Venue guide · Newcastle, County Down
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa weddings
The advantages and disadvantages, from the photographers who have shot there.
Written by Tommy and Laurene · Updated October 2026
- LocationNewcastle, BT33 0AH
- StyleResort hotel
- Bedrooms181
- CeremonyOn site
- SpaOn site
About the venue
A Newcastle resort with Tollymore close by
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa sits on Downs Road in Newcastle, County Down, and the hotel has been a gathering place on this stretch of coast since 1898. Couples choose it for having the ceremony, the meal, the evening party and the bedrooms all in one place.
We have photographed weddings here, and you can see two full days on our blog from Rhiannon and Oliver and Sarah and Mark, so this guide comes from real days, not a brochure. If you are looking for a photographer in the area, see our wedding photographer in Newcastle page, or have a look at our blog on the best wedding venues in Northern Ireland.
By the sea, with a forest park a short drive away.
The honest view
The good and the not so good
Here is our view of Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, from the weddings we have photographed there.
Advantages
- Ceremony, meal, evening party and bedrooms all in one place
- 181 bedrooms, so family and friends can stay on site
- An indoor ceremony room if the weather turns, the Chandelier Room, which we have photographed a ceremony in
- Tollymore Forest Park is a short drive away for relaxed couple portraits
- Gardens and a vintage setting for photographs around the hotel
Disadvantages
- Newcastle is a drive from Belfast, so allow for guest travel on the day
- On the coast the weather has a say, and the hotel may move an outdoor ceremony inside
- Portraits are often best away from the hotel, so we plan travel time into the day
- The hotel has changed hands since our first weddings here, so check what is current before you book
At a glance
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in numbers
The key facts for planning your day. Please check them with the hotel before you book.
- 181Bedrooms
- On siteCeremony and reception
- On siteSpa
- 1898A Newcastle landmark
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Downs Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AH · +44 28 4372 1066
The wedding rooms
- Ceremony roomChandelier RoomWe have photographed a ceremony here when the weather moved the day indoors. Ask the hotel how it is set up and how many guests it holds.
- Wedding roomAnnesley SuiteListed as a space for an intimate ceremony. Ask the hotel what it suits best.
- Wedding roomGrand BallroomListed as the room for a larger banquet. Ask the hotel for its current layouts and guest numbers.
Online listings give different capacities, so we have not quoted one. Ask the hotel for the figure for your room and date.
Listings give 181 bedrooms and a bridal suite. Ask which are included with your wedding package.
Venue details come from public listings and our own weddings. Please confirm everything with Slieve Donard Resort and Spa before booking.
Wedding photography
Photographing weddings at Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
The hotel gives us a lot to work with, from the preparations and the ceremony to the speeches and the evening. Because so much happens in one building, the day tends to flow without long gaps or moves between venues.
If you are looking for a photographer in the area, see our wedding photographer in Newcastle page, or read our blog on the best wedding venues in Northern Ireland.
Around the hotel
The hotel and grounds
There are good spots right outside the hotel for the wedding party and for the first few portraits, and the vintage cars many couples arrive in look wonderful against it. When the weather is kind, we use the grounds as much as we can.
If you hope for an outdoor ceremony, ask the hotel about its wet weather plan. We have seen a ceremony moved indoors on the day.
Portraits
Beyond the hotel
For Rhiannon and Oliver we took their portraits at Foleys Bridge inside Tollymore Forest Park, a short drive from the hotel, with woodland and stone bridges that suit relaxed, natural photographs.
Which spot works best depends on the weather, your timings and the light, and we help you choose on the day. For more ideas, read our blog on the best wedding venues in Northern Ireland.
Real weddings
Weddings we have photographed at Slieve Donard Resort and Spa
Planning your day
A Slieve Donard wedding day timeline
Every wedding is different, but this is how a Slieve Donard day with a 1pm ceremony might run. It gives you plenty of time for photos without anyone feeling rushed, and still gets you back with your guests for the afternoon.
These times are an example only. If you are marrying at a church or leaving the hotel for photos, tell us early and we will plan the timings around the journey.
- 9.30amGetting readyHair, makeup and the dress, at the hotel or at home
- 11.30amThe boys get ready
- 12.15pmFinal touches, and family see the bride
- 12.45pmGuests take their seats
- 1.00pmThe ceremonyOften in the Chandelier Room at the hotel.
- 1.45pmConfetti and congratulations
- 2.15pmDrinks and family photosAround the hotel while your guests relax.
- 3.00pmCouple portraitsAround the hotel and its grounds, or a short drive to Tollymore Forest Park.
- 4.15pmBack with your guests
- 4.30pmThe speeches
- 5.00pmThe meal
- 7.30pmEvening light photosA few quiet minutes outside if the weather allows.
- 7.45pmBack to the partyStraight back inside to enjoy the evening with your guests.
- 8.30pmFirst dance
Questions
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa weddings FAQ
Can't see your question? Send us a message on our contact page and we will help.
Where is Slieve Donard Resort and Spa?
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is on Downs Road in Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AH. Our wedding photographer in Newcastle page has more on how we work in the area.
Can we have our ceremony at the hotel?
Yes. We have photographed a humanist ceremony in the hotel's Chandelier Room. Ask the hotel which rooms it uses for ceremonies and what types of ceremony it can host.
Can we have an outdoor ceremony?
Many couples hope for one. On the coast the weather has a say, and we have seen the hotel move a ceremony indoors on the day. Ask the hotel about its wet weather plan before you book.
Is there accommodation at the hotel?
Yes. Listings give 181 bedrooms and a bridal suite. Ask the hotel what is included with your wedding package.
Where can we take couple portraits?
You can take photographs around the hotel and its grounds. For Rhiannon and Oliver we went to Foleys Bridge inside Tollymore Forest Park, a short drive away. You can see the whole day in our blog post.
How long should we book a photographer for?
We offer half day and full day coverage. Full day coverage lets us photograph everything from the preparations to the first dance, and half day coverage suits a shorter day. You can see the details on our pricing page.
Have you photographed weddings at Slieve Donard Resort and Spa?
Yes. You can see real days on our blog, including Rhiannon and Oliver and Sarah and Mark.
Getting married at Slieve Donard Resort and Spa?
We would love to be there with you
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 how we work in the area, have a look at our wedding photographer in Newcastle page, or our blog on the best wedding venues in Northern Ireland.
- Photographed hereWe have photographed weddings at Slieve Donard Resort and Spa and know how the day flows
- 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
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