A guide to getting married in Antrim

Antrim, located in Northern Ireland, offers a picturesque backdrop for such a special occasion. Antrim offers a variety of options ranging from historic castles and manor houses to modern hotels and rustic barns.

The best wedding venues in Antrim

Antrim is home to many beautiful wedding venues, each with its own unique character and charm.

Here are some of the best wedding venues in Antrim:

The Old Church Centre - The Old Church Centre is a repurposed church wedding venue located in Ballymena, Co. Antrim. A traditionally restored 1840s church, this beautiful building now serves as a much-loved space for both private and community events. It's situated in the charming conservation village of Cushendun, recognized by the National Trust for its unique architectural heritage. It's also surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to a picturesque beach and ancient caves, making it an idyllic setting for weddings.

Lissanoure Castle - We would like to welcome you to Lissanoure Castle and share with you its unique setting. It is part of a thriving estate in which our family, along with many others, live and work. Since 1994, the Castle has been available to hire for weddings, functions and other private events. If you are looking for a very special and private place to host such an event, look no further, and please do come and see us. Viewings are by appointment only.

The Wool Tower - Unlike many wedding venues, the Wool Tower does not sell membership to its grounds or facilities, or allow anyone to use its bar apart from you and your guests. We believe you should not have to share your once in a lifetime day with people you don’t know. As a Wool Tower couple once you come though the gate, you and your guests will not be rubbing shouders with the public or other weddings. The Wool Tower extensive gardens and grounds are exclusively yours for the day.

Hillmount House - Welcome to Hillmount House the home to beautiful events. This privately owned Georgian house, barn and sea-view gardens in County Antrim, Northern Ireland offers a unique venue for stylish weddings. Create a bespoke wedding for your guests in our newly renovated Georgian barn or dine al fresco on the lawns. What makes our venue truly special is the exclusive hire of our wonderful Georgian Country House for up to 10 people. As we are an owner-operated team, we promise you a professional and personalized service with a down-to-earth approach making your event planning and big day seamless and memorable for all the right reasons.

Kilmore Country House - Located in Glenariff in the heart of the Glens of Antrim, and encircled by lush woodlands and sparking waterfalls, Kilmore Country House is a distinctive and award-winning hospitality destination – offering decadent dining and boutique accommodation in a magical setting. Nestled on the edge of an impressive valley, under the canopy of the neighbouring Glenariff Forest Park, and with views of the dazzling coastline beyond, this remarkable venue and the stunning surrounding scenery makes it a truly special place.

The best wedding photographers in Antrim

Choosing the right wedding photographer can be a daunting task. Whether you're looking for a traditional approach or a more contemporary style, there are many skilled wedding photographers in Antrim who can deliver stunning images that you'll treasure for years to come.

Here are some of the best wedding photographers in Antrim:

Jervis Wedding Photography - Jervis Wedding Photography in Ballyclare, Co Antrim prides itself on fashioning charming keepsakes that depict magical moments of matrimony. Dynamic duo Paul and Judith are passionate about documenting candid and choreographed moments, from emotional embraces to first dances. They conduct photoshoots in a fun and relaxed manner, encouraging couples to be themselves. Your romantic spark will be their key inspiration as they record every meaningful highlight of your day.

Awe & Wonder Photography - Based in Ballyclare, Co Antrim, Awe & Wonder Photography offers professional wedding photography services across Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Darren Anderson is the owner of the company and a genuine talent behind the camera lens. This down-to-earth individual sees the world from a creative perspective and aims to provide heartwarming imagery for his clients. When working on location, Darren exudes a relaxed figure and encourages his couples to be themselves throughout the session.

Treasure Box Photography - Chances are, if you've landed on this website your head is melted trying to organise your wedding day. You've got the ring, you've probably just booked your date, and suddenly you've realised the insane amount of work that is ahead of you to organise one of the most important days of your life. I've been there, it's tough - let me be the paracetamol to one of the biggest headaches. Book me to be your wedding photographer!

Kelly McAllister Photography - My approach to shooting a wedding definitely isn't traditional. I photograph things as they happen, naturally and honestly. One thing I can promise you is a relaxed, stress free experience. I like to think of myself primarily as a documentary photographer with a quiet, soulful, unfussy style. I often find my favourite photographs are the ‘in-between’ moments, that’s what gets me most excited, that’s where the magic happens. I try to mix these real, imperfect moments with timeless, relaxed portraits to give you a well rounded collection of beautiful images that you’ll treasure forever.

John Taggart Photography - Based in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, John is a professional photographer with over 20 years experience in his craft & specialises in relaxed, elegant and contemporary fine art wedding photography with a modern yet timeless feel. Along with his wife Pamela, John is renowned for his down to earth persona while maintaining that all important professionalism. Animal & nature lovers John & Pamela are the perfect team, working together they capture the most stunning timeless wedding photography which is full of romance and creativity, yet holds that natural & contemporary feel to all their images.

