This splendid Georgian mansion has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces available for your big day. From the initial planning stages to the final moments, our small but dedicated events team will ensure that everything runs smoothly. The castle's state rooms are available for ceremonies, dinners and receptions throughout the year and can accommodate up to 120 people for a ceremony, up to 80 for a seated dinner and up to 120 for an evening (non-dancing) reception. Alternatively, dancing receptions for up to 350 people can be held at one of our stunning garden marquee sites. In the Spring and Summer months, why not make the most of the castle's stunning formal landscaped gardens which have breath-taking photo opportunities aplenty; with peaceful woodlands, meandering waterways, meadows and lawns. Of course, we can’t promise clear blue skies and uninterrupted sunshine – but thanks to our stunning marquee sites, you can rest assured that your big day will make a big impact, come rain or shine! The West Terrace and South Lawn Marquee Sites can accommodate up to 200 or 350 guests, and both are licensed for wedding ceremonies. In the Winter time, the castle is the place to be. With it's luxurious interiors and eye popping reds, greens and golds, it's a stunning winter wedding venue and offers timeless opulence and gracious spaces. Our Ceremony-Only Winter Wedding Package offers the opportunity to enjoy an intimate ceremony with your nearest and dearest, followed by a drinks reception and photos in the gorgeous Drawing Room overlooking the South Terrace. If you're looking to tie the knot during the festive season, you'll also benefit from a castle dressed to impress, with beautiful traditional decorations throughout. Help us to understand your vision, and we’ll help you make the most of this grand and gracious venue.

Experience

Year Business Was Established

2014

No. of Weddings Hosted

Between 30 and 50

Public Liability Insurance

Yes

No. of People In Team

Overview of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Venue Type

Country House

Manor House

Dining Capacity

350

Reception Capacity

350

Usual Access Time

09:00 AM

Usual Finish Time

11:00 PM

Late Night Extension

Yes

Ceremony & Reception

Church Within Walking Distance

Wedding Licence

Outdoor Ceremony Available

Venue

Water View

Grade I/II Listed Building

Landscaped Gardens

Exclusive Use

Marquee Permitted

Bridal Changing Facilities

Disabled Access

On-Site Parking

Outdoor Reception Space

In-House Wedding Coordinator

Food and Drink

External Catering Permitted

No Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol

Pricing for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Venue Hire Only

Prices Start At

£2,500

Maximum Price

£10,000

Our package prices include: - A personal service from one of our dedicated Event Planners - Wedding photography in acres of glorious gardens - Use of Hillsborough Castle's tables and chairs for your setups (not applicable for marquee site hire) - Security staff to assist on the day with guest arrival and car parking - Exclusivity of the site - we promise that no other weddings will take place at the same time as your own

What is included in this pricing:

Furniture included

Exclusive use

Reviews for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
(6)

Joanna & Nicholas

Happy couple married in September

September 2024

A True Fairytale Wedding

My now husband and I had our wedding in September 2024 at The Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. It was without a doubt the best, most magical day of our entire lives. The venue itself was stunning in every way, which to be honest took a lot of pressure off the planning and decor! By default, it's such a gorgeous backdrop both inside and outside in the gardens. The Events Team (shoutout Vicky Summers!) did an extraordinary job from first contact to the big day on every single detail small and large. The team was incredibly professional and kind throughout.

Tamara & Sid

Happy couple married in March

April 2024

The most magical Venue

This venue was more than we could have ever imagined and really has the wow factor. We baught our guests over from Kent, England and they were amazed at the exclusivity of the castle. Vicky was amazing from start to finish, she really went out of her way to make our ceremony perfect. All the staff were brilliant and accommodating. Thank you so much!

Amy and Chris

Happy couple married in September

November 2022

Above and beyond

Vicky was absolutely amazing, from our first correspondence with her right up until leaving the day after the wedding. She went above and beyond to make our day run smoothly and we were so grateful for all she did.

Stephanie & Alan

Happy couple married in August

August 2022

Helped us with all our Planning Needs

Vicky was fantastic and helped us with all our planning needs, even when we had a lot going on outside the wedding planning. The little touches didn’t go unnoticed by us and made it all that more special. The Hillsborough Castle staff on the night were great. Our guests commented on how much they enjoyed their tours throughout the evening.

