Choosing between country house wedding venues in NI usually comes down to how much freedom and privacy you want on your wedding day. Standard hotel setups tend to come with rigid timelines and shared spaces, whereas a historic country estate lets you set your own pace from Friday afternoon right through to Sunday morning. Across County Antrim and the wider countryside, couples are stepping away from conveyor-belt venues in favour of places where original stone architecture, quiet gardens, and sea views create an atmosphere that feels grounded and personal.
Set just above Drains Bay along the Old Glenarm Road near Larne, Hillmount House was built nearly three centuries ago for the Countess of Antrim and has been carefully restored to offer that quiet character without any stuffy formality. With ten private acres overlooking the Irish Sea, your guests can move easily between historic stone buildings, open lawns, and sheltered courtyards while keeping the whole gathering completely private.
The Character of a 300-Year-Old Georgian Estate
A historic Georgian residence brings a specific warmth that modern hotel venues simply cannot recreate. Built in 1728 with grade 2 listed status, the house was designed around high ceilings, large sash windows, and generous natural light, making the drawing rooms and living areas a calm setting for morning preparations.
Because the estate is booked on an exclusive basis, the ten acres belong entirely to you and your guests for your stay. You will not have hotel residents wandering past your drinks reception, golfers on the lawns, or another wedding party waiting on the driveway for their turn to take photos. That privacy allows everyone to settle in quickly and feel right at home, giving you the freedom to adjust your timings on the day if you want an extra twenty minutes on the lawn during golden hour.
Exploring the Spaces Across the Grounds
Having separate, dedicated spaces across the estate lets your day flow naturally from one chapter to the next without your guests ever feeling ushered around.
- The Georgian Manor House: The main house features 5 luxury double and twin bedrooms sleeping up to 10 guests, alongside three bathrooms, a large kitchen, a drawing room, a cosy sitting room, and a formal dining room. Waking up on-site means you can take your time getting ready while our housekeeper looks after breakfast, with no morning traffic or travel stress to worry about.
- The Coach House & Courtyard: For indoor ceremonies, The Coach House caters for up to 100 guests with exposed stone walls, timber details, and warm lighting. The adjoining open courtyard and upstairs terrace create a sheltered outdoor space for drinks receptions, live acoustic music, canapes, and garden mingling.
- The Barn & Art Deco Bar: Dinner and evening celebrations take place in The Barn, which seats up to 150 guests for a wedding meal and holds up to 200 guests for the evening reception. Inside, our custom Art Deco bar serves as the evening gathering point, fully staffed and licensed with draught beers, quality wines, and local spirits.
- The Sea-View Lawns & Meadow: For outdoor vows, our formal lawn and wild meadow look directly out over Drains Bay and the Irish Sea. We provide the ceremony arch, lanterns, and outdoor seating so the setting is ready for your arrival.
Food and Drink Tailored to Your Taste
We believe your wedding meal should be something you genuinely look forward to eating rather than a set menu picked from a laminated sheet. You are welcome to bring in caterers from our pre-approved list, covering everything from formal three-course seated dining to relaxed sharing platters or casual food trucks in the courtyard for your evening supper.
Hillmount House is a fully licensed venue with a £500 minimum spend on the bar, which covers all staffing, glassware, and service throughout the day and evening. While guests cannot bring their own alcohol onto the premises, our bar team ensures drinks are served smoothly right through until midnight, with an optional late bar extension available until 1:30 AM.
A Pet-Friendly Venue
Leaving your dog behind in kennels is the last thing many couples want to do, which is why Hillmount House is completely dog friendly. Your pup is welcome to join you for outdoor ceremonies, spend the afternoon in the courtyard during drinks, and join you for portrait photos around the gardens and down at the beach. When the evening music gets underway in The Barn, the quiet bedrooms inside the Manor House provide a safe, calm retreat.
Location and Travel Along the Antrim Coast
Located at 357 Old Glenarm Road in Larne, the estate sits right at the start of the Causeway Coastal Route. It is roughly a 30-minute drive from central Belfast and Belfast International Airport via the A8 dual carriageway, making travel simple for local guests and those flying in from Great Britain or further afield.
For guests who are not staying in the five bedrooms inside the Manor House, there is a wide range of welcoming B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and seaside hotels within a short five to ten minute drive in Larne and along the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many guests can stay overnight on the estate?
The Georgian Manor House offers serviced accommodation for up to 10 guests across 5 bedrooms, with breakfast included the following morning. Additional accommodation for larger guest lists is available just minutes away in Larne. - Can we bring our dog to our wedding?
Yes, Hillmount House is completely dog and pet friendly across the grounds and ceremony spaces. Dogs are welcome to take part in outdoor ceremonies and photo sessions on the lawns. - What are the guest capacities for dining and ceremonies?
The Coach House accommodates up to 100 guests for indoor ceremonies and 110 for drinks receptions. The Barn seats up to 150 guests for dining and up to 200 guests for evening entertainment. - What is included with exclusive venue hire?
Exclusive hire gives you sole use of the entire 10-acre estate, including the Georgian Manor House, The Barn, The Coach House, the Courtyard, and all sea-view gardens. There are never any public guests or overlapping events on the property during your booking.
