Nestled in the very northeast of Northern Ireland, County Antrim is known for its breathtaking views, historic ruins, and charming villages. From the iconic Giant’s Causeway to the romantic ruins of Dunluce Castle, history buffs and geography nerds alike will be in their element. But, let’s be real—whether you’re into ancient history or just after a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos, County Antrim more than delivers.
County Antrim is that unique blend of picturesque countryside and bustling towns and cities, with close links to Belfast, Lisburn, Ballymena, and Antrim. From venues and suppliers to convenient guest accommodation, everything you need for your wedding is within easy reach—yet you can still enjoy the jaw-dropping rural scenery that makes this region so special. So, there’s no need to compromise on your vision.
What’s more, you’ll save yourself a pretty penny. The average cost of a wedding in Northern Ireland is £18,300. That’s the second most affordable wedding location in the UK, and £2,522 cheaper than the UK average (which is £20,822). That means you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank, and out money towards what really matters.
If you decide to get married in Northern Ireland, you’ll be in good company. 3% of total couples choose to get married in this beautiful location, with 77% of couples from this area choosing to get married here. And, honestly—it’s easy to see why. You can't beat its historic charm, stunning geography, and more live music than a Saturday night in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. If you’re planning for an unforgettable big day, County Antrim has everything you need.
Although not a theme, many couples getting married in County Antrim chose to incorporate traditional Irish wedding practices into their big day. For example, the tradition of handfasting, the use of Claddagh rings, Irish dancing, and traditional Irish music are all popular choices for couples looking to add a little local flair to their wedding day.
A popular theme in County Antrim is boho chic. Extremely trendy for the 2025/2026 wedding season, boho chic is all about relaxed elegance, and it’s the perfect fit for County Antrim’s natural beauty. Think floaty dresses, flower crowns, and earthy tones like sage green. With just a touch of vintage charm, boho chic is a theme that has stood the test of time.
Whatever your style or vision, you’re sure to find the perfect wedding venue in County Antrim.
Let’s start with the crème de la crème of County Antrim wedding venues. If you’re looking for a super-luxury, royal experience, this is the venue for you. With up to 14 bedrooms for guests, Limepark Wedding Venue is an exclusive-use, 18th-century farmstead packed with charm and character. With rustic stone buildings, beautifully restored interiors, and stunning gardens, it’s the perfect mix of elegance and countryside charm. This exclusivity comes at a price, with venue hire alone costing £3,000, plus additional costs for catering and accommodation.
While this is a beautiful option, there are a ton of other venues that are just as fabulous but come in at a slightly lower price point. Take Tullyglass House Hotel in Ballymena or Dunadry Hotel and Gardens in County Antrim. These hidden gem venues offer stunning settings, top-notch service, and all the charm without the hefty price tag. Plus, both venues provide beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, making them ideal for any season.
If you’re looking for something a little more rustic, County Antrim has an abundance of castles and ruins. Consider Ballygally Castle Hotel, an exclusive-use, 17th-century castle with over 60 years of wedding experience under their belt. Overlooking the Irish Sea and offering a mix of old-world charm and modern luxury, it’s perfect for a fairytale wedding. Prices start from around £400 for venue hire, with catering packages available from £60 per head. Plus, with boutique-style rooms, you and your guests can make a full weekend of your special day.
The average couple spends £5,055 on their wedding venue in County Antrim. That’s £890 cheaper than the average UK wedding venue cost of £5,945 and the third most affordable region in the UK for wedding venues.
However, feel free to splurge if it’s within your means and you want to—the most expensive Northern Ireland wedding was reported as £45,000 in our 2025 Wedding Report. But, on the flip side, the cheapest wedding came in at £1,000, showing that you can absolutely have your dream day no matter your budget.
