Wedding Photography at Limepark, Armoy
Our tips from behind the scenes…
We stayed at Limepark cottages as a big family group long before it was a wedding venue, so when it started hosting weddings, we knew it would be perfect.
Limepark is an 18th-century farmstead in the Causeway Coast and Glens, a few miles from Ballycastle in County Antrim. The site feels less like a modern wedding venue and more like a small village that's been there for two hundred years - cobbled lanes, original stone walls, quirky doorways, plants and flowers spilling over walls. It's like a gorgeous little corner of the Ulster Folk Museum.
Photo spots
The whole site is compact, which is one of its strengths. You never need to travel far to find a good photograph.
One of Tim's favourite spots is a narrow laneway running down the side of the property - wildflowers, dappled light, grass growing up the middle, opening out onto the Antrim countryside towards Ballycastle. The mature gardens, the meadows, the cobbled street, the architectural details of the buildings themselves - all of it works. And because the site is so contained, moving between ceremony, portraits, and reception is straightforward. You don't lose time getting from A to B.
The Dark Hedges are six minutes' drive away. As documentary photographers, we rarely recommend leaving your own wedding for photos, but for fans of Game of Thrones or the Dark Hedges themselves, it's good to know they're so close. We've also taken portraits once in Breen Oakwood - a rare patch of ancient Irish woodland with glimpses of Knocklayd mountain in the background. Again, there's no need to leave Limepark, but in that case the spot meant something to the couple and it was a lovely diversion.
Light and weather
Limepark is an outdoor venue at heart, and different parts of the site handle different weather differently. Dappled shade under the trees works well in full sun; the open meadows and laneways make the most of a greyer day. Golden hour in the meadows is consistently good.
There are three ceremony options - the Gallery Room, the gardens, or the stretch tent - which gives real flexibility whatever the day brings. The Gallery Room is worth a mention: original stone, a roaring open fire, and a grand piano. The barn, with its original stone walls and exposed Belfast trusses, handles the evening just as well. Things never grind to a halt here because of weather.
The vibe
Limepark attracts couples who want a relaxed wedding, and the setting encourages it. Sometimes that's a boho, nature-focused day; other times something more classic in beautiful surroundings. What weddings here tend to have in common is a preference for togetherness over formality, and an appreciation for somewhere with real character. The lawn games help - croquet, giant Connect Four, a tree swing for the kids - all documentary photography heaven. The site is compact enough that you never lose people, and well run enough that you never have to worry about the wheels coming off.
Staying on site
The Manor House is where the couple typically gets ready - private, well away from the main wedding space, with Knocklayd mountain as the backdrop outside. The kitchen is double height with a sociable layout, which works well for a getting-ready morning. As well as the Manor House, there are six cottages sleeping up to 40 guests between them, each with its own character - the Blacksmith's Cottage, Dark Horse House, Little Pigs' House, Long Barn, Ned's Loft, and Poet's Corner.
Having the couple get ready in separate spaces on site is something people consistently mention as one of the better decisions they made. It simplifies the morning and removes one of its more stressful moving parts. Guests who stay over tend to stretch the celebration naturally - Limepark works well across a couple of days.
Practical things
How many guests does Limepark hold? Up to 114, with intimate weddings from 20 guests.
Can guests stay on site? Yes - six cottages plus the Manor House, sleeping around 40 guests in total. Booking them out for the wedding party is a popular option.
Are there wet weather options? Yes - the Gallery Room, stretch tent, and barn all provide shelter without losing atmosphere.
How far is it from Belfast? Under an hour, with the north Antrim coast, Dark Hedges, and Ballycastle all nearby.
Our gallery from Limepark weddings
Our Limepark blog post: