Right on the Republic of Ireland border, County Armagh is an absolutely beautiful part of Northern Ireland. Also known as the ‘Orchard County’ thanks to its fertile soils that allow for an abundance of apple orchards, County Armagh has rolling hills, green fields and trees for as far as the eye can see. The area is also considered to be the spiritual heart of Ireland, as it’s home to two St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, and borders Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK.
All this comes together to make County Armagh a romantic, historic and peaceful place for couples planning to tie the knot. From ancient castles to beautiful gardens, County Armagh combines natural beauty with rich Irish heritage, offering you the perfect backdrop for weddings of all shapes and sizes.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that County Armagh (and the whole of Northern Ireland) is where 3% of all UK weddings take place. More than three-quarters (77%) of locals choose to stay close to home for their big day, which shows the huge appeal the area has for couples on the hunt for their perfect wedding. And with the average cost of a wedding in the county being £18,300 – over £2,000 less than the UK average – it’s a great location for couples on a budget, too.
Whether you’re planning a large celebration or a relaxed, intimate affair, County Armagh is a great wedding destination if you want a countryside wedding at a venue which is stylish, friendly and full of character.
Rustic charm and countryside elegance define the wedding scene in County Armagh, with couples loving all things traditional. Because of its rolling hills, sprawling orchards and historic estates, the region provides a naturally romantic backdrop that many couples choose to enhance with soft, seasonal colour palettes, organic textures and relaxed, subdued decor. Orchard-themed florals are especially popular, with apple blossom, wild greenery and meadow-style arrangements that reflect the area's agricultural heritage.
There’s also a growing love for whimsical and vintage themes, particularly in venues with Georgian or Victorian architecture. Couples enjoy incorporating antique-style tablescapes, pressed glassware and velvet accents, along with handwritten signage and personal keepsakes that add a unique touch. Acoustic and folk music, often performed live by local musicians, adds to the nostalgic and localised feel. Another way local couples love to honour the area is by including apples somewhere on their menu, like apple cake canapés or a hearty apple pie dessert. Apple chutney also makes for a lovely homemade favour to give guests, complete with a personalised label for the jar!
In recent years, there’s been a big rise in sustainable weddings. More and more couples are opting for locally sourced menus that showcase Northern Irish ingredients, as well as the use of digital invitations, plastic-free confetti, upcycled furniture, foraged florals and repurposed decor. Many also choose to hire independent, ethical suppliers who align with their values, and embrace DIY elements that bring personality and heart to the celebration without excess waste.
County Armagh is a lovely part of Northern Ireland, offering couples a wide range of venue types to fit all tastes, styles and budgets, meaning you can truly have the wedding of your dreams.
If you’re hoping for an opulent and luxurious wedding, one of the area's incredible historic castles or country houses makes for a wonderful choice. Killeavy Castle Estate is where history, nature and luxury come together to provide a fairytale setting amidst 350 acres of stunning Irish countryside. Brownlow Castle may have castle in its name, but it’s actually a Grade A listed 19th-century house – that doesn’t make it any less special, though, and with a wide variety of ceremony options, it offers something for every couple. Another superb luxury option is the unique Gracehall, with its exposed oak beams and jaw-dropping French chandelier, offering the most amazing opportunities for photographs.
Do you have dreams of a large wedding surrounded by all the special people in your life? Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre provides a picturesque lakeside setting and lets you celebrate with more than 500 guests. Or, if you want to keep your spending to a minimum or have a smaller, more intimate celebration, Pot Belly Restaurant is a great lower-cost option.
The average cost of a wedding venue in County Armagh is £5,055, which is almost £900 less than the overall UK average of £5,945. So, not only is there a brilliant selection of venues around the area, but it’s also ideal if you have a smaller budget.
County Armagh is a wonderful wedding destination, but because Northern Ireland as a whole is the quietest region for weddings in the UK, you often won’t have to wait as long for venues as you would in other areas. Most couples secure their venue between 12 and 18 months in advance, especially for weekend dates between May and September.
That said, it’s entirely possible to find something much sooner than this, which is even more likely if you’re after a smaller venue or you’re happy to consider a midweek or winter wedding. This is also a great way to pay less, too, as many venues have off-peak rates.
As it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland and doesn’t have a coastline, County Armagh enjoys a mild climate, with no extreme weather. There’s always a chance of rain at any time of year, but each season offers its own unique feel that can complement the vibe you’re going for.
Spring (March - May) is when the county fills with apple blossoms and daffodils, making it a brilliant time to hang out in nature. With average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F), it’s a lovely time to embrace floral, garden-inspired weddings.
Summer (June - August) is warm and bright, with average highs between 15°C and 18°C (59°F to 64°F). This is peak wedding season, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and marquee receptions when you can enjoy the longer, brighter days.
Autumn (September - November) is beautiful in the orchards and woodlands, with golden tones as the last of the apples are picked from the trees. Temperatures sit between 10°C and 14°C (50°F to 57°F), which means there’s still some time to enjoy a few outdoor drinks, particularly earlier on in the season.
Winter (December - February) is quieter and colder, but atmospheric, with average temperatures between 3°C and 7°C (37°F and 45°F). The inclusion of candles, mulled drinks and warm colours can give your special day a lovely festive feel. It’s a great time to keep cosy with an indoor wedding, such as at Ti Chulainn & Slieve Gullion Lodge.
Thanks to its central location, County Armagh is well-connected by road, making it easy for guests travelling from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The A3, A28 and A29 provide direct links to nearby cities like Belfast, Newry, Dundalk and Londonderry. Driving from Belfast takes just under an hour, while Dublin is about 90 minutes away, which makes it ideal if you have guests coming from both sides of the border.
For air travel, Belfast International Airport (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) are both within 60 to 75 minutes by car, offering easy access for guests coming from overseas. Dublin Airport (DUB) is another major option, particularly for international flights, and is about 90 minutes away.
There’s no train station directly in Armagh city, but Portadown is pretty close by and offers good rail links to Belfast.
As for places to stay, there’s a wide selection of countryside hotels, boutique hotels and B&Bs across the region, meaning you and your guests should find it nice and easy to stay somewhere that suits your tastes and budget. A hotel also makes for a great wedding venue option, as you can spend your entire wedding day under one roof and not even have to step outside if you don’t want to. Hotels like Armagh City Hotel are especially fantastic, with a range of ceremony and reception options, meaning you can completely customise your day to suit your needs.