Emma & Samir

Happy couple married in July

August 2022

The Best Day of my Life

The best day of my life! Kim and Debbie went above and beyond for myself during the planning stage and on the day of my wedding! So friendly, helpful and professional. We really received first class service throughout! Thank you all for making my dream wedding in Hillsborough Castle come true!

Vincent & Annie

Happy couple married in August

August 2022

Truly Magical from Start to Finish

When we met Vicky we know instantly that we would be treated like royalty...she did not disappoint! The experience of getting married at Hillsborough Castle was truly magical from start to finish. Vicky made the whole thing run so smoothly. She anticipated our every wish and took all the pressure off. She helped with every detail and gave us the most incredible day, a delight to work with. The castle itself was a magnificent setting, topped off by being able to stay over. It was perfect. Thank you!

Location & Contact Details for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Wedding Venue Address

Royal Hillsborough, County Down, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Website

Phone

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FAQs

Find out a bit more from our FAQs

Describe the best wedding that happened at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Weddings are as unique as the couples that host them, so we couldn't possibly pick a favourite! There are always ones that stick out for their creativity and individuality and we welcome all our couples to inject their own unique personalities into their special day.

What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Make the most of the skills, knowledge, experience and expertise of your chosen suppliers. They know what works well, and what doesn't work quite so well. So never be afraid to ask questions and take any stress away that doesn't need to be there. Planning your wedding should be fun, and we all want to help you enjoy the process.

What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?

We loved when one couple decided to offer their guests a treasure hunt in our gardens as part of their reception, complete with beautifully hand-drawn maps in the style of J.R.R. Tolkien (they were big Lord of the Rings fans!). It was a great way to encourage their guests to make the most of our beautiful gardens and they absolutely loved it!

Describe Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in 5 adjectives

Historic, majestic, elegant, friendly, passionate

Where’s the best photo spot at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Oh so many to name! The first one that comes to mind though (does this make it the best?) is Lady Alice's Temple. It's a cast iron temple, in the form of a classical tempietto, located prominently on high ground above a beautiful little lake, surrounded by mature trees. The temple is framed on approach by Yew Tree Walk, a straight path lined with mature Yew Trees and (in the Spring/Summer) stunning native wild flowers. It's a truly magical location in the gardens that's easily accessible for some jaw-dropping wedding photos. The temple was created as part of the wedding celebrations of Lady Alice Hill by her brother, the 5th Marquess of Downshire in 1867.

Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens?

Irish singer-songwriter, Brian Kennedy, made a surprise performance (planned with the groom, a surprise for the bride and guests!) during a wedding reception for 100 people in a beautifully dressed marquee on our West Terrace.

What’s your favourite canapé?

Oh no! This is such a hard question! We love canapes because they offer little pops of deliciousness that build anticipation of a delectable dinner to come! Our approved catering providers (Yellow Door and Craft Event Co.) have some absolutely gorgeous canapes on their menus. We especially love Craft Event Co.s Whipped Goats Cheese with Pickled Red Onion & Pistachio, and Yellow Door's Walters Cold Smoked Salmon on Black Pepper and Lemon Shortbread with Tarragon Crème Fraîche. Absolutely delicious!

What is Hillsborough Castle and Gardens most unique feature?

I don't know if this classes as a 'feature' but what is truly unique about our venue is the history that has and continues to be made here. Our venue has played host to endless historic occasions and events over the years, and your event will be no exception! You'll be stepping in the footsteps of presidents, politicians and princesses and adding your own unique story to our own. Weddings and events are recorded in our historical archive, so your special day will, quite literally, go down in history.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Our team! We're a small but hard-working and passionate team of three, and we work in close collaboration with our colleagues in other departments to ensure the venue is perfectly prepared and everything runs smoothly on your wedding day. Our expert gardeners ensure the grounds are looking stunning; our magnificent Household team clean the castle's interiors each day and make sure it's always looking its best; our wonderful Hosts engage and inspire guests during receptions in the castle with their knowledge, and our friendly Wardens ensure your guests arrive and depart with a smile. When you hold your wedding at Hillsborough Castle, a team of dedicated, passionate people help make it all happen. Of course, it's mostly happening behind the scenes, so all you need to worry about is enjoying every minute of it!

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