Image credit: TenTwentyOne Wedding Photography

Unusual and Unique Wedding Venues in Northern Ireland

 

Are you looking for somewhere unusual to get married but don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you covered! Northern Ireland is home to many quirky wedding venues from luxurious estates to barns, from mills to private beaches and even tipis in the woods. We really are lucky to have such stunning landscapes in this country, that provide the perfect backdrop. Whether you want to have a relaxed informal feel to your wedding day, or one filled with grandeur, there’s bound to be a venue below that will help create the perfect vibe for you.

 

FINNEBROGUE WOODS

 

Image credit: Jake Samuels Photography

Surrounded by ancient woodland and a beautiful lake in the heart of County Down, Finnebrogue Woods is the perfect wedding venue to relax and celebrate your special day with good friends and family. 

The secluded outdoor venue is hidden amongst the trees, offering something truly unique for the couple who prefer the quirky and unusual. Follow the mossy woodland path along the lake, emerging out of the forest to discover the magnificent tipis overlooking the lake.

Exchange your vows in an enchanting woodland ceremony circle, celebrating afterwards in atmospheric, spacious Nordic tipis which are sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your guests. 

Every detail is taken care of for you, leaving you to simply enjoy your magical day.

 

LARCHFIELD ESTATE

Image credit: TenTwentyOne Wedding Photography

A rural escape enclosed by breath-taking landscapes, Larchfield Estate is a family-owned countryside estate, 20 minutes from Belfast. 

Hosting just one wedding per day, Larchfield believe in a personalised approach, with multi-award winning wedding specialists to help throughout your wedding journey. No dream wedding is complete without a charming, idyllic setting to create your own whimsical fairy-tale. The historic stone buildings, rustic fairy lit barn & blossoming gardens set a magical scene.  

Make the most of their no corkage policy and flexible approach, allowing you to select your own suppliers for every aspect of your wedding (the venue have lots of recommendations to share, along with an exclusive black book of discounts for couples). Afterwards, stay over in one of their quaint cottages (or unique glamping truck!) alongside your closest family & friends, enjoying a relaxed brunch the morning after…  

 

ROSSHARBOUR RESORT

Fancy arriving at your wedding by boat or sea plane? Rossharbour have their own private jetty, so you can if you want!

Boasting amazing views of the beautiful Lough Erne, The Navar Suite marquee at Rossharbour Resort can cater for up to 180 guests and is fully lined with spectacular drapes and chandeliers.  Rossharbour pride themselves on their exceptional culinary expertise and their menus feature a wide range of dishes for you to choose from.

You will get full use of the grounds for your wedding photographs. With the private beach, mature trees, magnificent views of Navar mountain and the beautiful Lough Erne as your backdrop, what more could you want?

 

BRECKENHILL

Breckenhill is the ideal venue for couples looking for something a with a relaxed vibe and a great variety of options both indoors and out.  The Stone Barn is perfect for up to about 60 guests, with a bright upstairs room and cosy reception room downstairs.  The Green Barn can seat up to 120 and has a large sunroom extension and bar area allowing plenty of space for the party! 

 All areas are licensed for ceremonies and partnerships, including the gardens and woodland.  The owners of Breckenhill love to help couples put together their day, with a wide range of tried and tested suppliers to choose from, as well as a selection of their own decorations. Ample time is available to set up before your event.  

 

LISSANOURE CASTLE

Lissanoure Castle is an award-winning wedding venue situated on a privately owned estate that can be found at the foot of the Glens of Antrim amidst a natural backdrop of woodlands, green fields and lakes. The venue is available to hire for bespoke weddings throughout the year, giving you the flexibility to create your own unique day. Whether you are planning a spectacular wedding or a more intimate affair, Lissanoure will make sure that you and your guests will have a day that you will remember. There are never two events held on the same day: it is exclusively yours for the day. All reception rooms have open log fires and there is a fully licensed, staffed and well stocked bar.

 

BALLYSCULLION PARK

Image credit: Kris Dickson Photography

Ballyscullion Park, on the shores of Lough Beg, is a ‘private exclusive-use venue’ filled with an abundance of charm and romance.  The estate is packed with history. The Palace Ruins, one of the venue’s most popular locations to get married, was featured in a scene from Game of Thrones.  Or why not exchange your vows in the open-air Strawberry Garden surrounded by flowers and birdsong. 

Follow up your ceremony with a drinks reception in the Walled Garden where you can get creative with outdoor bars such as a gin bar in the Japanese Pagoda and a whiskey tree. 

