Frequently Asked Questions

On the contrary - the Larchfield Team are on hand to act as your wedding concierge and to assist with the co-ordinating of set up. The main difference between a hotel and Larchfield Estate is that you get to select a caterer who will then set up tables and linens etc. as would be done in a hotel. Larchfield offers you a huge amount of flexibility to have the day you want, with our in-house events team assisting you along the way, to take the stress away.

The serving of alcohol and music will stop at 1am according to NI licensing laws (midnight on a Sunday). Everyone will leave the venue 30 minutes after this, with anyone staying at our on site accommodation making the very short journey back. All other guests must be offsite by 1.30am (12.30am on a Sunday).

Our onsite accommodation can sleep up to 37 in a combination of cottages and separate rooms (35 between November and February inclusive). We have 17 rooms in total, with a mixture of double and twin rooms, with two rooms also able to accommodate an additional single bed on request. The Gate Lodge is a new property for 2023, and sleeps 6 across 3 rooms – this is initially available to stay the night before your wedding, and subject to availability can be added on for the night of 6 months before (bringing full capacity to 43 across 20 rooms).

At the time of booking, you have the option to book The Gate Lodge the night before your wedding. For 2023 & 2024, this property will sleep 6 guests across 3 rooms, and is the perfect place to get ready the morning of the wedding! Our Courtyard Accommodation & No 23 are always offered to any couples getting married here at Larchfield Estate on the night of the wedding and so we may not be able to offer two nights at the time of your booking. We would however be happy to offer you the accommodation for two nights if still available 6 months prior to your wedding date.

Yes you are welcome to provide your own bubbly for drinks reception and toasts, and wine to be served through dinner. There are no corkage charges for this, and your caterers will serve these drinks for you and provide all the necessary glassware. If you want to serve any other drinks during your drinks reception – e.g. chilled beers, soft drinks, cocktails, then you can arrange this through the bar company who can provide any additional drinks at incredibly reasonable costs.

At Larchfield Estate we do not have a minimum number to host your wedding day with us. We have various spaces which can be used for your day, and we even have a space specifically for weddings of 40 or below - drop us a line for more information!

Indoor Stables - 150 maximum, Barn - 264 maximum and Outdoor Walled Garden - 264 maximum. At Larchfield we have a ceremony fee, which allows you to choose the location of your preference – with both Plan A and Plan B options in place to allow for changeable weather. We will set up the chairs for you in the location of your choice.

At Larchfield our events vary in size greatly, usually from 60-180 guests – however we do not have a minimum requirement, and the Barn is licensed for up to 264 for dining. The set up of the room can be tailored to best use the space to suit your numbers, whatever the size of your party. If your numbers are a little more intimate, we can suggest some fantastic alternatives such as placing a divider in the main barn to reduce the size of the space, or even dining in the orangery!

For a civil ceremony each couple must apply directly to Lisburn and Castlereagh Council Registration Office, we will then provide the necessary documents to return to the council. For religious ceremonies you can bring your own minister, and we do have contacts for some semi-retired ministers who can perform your ceremony at Larchfield, and the ministers will take care of the necessary paperwork involved. Humanist ceremonies are a beautiful option for those looking for something non-religious but a little more personal, and we can provide a range of recommendations for this too!

On booking we share our suppliers list, we have a wide variety of trusted suppliers to help with all aspects of your day, from florists and cakes to photographers and bands – giving you the flexibility to find the perfect supplier to suit your individual tastes. The team are here to chat through and recommend.

Of course! We just ask that candles are in a jar/container which is higher than the height of the flame. We also ask that candles on tables are 'drip free' or are placed within or upon something that will ensure any wax does not drip onto tables / linens. Candlelight is beautifully atmospheric in the barn! The only location where we are unable to permit real candles is along the ceremony aisle, where we do ask that artificial candles are used for safety reasons.

Yes, one of our Event Managers will be on-site for the duration of your wedding to ensure that your day runs smoothly and according to plan, and will be happy to perform MC duties as required. We have a PA system in the Barn which you can play background music through, and there is a roving microphone attached to this which you can use for speeches.

We don’t offer wedding packages, we do this in order to give you the freedom to have exactly what you want for your day. Each wedding is unique at Larchfield Estate.

Larchfield Barn really doesn’t require any extra decor – we’ve added lots of simple touches using trees and fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere, however if you would like to add additional decor you’re very welcome to do so, and we can recommend some fantastic suppliers!

Fireworks can take place at Larchfield between February & September, situated in the large grass area near the Walled Garden. There would be an additional fee for this, to cover the fireworks permit, and additional stewarding on the night. If planning to have sparklers, we would ask that you / your wedding party take responsibility for these, and suggest considering limiting to wedding party only and doing early in the evening to address any safety concerns. We also recommend checking with your photographer first to see if they are happy to shoot this.

Absolutely! We are very happy for confetti to be used on the day, it makes an excellent photo opportunity! We just ask that this is made of dried flower petals, and that confetti canons / balloons are not brought on site.

There are no additional charges for photography, you are welcome to use the Walled Gardens as you please, with special access to one of the lakes for just the Bride and Groom to have a few moments to yourself. You can use the shelter of the greenhouse on rainier days, as well as nooks and crannies around the courtyard to get outdoor photos all year round.

Bank Holiday Mondays are charged at the Thursday rate for the same week, and New Year's Eve is charged at July's Friday rate.

We always have a Plan A and Plan B in place, so you don’t need to worry about any last minute stresses, we’ll be there to ensure that everything runs smoothly and your guests won’t end up getting wet! It’s the beauty of plenty of space and exclusive use!

• Wedding coordination – team available to help whenever and wherever we can from the moment to book – with the help of our experienced, multi award winning events team - on hand for professional help and advice at all stages • Ensuring that the venue is kept to the high standards that you book for to be ready waiting for you for your exclusive use for the duration of your wedding day • Securing the date for you for your exclusive use of the venue • Set up co-ordination for your wedding taken care of by the events team • Option of sale or return wine list at trade prices • No charge / no minimum spend pay bar if required • Your Larchfield Estate Manager onsite throughout your wedding to ensure everything runs smoothly and to MC for you if required • Tables and Chivari chairs for dining • Wooden garden chairs or Chivari chairs for your ceremony depending on whether you opt for outdoors or indoors • Selection of wrought iron garden furniture • PA system in the barn with cordless microphone for speeches • Access to the Lake for the bride and groom for photos (at your own risk, no swimming please!) • Fairy lights on trees inside the barn • Easels for seating plan • Post box for guests letters • Whiskey barrels for drinks tables • Sofas and coffee tables • Use of the venue on your booked date (exclusive hire)