Finding a Wedding Venue in Scotland
Scotland and castles are synonymous, and for many people the reason they choose Scotland is so that they can marry in a castle, or at least somewhere that has a view of one.
Gretna Green is a popular place to get married, there is something very romantic about saying that you have 'run away' to Gretna Green for your wedding. We have a separate page for those planning to get married in Gretna Green.
However there is much, much more to Scotland than Gretna, and the same marriage laws apply everywhere.
Castles & Hotels
Inverlochy Castle, Fort William
A dream Scottish Castle nestled in the foothills of Ben Nevis on the shores of a loch, Inverlochy is a deservedly popular location for weddings.
With just 17 bedrooms it is possible for a larger wedding party to completely take over the castle, and its imposing Great Hall is an approved location for the celebration of marriages.
Add to this gorgeous individually decorated bedrooms, some with four poster beds and all with fabulous bathrooms, an multi-award winning chef wonderful gardens and a variety of leisure activities including boat trips on the loch and it is not surprising that so many people decide to marry here.
Skibo Castle, Dornoch
If it was good enough for Madonna, then it's probably good enough for you, but getting married here is not a simple or an inexpensive prospect.
Skibo is owned by a private club, and only members may hold their weddings there. Membership is by application and there is an initial joining fee in the region of £3,500. In addition all guest must stay at the castle, as day visitors are not allowed on the estate.
It is a pretty wonderful place, with extensive grounds and leisure facilities, a wonderful location and interior and a very relaxed and informal atmosphere in spite of its exclusivity. Weddings can take place at the castle or at nearby Dornoch Cathedral.
The Glasshouse, Edinburgh
Hidden behind the facade of an old church is a modern boutique hotel, right in the heart of Edinburgh. This is cutting edge cool, with trendy bars serving cocktails and tapas, an excellent restaurant and very contemporary decor in the bedrooms.
There are indoor reception rooms catering for up to 80 guests, but the real glory is the huge and beautiful roof garden. It's big enough to accommodate a large marquee and as the sun sets your guests can look down on the city lit up below.
Prestonfield, Edinburgh
You will experience extraordinary luxury in this extravagantly decorated and opulent 17th century house close to the lovely old city of Edinburgh.
There are four reception areas available for weddings, one more lovely than the last, catering for parties of between 8 and 350. The elegant Garden Room with its French doors opening onto a private terrace is our favourite. The hotel is noted for the excellence of its cuisine.
Bedrooms are as you would expect fabulous, large and individually decorated with rich velvets and silks, antique furniture, paintings and Venetian mosaic tiled bathrooms filled with high-end toiletries and fluffy towels and robes.
Boath House Hotel & Spa, Inverness
With just six gorgeous bedrooms this beautiful Georgian Country House set in 20 acres of woodland and lakes in the Scottish Highlands is perfect for an intimate wedding party.
The Lake View Room, overlooking the lake and and with a huge four poster bed, and two separate freestanding baths in its vast bathroom is a perfect honeymoon suite.
The food here is superb and the hotel can host both the service and the reception, though there are also a number of churches in nearby Nairn.
Alternatives to Hotels
Tiroran House, Isle of Mull
The stunning beautiful Isle of Mull is an amazing backdrop for a wedding and Tiroran is just the perfect venue for it - an intimate country house hotel on the banks of a loch with magnificent views in all directions.
The house is very comfortably and tastefully decorated and there is impressive attention to details - great food, lovely room, friendly efficient service. Weddings can be held on the premises and the owners are extremely helpful in assisting with arrangements.
There are just 6 bedrooms, so Tiroran works best for small weddings who can have exclusive use of the house.
RRS Discovery, Dundee
Not just any old ship - this is the one in which Captain Scott sailed to the Antarctic. The Discovery doesn't sail during your wedding, but it is a lovely and beautifully preserved and renovated old ship and filled with interest.
The ship's captain will marry you on the bridge, after which a small reception (up to 14 people) can be held in the ship's wardroom or a larger one onshore.
Eala Bhan, Scottish Highlands
If you want to get married afloat, this wooden former herring drfter sails through the Scottish Highlands and Islands and can accommodate 12 people on board.
The owners are most helpful with putting you in contact with local services and either a buffet or a sit-down meal can be organised on board. Definitely an unusual and memorable option for a small wedding.
Ptarmigan Restaurant, Cairngorm
Just below the summit of the Cairngorm mountain is the highest restaurant in Britain, reached by a one and half mile journey by funicular railway from Aviemore. The views are stunning, almost defying description.
The restaurant can cater for weddings of up to about 140 people and an in house event planner will assist with arranging things like flowers and evening entertainment.
For lovers of skiing, Aviemore is a very popular resort and while there is no accommodation at the venue, there are many good places to stay nearby.
Camusdarach Beach, Morar
It's a risky proposition given Scotland's weather, but this beach on the road to the Isles has a licence to carry out weddings.
The beach has featured in many movies, including Local Hero and Monarch of the Glen, and it is in a very beautiful location.