Aug 20 2025
At Larchfield Estate, we’ve been privileged to host countless weddings in our historic stone barn and gardens, just 20 minutes from Belfast city centre in Northern Ireland. Couples often tell us that writing vows and speeches feels like the most daunting part of the journey—but it doesn’t need to be. With a little guidance, you can craft words that feel true to you, set against the romance of a heritage venue that provides the perfect backdrop for such meaningful exchanges.
In an age where AI tools and digital planning assistants can generate sample vows or suggest speech structures, many couples are turning to them for inspiration. These tools are fantastic for brainstorming, but the most unforgettable vows are those that blend inspiration with personal memories and promises that only you can make.
Top Wedding tip: Use AI to spark ideas, then weave in your own stories—your first adventure together, the little quirks you adore, or the dreams you share for the future.
“It was everything we could have asked for and more. Our wedding reception was so beautiful, and the accommodation on site was stunning. If we could go back, we would book Larchfield Estate again in a heartbeat.” – Erin & Chris
Keep it balanced – Aim for 1–2 minutes each. Long enough to hold attention, short enough to leave everyone wanting more.
Anchor it in memory – Mention a moment that defined your love: The moment you met, a walk together (in the Larchfield gardens as you viewed the venue for the 1st time! ), a trip abroad, or even a funny first-date mishap.
Make a promise – Vows are about looking forward. What are the values, joys, or adventures you want to share for life?
Speak as yourself – Don’t worry about being poetic; sincerity beats perfection every time.
The tradition of wedding speeches is alive and well, and at Larchfield we’ve heard them all—from side-splittingly funny to beautifully heartfelt (and a few in between!). Some quick tips for success:
Structure helps – Start with a warm welcome, move into personal stories, and finish with a toast.
Add light & shade – Mix humour with sincerity; laughter sets the stage for emotional moments.
Tease, don’t embarrass – A gentle joke can bring the room together, but avoid anything that could make the couple or their families uncomfortable.
Keep your audience in mind – Your guests range from grandparents to college friends; a balance of anecdotes ensures everyone connects. This is also often a good moment to mentioned loved ones whom, for whatever reason can not join you on your day.
Practise out loud – Reading your words aloud in advance helps with timing, nerves, and delivery.
“We had so many compliments about our wedding: how smoothly the whole day ran, the attention to detail, the beautiful surroundings and how personalised we were able to make the day!” – Jonny & Kirsty
Setting matters as much as the sentiment. At Larchfield Estate, couples often choose to exchange vows beneath rustic beams in the 19th-century barn, in the rustic Stables Ceremony room or amongst the tranquillity of the walled garden. There is also nothing to stop you having a private moment beside the lakeside as photos are taken acknowledging your love for each other. Each space has its own character—just as each culture has its own beautiful wedding traditions.
We’ve seen couples draw inspiration from across the world: heartfelt love letters read aloud in the American style, tea ceremonies from East Asia, the joyful hora dance of Jewish weddings, and playful log-sawing traditions from Europe. Celtic hand-tying rituals have also been beautifully woven into ceremonies here at Larchfield, symbolising the bond of marriage in a tangible way. These moments, layered into the ceremony or celebrated before speeches, create a celebration that feels both deeply personal and wonderfully inclusive.
“My family from Australia (36 of us) were in awe of the size, the surroundings, the uniqueness and just the overall atmosphere of Larchfield Estate… truly a special location.” – Sue & Gary
For international couples, our location is easily accessible from both Belfast and Dublin airports, making it simple for loved ones to join you in Northern Ireland. And because celebrations rarely end with “I do”, when you book all of our Courtyard accommodation (sleeping up to 42 guests), you’ll also have exclusive access to The Old Piggery the morning after your wedding—a relaxed space to gather again, share stories over brunch, and relive the magic of your words together.
Whether you lean on AI to get started or simply put pen to paper, your vows and speeches are one of the most precious gifts you’ll give each other and your guests. With the right mix of preparation, sincerity, and a setting that inspires, your words will echo in hearts for years to come.
At Larchfield Estate, we’d love to be that setting for you—an exclusive haven just outside Belfast where your story takes centre stage.
Reach out to us now to enquire about hosting your wedding with us at Larchfield Estate, where our in house team are on hand to help with all elements of wedding co-ordination.
