Driving out of Belfast towards the Antrim coastline takes barely thirty minutes before the city traffic clears and you find yourself looking out across open water and quiet headlands. Most couples searching for wedding venues near Belfast want that exact breath of fresh air, looking for somewhere that feels peaceful and private without making travel complicated for friends and family flying into the airports or catching the ferry. Hillmount House sits just above Drains Bay along the Old Glenarm Road in Larne, set across a private 10-acre estate that offers uninterrupted sea views while keeping travel straightforward for everyone travelling up from the city.

Trading the City for the Coast

Belfast has plenty of charm, but hosting a large party in the middle of town often brings compromises like tight time slots, shared hotel corridors, and difficult parking for your suppliers. Bringing your celebration out along the coast changes the whole pace of the day. Out here, the sea air sets a much gentler tone, your timeline is entirely your own, and your backdrop is open coastal landscape rather than main roads.

Having the whole place to yourself is usually right at the top of the list when couples start looking outside the city. At Hillmount House, exclusive hire means the estate belongs solely to you and your guests for the duration of your stay. You will not be bumping into strangers in a lobby or waiting for another wedding party to clear off the driveway so you can take photos, which allows everyone to settle in, relax, and enjoy the day without feeling watched.

The Spaces Across Our 10-Acre Estate

We have restored the estate so that your celebration moves naturally from morning preparations right through to the last song of the night, with dedicated spaces for each part of the day.

• The 300-Year-Old Georgian House: The main house offers serviced overnight stays for up to 10 guests across 5 double bedrooms. Built nearly three centuries ago for the Countess of Antrim, it has high ceilings, beautiful natural light, and quiet drawing rooms that make the morning of the wedding feel calm and unhurried. Waking up on-site means you dont have to worry about morning travel, so your hair and makeup team can come straight to you while you enjoy a slow breakfast looking out towards the sea.
• The Coach House and Courtyard: The Coach House and adjoining courtyard cater for indoor ceremonies of up to 100 guests or drinks receptions for up to 110. With exposed stone walls and a warm, rustic atmosphere, it works brilliantly as a cosy indoor ceremony room or as a sheltered spot for drinks, live acoustic music, and canapes before dinner.
• The Barn and Art Deco Bar: Dinner and evening celebrations take place in The Barn, which seats up to 150 guests for a meal and holds up to 200 for the evening party. We designed the space with contemporary touches centered around a bespoke Art Deco bar, making sure the room feels warm and welcoming while leaving plenty of space for dancing late into the night.
• The Sea-View Lawns and Meadow: When the weather is kind, the rear lawns and wild meadow overlooking Drains Bay make a lovely outdoor ceremony setting. Exchanging vows on the grass with the coastline stretching out behind you creates a relaxed atmosphere that is hard to find in a traditional hotel setting.

Logistics, Travel, and Weekend Gatherings

Getting here from central Belfast is simple, as the A8 dual carriageway brings you straight to our gates in roughly thirty to thirty-five minutes.

• Guest Travel and Local Stays: Organising a private coach from Belfast works really well for larger groups, letting your guests enjoy a drink at the bar without worrying about driving home late. For guests who are not staying in the 5 bedrooms in the main house, there are plenty of excellent guest houses, self-catering cottages, and coastal hotels within a short five to ten minute drive in and around Larne.
• Making a Weekend of It: Because you have exclusive use of the property, your wedding does not need to be squeezed into half a day. Many couples choose our weekend package, arriving the afternoon before with their overnight guests to unpack, settle into their rooms, and share a quiet supper together in the courtyard. The morning after the wedding, you can gather everyone for a lazy breakfast or brunch before heading home, giving you genuine time to catch up with the people who travelled to be with you.

A Relaxed Approach to Food, Drink, and Family Pets

We want every couple and guest who walks through the door to feel completely at home, which is why we keep things warm, grounded, and flexible.

• Bringing Your Dog Along: Hillmount House is completely dog friendly, so there is no need to leave your pup behind. Your dog is very welcome to walk down the aisle during outdoor ceremonies, spend time with your guests in the courtyard, and join you for portrait photographs around the grounds.
• Catering and Drinks: We believe the food at your wedding should suit your personal taste rather than a rigid set menu. You have the freedom to choose from our list of pre-approved local caterers, whether you fancy a classic three-course dinner, family-style sharing platters, or casual food trucks in the courtyard. Our bar is fully licensed and staffed by our own team, ensuring your guests are well looked after with quality wines, local spirits, and draught beers throughout the celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How far is Hillmount House from central Belfast?
  
  Hillmount House is located at 357 Old Glenarm Road near Larne, about 22 miles north of Belfast. The drive straight up the A8 takes around 30 to 35 minutes, making it very accessible for local guests as well as visitors flying into Belfast International or Belfast City Airport.
  
• What is the guest capacity across the venue?
  
  The Barn seats up to 150 guests for dining and holds up to 200 for evening parties. The Coach House accommodates up to 100 guests for indoor ceremonies and 110 for drinks receptions, while outdoor ceremonies on the lawn or meadow can cater for larger gatherings.
  
• Can our bridal party stay overnight on the estate?
  
  Yes, our Georgian country house provides serviced accommodation for up to 10 guests across 5 double bedrooms. There are also plenty of nearby hotels and guest houses within a short drive along the coast for the rest of your wedding party.
  
• Are dogs allowed at the venue?
  
  Yes, Hillmount House is completely pet friendly. Dogs are welcome across the estate grounds for outdoor ceremonies, courtyard drinks receptions, and portrait photographs.