Merchant Hotel Wedding Videographer
One of Northern Ireland’s premier wedding venue, the Merchant Hotel sits in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast.
If you’re planning on a trip to Belfast and looking for elegance and history then The Merchant Hotel should be high on your list.
The hotel is a 5-star gem in the city and one of the most prominent wedding venues in Northern Ireland. It’s more than just a building with rooms, it’s wrapped in velvet, marble and gold leaf
Weddings are planned and run by Claire (the co-ordinator), with Lynn (assistant manager) and Mohammed working as part of the wider team to help your day run smoothly. The staff will walk you through every detail including menus, table and room layouts to floral arrangements and unique décor and entertainment. They have a wide range of centrepieces for during your drinks reception and dinner – so you can relax and enjoy the build up to your day knowing it’s in safe hands.
I recently filmed a wedding here and the couple had opted for a different table layout for their reception – the bride and groom were blown away by how the colour scheme fit together when they walked into the room – even the cake stand is engraved with details. Whilst the table layout didn’t work for videography (I couldn’t get a clear angle on the bride and groom because of the limit of where I could position my tripods, or the person giving a speech for that matter) it’s all about what means the most to them as a couple – their final edits can only reflect this.
They range from micro weddings to larger gatherings of up to 200 guests.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces
The Great Room is one of the ceremony rooms, with its chandelier-lit hall and domed ceiling with gold detailing and is a luxurious backdrop for candids of your guests enjoying themselves. It holds up to 200 guests for a seated meal and drinks reception – perfect for large weddings. For more intimate affairs the rooftop garden or Rita Duffy suite is perfect – offering cityscapes as the backdrop for your wedding photos and video.
Bridal and couple portraits
No wedding at the Merchant would be complete without bridal shots on the large steps outside the hotel on Waring Street (and Skipper street). This is the perfect setting for family photographs too. I like working with some of the more experienced photographers at this venue because they understand the importance of being smooth with getting family portraits, groom shots and bridal portraits because the entrance to the hotel can be busy with tourists.
It's customary for a bride and groom to go down to the Duke of York for a pint of Guinness and I make sure I’ve got both cameras on my for this session. I’ll usually shoot it handheld, saving my gimbal for detail and establishing shots of the venue and for b-roll through the city.
I use this time to really show a connection between the couple, and to grab details of the dress, cufflinks, bridal bouquet and anything that might be unique to the couple such as the choice of bridal hairstyle of the cut of the groom’s suit.
It’s possible to walk from the city hall (for a registry office wedding) straight through the cathedral quarter for these shots and it saves me grabbing the newlyweds later on in the day where they want to be with their guests at the drinks reception.
I’ve seen great entertainment brought into the merchant in the form of 5-piece bands and secret singers build up the energy of your guests.
The last wedding that I filmed at the merchant was with wedding DJ Chris (DJNI) who got the whole crowd on their feet ready for the first dance which helps the storytelling of my edits when there’s more action on the dancefloor.
Whether you’re vising for lunch, shopping for a watch in Pride and Pinion the in-hotel high-end watch store, or looking for a 5 star stay with your own private hot tub, it’s no wonder this hotel is seen as one of the best in Belfast.
Before becoming a hotel, the building was an Ulster Bank, built in 1960 in a Victorian style with the iconic large steps that adorn the entrance, leading to the now preserved an updated opulent bar area, with the vaults below being transformed into a luxury spa.
Belfast Cathedral Quarter
This is a lively district of cobbled streets with colourful murals and buzzing nightlife. Nearby is St Anne’s Cathedral is other iconic attractions of Belfast such as Titanic Quarter, City Hall, Victoria Square Shopping Centre, and the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) to name just a few.
Whether it’s shopping, sightseeing or live music and nightlife then this hotel is in the heart of it.
Rooms for royalty
Rooms come in two styles: Victorian splendour and chic art deco, either adorned with heavy drapes, antique furniture and 4-poster beds. Think sleek and glamorous 1930s vibe with Egyptian cotton sheets, marble bathrooms and a complimentary mini bar that is highly complimented by professional room service.
The hotel’s bridal suite is extra-special with a private hot tub and panoramic views over the city.
The Great Room Restaurant
Just the other side of the revolving doors is the stunning dining space with it’s large domed ceiling, glittering chandeliers and white linen. From afternoon tea to fine dining, the service is impeccable.
Attached is Bert’s Jazz Bar which offers French bistro style food and laidback live jazz performances each night, creating a stylish atmosphere.
The Merchant is well known for its cocktail bar which has won many awards and a reputation that extends across Northern Ireland. It is well known for its classic and creative cocktails and trained mixologists.
A Spa Below the City
Underneath within the old vaults of the building lies the Merchant Spa. It offers a sanctuary to visitors with it’s thermal relaxation area and menu of massages, facials and beauty treatments, along with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and aroma steam room.
It’s the perfect way to recharge after a day of shopping or sightseeing.
Things to see and do when visiting Belfast include:
St George’s Market for live music and handmade local goods (and local foods);
Street art and Murals dotted around the city;
Titanic experience
Take in a show at the Grand Opera House
Go for a pint of Guinness at the Duke of York or Dirty Onion pubs, both favourites of locals.
Don’t forget to add the Giant’s Causeway and Mourne Mountains to your list of things to experience as part of a wider trip to Northern Ireland.
Weddings at the Merchant Hotel – the elegance of Belfast
If you’re looking to combine city vibes with timeless gandeur and 5-star service then the merchant might be the venue for you.
The word merchant in Latin means ‘mercari’, meaning ‘to trade’, which in turn stems from ‘merx’ meaning ‘goods’ or ‘wares’. This establishment gets its name from the number of traders that would pass through the city of Belfast from all parts of the British Empire’s and navigate the social classes in market towns and port cities.
To take a look at more of the weddings that I’ve filmed at this venue be sure to look at:
Orla and Caolan
