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Published - 2024

Marriages and civil partnerships - guidance and advice

Welcome to Belfast

Thank you for deciding to hold your ceremony here in the city of Belfast. We hope you will find this booklet useful as you go about making your arrangements.

Queen Victoria granted Belfast ‘city’ status in 1888. It is now a popular short-break destination and one of Europe’s top visitor destinations. It is situated on Belfast Lough at the point where two rivers converge. It also straddles the boundaries of counties Antrim and Down.

As a city, Belfast is compact and intimate. Much of its rich legacy of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture remains intact and many buildings have been revitalised with contemporary design.

Evidence of its industrial history can be found beneath the twin cranes in the Harland and Wolff shipyard and in the references to the linen trade in street and place names.

Places of interest abound including vibrant shopping centres, the lively Cathedral Quarter, Queen’s University, historic buildings and many new hotels and restaurants.

The City Hall is a working public building, situated in the heart of the city centre. Normal business activities, tours and special events happen inside and outside of the building. You may need to consider this when making your arrangements for your special day.

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