BEST Wedding venues in Belfast
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Ultimate list of the BEST Wedding Venues in Belfast
As a Belfast girl, I know a thing or two about this beautiful city. I’ve watched it grow, watched it flourish and I am super proud of what Belfast has become.
As a wedding photographer, I’m also pretty clued in when it comes to Wedding Venues in Belfast. I’ve been in them all at least once, growing up with many of them, and enjoying the new ones as they arrive.
We have so much on our doorstep, indeed you could say we are spoilt for choice. However this can make it hard to narrow down your options.
From 5 star hotels to historic university buildings, from quirky music halls to boutique hotels, intimate restaurants to boats on the river, heck, you can even get married in a Gaol!
Once you have narrowed your ideas down, it will always be essential to visit the wedding venue in person. This will give you a better sense of the space, give you a feel for the vibe and the chance to discuss all the options with the venues wedding coordinator.
They will give you all the information you need, such as; how many guests they can cater for, accommodation options, food options and parking.
They will also tell you all the practical things that you never even considered.
Important things like: Have they the space for the wedding lamas at your wedding (I kid you not, they are incredible – I personally love them!).
Choosing your wedding venue is HARD
Choosing the right venue can be a minefield, but this list will bring you one step closer to choosing your perfect wedding venue in Belfast.
Historic Wedding Venues in Belfast
Belfast city has a unique history and some of our wedding venues have literally seen it all. Some of them are hundreds of years old, others form part of our recent history.
Where else can you get married in a hotel that holds the record of the most bombed hotel in the world!
Getting married in one of these historic venues links you forever to their amazing history.
Belfast City Hall
The historic civic centre of Belfast City, a beautiful building, constructed in Portland stone. Hold your wedding ceremony here and use the incredible grounds (and local city streets) for your wedding photos.
Queens University
Embrace the splendour of The Great Hall in the famous Lanyon building, and hold your wedding in style.
Riddel Hall
A fabulous Grade 2 listed building in Stranmillis, part of Queens University, with its own amazing grounds for photography.
Titanic Drawing Rooms
Now more commonly known as The Titanic Hotel, you can hold your entire wedding at this beautiful wedding venue in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. It was in this very building that the Titanic was designed and planned out. Its epic for photos, with the slipway to the front and the iconic Harland and Wolff Cranes to the back. Its an incredible wedding venue.
Europa Hotel
This is a beautiful city centre hotel with a history aligned to Belfast city’s troubled past. A record holder as the most bombed hotel in the world. 36 times to be precise. I’ll also throw in a random fact; its where I met U2, the day after they played the iconic Kings Hall in 1987 on the Joshua Tree Tour (and yes, I was there – front row).
Ulster Museum
The Ulster Museum is an uber cool historical venue, where you can dine with the dinosaurs and have your wedding photos with a Triceratops. You’ve also the beautiful Botanic Gardens on the doorstep which make for incredible wedding photos.
Quirky Wedding Venues Belfast
Do you want a unique, quirky and fun wedding? Are you looking for something a little bit different? Belfast has lots of quirky and unique wedding venues. All of them offer amazing options, tailor made to your requirements.
They can be as intimate as you like, or as big as you like…indeed the Ulster hall can seat 1000!
Have a look at these quirky venues for your unique wedding.
SS Nomadic
The last remaining ship from the White Star Line in the world. The SS Nomadic was a tender ship to the Titanic! Now based in ‘Hamilton Dock’, you can have an amazing maritime wedding in this historic and quirky ship.
Queens Film Theatre
Have a showstopper of a wedding in this unique cinema, they will even arrange a screening of your favourite movie. A great choice for film buffs!
Belfast Empire Music Hall
A quirky wedding venue, where you can get wed on the famous stage. This is the perfect wedding venue for comedy buffs or hipsters looking something a little bit different.
Crumlin Road Gaol
A grade A listed building, this Gaol has history that is bursting from the seams. It’s a super unique and quirky wedding venue. A Victorian Gaol, where you can tie the knot in C Wing. This venue will give you a wedding like no other!
