About Belfast
The Northern Ireland capital of Belfast is best known for its production of great ships that allowed the UK to trade so successfully across much of the globe. It’s also the birthplace of the world’s largest and best-known ship -- the Titanic -- before its tragic crash over 100 years ago.
But great ships aren’t all this Northern Irish city is famous for. The industrial revolution allowed Belfast to become a global leader in linen production in the 1800’s, so much so that it was nicknamed Linenopolis at the time!
Being home to over 3,000 acres of parks, it's the perfect venue setting for an outdoor or summer wedding. It’s also a great choice if you’re a big theatre or live music fan, thanks to the Lyric Theatre (where Liam Neeson made his first debut) and Ulster Hall.
Wedding Venue Options in Belfast
The large selection of Belfast wedding venues to choose from will help you create the perfect atmosphere for your big day. But of course, it takes more than a venue alone to create the perfect wedding ceremony or reception!
Thankfully, Belfast has no shortage of services to help you on your quest.
- Linen rental service
Though not as flashy as your wedding dress, cake or flowers, linens are still arguably one of the most important components of your wedding day.
The undercover stars of the show, your linens will help dress your wedding furniture, making sure that everything matches and compliments each other perfectly.
Naturally, you’ll find no shortage of linens in Belfast, with plenty of great companies offering quality linens to create your perfect wedding day. The standard rental time averages around 7 days and most will deliver them to your door -- handy for brides and grooms short on time in the run up to their wedding day.
- Florists
The tradition of brides carrying flowers at thir weddings dates back as far as ancient Egyptian times. Brides would carry local blossoms, and herbs such as dill and garlic to ward off evil spirits.
Today, flowers are still deeply symbolic, though they tend to focus more on brides and grooms chosen colour schemes, and less on protection against the supernatural.
It’s also safe to say that a wedding wouldn’t be complete without wedding flowers. Even those not fussed by the symbolism of wedding flowers will still usually include them for the purpose of tradition.
Belfast has many florists who offer the perfect wedding flower services for your upcoming nuptials. There are even ethical flower companies available, making it a great city to find pretty much everything you’re looking for, flower-wise.
- Photographer
Choosing to get married in Belfast means you’ll have access to a huge selection of quality wedding photographers.
Once you’ve made your selection, your Belfast wedding photographer will be there to capture the many unforgettable moments of your wedding day. This will include (but not be limited to) you getting ready for the big day, exchanging your vows, having your first dance as a married couple, and of course your wedding breakfast.
Your chosen wedding photographer will also be responsible for setting the scene and snapping your first moments together after your wedding ceremony -- the wedding photographs every newlywed looks forward to!
- Together, these moments will help to form the story of the most important day of your married life. Plus, they’ll be the images that you’ll likely be the most excited to share with your family and friends after your wedding celebrations have ended.
Wedding Venue Companies in Belfast
- Titanic Hotel
Ever dreamed of recreating the romance of Rose and Jack on your own wedding day? If so, than where better to do so than the very place the Titanic was invented and designed?
Located in the heart of Belfast, The Titanic Hotel offers couples the opportunity to create their dream wedding in a unique and romantic wedding venue. Though they serve a variety of party sizes, those hosting a more intimate wedding celebration will benefit from the opportunity to dine in the historic Heritage Rooms, the very place Harland and Wolff dreamed up the luxury passenger liner.
- Belfast Castle
With stunning views overlooking Belfast’s Lough and a grand staircase with an elegant entrance for the bridal party, Belfast Castle has everything you need to create a truly memorable wedding celebration. This late 12th-century castle can host up to 160 guests, and provides in-house catering, too.
It also has many picturesque spots inside the castle’s grounds that make the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs.
- The Malone
The Malone Hotel offers engaged couples the opportunity to host a unique wedding celebration in the heart of Belfast. Not only can this boutique hotel give you exclusive access to the venue on your special day, but they also provide ceremonies and in-house caterers, too.
Invite up to 240 wedding guests to this elegant wedding venue, or less for a more intimate wedding ceremony.
Pros and Cons of Wedding Venues in Belfast
The city of Belfast has a long history that's rich in culture, so there’s a great deal of variety when it comes to picking your ideal wedding venue. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t potential drawbacks to holding your wedding celebration here. Here are a few pros and cons to a Belfast wedding.
Advantages:
- Recreate your own Titanic-themed romance story
And in the very place the Titanic was born and began its maiden voyage. Enjoy the Titanic experience at the historic Titanic Hotel, Titanic Dockyards, Titanic’s Dock & Pumphouse, and many more.
- Many historical wedding venues
Choose from old halls, manors and castles to set the tone for your special day.
- No shortage of local complementary services
Being the capital of Northern Ireland, you’ll find a huge selection of extra services that operate locally to complement your wedding day. You’ll even find a few niche providers here, too.
- Lots of backdrop options for your wedding photos
This is thanks to Belfast housing over 3,000 acres of parkland. It also has many modern and historic buildings to choose from, too.
- Public transport
Travel around the city is fast and easy using the Glider and Metro bus services. There is also a reliable train service that connects Belfast with most of Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland capital is also home to a reliable taxi service (Value Cabs) if you’re not a big fan of public transport.
Disadvantages:
- The grey weather
Belfast has an average wind speed of 60mph. It’s also pretty wet, humid, and stormy almost every day. This can be a pain if you’re planning to take your wedding photographs or host your reception outdoors.
- The pub culture
Many flock to Belfast's pubs to experience its traditional Guinness, and more. But if you aren’t much of a drinker, or don’t drink alcohol at all, you may struggle to enjoy this part of the culture.
- Driving
With fuel prices being so steep here, if you have to do a lot of driving around on wedding errands, petrol costs may quickly add up for you.
- Closures
Thanks to the pandemic and lockdowns, some shops and venues have been temporarily or permanently closed. It's best to check with the store or venue before setting out to avoid any shocks or disappointment.
- City centre costs
As with most capitals, the costs for most products and services inside the city of Belfast are a lot steeper than in other areas in Northern Ireland.
Famous Wedding Venue Locations in Belfast
- The Titanic Quarter
If you’re a Titanic fan, there’s a good chance you’ll want to have at least part of your wedding celebration Titanic-themed, even if that means a quick visit around the area for a pre-wedding meal, or simply wedding photographs. Luckily the Titanic Quarter offers many options for you to do all of that!
The renovated dockyards give you the opportunity to experience the Titanic Belfast, a replica of the ship’s hull, and many other Titanic-themed attractions to celebrate the memory of the sunken ship and those on board. And it’s also one of Europe's biggest urban waterfront regeneration projects.
- BallyHackamore
The literal meaning of BallyHackamore means mud flap. But you’ll find very little mud and dirt in this prestigious part of town. Today it’s better known for its delicious ice cream parlours, classy food establishments and brunch venues.
So if you’re looking for the perfect spot for a pre-wedding brunch with your wedding party, you’ll find plenty of spots for that here in this popular part of town.
- Ulster Hall
First opened in 1862, Ulster Hall holds the title of the oldest purpose-built music hall in the UK and has put on countless musical and theatrical performances since then.
If you’re a big fan of live musical performances or love classical recitals, Ulster Hall could be the perfect venue for hosting your wedding reception.
There are also many theatre plays put on here throughout the year, making this a great honeymoon activity for yourself and your new husband or wife, after your wedding day, too!