Getting a wedding dress in Antrim

Antrim likely has several bridal boutiques where you can browse a wide selection of wedding dresses. These boutiques often carry a range of styles, designers, and price points to suit different preferences and budgets.

Here are some of the best places to get a wedding dress in Antrim:

Jill Jones Bridal - Our wedding dress shop in Antrim, Northern Ireland delivers ultra-luxe bridalwear without the hefty price tag. We’re all about empowering women and inspiring each other. We’re here to shake things up in the industry and we want you to be a part of the story.

The Bridal Company - The Bridal Company is a modern and luxurious bridal boutique, with a dress and a budget for every bride. Offering a funky approach to the wedding dress shopping experience, our team of fully qualified and experienced consultants will provide you with a passionate and sincere appointment. We pride ourselves in supporting our brides through the maze of choosing their wedding dresses and do all that we can to create a luxurious experience for each and every one we welcome.

Vintage Rose Bridal Wear - Come and browse our extensive range of gorgeous wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses that will make you feel amazing. Set in a relaxed and friendly ambience, Vintage Rose offers a luxurious environment for the bride who wants to be pampered. Let our experienced staff help style you for the most important day of your life and for many treasured memories to come.

The best wedding catering companies in Antrim

Antrim is home to many catering companies that specialize in weddings.

Here are some of the best wedding catering companies in the area:

Arbutus Catering - Arbutus Catering is a Coleraine-based company that provides exquisitely tasty food with customised touches and professional finish. They are now a popular name, thanks to a professional team which always aims for the best and the most suitable menus for their clients and event. They offer tailored, premium services, to add more uniqueness to your wedding experience.

Big Occasions - Big Occasions know exactly how the best celebrations should be. For lovers of good food and culinary versatility, they know that every couple wants to express themselves differently with a gastronomic feast that will be the highlight of your wedding evening. Since the 1980's, Big Occasions have been at the forefront of wedding catering in Northern Ireland. Exactly the kind of people you need to make your wedding a resounding success.

Getting a wedding cake in Antrim

There are numerous well-known cake designers and bakeries in Antrim that specialize in crafting exquisite wedding cakes.

Here are some of the best places to get a wedding cake made in Antrim:

Wed-Cakes - Delivering hand crafted and delicious wedding cakes throughout Northern Ireland for the last 8 years, your order is as important to me as it is to you, so I only take on a few orders a week and use only the best ingredients available. I do book up quickly so early booking is advisable. All of my quotes include personal delivery and setup at your venue on the morning of your wedding. All orders also include a wedding cake taster box of 7 flavours that can be posted to any address in the UK and Ireland. You are guaranteed a personalised service from Day 1 right up to your special day!

Cakes by Suzanne - Your wedding is special and unique - as your cake should be. Suzanne designs each cake individually, taking into account your own likes, dislikes and design ideas, styles and other aspects of your wedding.

Fairy Tree Cakes - Fairy Tree Cakes is a bakery business specialising in celebration and wedding cakes located in Ballyclare. Do you have a special occasion coming up and are looking for a centrepiece cake? Looking for a beautiful wedding cake? We will work with you to make a perfect cake for a perfect occasion.

The best hotels in Antrim

These are just a few of the top hotels in Antrim, each offering its own unique atmosphere and amenities. Depending on your preferences and budget, you're likely to find a hotel that suits your needs for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the area.

Here are some of the best hotels in Antrim:

Dunadry Hotel and Gardens - Nestled on the banks of the flowing Six Mile River in County Antrim, the Dunadry Hotel is one of Northern Irelands finest resort properties! Perfectly located, we are easily accessed and serve as a fantastic base for exploring all that the province has to offer! With award-winning gardens, our AA Rosette Mill Race Restaurant and luxurious bedrooms your stay at the Dunadry will be memorable.

Dunsilly Hotel - When you walk in the door to our expansive lobby we guarantee you will receive an authentic and genuine service. We would be honoured to host your Wedding Day. From an intimate meal to a bigger affair, we can cater for up to 170 guests in our Laburnum Suite. The Dunsilly Hotel is licensed for civil wedding ceremonies so you can even plan to celebrate your full day with us. Our dedicated wedding coordinator will work with you to ensure that every detail you have dreamed of becomes a reality.

Take advantage of Antrim's scenic beauty and historic attractions. Consider incorporating local landmarks or activities into your wedding festivities, such as pre-wedding photoshoots at Antrim Castle Gardens or a post-wedding tour of the Giant's Causeway. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the process of planning your wedding in Antrim! It's a special time in your life, so take time to savor the moments and create lasting memories with your loved ones.