for intimate or large weddings
Conclusion
As we wrap up our ultimate guide to Northern Ireland's top wedding venues, we hope that we have helped inspire you and aided your decision-making process. Whether it’s the rustic charm of The Wool Tower, the grandeur of Darver Castle, the beauty of the Orange Tree House or the uniqueness of the Ulster Museum, there is something for everybody in Northern Ireland, and we know you will find a venue that is just perfect for your wedding.
Your venue will serve as the perfect backdrop for the beginning of your lifelong journey together - we would love to be a part of that story. Contact us today if you require a wedding photographer in Northern Ireland. Be sure to check back on this guide as it will be regularly updated!
