Small Weddings

Small or micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Here in Northern Ireland small weddings and elopements are seeing a huge surge both from residents  and from overseas couples. We are lucky to have some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and are renowned for our great hospitality which makes us a natural choice for an intimate wedding. Runaway Irish Weddings is situated in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

So why choose to have a small wedding here in Northern Ireland? Firstly and most importantly a small wedding is fabulous! It most definitely is not the poor cousin to the big church or glamorous venue wedding. A small wedding is a beautiful and intimate wedding which is all about a couple‘s love for one another and their wish to share their day with the people who are closest to their hearts. A small wedding is also incredibly flexible and can be crafted to meet all of your needs.

Small Weddings and Accommodation at The Rocks 

Come and stay with at the Rocks in our beautiful tourist board approved cottage and romantic pond side cabin. Invite the people closest to your hearts to celebrate your big day with you. Up to 24 guests can join you in the winter months (October to April) and 30 guests in the summer months for a BBQ, Street Food or buffet  (May-September) Every package is tailored to your needs and can range from a simple afternoon ceremony with canapés or afternoon tea to a fabulous meal and evening reception.

All standard wedding  decor is included in package prices and we do love working to a theme!

 We have held wonderful themed wedding including twilight weddings, spooky halloween weddings, fabulous vintage themed weddings, Alice in Wonderland  afternoon tea and fizz weddings, romantic Christmas ceremonies, festival themed celebrations, an and even a Midsummer’s Night wedding! We are always up for a challenge!

Accommodation

We can accommodate up to 6 additional guests in our lovely holiday cottage with further  guests being accommodated at carefully selected local bed and breakfast establishments or in local self catering cottages and apartments.

Weddings at Runaway are relaxed and intimate affairs where the emphasis is very much on fun and romance. For couples considering an elopement or small wedding we will listen to all of your dreams and ideas and will work with you to create your vision. 

Runaway at The Rocks - a place for dreamers and lovers

We are set in about 2 acres of lovely country gardens surrounded by beautiful woodland and wild flower meadows. The garden grounds are incredibly romantic and just a little boho! They have meandering paths which lead guests to small ponds and secret little pockets where you might find a swing to quietly settle into with a glass of wine or perhaps find a seat by a pond to quietly sit next to a trickling waterfall.

Outdoor Ceremonies 

Your wedding ceremony can be held in our beautiful romantic gardens where all you can hear is the breeze amongst the trees and birdsong.  Our old favourite is a ceremony on the terrace by the pond with its gently trickling waterfall or perhaps you will choose the romantic and intimate fairy lit courtyard. For the wild at heart we have our lovely wild flower meadow for mid-late summer of weddings when the flowers are at their best. .

Indoor Ceremonies

If the weather is being a little unkind or your prefer an indoor ceremony you can have a gorgeous candlelit ceremony in The Coastal Room for up to 24 guests seated.

Fabulous Food

We work with a couple of excellent chefs who we are fortunate enough to count as good friends. They work well as part of the Runaway team and understand our ethos. 

Please ask us for sample menus for Canapés, dinner or lunch menus, gourmet dining and tasting menus, Summer BBQs, afternoon tea weddings or late evening supper. 

Wedding meals and afternoon tea can be taken in our lovely romantic courtyard in the warmer months or in the beautiful Floral Dining Room. Tables are decorated for you as part of our service or you may prefer to add your own touches. 

We are also pleased to be able to also offer artisan BBQ or street food for 2025 and beyond. 

Wedding cake - we can arrange cakes including traditional, naked, croque en bouche or macaron 

Bar

Our weddings are renowned for our friendly and fun waiting staff  who will look after you and your guests on your big day. They will happily make anything from cocktails (pre agreed cocktails prior to wedding day) to mugs of tea to weary guests later on! 

 We are a BYO venue  saving you a lot on bar costs. We ask couples to have their alcohol and soft drinks delivered prior to your wedding day so we can store and refrigerate your drinks. All of your left overs will be packed for you to take home the next day. It is recommended you buy alcohol on a sale or return basis from local supplier or supermarket. We do recommend a local supplier if you wish to pair wines and chef will advise you. 

Floristry 

We offer in house floristry and are happy to work to your theme. 

 photography and videographers and musicians  can all be sourced at preferential rates

 The Legal Wedding Ceremony

 The Rocks is a humanist venue, the owner Ann Pinkerton is a humanist celebrant and would be happy to perform your wedding ceremony however we recommend and welcome any Humanist UK Celebrants.  

Humanist celebrants can create wonderful bespoke weddings written for each couple. The ceremony will reflect a couple’s relationship, personality and wishes. A humanist wedding is a non religious weddIng. Humanist celebrants can be found at www.humanism.org

What will your day look like? 

Come and visit us! Have a completely obligation free visit, we love talking about weddings and would love to hear about your dreams and ideas!

We also offer rather good cake and coffee and can sit and discuss your vision or theme and together create your perfect day.

We can arrange every aspect of your wedding which all of our previous couples have loved. Allow us to use our expertise to help create your perfect day And take all the organisational stresses away from you!

A typical wedding 

Many couples elect for a pre wedding night so that they can relax and enjoy their surroundings. We can provide home made pizza and delicious desserts. After enjoy the hot tub. 

In the morning we can arrange a make up artist, hairdresser or barber while you enjoy a relaxed morning. A fabulous grazing breakfast table is included.

At about 12-1 guests will arrive to coffee, tea and home baking. We also serve a pre agreed welcome cocktail and drinks if you wish. 

Ceremonies generally start at 1-2pm and are included in our price. 

After your ceremony canapés are served while photos are taken by our wonderful photographer Stephanie Williamson. 

Your wedding meal or BBQ is served between 4-5 pm

Evening entertainment can be provided with live musicians but most couples elect to use a playlist which can be linked to our blue tooth speakers.

Evening nibbles can be served if required. You can bring your own which our staff are happy to put out or we can provide charcuterie boards with fresh baked breads, pizza or bacon and sausage baps (always a favourite!) 

We close at 11 pm as it is a long day running from 12 pm and couples are generally tired and happy to chill in the hot tub and chat about their day.

Check out is at 12pm the next day unless you wish to have an ‘after the big day’ party. We are happy to provide a BBQ or buffet lunch. 

 Whatever your dream we can help to create them and can arrange seasonal weddings, themed weddings (midsummer, romantic, boho, festival)

All our weddings include simple but beautiful ceremony decor, table decor and also floral bouquets and/or buttonholes..

If you visit and fall in love with us then we will get you in the diary and also sort out any legal paperwork if you choose to be married by the owner, Ann. 

So…..What’s this going to cost us? 

We don’t have packages as we pride every  wedding on being absolutely unique and personalised. As a guide small weddings start from £3,900 including  legal ceremony and all wedding decor, meal and accommodation. Elopements for up to 4 guests start at £1,500

We charge a booking fee of £1,000 (£500 for elopements) which is fully transferable should you need to change your date, the balance of your wedding is due one month before your wedding