The lead time to plan your County Antrim wedding will depend entirely on the town or village you’re marrying in. With rural locations, we tend to recommend a slightly longer lead time than inner-city weddings. For example, if you’re dreaming of a countryside manor, a castle by the coast, or a charming barn in a more remote spot, you might want to think about booking 18-24 months in advance—especially if you’re aiming for a peak summer weekend.
By contrast, couples getting married in a Belfast venue may be able to plan their wedding with 12-18 months’ notice, making it a great option if you don’t want to wait too long to tie the knot.
On average, couples book their wedding venue in Northern Ireland about 14-20 months ahead of time. Popular venues, particularly historic castles and waterfront locations, can get snapped up even earlier. If you’re flexible on your date or open to a weekday wedding, you might have more luck securing a last-minute spot in much less time than this.
Although stunningly beautiful, Northern Ireland isn’t known for its sunshine, and County Antrim is no exception. The weather here can be a bit unpredictable—four seasons in one day is a real possibility—so it’s always good to have a backup plan for outdoor weddings.
Spring (March-May) is a gorgeous time for a County Antrim wedding. With blooms bursting into life, mild breezes, and the first flickers of sunshine, it’s a season filled with fresh, natural beauty. Expect average temperatures of 9°C-15°C, with the chance of some light showers—nothing a stylish umbrella can’t handle! Plus, spring also brings longer days, giving you plenty of natural light for stunning outdoor photos.
Summer (June-August) is peak wedding season in County Antrim. Summer brings the longest daylight hours, the best chance of sunshine, and warmer temperatures averaging between 18°C-21°C. With sunsets as late as 10pm, you’ll have plenty of time for golden-hour photos and outdoor celebrations. However, summer showers are still a possibility, so it’s always smart to have a wet-weather plan. Bear in mind that this is the most popular season for weddings in Country Antrim, so venues and suppliers book up quickly. If a summer wedding in this region is your dream, it’s best to start planning well in advance.
Autumn (September-November) is just as beautiful in County Antrim, and the perfect season for a tonal, cosy wedding. Imagine the backdrop of all the crisp, colourful leaves against a ruined castle or grand stately home. Temperatures start at 16°C and drop to 10°C in mid-November, so layers are a must, especially for outdoor ceremonies and photoshoots. Autumn also tends to be a little less busy than summer, meaning you might get better deals on venues and suppliers if you’re looking to save money on your wedding
Winter (December-February) is undoubtedly the coldest season to get married in County Antrim. However, it is also one of the most beautiful. With temperatures between 8°C and 5°C, you can expect some frost, frozen lakes, and even a little bit of snow! Guests should wrap up warm and be prepared for the chill, but the beauty of a winter wedding in County Antrim can’t be overstated. The shorter days and long, twinkling nights can be perfect for cosy indoor celebrations in beautiful historic venues, with the option to incorporate seasonal decor like fairy lights, candles, and winter florals.
As with any semi-rural location, getting around County Antrim can be tricky. While it’s not quite as bustling as the big cities, the beauty of the area more than makes up for it. That said, if you’re planning on having your wedding here, you’ll want to think about how your guests will get around, especially if they’re not familiar with the area.
Public transport is decent, but not always the most convenient. There are buses that connect towns and villages, but if your venue is tucked away in a more rural area, you might need to arrange transport for your guests, especially if they're staying far from the venue. Consider hiring a minibus, coach, or double-decker bus to shuttle everyone to and from the ceremony and reception. This can make things easier for those not from the area or those with a tendency to get lost.
Belfast International Airport (BFS) can be handy for those flying in from England, Wales, Scotland, or further afield. It's about a 30-minute drive from many of County Antrim’s popular wedding venues, so it’s quite convenient for guests arriving by air.
Those flying in or travelling from afar will need a place to rest their heads. Consider reaching out to venues like The Ballymac Hotel in Lisburn to see if you can block-book rooms for guests. This often works out cheaper and gives your guests the convenience of staying close to the wedding festivities. Bonus—it also doubles as an affordable wedding venue!
