10 Stunning Northern Ireland Castle and Cottage Wedding Venues
As a Las Vegas-based destination wedding photographer and videographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the most enchanting locations around the world. Northern Ireland is one of those places that offers a magical blend of historic charm, breathtaking scenery, and romantic venues that can make any wedding feel like a fairytale. Here, I’ve curated a list of ten incredible castle and cottage wedding venues in Northern Ireland that are perfect for elopements, intimate weddings, or larger celebrations.
1. Castle Leslie Estate
Nestled in the serene countryside, Castle Leslie Estate is a stunning venue that exudes old-world charm. With its opulent interiors, sprawling grounds, and a beautiful lake, it’s the perfect backdrop for a romantic wedding.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $3,000
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $10,000
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $20,000
Guests can stay on-site for the weekend, enjoying the luxurious accommodations and making the most of the beautiful surroundings. Every detail can be handled on-site, from the ceremony to the reception, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
2. Belle Isle Estate and Castle
Located an hour from Castle Leslie, Belle Isle Estate and Castle offers a picturesque setting for your wedding. With its stunning gardens, charming cottages, and historic castle, it’s a venue that promises a magical celebration.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $2,500
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $8,000
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $18,000
The estate can be booked for an entire weekend, providing a wonderful opportunity for your guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the area.
3. Lissanoure Castle
This privately owned castle sits amidst beautiful woodlands and lakes, offering a secluded and enchanting setting for your wedding. The castle’s historic architecture and elegant interiors create a romantic atmosphere.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $2,000
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $7,000
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $15,000
Lissanoure Castle allows for exclusive use of the property, giving you and your guests a private and intimate experience.
4. Drenagh Estate
Drenagh Estate features a stunning Georgian house surrounded by lush gardens and woodland. Its Moon Garden is a particularly popular spot for ceremonies, offering a unique and beautiful setting.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $2,200
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $8,500
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $17,500
The estate’s grandeur and versatility make it perfect for weddings of all sizes, with accommodation available on-site.
5. Ballygally Castle
With its fairytale turrets and stunning coastal views, Ballygally Castle is a magical venue for a wedding. This 17th-century castle offers charm and elegance, with beautiful gardens and historic interiors.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $1,800
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $6,500
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $13,000
Booking out the castle for a weekend ensures an exclusive and memorable experience for you and your guests.
6. The Carriage Rooms at Montalto
Set within the Montalto Estate, The Carriage Rooms offer a unique blend of rustic charm and elegance. The venue features beautifully restored historic buildings and stunning gardens.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $2,000
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $7,500
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $16,000
The estate provides a picturesque setting for weddings, with various accommodation options available for guests.
7. Castle Ward
Castle Ward offers a distinctive 18th-century mansion with Gothic and classical styles. Located on the shores of Strangford Lough, the venue provides breathtaking views and a unique backdrop for weddings.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $2,100
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $7,800
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $16,500
The venue allows for exclusive use, ensuring a private and personalized wedding experience.
8. Glenarm Castle
This historic castle is set within stunning gardens and parkland, offering a beautiful and tranquil setting for your wedding. The estate’s charm and elegance make it a popular choice for couples.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $2,000
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $8,000
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $17,000
Glenarm Castle can be booked exclusively, allowing you and your guests to fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
9. Larchfield Estate
Larchfield Estate combines rustic charm with elegance, offering a beautiful setting for weddings. The estate features a restored barn, walled gardens, and picturesque grounds.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $1,900
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $7,200
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $15,800
The venue offers exclusive use, ensuring a private and memorable experience for your wedding day.
10. Ballyscullion Park
Ballyscullion Park offers a stunning Victorian mansion set within beautiful gardens and parkland. The venue’s charm and elegance make it a perfect choice for weddings.
- Elopement Cost: Starting at $1,800
- Intimate Wedding (50 or less): Starting at $6,800
- Traditional Wedding (75 or more): Starting at $14,500
Booking the estate for a weekend provides an exclusive and intimate setting for your celebration.
Our Personal Connection to Northern Ireland
We have family in Derry and have visited Northern Ireland for both personal trips and weddings. Every time we go, we fall more in love with the landscapes, rich history, and diverse architecture. We’ve explored countless iconic spots, and each visit deepens our connection to this beautiful country. If a castle or estate wedding isn’t for you, we can help you plan a more adventurous and explorative elopement or intimate wedding, tailored to your vision and personality.
Special Offers for 2025 Destination Weddings
We’re offering exclusive discounts for all 2025 destination weddings:
- $500 off photo and video packages
- $200 off photo or video packages for weddings and elopements
- $50-$100 off sessions
Tips for Planning Your Own Northern Ireland Wedding
Getting Legally Married from the USA to Ireland:
- Research Requirements: Ensure you understand the legal requirements for getting married in Ireland, including necessary documents and residency requirements per your state, county, or country.
- Documentation: Prepare and submit all required documents, such as birth certificates, passports, and notices of intent to marry.
- Timeline: Plan your timeline carefully, as some documents may need to be submitted several months in advance.
Travel Tips:
- Book Early: Secure your flights and accommodation well in advance to ensure availability and better rates. Track travel or flights on various apps like Hopper, Google Flights, Air BNB, KAYAK, Skyscanner, and more.
- Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected changes or emergencies. Check your credit card rewards or other options to insure your trip.
- Local Transport: Research local transport options for you and your guests, including car rentals and public transport. An option would be 15 passenger vans and booking out the castle or lodging for the duration.
- Visit In Advance: Plan a trip prior to booking or right after securing your venue to map out anything logistically before the week of the wedding. This is the best time to do all of your trials or menu sampling.
By sharing this guide, I hope to inspire couples to consider the enchanting beauty and historic charm of Northern Ireland for their wedding. Each venue offers a unique and magical setting, perfect for creating unforgettable memories. For more details and to start planning your dream wedding, feel free to reach out to us!
