Our tranquil lochs and gorgeous coastline lend themselves to spectacular wedding photographs
All that rain is good for something, after all. It feeds the rivers, fills the lochs and adds a sparkle to the sea. So take advantage and plan your wedding on the waterfront – you’ll get superb photos as well as calm, natural surroundings. Scotland is awash with venues both quirky and grand that have been built to capture such waterside views– here’s a selection of the best of them:
Ardanaiseig
It isn’t just the awesome Loch Awe that draws people to Ardanaiseig from all over the country. “Our guests can enjoy all of the hotel’s acres of grounds, including the banks of the loch, the surrounding woodlands and secret gardens,” says the hotel’s Hannah Walker.
Cameron House
The bonnie banks of Loch Lomond make Cameron House a luxurious and serene location for a wedding. “We are truly privileged to have a unique setting that boasts such an abundance of natural beauty,” comments resort director Andy Roger.
Corsewall Lighthouse
Corsewall Lighthouse, standing proudly at Kirkcolm near Stranraer, provides the perfect base for a waterside wedding, with views looking out towards the Kintyre peninsula and the coast of Ireland. Small weddings are a speciality of this venue – your guests certainly won’t forget it in a hurry.
Firth Pavillion at Seamill Hydro
The newly opened Firth Pavilion at Seamill Hydro promises to be a stunning venue for a wedding. Tagged #nowherecancompare, it overlooks the Firth of Clyde and is a short distance from Ardneil Bay. We can’t wait to see pics from its upcoming weddings.
The Cruin
On the banks of Loch Lomond, The Cruin offers views of Ben Lomond and across the water to Inchmurrin Island. This is a very romantic spot amid some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery – no wonder it’s so popular for weddings.
Lochside House Hotel and Spa
Its wonderful setting, on the Loch of the Lowes, makes the Lochside House Hotel and Spa a dream wedding destination. The venue’s Gillian Bennett agrees: “It’s a multi-award-winning Scottish gem, set in the tranquility of the picturesque Ayrshire countryside.”
The Lodge on Loch Lomond
With its calming surroundings and stunning scenery, to say nothing of its unique waterfront location, The Lodge on Loch Lomond is a popular haunt for couples looking to get away from it all. “Imagine making your wedding vows to the sound of the loch softly lapping the beach,” suggests the venue’s Sandra Cunningham.
Kenmore Hotel
Offering historical touches as well as waterside charm, Perthshire’s Kenmore Hotel looks over the River Tay and has several great places in its grounds for an outdoor wedding. If you’d rather take the party indoors, the staff at Scotland’s oldest inn will help you create the wedding of your dreams.
The Vu
The beauty of The Vu is the way it combines a central location with tranquility and spectacular views. The purpose-built wedding island in Ballencrieff reservoir, Water Lily, is a winner. “It has full-height windows, providing stunning panoramic views over the water,” says the venue’s Robert Mcleary.
The Waterside Inverness
The Waterside Inverness is a hotel on the banks of the River Ness that hosts Highland weddings with added riverside charm. It has been renovated recently and boasts hi-tech lighting, surround sound and a large-screen digital projector.