The Ulster Hall
Many greats have graced this iconic stage. From The Beatles to Coldplay, from The Rolling Stones to The Who, from AC/DC to U2. Imagine following in the footsteps of these great artists and playing out your wedding on this amazing stage. A must for quirky and fun music loving couples.
Oh Yeah Belfast
This intimate wedding venue is located in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral quarter. It offers the cosy main hall and an intimate private room for weddings. It’s a quirky venue with lots of accommodation in nearby hotels.
Titanic Belfast
Fancy getting married on one of the most famous staircases in the world; you can do this at the Titanic Belfast Museum. The Titanic Museum has a stunning and iconic location in the heart of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. Its facade is an eye catching and modern design, that looks amazing in wedding photos.
Restaurant Wedding Venues in Belfast
We have some fabulous restaurants in Belfast. We also have some of the greatest produce in the world, which makes for amazing food experiences.
Lots of ‘foodies’ opt to have a restaurant as their wedding venue in Belfast
The Muddlers Club
The Muddlers Club is one of the most incredible restaurants’ in Belfast – one of the few with a Michelin Star. Its known for having an innovative menu, with a focus on high quality, local sourced ingredients, expert service and an exceptional atmosphere. I can attest to all of this having dined here myself. It’s one of my favourites! It’s a great choice for foodie couples looking to hold a luxurious wedding where taste buds will be tantalised!
Ox
If fine dining and culinary delights are your thing, then Ox is the perfect wedding venue in Belfast for you. Michelin don’t give stars away easily, but this is yet another Belfast wedding venue with one. Their Michelin Star is a reflection of their commitment to quality and having a focus on creating delicious dish’s that are made with the finest and freshest ingredients. If you are looking for a truly exceptional dining experience for your wedding day, then Ox Restaurant is an excellent choice.
James Street
The elegant atmosphere and high quality dining experience offered by James Street makes it a great choice for sophisticated and intimate wedding celebration. Owned by Niall McKenna, who is known for modern cuisine and being a trailblazer in the Belfast restaurant scene. This is a great wedding venue for a small and intimate wedding.
Deans at Queens
Deans at Queens can be the perfect choice for couples looking a classic, sophisticated and elegant wedding venue. Known for its exceptional cuisine, with a focus on high quality local ingredients and a creative presentation. Your wedding meal will be incredible. As a Belfast wedding venue, Deans at queens can cater for intimate weddings in their private dining suite, or larger weddings by using the full restaurant space. I love Deans at Queens wedding, as Botanic Gardens is right across the road and they are incredible for wedding photos.
Belfast City Centre Wedding Venues
Do you enjoy being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Lots of couples opt for a wedding venue in the centre of Belfast. It makes sense, as there are lots of hotels for your guests to stay in.
If you are using Belfast as a destination wedding, staying in the city centre makes a great base for exploring.
Ten Square
A city centre hotel venue, that can accommodate around 100 guests per wedding. This venue benefits form having accommodation on site, so is perfect if you and your guests are travelling from out of town.
House of Zen
If you are looking for an Asian inspired wedding celebration, the House of Zen could be the perfect choice. Based in the bustling Cathedral Quarter, this city centre wedding venue can accommodate small and intimate weddings.
Café Parisien Belfast
This wedding venue has a vintage Parisian feel. Overlooking the City Hall, this chic venue is filled with vibrant colours, amazing ambiance and incredible dining. It is a perfect venue for a stylish intimate or small wedding.
AM:PM
AM:PM is actually 3 venues in 1, all offering their own ambiance and style.
You can choose from:
The Treehouse
If relaxed weddings are you thing, The Treehouse will provide you with the perfect wedding venue. A heated outdoor venue, with a sliding roof so you never have to worry about the rain. Its a great wedding venue for those who like to party!
The Cabaret Supper Club
Opulence, chandeliers, plush furnishing and glamour…if you love all of these then The Cabaret Supper Club is the ONLY place to hold your wedding.
AM:PM Restaurant
Decadent, modern, floral displays and good food. The AM:PM Restaurant is perfect wedding venue for foodies with a bit of glitz and glamour.
