Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Ballygally Castle
- ealimansky2
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
If you’re searching for the perfect wedding venue in Northern Ireland, considering different options, I’d love to share my experience as a wedding photographer at Ballygally Castle.
Why Trust My Perspective?
Photography is one of the few things that will stay with you forever after your wedding. Your wedding photos will bring back memories of your special day for years to come. Some venues can be challenging for photography due to difficult lighting conditions, lack of space for family portraits, or other factors that impact the final images. From a photographer’s point of view, I want to share my honest opinion about what it’s like to shoot a wedding at Ballygally Castle.
Pros of Ballygally Castle as a Wedding Venue
1. Stunning Coastal Location
Ballygally Castle sits right on the Antrim Coast, offering breathtaking sea views. On a clear day, you can even see the hills of Scotland across the strait. It’s an unforgettable sight and a dream setting for wedding photos.
2. A Historic Castle with Modern Comfort
If you’ve always dreamed of a castle wedding, Ballygally Castle is a fantastic option. The venue beautifully combines historic charm with the comfort of a modern hotel. Here, you can experience the magic of a medieval castle while enjoying all the conveniences of a luxury wedding venue.
3. Endless Photo Opportunities
There are so many beautiful backdrops for wedding photos at Ballygally Castle. You can take portraits from the beach, the street, or the courtyard, making the most of the stunning scenery.
4. Enchanting Walled Garden
One of my favorite features of Ballygally Castle is its charming walled garden. With well-kept greenery, seasonal flowers, and an old stone wall with a medieval feel, it feels like stepping into a fairytale. The arched walkways reminded me of scenes from The Lord of the Rings! Just look at the photos I captured for Kate & Oliver’s wedding.
5. Spacious Outdoor Areas for Ceremony and Photos
Ballygally Castle has beautiful open spaces that are perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony. Of course, the weather in Northern Ireland is unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. Even if the ceremony takes place indoors, these scenic locations can still be used for a group photo of all guests or drone shots—and they always look stunning!
6. The Belvedere Ceremony Pavilion
If you’re planning a small wedding, Ballygally Castle has a charming Belvedere ceremony pavilion located in the garden, which accommodates up to 80 guests. For larger weddings, ceremonies can take place in the main Kintyre Ballroom. It’s always a good idea to discuss your options with the Ballygally Castle wedding team.
7. A Venue for Your Entire Wedding Day
One of the biggest advantages of getting married at Ballygally Castle is the ability to have your entire wedding day in one location. The venue offers elegant, well-lit rooms for the bride’s morning preparations, featuring classic décor and access to the garden—a perfect setting for capturing natural, romantic moments.
8. Breathtaking Beachfront Photos
Many couples dream of having wedding photos on the beach in front of Ballygally Castle, and it’s easy to see why. The Antrim Coastline is truly spectacular. Did you know that the Antrim Coastal Road is ranked among the top 10 most beautiful drives in the world?
9. A Spectacular Reception Ballroom
The Kintyre Ballroom is the heart of Ballygally Castle’s reception area. When you step inside for the first time, you’ll likely say “Wow!” The floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking coastal views, adding a magical atmosphere to your wedding reception. Ballygally Castle also provides various décor packages, including different chair and table styling options. You can find more details in the hotel’s wedding brochure. https://www.ballygallycastlehotel.com/weddings/
I especially love capturing the emotions during speeches in this space. Just take a look at some of the
photos I’ve taken here!
10. Incredible Food
Food is always a personal preference, but I can confidently say that the wedding catering at Ballygally Castle is outstanding. The dishes are beautifully presented, delicious, and filling. Every time I’ve photographed a wedding here, I’ve been impressed by the quality of the food.
Is Ballygally Castle the Right Wedding Venue for You?
I hope this review helps you imagine what a Ballygally Castle wedding could look like and decide if this venue is right for you. I would be absolutely thrilled to return to capture your love story at this stunning location.
You can view the full wedding gallery of Kate & Oliver’s Ballygally Castle wedding here.
If you have any questions or need more insights, feel free to reach out—I’d love to chat!
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