Wedding couple walking through Belfast city centre, inspiration for the best wedding venues Belfast

Best Wedding Venues in Belfast (2026 Guide by a Belfast Wedding Photographer)

natural portrait of a wedding couple beside a stone wall
Wedding couple posing in Belfast on their wedding day

Ultimate list of the BEST wedding venues in Belfast

Need help finding the BEST wedding venue in Belfast?

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Looking for the best wedding venues in Belfast? As a Belfast wedding photographer I’ve photographed weddings in nearly every venue on this list. From luxury hotels and historic buildings to quirky venues and intimate restaurants, these are the Belfast wedding venues I genuinely recommend.

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 Northern Ireland 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!

Just to add – two of my all-time favourites — even though they’re just outside the city — are Rocky Mountain Cottage in the Mournes and Crom Castle in Fermanagh…this Belfast girl travels!

Couple portrait in Belfast capturing wedding day moments

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.

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.

“Choosing a Wedding Venue is HARD.”

Groomsmen enjoying cigars at a Belfast wedding celebration

Each venue 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!).

Newlyweds posing in Belfast, Northern Ireland wedding setting

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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.

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).

Titanic Drawing Rooms

Now more commonly known as The Titanic Hotel, you can hold your entire wedding at this beautiful wedding venue in Belfasts 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.

Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum is an uber cool historical venue, where you can dine with the dinosaur’s and have your wedding photos with a Triceratops. You’ve also the beautiful Botanic Gardens on the doorstep which make for incredible wedding photos.

the SS Nomadic, one of the most amazing places to hold your wedding party

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Quirky Wedding Venues in 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.

Getting married in one of these historic venues links you forever to their amazing history.

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.

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!

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.

Deanes at Queens wedding venue in Belfast, Northern Ireland

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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.

be sure to view all the venues on your shortlist

Couple portrait in Belfast capturing wedding day moments on the steps of the Merchant hotel wedding venue

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Hotel Wedding Venues in 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.

Malamison 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

The 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.

Exterior of Belfast Castle, a historic wedding venue in Belfast

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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 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.

couple on the steps of an iconic Belfast hotel

Grand Central hotel

Titanic Hotel

Deans at Queens

The Muddlers Club

James St

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.

Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

Merchant Hotel

Stormont Hotel

The Doyen

SS Nomadic

AM:PM

WHAT ABOUT

Wedding Venues licensed for Civil Ceremony’s in Belfast

There are around 45 wedding venues licensed for Civil ceremony’s in Belfast. These include all of the venues on this post.

Crescent Arts Centre

Lansdowne Hotel

Grand Opera House

Radisson Blu Belfast

The Lyric Theatre

Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

Deans Meat locker

Balmoral Hotel

Crown Plaza Hotel Belfast

Beechlawn House Hotel

Culloden Estate and Spa

La Mon Hotel and Country Club

The Malone

Ivanhoe Hotel

Bullitt Hotel

Waterfront Hall

Conway Mill

Cutters Wharf

FAQ – Wedding Venues in Belfast

There are so many brilliant wedding venues in Belfast, it really comes down to your style. Some of the most popular include The Merchant Hotel, Titanic Hotel Belfast, Belfast City Hall, and Grand Central Hotel. I’ve photographed weddings in most of them, and each one has its own personality — from grand and luxurious to quirky and completely unique.

There are dozens of wedding venues in Belfast, from hotels and historic buildings to restaurants and really unique spaces you might not expect. Around 40–50 are licensed for civil ceremonies, so you’ve got a huge amount of choice depending on the kind of wedding you’re planning.

The most popular wedding venues in Belfast tend to be The Merchant Hotel, Titanic Hotel Belfast, and Grand Central Hotel. They’re popular for a reason — great locations, stunning interiors, and they photograph beautifully, which is always a big bonus on the day.

Yes, you absolutely can get married in Belfast City Hall. It’s one of the most iconic wedding venues in the city, with beautiful architecture, grand interiors, and lovely gardens just outside for photos. It’s a classic Belfast wedding location for a reason.

If you’re planning something smaller and more intimate, Belfast has some gorgeous options like The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Bullitt Hotel, SS Nomadic, AM:PM, and smaller private dining spaces within bigger hotels. I actually love small weddings — they tend to feel really relaxed and personal.

If you want something a bit different, Belfast has some brilliant quirky venues like Crumlin Road Gaol, SS Nomadic, Ulster Museum, Belfast Empire Music Hall, Ulster Hall, and Queens Film Theatre. These are the kind of places where your wedding definitely won’t feel like anyone else’s.

Bride and groom reviewing Belfast wedding venue options together
Wedding couple posing in front of Titanic Belfast, a popular Belfast wedding venue backdrop

Wedding venue costs in Belfast vary quite a bit depending on the venue, guest numbers, and what’s included. Smaller intimate venues can start from a few thousand pounds, while luxury hotels and full packages can be significantly more. Most venues will tailor packages around your day, so it’s worth speaking to them directly.

Yes, lots of Belfast wedding venues are licensed for civil ceremonies. This includes hotels like The Merchant, Grand Central, and Titanic Hotel Belfast, as well as places like Belfast City Hall, Ulster Museum, and The Lyric Theatre.

The most luxurious wedding venues in Belfast include The Merchant Hotel, Grand Central Hotel, Titanic Hotel Belfast, and The Europa Hotel. These are the venues where everything feels a bit elevated — service, interiors, food, the lot.

The main things to look for are guest numbers, location, whether it suits your style, and what the photography will be like on the day. I always tell couples to visit in person if they can — you’ll know very quickly if a venue feels right or not.

Yes, many Belfast wedding venues offer both ceremony and reception in one place. Hotels like The Merchant, Titanic Hotel Belfast, and Grand Central Hotel are perfect for this, and it makes the day feel really relaxed because you don’t have to move anywhere.

A Wedding Photographer Can Help With Choosing Wedding Venues in Belfast

Every couple is different. The best wedding venue in Belfast isn’t necessarily the most expensive—it’s the one that fits your vision, guest numbers and personalities. Visit your shortlist, ask lots of questions and imagine how your wedding day will feel there.

This list of wedding venues in Belfast should help narrow down your ideas. 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.

Once you’ve found the perfect venue, choosing the right photographer is just as important — here’s my honest guide to help you choose your wedding photographer. And if you’re curious what the day itself will actually look like, take a look at my wedding photography timeline too.

Bride and groom enjoying their wedding day in Belfast city
Newlyweds celebrating after their ceremony

Get in touch

Your wedding photos will be just as beautiful!

I’d love to chat about your wedding, just hit the button below, fill in my contact form, and I’ll be back in touch asap. In the mean time, please check out my pricing here.

Alternatively, drop me an email, or lift the phone. I love a good chat, so feel free to call.

hello@ursulamccollamphotography.co.uk

07870560481

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