Standing on the elevated lawns at Hillmount House, you look straight out across Drains Bay towards the Irish Sea, where the salty sea air mixes with the wild hedgerows along Old Glenarm Road. Most couples searching for coastal wedding venues in Northern Ireland start off picturing dramatic, rugged cliffs, but what really settles people once they arrive here is the quiet balance of a private historic estate paired with wide open sea horizons. The Antrim coastline is well known for having some of the most striking scenery on the island, with green fields rolling down to the water and stone houses tucked back from the coast road. Having grand Georgian architecture, ten private acres, and water views gives a wedding day a grounded, comfortable atmosphere that feels special without ever feeling stiff.

Coastal Privacy Along the Antrim Coastline

Hosting your celebration along the Causeway Coastal Route brings an immediate sense of place to the day. The light coming off the water changes constantly, throwing soft silvery tones over the gardens in the morning before warming into rich, golden tones by late afternoon. While having Drains Bay just down the road is brilliant for slipping away to take quiet portraits on the shore, having the ocean sitting quietly in the background of your afternoon drinks reception is what creates that relaxed, coastal feel.

The grounds also benefit from mature trees that shelter the lawns from harsher coastal winds while keeping the view down to the sea completely open. It means you can host an outdoor ceremony surrounded by fresh greenery and colourful flowerbeds while still catching that gentle sea breeze.

Because Hillmount House is booked exclusively, the entire 10-acre estate belongs solely to you and your guests for the whole duration of your stay. You will never find strangers wandering past your photo backdrops or another wedding party waiting in the wings. From the minute you come up the driveway until the music wraps up in the barn, your guests have the run of the house, the gardens, and the stone outbuildings, which helps everyone relax from the start.

Flexible Spaces for Coastal Weather

Planning an event on the coast means choosing a venue that handles changeable weather effortlessly. Northern Irish weather will always keep us guessing, so having indoor and outdoor spaces that feel equally welcoming keeps the day running smoothly no matter what the clouds decide to do.

• The High Lawn & Meadow: Our outdoor ceremony areas look straight out over the bay, offering a wide open coastal backdrop for exchanging vows on the grass. We provide the ceremony arch, lanterns, and outdoor seating so everything is ready for your guests.
• The Coach House & Courtyard: If the weather turns or you simply prefer an indoor ceremony, The Coach House seats up to 100 guests with rustic stone walls, painted timber, and warm lighting. The adjoining open courtyard and upstairs terrace work wonderfully for post-ceremony drinks, acoustic music, and canapes.
• The Barn & Art Deco Bar: For dinner and the evening party, guests move across to The Barn. This converted space seats up to 150 guests for a sit-down meal and easily holds up to 200 for evening dancing. Inside, our custom Art Deco bar serves as the central hub for the night, fully licensed and stocked with quality draught beers, wines, and spirits.
• The Georgian Manor House: Built in 1728 for the Countess of Antrim, the main house offers serviced accommodation for up to 10 guests across 5 double and twin bedrooms. Staying on-site means key family or your bridal party can wake up together on the morning of the wedding, enjoy a slow breakfast looking out over the gardens, and get ready without any traffic worries.

Food, Drinks, and Relaxed Dining

We believe wedding food should suit your personal taste rather than coming from a fixed, impersonal menu. We work with a list of pre-approved local caterers from across Northern Ireland, giving you the freedom to choose anything from a formal three-course dinner to family-style sharing platters or casual food trucks serving in the courtyard.

Hillmount House is a fully licensed venue, meaning all drinks are looked after by our dedicated bar team. While outside drinks cannot be brought onto the property, our team makes sure the bar is fully staffed throughout the day and evening, keeping service smooth for your guests.

Bringing Your Dog to the Coast

Many wedding venues place strict limits on pets, but we know dogs are a huge part of the family. Hillmount House is completely dog friendly. Your pup is very welcome to join you on the lawn for an outdoor ceremony, wander through the courtyard during the drinks reception, and head down to the beach at Drains Bay for your portrait photos. Having your pet around brings a lovely, calming energy to the morning preparations and makes the day feel all the more personal.

Travel and Local Accommodation

Getting to the Antrim coast is surprisingly straightforward. Hillmount House is situated on the Old Glenarm Road in Larne, about 24 miles from central Belfast and Belfast International Airport. Travelling up the dual carriageway takes around thirty minutes, meaning guests arriving from airports or ferry ports do not have to navigate difficult countryside roads to find us.

For guests not staying in the 5 bedrooms within the Manor House, there is a wide range of welcoming local B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and seaside hotels within a five to ten minute drive along the coast and around Larne.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can we hold an outdoor ceremony overlooking the water?Yes, our formal lawn and wild meadow both look directly over Drains Bay and the Irish Sea. If the weather changes on the day, ceremonies move smoothly inside to The Coach House without any fuss.
• How many guests can stay on the estate?The historic Georgian Manor House provides serviced accommodation for up to 10 guests across 5 comfortable double/twin bedrooms, including breakfast served by our housekeeper the following morning.
• What are the guest capacities for dining and the evening reception?The Barn seats up to 150 guests for a wedding meal and accommodates up to 200 guests in total for the evening party. The Coach House holds up to 100 for indoor ceremonies and 110 for drinks receptions.
• Can we bring our own caterers and drinks?You are welcome to choose external caterers from our pre-approved list, ensuring top-tier service and kitchen safety. Because Hillmount House is fully licensed, all alcohol and beverages are supplied directly through our on-site bar team.
• Are dogs allowed at the venue?Yes, Hillmount House is fully dog friendly. Dogs are welcome on the grounds for outdoor ceremonies, drinks receptions in the courtyard, and photographs across the 10-acre estate.