Leave the world – and the general public – behind at these hidden-away, unique wedding venues across Scotland including Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire, Fife, Midlothian, Lanarkshire, Perthshire, Inverclyde, Dumfriesshire and the Borders
We have lined up 12 superb Scottish venues in which you can truly make yourself at home without anyone intruding. Join us as we head far from the madding crowd and take a socially distanced tour of some of Scotland’s most romantic, leave-the-world-behind spots….
Errichel House & Cottages, Perthshire
This Perthshire hotel, restaurant, farm, shop and host of art workshops is also a sublime wedding venue which can cater to your every need. “Set in the hills around Aberfeldy, Errichel House offers a natural and relaxed setting with stunning views, and is ideal for small, intimate events of up to 40 guests,” says managing partner Rebecca Newman.
“There is four- and five-star overnight accommodation available on-site for your guests and a bespoke approach to planning, all making for a truly personal and private celebration.”
Cluny Castle, Aberdeenshire
Disney fans, step up: we can’t think of a more fitting setting for the start of your happily-ever-after than Cluny Castle. “The castle is the epitome of classic elegance, where you can enjoy privacy with an intimate feel,” explains marketing manager Fiona Jones.
“Not only will you experience complete exclusivity of the castle and its grounds, but you can also extend your stay and indulge in luxury overnight accommodation for you and up to 26 of your loved ones.”
Roodlea Barn, South Ayrshire
One of the bonuses of living in Scotland is that you never have to travel particularly far to lose yourself in nature. Case in point: Roodlea Barn. “Less than an hour from Glasgow, in the beautiful South Ayrshire countryside, our exclusive-use converted barn is an ideal blank-canvas space to personalise for the day,” smiles the venue’s Ashleigh McNish. (We’d suggest making the most of the rustic wooden beams and wrapping them with seasonal foliage to bring the outside in.)
“And the night is entirely down to you,” she adds, “whether you want a hog roast or a formal sit-down meal, a ceilidh band or a DJ, you can truly make Roodlea Barn your own.”
Rosebery Steading, Midlothian
Rosebery Steading, sitting just south of Edinburgh, dates all the way back to the 18th century, but it only opened for bookings in spring 2020, meaning none of your guests will yet have been able to experience its glory. “The Steading is the most recent addition to our portfolio, and is a wonderfully unique venue,” says Louisa Kerr, head of sales and marketing for Rosebery Venues.
“You can enjoy exclusive use of this gorgeous farm steading conversion, which boasts overnight accommodation for 28 across five properties, a bar, extensive landscaping, historic features, private gardens and a central courtyard.”
Drumtochty Castle, Aberdeenshire
Just outside Laurencekirk, Drumtochty Castle offers tranquil green spaces outside and opulence within. “It’s difficult to imagine a more magical setting for your wedding than this stunning 19th-century castle, hidden away in a wild woodland glen,” considers assistant manager Tamsin Morton.
“From the moment you set eyes on majestic Drumtochty, you’ll be transported to a bygone era of opulence and romance. With the entire castle to yourself, you and your guests can relax in an atmosphere of privacy and luxury.” Sure, simple and neutral always looks great, but can you say no to plush brocade furnishings and richly patterned wallpaper on the biggest day of your life?
Cambo House and Estate, Fife
Cambo House, just south of St Andrews, on the East Neuk. “A Cambo wedding allows you to come together with your nearest and dearest on a stunning and secluded seaside estate that’s yours for the weekend,” promises the venue’s Louise Walker.
“We host big days all year round, with each season providing a distinctive allure, all equally special. At Cambo, we offer you the freedom to celebrate with the people you love in your own way, at your own pace.” We’d kick things off in the Drawing Room with its next-level views of the rural surroundings, before sitting down to eat in the fairy-lit courtyard, rounding out the night with a boogie in the party woodland.
Riddle’s Court, Edinburgh
Determined to tie the knot in the city? That doesn’t mean it can’t be secluded. Tucked away in one of the old merchant houses on the Royal Mile, this architectural marvel is ready and waiting to transport you to the 16th century.
“Riddle’s Court might be in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, but with our private courtyards and capacity to accommodate all elements of the wedding under one roof, we can provide couples with a day that is entirely their own,” enthuses events co-ordinator Roseanne Tye. “This is a time capsule in the centre of a thriving city, where you can step back into the past and dance the night away.”
Ardgowan House, Castle and Gardens, Inverclyde
“With many couples now considering smaller weddings, Ardgowan is the perfect place for gatherings of up to 70 within the house,” says events manager Lauren Deveney.
“Larger groups can be accommodated too, of course, with the addition of a marquee in the grounds. Many couples choose us because of our flexibility – we have so many spots where they can bring their dream wedding to life. In my three years here, no two weddings have been the same! The house has ten bedrooms, so groups can even book the whole place for an exclusive-use long-weekend celebration.”
Cormiston Farm, Lanarkshire
“Cormiston Farm lies in acres of rolling countryside in the Clyde Valley, surrounded by fields on all sides,” reveals owner Richard Phipps. “Views of Tinto Hill to the west and Culter Fell to the south make for a full circle of stunning Scottish vistas. Guests can explore the gardens and farm and meet our horses, Kunekune pigs and Hebridean sheep. There is room to breathe here – getting married in the open air, with the country sounds and fresh breeze, is truly unforgettable.” You had us at ‘meet the pigs’.
Blairquhan Castle, Ayrshire
Blairquhan was actually used as a substitute location for Balmoral in the 2006 film The Queen. And if you’re impressed by that, just wait until you hear what it can provide for your big day. “Set on a 200-acre private estate surrounded by unspoilt South Ayrshire countryside, we offer seclusion for couples who want to spend their wedding away from the chaos of big cities,” details general manager Nan Li. “Post-corona, brides and grooms are wary about having to share facilities with other wedding parties, making exclusive-use venues like ours even more attractive.” If it’s good enough for Helen Mirren…
Dalswinton Estate, Dumfriesshire
Cut out the marquee middleman by hitting up this Dumfriesshire hotspot, which boasts a permanent structure on its picturesque grounds. “Our venue is exclusively yours,” beams events co-ordinator Rachel Muir.
“A private estate, Dalswinton is an idyllic paradise where you can share your first moments as a married couple by the lochside and the panoramic gardens, just you and your guests.” A drinks reception amid nature followed by a rip-roaring ceilidh post-dinner? It’s a big yes please from us.
Cherrytrees, The Borders
Heart set on a wee wedding, regardless of what restrictions apply come your wedding date? You could hardly do better than this achingly charming spot near Kelso. “At Cherrytrees, we specialise in small, intimate celebrations of between 20 and 50 guests,” shares the venue’s Amanda Barnes.
“The wedding party have sole use of the magical walled garden for the day, so they are surrounded by roses, delphiniums, lavender and other fragrant flowers, while the newlyweds can make use of the eight-acre space and loch for photographs.” Plus, if you want to take your wedding to another level of exclusive, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Barnes family host just six to eight weddings a year, each highly personalised to the individual couple’s requirements.