If the walls could tell stories, Dunadry Hotel and Gardens would have a few. Dating back to the 1600s, this iconic building has had a colourful past as a paper mill followed by a linen mill before taking on life as a hotel. Conveniently located in the heart of Northern Ireland, this iconic four-star venue is only a ten-minute drive from Belfast International Airport, making it convenient for travelling guests to get to. In line with embracing the history of Dunadry’s past, weddings have become such a huge part of its present. Since 2004 the hotel has been getting couples to sign corks from champagne bottles on the day of their wedding and are housed in cabinets around the hotel. This has become an iconic asset to the hotel that couples return to see many years after their wedding, they really do become part of the family.
Like any family, every member is different and Dunadry Hotel and Gardens pride themselves on asking couples what they want. Everyone’s day is special and should be individual and be a reflection of the couple. Although the hotel has wedding packages, these are very much samples of what might work for you and can be mixed, matched or created from scratch for your specific needs. From the ceremony, to the drinks reception to the menu and party, each element can be adapted to work exactly how you want. If it is possible, Dunadry will give it a go. If it is for you to have everything on one site, then it is absolutely possible at Dunadry no matter what the season. There is the stunningly tranquil Secret Garden which oozes elegance, and although beautiful in its raw state, it is very simple to put your stamp on it, giving the first glimpse of a theme.
Or perhaps the River Room, sitting on the Six Mile Water, this wooden cladded room leaves everything to the view and can be as rustic or bling as you want, it is a blank canvas for your imagination to run wild. There is also the Gallery, a quirky alternative ceremony entrance – a stunning staircase as the aisle, creating drama and anticipation in the moments leading up to a fairytale ceremony. With 72 bedrooms on site, having everything and everyone under one roof just makes sense, and often people turn it into a two or three day celebration.
Depending on your theme, journey and the overall feeling you want to create, there are also various opportunities available with your drinks reception. Should this be set within the iconic Copper Bar, a private room, or outdoors in the courtyard, each area will be sure to offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience for your guests whilst you pop away for some photographs in the beautiful surroundings. Both indoors and outdoors offer some of the most beautiful areas for photographs, including the Tree of Unity, the River Walk, the venue’s fireplace and the stunning staircase – do not worry about the weather as there are plenty of picture worthy places to capture your memories. Head Chef Greg Ferguson heads up a wonderful team who have created some wonderful menus for you, your family and friends. All of these can be adapted to ensure your favorites are included on the biggest day of your life.
From the traditional champagne reception to your favourite, beer, cider, cocktail or mocktail, they will ensure the drinks are flowing and represent exactly what you want. The Grand Ballroom, the River Room, the Beetling or a marquee in the garden – whatever your dream in terms of intimacy, grandeur, rustic or modern, indoors or out – there is an option for you. The party does not have to stop on the evening of the wedding. It is becoming more popular within Dunadry Hotel and Gardens to host a post-wedding celebration, very often a bbq offering a more casual feel but keeping the celebrations going. Or alternatively a pre-wedding celebration – bringing together two sides of families and friends to get to know each other the night before the wedding!
For more information: tel 028 9443 4343; email: weddings@dunadry.com; or visit: www.dunadry.com
