Weddings at Clandeboye Lodge
My Local Favourite for Relaxed, Beautiful Days
Clandeboye Lodge is one of those rare wedding venues that effortlessly blends luxury with warmth. As a preferred supplier, I’ve had the privilege of photographing more weddings here than anywhere else — and that familiarity means couples get the very best of what this stunning location has to offer.
Set among serene woodland and beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel has a calm, exclusive feel that instantly elevates a wedding day. Every space — from the elegant ceremony rooms to the stylish interiors and sweeping outdoor areas — has been designed with comfort, atmosphere and impeccable presentation in mind. It’s the kind of venue where everything looks good, feels good, and works seamlessly for both you and your guests.
But the real luxury comes from the experience the team delivers. The managers and staff are exceptional: attentive, professional, and genuinely invested in making each wedding unforgettable. Their service creates an effortlessly smooth day, allowing couples to relax completely and enjoy every moment while the details are handled with quiet precision.
Clandeboye Lodge isn’t just beautiful — it’s beautifully run. And that combination is what makes it one of the most dependable, elegant, and enjoyable wedding venues for any bride and groom.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Clandeboye Lodge
You never have to leave the grounds for photos — the gardens have been beautifully redesigned and landscaped in recent years, and they’re stunning in every season. Summer sunshine, soft winter light, autumn colours — even a bit of classic Northern Irish rain — the grounds always deliver something beautiful.
And no matter what the weather does, Clandeboye has you covered. Indoors, the hotel is full of cosy corners, modern details and little nooks perfect for portraits if the rain rolls in. It’s genuinely one of the most reliable, all-year-round venues I work at.
The ceremony and reception spaces are just as lovely: from the warm, atmospheric Blackwood Suite with its timber beams and intimate feel, to the larger Clandeboye Suite that opens straight onto the gardens. Every space photographs beautifully and gives couples plenty of flexibility for the style of day they want.
Part of the reason I enjoy working here so much is the vibe — relaxed, friendly and never overly formal. Couples feel at ease, families feel welcomed, and suppliers (myself included!) are always looked after incredibly well. After so many weddings here, I know every corner, every pocket of soft light, and all the best backdrops. It’s familiar in the best way possible — effortless, reliable and always fun.
And I’ll let you in on a little secret…
Clandeboye does the best burger of any wedding venue in Northern Ireland. Honestly. It’s become a tradition for me: while photos are backing up on the laptop, I sneak over to the restaurant and enjoy one. Pure happiness.
If You Want to Venture Further…
If you do fancy stepping away from the grounds for a few extra photos, the options nearby are unreal. In the evening there are open fields surrounding the whole hotel, a little woodland just a short walk away, and of course the iconic “road shot” everyone loves. Beyond that, Crawfordsburn Country Park is right on the doorstep — beaches, forest trails, meadows… whatever backdrop you’re dreaming of, you’ll find it. There are honestly so many choices that it’s hard to list them all, which is why photographing weddings in this area is always so easy, flexible and enjoyable.
