Venue guide · Greyabbey, Co. Down
Orange Tree House weddings
The advantages and disadvantages, from the photographers who have shot there many times.
Written by Tommy and Laurene · Updated October 2026
- LocationGreyabbey, Co. Down
- StyleConverted church
- GuestsUp to 130
- CeremonySame room as the reception
- Weddings per dayOne
About the venue
A historic church beside Strangford Lough
Orange Tree House is a wedding venue in the village of Greyabbey, on the shores of Strangford Lough. The main building was built as a church in the 1820s, and it still has its stone walls, vaulted ceilings and exposed beams, mixed with a bright modern bar and a raised terrace looking out over the lough.
We have photographed many weddings here as an Orange Tree House wedding photographer, and it is one of our favourite venues in Northern Ireland. This guide covers the good, the not so good and the best places for photos, from what we have seen on real days.
One wedding a day, so the whole venue is yours.
Honest view
The advantages and disadvantages of Orange Tree House
Every venue has good points and things to plan around. This is what we have noticed across the many weddings we have photographed here.
Advantages
- Only one wedding takes place each day, so you and your guests have the venue all to yourselves.
- Your ceremony and reception are held in the same room, part of the original church, which still has many of its historic features.
- The food is always amazing.
- The modern bar is full of light, with views across Strangford Lough.
- The staff are experienced at hosting weddings and always friendly. A special mention goes to Michael, who looks after couples and their guests brilliantly.
- The sunsets are magical. We have seen amazing ones almost every time we have visited, which gives couples great photo opportunities.
Disadvantages
- There is no accommodation on site, which can be a challenge for larger weddings. The venue works with a local hotel, and there are lots of pretty Airbnbs very close by.
- It is a very busy venue, with well over 100 weddings a year, so key dates go quickly. If you have a special date in mind, book early.
- Because of issues with local residents, the venue will do noise checks with your band or DJ throughout the night.
- Photo opportunities around the venue are limited, as only a small outdoor area can be used. It is best kept for the couple at sunset, and can be used for family and friends photos during the day.
- The same room is used for the ceremony and the reception, so it has to be reset after the ceremony. The staff are very quick, but we would not suggest a late afternoon ceremony.
At a glance
Orange Tree House at a glance
The quick facts couples ask us about most, taken from the venue's own wedding information so they match what you will be told.
- 130guests for your ceremony and your meal
- 160guests for evening celebrations
- 1wedding a day, so the venue is exclusively yours
- £2,350 to £5,750venue hire between 2026 and 2029, VAT included
1 Portaferry Road, Greyabbey, Co. Down, BT22 2RU
The spaces
- Ceremony and receptionThe main function room130guestsPart of the original church, with stone walls, vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. It is used for both your ceremony and your meal.
- Drinks receptionRaised terrace and OrangeryLough viewsPanoramic views over Strangford Lough towards Whiterock and the Mournes, for drinks with your guests.
- Evening partyLounge Bar and evening celebrationsUp to 160guests in the eveningA bright, modern bar, with the bar open until 11.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 12.30am Friday and Saturday.
Thinking about photography costs? See our Orange Tree House wedding photography prices.
Venue hire runs from £2,350 to £5,750 between 2026 and 2029, VAT included, depending on the season and the day. It includes exclusive use, staff, a wedding manager, tables and chairs, and a drinks reception.
There is no accommodation on site. The venue works with the Strangford Arms Hotel for preferential rates, and offers a free shuttle bus if you book 10 or more bedrooms.
Source: the Orange Tree House wedding information, checked October 2026. Prices and numbers can change, so always check with the venue before you book.
Photography
Orange Tree House wedding photography
There is a small outdoor area around the venue that we have used many times. We often take the family and bridal party photos here, and save the photos of the couple until after dinner, when the sun starts to drop.
For the ceremony itself, the room usually has good light, and we have never really run into any problems here.
Photo location
Greyabbey Medieval Monastery ruins
The vast majority of couples who choose Orange Tree House have their portraits taken at the ruins of Greyabbey Abbey, just up the road. Founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, it was a Cistercian abbey, and the weathered stone walls and arches make a beautiful backdrop. The grounds are lush and green, with the lough close by and ancient trees to shelter under.
To use the ruins, you have to book with the staff who look after them. Your wedding photographer or Orange Tree House should be able to give you their contact details.
Our favourite time
Saved for the sunset
When the sun starts to come down at Orange Tree House, it can create magical light that is wonderful for photography. It is one of the things we love most about this venue. If you can spare your photographers some time later in the evening, you will get magical images.
Real weddings
Weddings at Orange Tree House
We have photographed lots of weddings here. Tap a photo to read the full story.
