Weddings | Gilford Castle Estate

Weddings at Gilford Castle Estate

The Venue

A day that belongs entirely to you

Every wedding at Gilford Castle Estate is an exclusive hire. The castle, its grounds, and its river are entirely yours from the moment you arrive on the morning of your celebration to your departure the following afternoon. Our events manager works alongside you through every stage of planning, and on the day itself, our team ensures everything unfolds in splendour.

Experience the estate

See Gilford Castle come alive

The ceremony, the dinner, the evening light. Our film captures the atmosphere that no photograph quite can. Watch to see how your day might unfold.

The spaces

Every corner of the castle is yours

Each space at Gilford Castle Estate has a distinct character, each suited to a different moment. The castle, courtyards, gardens, and grounds are all yours, and a magnificent setting in which to stage your special day.

The Gardens

A setting of lawns, mature trees and riverside views. Gather your guests here for a ceremony under open skies and amid natural beauty.

The Castle

Historic reception rooms and elegant interiors provide a timeless backdrop for ceremonies, dining, and drinks.

The courtyards

Three distinctive courtyards, each with its own scale and character. A sheltered space for an intimate gathering, an elegant enclosure for a larger celebration.

Reception rooms

Move between the castle’s character-filled rooms for drinks, conversation, and relaxed moments with guests.

The Garden Pavilion

A contemporary glass-fronted space opening onto the gardens, designed for memorable dining and evening celebrations. Available from 2027.

The bedroom suites

Ten individually designed suites allow close family and friends to stay together and enjoy a relaxed morning after.

Gallery

Celebrate at Gilford Castle Estate

Set within 207 acres of gardens, ancient woodland, and river, Gilford Castle Estate offers a backdrop that changes with every season and every hour. These are the spaces and the moments your guests will carry with them long after the day is done.

Dining

Then, we feast

We work with trusted local suppliers to create seasonal wedding menus as individuals as you are. Canapés on the lawn, a candlelit dinner in the castle’s formal rooms – each dish is prepared with the same care we bring to every detail of your day.

Dietary requirements, wine pairings, and late-night supper options are all arranged in advance. Full menu options and further details are available upon request.

Explore dining at Gilford Castle

Wedding brochure

Everything you need to plan your day

Learn how we work with you to ensure the atmosphere, dining experience, accommodation, and celebrations fulfil your unique vision.

FAQs

How many guests can we have for a ceremony?

Gilford Castle Estate offers a choice of beautiful settings for your ceremony, each with its own character and atmosphere. For more intimate celebrations, ceremonies can take place within the Castle itself, accommodating up to 70 guests amongst its historic interiors. Outdoors, couples can choose from our courtyards, which offer a range of settings for between 30 and 120 guests, or our garden ceremonies, where up to 180 guests can gather surrounded by the beauty of the estate grounds.
What is the dining capacity?

We can accommodate up to 50 guests for dining within the castle and approximately 150 to 180 guests in the Garden Pavilion, depending on the event format and table layout.
Is the castle licensed for civil ceremonies?

Yes. Gilford Castle Estate is fully licensed to host both marriages and civil partnerships, allowing you to celebrate your ceremony and reception in one beautiful location. We warmly welcome all types of wedding ceremonies, including civil, religious, humanist, celebrant-led, cultural ceremonies, and civil partnerships.
Can I provisionally hold a date?

Yes. We are happy to provisionally hold your preferred wedding date, without deposit, for up to 3 weeks whilst you take your time making your decision. If another couple enquires about the same date, we will contact you first to give you the opportunity to confirm before offering the date to anyone else. After the 3 week hold period, if we haven’t heard from you, the date will be released.
How can I confirm my booking?

To secure your wedding date, we require a 25% non-refundable deposit along with your signed contract. Once these have been received, your booking will be confirmed, and your date will be exclusively reserved for your celebration.
How many guests can stay overnight?

The castle offers ten beautifully appointed bedroom suites, comfortably accommodating up to 20 overnight guests. Two suites also have sofa beds, allowing an additional two to four guests to stay, depending on the configuration.
Is accommodation included in the overall venue hire?

As part of the castle’s exclusive hire, all ten-bedroom suites are included in your booking and are reserved exclusively for your wedding party. You can choose how you’d like to manage the accommodation costs. Many couples include them as part of their overall wedding budget, while others prefer for their overnight guests to pay for their own rooms individually. We’re happy to help arrange whichever option best suits your plans.
What does exclusive hire include?

Exclusive hire includes private use of the castle, all guest bedroom suites, reception rooms, communal spaces, courtyards and gardens for the duration of your wedding. Our household team, including housekeeping and concierge support, are on hand throughout. All bar service is provided exclusively by the estate, ensuring quality and attentive service across the day. Catering is arranged in partnership with our preferred providers.
Do you have a list of preferred suppliers?

Yes. We have a carefully curated list of trusted suppliers, from caterers and florists to photographers, entertainers, and stylists. They know the estate well and consistently deliver an exceptional experience. Our Events Team will work closely with them to ensure everything runs seamlessly on the day.
Is there a music or noise curfew?

Entertainment can continue until 1:00am, giving you plenty of time to celebrate with your family and friends. To ensure the comfort of both our guests and our neighbours, we ask that music is kept at an appropriate level (at a maximum of 86 dB, complying to NI Law) throughout the evening. Live bands and DJs are very welcome, and our team will work with your chosen entertainment in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.
Are you dog friendly?

Yes, your four-legged friends are very welcome to join you for your outdoor ceremony, provided they are kept on a lead and supervised at all times.

View all Wedding FAQs

Planning a wedding?

Arrange a private viewing or request our full wedding brochure to begin exploring Gilfod Castle Estate as your venue.

Enquire today