Small Weddings

Small or micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular not least due to the more challenging times we are currently experiencing. 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 renowned for our great hospitality which makes us a natural choice for an intimate wedding.

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.

Small Weddings 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 18 guests can join you in the winter months (October to April) and 24 guests in the summer months  (May-September) Every package is tailored to your needs and can range from a simple ceremony with canapés or afternoon 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 twilight weddings, spooky halloween weddings, fabulous vintage themed afternoon tea and fizz weddings, romantic Christmas ceremonies, festival themed celebrations, an and even a Midsummer’s night wedding! 

Accommodation

We can accommodate 5 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.

We pride ourselves for our bespoke weddings and will work hard to create your dream wedding. 

Weddings at The Rocks 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 2 1/2 acres of lovely  country styled  gardens amongst beautiful woodland.  The Rocks and its grounds are incredibly romantic and just a little boho! The gardens have meandering paths which lead guests to small ponds and secret little pockets where you might find a swing to quietly settle with a glass of wine to chat or a seat  by a pond to quietly sit  next to a trickling waterfall.

Outdoor Ceremonies 

Your wedding ceremony can be held on our stunning new Treetop Deck, a beautiful spot overlooking the woods and set among the tree tops where the breeze gently ripples through the trees or perhaps on the lawn for a more romantic country garden feel. A popular choice is also 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. We are really excited to announce our new wild flower for later in the summer of 2024.

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 Floral Room or for 10 or less guests in the Summer House overlooking the pond and waterfall, in the winter this is especially lovely with it’s log fire. Christmas weddings are absolutely gorgeous in The Summer House!

Fabulous Food

Wedding meals and afternoon teas can be taken in our lovely romantic courtyard in the warmer months or in the conservatory both areas are so romantic in the evening when they are lit by lanterns and candles. Tables are decorated for you as part of our service if you wish or you may prefer to add your own touches. 

We are also pleased to be able to offer artisan BBQ or street food for 2024 and beyond. 

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 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 BYO saving you a lot on bar costs. We ask guests to bring their alcohol and soft drinks prior to your wedding day so we can store and refrigerate, 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. 

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

 The Legal Wedding Ceremony

 An independent celebrant or humanist celebrant can provide unique weddings, some religious officiants may be willing to marry you here at The Rocks.

The most important thing to check is that they are accredited and can carry out legal weddings here in Northern Ireland.

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

Ann Pinkerton the owner of Runaway Irish Weddings is a humanist celebrant and can create a beautiful bespoke wedding for you as part of your wedding package. 

Oh heck where do we start and what’s it going to cost us?

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 help to create seasonal weddings, themed weddings (midsummer, romantic, boho, festival)

All our weddings include simple beautiful decor including wedding arches, lanterns, floral decor , table decor and seating.

If you love 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 very wedding on being absolutely unique and personalised. As a guide small weddings start  from £3,800 Including legal ceremony. 

We charge a reservation fee which is fully transferable should you need to change your date, the balance of your wedding is due one month before your wedding