Planning your day
An Orange Tree House wedding day timeline
Every wedding is different, but this is how an Orange Tree House day with a 1pm ceremony might run. It gives you time for photos without anyone feeling rushed. We would not suggest a late afternoon ceremony here, as the room has to be reset after it.
The time of sunset is very different depending on the time of year. It can be as early as late afternoon in midwinter and well after 9pm in midsummer, so we plan your sunset photos around your date.
- 9.30amGetting ready
- 11.30amThe boys get ready
- 12.15pmFinal touches, and family see the bride
- 12.45pmGuests take their seats
- 1.00pmThe ceremonyIn the main function room, the original church.
- 1.40pmConfetti and congratulations
- 2.00pmCouple portraitsA short trip to Greyabbey Abbey ruins, which need to be booked in advance. Your guests enjoy drinks on the terrace while the room is reset.
- 2.45pmFamily and bridal party photosAround the venue.
- 3.15pmBack with your guestsDrinks on the raised terrace and in the Orangery, looking out over the lough.
- 4.30pmThe meal and speeches
- 7.30pmSunset photosJust the two of you, by the lough, when the light is at its best. The time of sunset changes a lot through the year, so this will be earlier in winter and much later in summer.
- 7.45pmBack to the partyStraight back inside to enjoy the evening with your guests.
- 8.30pmFirst dance
Questions
Orange Tree House wedding FAQ
The questions couples ask us most about getting married here. If yours is not covered, send us a message.
Are the ceremony and reception in the same room?
Yes. Both are held in the main function room, which is part of the original church and still has many of its historic features. The room has to be reset after the ceremony, and the staff are very quick at it.
How many guests can Orange Tree House hold?
The venue can hold 130 guests for your ceremony and your meal, and up to 160 guests for evening celebrations.
Is there more than one wedding a day?
No. Only one wedding takes place each day, so you and your guests have the whole venue to yourselves.
Is there accommodation at Orange Tree House?
There is no accommodation on site. The venue works with a local hotel, and there are lots of pretty Airbnbs very close by. This can be a challenge for larger weddings, so it is worth planning early.
Where can we take couple portraits?
There is a small outdoor area at the venue that we use for family and bridal party photos, and for the couple at sunset. Most couples also go to the ruins of Greyabbey Abbey, which you need to book with the staff who look after them. Your photographer or the venue can give you their contact details.
How late can the party go on?
The bar closes at 11.30pm from Sunday to Thursday and 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue will also do noise checks with your band or DJ throughout the night.
Should we have a late afternoon ceremony?
We would not suggest it. The same room is used for the ceremony and the reception, so it has to be reset after the ceremony, and an earlier ceremony gives you more time for photos.
How early should we book Orange Tree House?
Early. It is a very busy venue with well over 100 weddings a year, so availability for key dates can be limited. If you have a special date in mind, book as early as you can.
How much does an Orange Tree House wedding photographer cost?
You can see our packages and prices on our pricing page. We keep the details there so they stay up to date.
Have you photographed weddings at Orange Tree House before?
Yes, lots of times. You can read some of the weddings above, and our Orange Tree House wedding photographer page has more about how we work here.
Getting married at Orange Tree House?
We would love to be there with you
We have photographed lots of weddings at Orange Tree House, in every season, from winter days to long summer sunsets. You can have us for half day or full day coverage, with or without an album. If you need something a bit different, like extra coverage for a second day celebration, get in touch and we will put together a quote.
For more on what it is like having us photograph your day here, have a look at our Orange Tree House wedding photographer page.
- Photographed here many timesFrom the ceremony room to the ruins and the sunset by the lough, we know where the best photos are
- Two photographersTommy and Laurene, a husband and wife team, photographing weddings since 2014
- Made for your dayDocumentary first, with relaxed portraits, so the day feels like you
Still choosing a venue?
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Alternative location for wedding photography for Orange Tree House weddings
The vast majority of couples that choose Orange Tree House as there wedding venue have their portraits taken at Greyabbey Medieval Monastery ruins. To use this area it has to be booked with the staff that look after the ruins. Your wedding photographer or Orange Tree House should be able to provide with their contact information.
The ruins stand as a testament to the rich history and timeless beauty of the region. Steeped in history and surrounded by lush greenery, this historic site has become an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a unique and enchanting backdrop for their wedding photography.
Greyabbey, founded in 1193 by Affreca, wife of John de Courcy, is a Cistercian abbey that once thrived as a center of spiritual devotion. Despite the ravages of time and various historical events, the ruins continue to exude an undeniable charm, making it a captivating setting for couples who appreciate the allure of history and architecture.
The medieval architecture of Greyabbey provides a captivating canvas for wedding photographers. The weathered stone walls, graceful arches, and intricate details create a romantic atmosphere that transports couples and photographers alike to a bygone era.
