Belfast Elopement

[Nelly2208]

Hello!

We are planning to get married in Belfast City Hall on a Monday in May 2025 - no one there expect ourselves.

The one thing I am wondering about is my witnesses. I’m hoping our photographer will be one but we would be looking for a second. Do you think we will easily find someone on the street or would we find someone on here? I know, very far in advance to be asking but just wanting to have an idea.

Secondly, we have booked to stay at the Fitzwilliam Hotel for the night before and the night of the wedding. Should we eat here or is there anywhere that would be highly recommended?

Any other suggestions are welcome!!

Thanks ☺️

Can’t help with the witness question (sorry!!)
but what I can say is that although the food in the Fitzwilliam is lovely, atmosphere wise it really isn’t great. It’s a very dark hotel in places and the restaurant is completely windowless - doesn’t make for a very nice or romantic experience. Very off putting and strange vibe any time I’ve been for dinner.

My personal choice would be dinner at Seahorse in the Grand Central Hotel, then a trip up to their Observatory bar for drinks afterwards. Gorgeous views over the entirety of Belfast. Amazing food, beautiful surroundings and wonderful service.

I'm sure someone would step in and witness. If you're stuck message me and I'll do it. I'm just outside Belfast.
I agree with the post above. Fitzwilliam has lovely food but rather uninspiring restaurant space. Grand Central Hotel observatory is fabulous. Also ask concierge in Fitzwilliam to recommend somewhere. They are really helpful. I wanted to get flowers to a guest who was staying there and it was really last minute. Had left it too late to get florist to deliver. Concierge went to the florists for me and collected them and had them put in guests room. Very impressed

Hi op.
I'm local and would happily be your witness if you're stuck.
There are so many fabulous restaurants in Belfast. Check out the muddlers club or James street south. More atmosphere than the fitzwillam. Depending on the time you're marrying you could have afternoon tea in the merchant hotel (the cocktails are fabulous), head around to the Duke of York pub (where the iconic umbrellas are) and there's often live music on in the harp bar which is in the same area.