Finish the night off by roasting s’mores around the fire pit with a firework display overhead and a path lit by fairy lights to guide you home. 

 

ORANGE TREE HOUSE

Image credit: Fiona Jamieson Photography

Orange Tree House is a private wedding venue nestled on the shores of Strangford Lough in the pretty village of Greyabbey.

With the oldest parts being over 200 years old, the venue is steeped in history and has a wonderful atmosphere. The property has been lovingly restored and is well suited whether you opt for a traditional, elegant wedding or take a more alternative approach.

With its stone walls, vaulted ceiling and original exposed beams it provides a wonderful backdrop. There is also a raised terrace area which is licensed for ceremonies. Here you can exchange your vows overlooking the sea towards the Mourne Mountains (weather permitting).

There are multiple wonderful areas for photographs and the venue also boasts views of the most spectacular sunsets over the lough.

 

THE MILL AT BALLYDUGAN

Ballydugan Mill is a beautifully restored 18th Century Flour Mill, just outside Downpatrick. Full of unique charm and character, the unique setting of The Mill makes it the perfect location for weddings, receptions, civil wedding ceremonies or partnerships for up to 140 guests. The Mill can be hired for exclusive use. Originally built in 1792 and respectfully brought back to life by the current owner Mr Noel Killen, the quiet countryside setting of this rustic, romantic venue is perfect for any special occasion. It hosts 22 ensuite bedrooms between The Mill and The Granary and you and your guests can enjoy delicious freshly cooked breakfast in The Wheelhouse the morning after the wedding.

 

TULLYVEERY HOUSE

Tullyveery House is an exclusive and intimate wedding venue nestled in the rolling drumlins of County Down, convenient to Belfast. The family-owned Georgian House and Victorian courtyard area, surrounded by mature private grounds and gardens, provide a stunning rural backdrop overlooking the Mourne Mountains. Being a family owned and operated venue means you will get the personal care and attention to detail that you would expect from your own family. At Tullyveery you can tune every detail of your day so your wedding will be one great party with friends and family. You’ll have exclusive access to the venue the day before and the day after so there is zero stress!

 

FIELD OF DREAMS

An exclusive venue with flexibility to accommodate individual preferences – no two weddings are the same at Field of Dreams! 

Situated in the North Down countryside their Retreat (a Scandinavian chalet on the lakeside), Traditional Canvas Marquee, Stretch Tent and Lakeside Pergola offer couples a unique venue where ceremony and reception can be held for parties up to 110 guests. 

The Lakeside Pergola and Stretch Tent provide couples with a beautiful outdoor ceremony area, whilst the Traditional Canvas Marquee is set up for a drinks reception allowing guests to mingle or ‘have-a-go’ trying clay shooting and target archery! Your meal and reception will continue into the night in the relaxed Retreat.

 

RIVERDALE BARN

Once a working mill, which has been lovingly restored and renovated, the beautiful and unique Riverdale Barn is perfect for celebrating your special day.

Now a fully licensed wedding venue with a charming rustic group of barns by a peaceful mill pond, it retains many of its original characterful features as well as fountains, stepping stones, quaint bridges, and lots more.

The fully restored farmyard can cater for up to 140 seated guests and additional guests for the evening party afterwards. With full exclusivity, the venue is all yours for the entire day, the afternoon before and the morning following your gathering.

 

KILLEAVY CASTLE

Killeavy Castle Estate – where history, nature and luxury create the perfect setting to bring family and friends together in celebration. Killeavy Castle, the centrepiece of a 350 acre Estate, can be entirely yours with exclusive hire of the reception rooms and Castle Pavilion, plus accommodation for your wedding party in the 4 bedroom suite upstairs. Overlooking the ancient landscape of the Ring of Gullion and Mourne and Cooley Mountains, the Castle, Walled Garden and surrounding woodlands provide a spectacular backdrop in which to capture the festivity. With guest accommodation, civil ceremony settings and spa services on site, all your needs are covered!

 

BELLE ISLE CASTLE AND PRIVATE ISLAND

This 17th century castle located on a private island estate and surrounded by 400 acres of lush countryside, can truly lay claim to providing each couple with a wedding exactly how they want it to be.

Civil ceremonies and civil partnerships can be conducted at three locations throughout the castle and its grounds. The Grand Hall can host up to 60 guests whilst for larger weddings, marquee hire is also possible. There are 13 guest rooms available that will ensure your wedding party experience the ultimate in Irish Castle luxury.

From the views across Lough Erne, the landscaped gardens with Belle Isle Castle in the background and the grand staircases complimented by period features inside the castle, your wedding photographs are sure to be stunning.