Want your wedding to feel like something straight out of a fantasy novel? Northern Ireland, with its epic landscape of majestic mountains and glittering lakes, has inspired legendary tales for centuries. Frequently seen on screen, Northern Ireland is home to breathtaking natural beauty as well as fairytale castles and the vibrant city of Belfast. Here, we have our favourite Northern Ireland wedding venues, perfect for a magical day.
Hillsborough Castle
Want to feel like royalty on your wedding day? Hillsborough Castle is the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Steeped in 300 years of history, this luxurious wedding venue has hosted monarchs, presidents and princesses. So, you can have this graceful Georgian home along with its stunning 100 acres of landscaped gardens as the backdrop for your magical day. Completely exclusive for your wedding, this magnificent mansion boasts a variety of atmospheric spaces to suit all manner of special occasions.
The opulent staterooms and formal gardens provide a perfect backdrop for both intimate and large-scale wedding celebrations. These elegant spaces include the Throne Room, the Red Room and the State Dining Room. The impressive Throne Room has a glorious silk coat of arms and two magnificent ‘chairs of state’. This is the ceremonial heart of the castle, perfect for a fairytale wedding. The Red Room is both luxurious and intimate. Originally the Drawing Room, hundreds of priceless oil paintings, a beautiful oak floor, and crimson silk damask walls are unforgettable. The State Dining Room has a view of the rose garden with an illustrious history of hosting grand occasions.Â
The house’s idyllic grounds, with their pretty terraces, meandering waterways and immaculate lawns, are also perfect for summer celebrations. A marquee site is available so you have an opportunity to create your own unique wedding space set within the historic backdrop of the castle's historic gardens. With the events team supporting you every step of the way, Hillsborough Castle is perfect for a grand Northern Ireland wedding.Â
With recent COVID restrictions, smaller intimate ceremonies are allowed in the Gardens. A 3-hour hire package has been created which gives you access to the gardens, the opportunity to take photographs and a 90-minute drinks reception for you and your guests.
Drenagh
Drenagh is an enchanting stately home and country estate that is the perfect backdrop for your magical day. Arrive along the tree-lined driveway to Drenagh, a picture-perfect wedding venue of your dreams boasting style, elegance and endless romance. Dedicated wedding planners will also help you every step of the way with a one wedding per day policy.Â
As well as offering civil ceremonies in the breathtaking Moon Garden, you can also have a ceremony in the Georgian House. Ceremonies can be set up in the Main Hall with the grand staircase being the perfect backdrop. Alternately the Morning Room can be set up for your ceremony ensuring picturesque views of the Drenagh Estate grounds.
Dining can take place in several of the elegant rooms before your guests take to the main hall to enjoy the entertainment. For a grander occasion, a stunning marquee comfortably is available in the idyllic gardens. Fully equipped, the marquee is a blank canvas for couples looking to add their own personal touch.
Also, luxury bedrooms in the main house feature modern comfort with the authentic opulence of a Georgian mansion. This includes the elegant bridal suite which has a 4 poster bed and gorgeous views of the grounds. So, Drenagh offers an elegant, lavish location for your dream Northern Ireland wedding.
Lough Eske Castle
Wrapped up in Northern Ireland’s history, Lough Eske Castle is situated at the water’s edge of Lough Eske. Nestled near the fabled Blue Stack Mountains, this magical castle is an idyllic wedding venue. Follow the long sweeping drive through 43 acres of ancient woodlands to find a beautifully restored castle with its ornamental stonework and imposing tower. This impressive Tudor-Baronial castle perfectly blends its historic past with contemporary elegance. This blend of Irish country charm and modern accommodation creates the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding.Â
From the fairytale Castle Tower, to an imposing glass and stone façade, a blend of country-style comfort and modern luxury awaits you as Lough Eske Castle. A luxury wedding venue, you have a choice of specular ceremony spaces. These include an enchanting Ballroom, Library, Glencar Suite, Presidential Suite. There is also the exterior Rock Garden for smaller, more intimate occasions.
Experienced wedding specialists are dedicated to assisting with every aspect of your big day. With one wedding per day policy, the castle can be entirely yours. Lough Eske Castle also offers a unique collection of wedding packages to suit all tastes. A storybook location, superior service, and beautifully manicured grounds against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. So, Lough Eske Castle is an unforgettable location for your dream Northern Ireland wedding.
Belle Isle CastleÂ
Looking for a truly unique venue? Why not host your wedding on a private island! Situated on the enchanting island of Lough Erne, Belle Isle Castle embodies romantic, nostalgic charm. Your wedding would be surrounded by the estate’s 470 acres of rolling hills, flowering meadows and tranquil gardens, as well as magical views over Lough Erne. This 17th-century castle is an enchanted setting, full of historic charm.
For your ceremony, you can decide which one of three locations to have your ceremony. Choose from the elegant surroundings of the Abercorn Wing, the history and heritage of the Hamilton Wing or the exquisite Sunken Garden. After a champagne toast in the drawing room or garden, you can have a wedding feast in the splendid grand hall.Â
In addition to the castle, this beautiful island also offers overnight accommodation for up to 58 additional guests in cottages, apartments and coach houses. So, you can host a wedding party for all your loved ones on your own private island! Spectacular views, landscaped gardens, and period features inside the castle. So, you are sure to get the perfect pictures of your Northern Ireland wedding at Belle Isle Castle.
Malone Lodge Hotel and Apartments
Set in the leafy surroundings of Queen’s Quarter in Belfast, the gorgeous 4 star Malone Lodge Hotel is a charming Victorian townhouse. The Malone Lodge Hotel has a choice of ceremony spaces. The charming Malone Suite is full of light from the panelled mirror ceiling creating a unique, magical atmosphere. The stunning Deramore Suite is contemporary, stylish, and flexible enough to adapt to your vision for the perfect wedding. This elegant space is naturally lit by large windows and has a private bar.
At Malone Lodge Hotel, every wedding is a bespoke, unique expression of the couple’s dream. A dedicated team will work closely with you. Malone Lodge Hotel has created a choice of ready-made packages. However, you can also create an entirely bespoke event based on your specifications. There is also the option of the Bridal Suite or the Presidential Suite with a sumptuous, spacious bedroom and your own private lounge. With the Malone Lodge Hotel’s 102 bedrooms and apartments to choose from, your family and friends can also stay on the premises. So, you can all celebrate your Northern Ireland wedding in style!