Description
It is a living house; a place where families and groups of friends stay for extended periods, and, like you, we believe celebrations should be truly meaningful.
Your celebration unfolds across a Victorian Scottish Baronial mansion, surrounded by verdant ornamental gardens, wild woodland, and the gentle banks of the River Bann.
Our philosophy is simple: your wedding should unfold at its own pace. The day flows naturally through the spaces that feel right for you, shaped by your vision and those closest to you.
Gilford Castle offers ten beautifully appointed bedroom suites, available on an exclusive block-booking basis, meaning the accommodation is entirely yours for the duration of your stay.
We are proud to work with some of Northern Ireland’s finest wedding suppliers, ensuring every aspect of your celebration is delivered to the highest standard.
Catering is arranged separately, allowing complete flexibility to reflect your personal tastes. We would be delighted to introduce you directly to our highly recommended & trusted partners so you may work together to design your menu.
Gilford Castle is more than a wedding venue; it is a place to gather, to celebrate and to create memories with the people who matter most.
As an exclusive hire venue, Gilford Castle Estate ensures complete privacy and a truly immersive experience for you and your guests, giving you the freedom to make the Castle your own for the duration of your stay. There is no need to rush from one moment to the next. Instead, your day can unfold naturally - every celebration will be different, shaped by the people you bring together and the moments you choose to create.
It is a place of elegance, history, and natural beauty, entirely set apart from the world outside.
It is this sense of freedom, privacy and belonging that makes Gilford Castle so special. A beautiful space, extraordinary surroundings and the people you love most, all together in one place.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of Gilford Castle Estate
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Pricing for Gilford Castle Estate
Get your instant brochure!
What is the dining capacity?
We can accommodate up to 50 guests in the castle and up to 180 guests in the Garden Pavilion (seated at round tables).
How early can we have access to the castle?
Guest access to the castle is typically from 3:00pm on your wedding day. However, earlier access may be available, and we'll always do our best to accommodate this wherever possible. To ensure everything is ready for your celebration, suppliers and vendors are welcome to access the venue from 12:00pm to begin setting up.
Is there disabled access?
Yes, whilst Gilford Castle is a listed historic property, we have taken steps to improve accessibility wherever possible. The castle features an accessible bedroom on the ground floor, and ramps can be provided at the main entrance to accommodate guests with mobility requirements.
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.
Can I have a civil ceremony at Gilford Castle Estate?
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, and cultural ceremonies, as well as civil partnerships.
Can I provisionally hold a date?
Yes. We are happy to provisionally hold your preferred wedding date without a 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, we will release the date.
How many guests can stay overnight?
The castle offers 10 beautifully appointed bedrooms, comfortably accommodating up to 20 overnight guests. Two of our bedrooms also feature sofa beds, allowing us to accommodate between 22-24 guests in total, depending on the configuration.
Is accommodation included in the overall venue hire?
As part of the castle’s exclusive hire, all 10 bedrooms 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 in their overall wedding budget, while others prefer that their overnight guests pay for their own rooms individually. We’re happy to help arrange whichever option best suits your plans.
Can we stay the night before/after our celebrations?
Yes, this can be arranged as part of an exclusive hire booking, subject to an additional fee. Please speak with your event manager for full details, availability, and pricing.
Is there additional accommodation nearby?
Yes, there are several accommodation options nearby. Please contact your event manager, who will be happy to advise and assist with recommendations.
