Weddings at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Desmesne

An image of a bride and groom standing at the steps of Mussenden Temple. — Mussenden Temple is a wedding venue like no other. | © National Trust Images

With an iconic cliff-edge temple surrounded by colourful gardens, historic ruins and the wild Atlantic Ocean, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne is a place like no other. One of Northern Ireland's most iconic locations, this exclusive and exceptional place of enchanting beauty is licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies and offers a stunning and historic setting to make it a day to remember.

Your perfect day, your perfect venue

Built by the Earl Bishop in the 18th century, Mussenden Temple and the surrounding Demesne offer a beautiful and one-of-a-kind location for your wedding or civil ceremony.

Precariously perched on the edge of the north coast, the romantic cliff-side venue has an enviable reputation for being one of the most photogenic locations in Northern Ireland with its exceptional views across the Inishowen Peninsula and Causeway Coast .

We love celebrating love on the estate. Not only do weddings breathe life into the Temple but by choosing to have your special day here, you will also be actively helping us to care for and conserve these special places and spaces for future generations to enjoy.

Let your special day become part of our history.

A bride and groom standing in front of the tall windows at Mussenden Temple. — What could be more romantic than holding your wedding or civil ceremony celebrations in this historic building? | © National Trust Images

'Lady Mussenden' Wedding Package

Our signature wedding offer for the wedding you always dreamed of.

This package includes:

Private use of Mussenden Temple for the day of your ceremony.
Use of the Temple for rehearsal before the day before ceremony.
Chairs, tables, and battery powered candles supplied.
Up to 100 people - including celebrant and wedding party.
You are welcome to hold a drinks reception after your ceremony. (Only clear liquids allowed, for example white sparkling wine, water, etc.)
National Trust staff to help you on your special day.
Use of Bishop’s Gate Gardens and Downhill House ruins for photography.
Free car parking at Lion’s Gate entrance for your Guests.
Up to four wedding cars allowed up to the Temple.

If you'd like more information or would like to book a viewing, please get in touch with us via email at: mussendenweddings@nationaltrust.org.uk

An image of a bride and groom standing in the ruins of Downhill House. — The romantic ruins are the perfect backdrop to your wedding day. | © National Trust Images

'Earl Bishop' Wedding Package

For an intimate and romantic ceremony inside the iconic Mussenden Temple.

This package includes:

Three-hours private use of Mussenden Temple for your ceremony.
Chairs and battery powered candles supplied.
Up to 50 people - including celebrant and wedding party.
You are welcome to hold a drinks reception after your ceremony. (Only clear liquids allowed, for example white sparkling wine, water, etc.)
National Trust staff to help you on your special day.
Use of Bishop’s Gate Gardens and Downhill House ruins for photography.
Free car parking at Lion’s Gate entrance for your Guests.
Up to four wedding cars allowed up to the Temple.

If you'd like more information or would like to book a viewing, please get in touch with us via email at: mussendenweddings@nationaltrust.org.uk

An image of a bride and groom walking away from the camera. — The Demesne offers hundreds of beautiful backdrops for your intimate elopement. | © National Trust Images

Elopement Package

For the relaxed romance of a private and personal elopement.

This package includes:

Two-hours private use of Mussenden Temple for your ceremony.
Up to 15 people including celebrant and wedding party.
National Trust staff to help you on your special day.
Use of Bishop’s Gate Gardens and Downhill House ruins for photography.
Free car parking at Lion’s Gate entrance for your Guests.
Two wedding cars allowed up to the Temple.

Other National Trust locations across the North Coast are also available for elopements.

If you'd like more information or would like to book a viewing, please get in touch with us via email at: mussendenweddings@nationaltrust.org.uk

A close-up image of two hands with rings in focus. — Downhill Demesne is the perfect place to 'pop the question'. | © National Trust Images

Proposal Package

For an unforgettable moment to remember and treasure.

Package includes:

One-hour exclusive use of Mussenden Temple.
Is it a surprise? We will help organise the moment and decorate, just let us know your plans in advance.
Use of Bishop’s Gate Gardens and Downhill House ruins for photography.
Up to 10 people including your photographer if you bring one.
Free car parking at Lion’s Gate entrance.
A member of National Trust staff on hand to assist.

If you'd like more information or would like to book a viewing, please get in touch with us via email at: mussendenweddings@nationaltrust.org.uk

An image of a bride and groom standing outside the Bishop's Gate entrance to Downhill Demesne. — When it comes to beautiful backdrops and photographic locations, you'll be spoilt for choice here. | © National Trust Images

Wedding Photography

From the manicured and colourful gardens at Bishop's Gate to the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Downhill, the Demesne offers a wide variety of incredible backdrops for your wedding photographs.

Even if your ceremony is taking place elsewhere, you can avail of our wedding photography package which allows us to continue to care for these special places.

The package includes:

Entry into Mussenden Temple for one hour (up to 14 people)
Use of Downhill Demesne for photography
A National Trust staff member to help you on your special day
Two wedding cars allowed to drive up to the Temple

If you'd like more information or would like to book a viewing, please get in touch with us via email at mussendenweddings@nationaltrust.org.uk.

An image of a bride and groom standing on the steps of Mussenden Temple. — Interested? We'd love to hear from you! | © Bob Picken

Start your Wedding Journey

Interested? Our experienced wedding team would love to hear your ideas and help you design your perfect day.

If you'd like more information or would like to book a viewing, please get in touch with us via email at: mussendenweddings@nationaltrust.org.uk

Please note that wedding ceremonies at Mussenden Temple are currently only available between March and September, however other packages are available all-year round.

Exterior of Mussenden Temple in the grounds of Downhill Demesne at County Londonderry

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