Antrim and Newtownabbey outdoor wedding venues update

Outdoor weddings have been permitted by the Northern Ireland Executive from June 8 as lockdown restrictions imposed in response to the Covid pandemic begin to ease.

A report to the borough council’s Community Planning Committee has recommended approving outdoor weddings with up to 10 people permitted at both venues.

Councillors have been told that prior to the pandemic, Antrim Castle Gardens and Sentry Hill, a historic house in Carnmoney, were “booked regularly” for wedding ceremonies, both indoors and outdoors.

If approval is given, nuptials will be held in the bandstand at Antrim Castle Gardens in the large parterre, which is closed to the public at present.

Wedding ceremonies at Sentry Hill will be held in the courtyard area or lawn. The attraction is shut at present.

Weddings at these venues are expected to be permitted from Monday to Saturday, from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm. A £250 fee for marriage ceremones has been proposed.

Wedding parties at both venues will be permitted to have limited

photography after their ceremonies, although there is not expected to be permission for any type of catering.

Services will be conducted by the registrar who will maintain social distance from the couple.

Chairs for guests are expected to be arranged at a minimum of two metres apart and will be disinfected before and after use.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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