I really enjoy shooting weddings here, they are always good fun. It’s a decadent and unique wedding venue and is worth checking out for your wedding.
Hotel Wedding Venues Belfast
Belfast has many hotels, catering for a wide range of budgets. The great thing about holding a hotel wedding is convenience. Many hotels offer complete wedding packages that include everything from the ceremony and reception, to catering and decorations, taking a lot of stress out of the planning process.
Having your wedding in a hotel also allows you and your guests to stay overnight in one location, making it easier to continue the celebration and reduce travel time for everyone.
Grand Central Hotel
The Grand Central Hotel in Belfast is a magnificent and elegant wedding venue that provides the perfect setting for a luxurious and unforgettable wedding. It’s lavish and well-appointed décor is the perfect backdrop for couples who want the best of the best. There is no doubt that this venue has style that will wow you and your guests on your wedding day.
Malmaison Hotel
Do you want a bespoke wedding, that perfectly reflects your personal style and tastes? If so, then the Malmaison with its stylish interiors, gorgeous event spaces and impeccable service is the perfect choice. It’s got some amazing photo opportunities right on its door step, so don’t pass giving this hotel a heads up when completing your wedding venue research.
AC Marriott
This riverside hotel is modern and stylish. A relative newcomer to Belfast, its location on the river, yet close to the city centre makes this a perfect venue to hold your wedding.
Titanic Hotel
Already mentioned above, this hotel is steeped in history and is a perfect choice for a wedding in Belfast
Merchant Hotel
The Merchant Hotel in Belfast is a 5-star luxury hotel that is a popular wedding venue. Located in the heart of Belfast’s city centre, the hotel is housed in a restored Victorian building that dates back to the late 1800’s. The steps leading up to the hotel are iconic! This wedding venue has a variety of spaces, such as the Rita Duffy Suite, The Great Hall and the Roof Garden, catering for intimate weddings to grandiose affairs with over 200 guests.
This is a hotel with a reputation for impeccable service, fine dining and elegant décor. It’s ideal if you would like a luxurious and sophisticated wedding.
Small Wedding Venues Belfast
Its OK to want a small or intimate wedding.
Covid made them a ‘thing’ as it was all you could have. But it was a turning point in the wedding industry. Lots of couples realised that they could have their wedding their way and that having a big family shindig was no longer considered a ‘requirement’. I absolutely love small weddings.
The list below features many I have already spoken about, as many of them have options of smaller rooms to hold a more intimate affair.
Castle Wedding Venues in Belfast
We have numerous Castles in Northern Ireland, and they make for incredible Wedding Venues.
One of them belongs to Belfast
Belfast Castle
Belfast Castle stands proudly in the grounds of Cave Hill Country Park. This impressive castle, belongs to the city and is managed by Belfast City Council.
Whilst it doesn’t have any accommodation on site, there are many hotels close by.
It’s impeccably maintained and offers spectacular views across our beautiful city.
The jewel in the crown of North Belfast, it is an ideal wedding venue, and in a location that is amazing for photos. It’s just perfect.
Wedding Venues licensed for Civil Ceremony’s in Belfast
There are around 45 wedding venues licenced for Civil Ceremony’s in Belfast.
All venues mentioned above are on the list, in addition to the following
A Wedding Photographer can help with Wedding Venues in Belfast
Hopefully this list of wedding venues in Belfast has helped narrow down your ideas. Do make reservations to view the venues you like, this is really important.
As a wedding photographer I’ve been to many of them, so can give you an honest opinion – feel free to ask
Now, on the subject of wedding photographers. You spend a lot of time with them on your wedding day so you need to get along with them.
Like wedding venues, look around their websites first and then schedule time to meet up with a few of them.
The cheapest photographer or the one you found on Instagram/TikTok may not rock your boat when you eventually meet them. Read my post here on choosing the perfect wedding photographer
Please browse around my site, I know you will love what you see.
For me it’s all about creative, timeless and relaxed photography, capturing the laughter, the tears, the fun filled dance floors and everything in between.
If you are interested in having me as your photographer on your wedding day, please check out my pricing here and get in touch.