Get back to nature with a fairytale forest wedding. The birdsong, the leafy surroundings and the scent of pine will come together to produce a deeply romantic backdrop to your day
1. Ardkinglas
This Argyll estate’s verdant woodland garden boasts ‘champion trees’, some of the tallest or broadest of their species in Britain, and a Gruffalo Trail that kids flock to. With a terraced garden that runs down to the shores of Loch Fyne, the enchanting main house and serviced marquee site at Ardkinglas can accommodate parties from two to 200.
2. Peebles Hydro
Peebles Hydro is a nature-lover’s paradise thanks to its prime spot atop Venlaw Hill and its proximity to Glentress Forest. All you need to do is pose on the patio as your photographer makes the most of the picturesque Borders background.
3. Barony Castle Hotel and 4. Eden Leisure Village
With a history that can be traced back hundreds of years, Barony Castle Hotel (left) is a very special place. Swap rings at the picturesque altar at the end of its leaf-lined yew-tree walk, and you’ll feel the magic.
Dreaming about walking hand in hand in your own private forest? You can recreate this couple’s bliss at Eden Leisure Village (right), a 25-acre haven just 14 miles from Glasgow. It’s a place that’s made for falling in love with the natural world – you and your guests can spend the night in glamping pods, hobbit huts and bell tents.
5. Atholl Palace Hotel
Many would argue that Perthshire’s landscape of hills and lochs produces the best scenery in Scotland – and Atholl Palace is right in the midst of it. Stroll down the hotel’s whimsical, tree-lined Lovers’ Lane and you’ll see what we mean.
6. Cambo Estate
Exchange vows in a clearing on Cambo Estate’s aptly named Party Woodland. You’ll celebrate beneath the St Andrews venue’s willows and be protected from the elements by canvases suspended overhead.
7. Bachilton Barn
Bachilton Barn sits in 700 acres of land just outside Perth, looking out to a pond and a gazebo. Whether you say ‘I do’ outdoors or in the beautifully converted barn, you simply have to look around to be overwhelmed by the glorious green location.
8. Gilmerton House
The jewel in the crown of Gilmerton House has to be its rose garden. Ideally suited to a marquee celebration with between 80 and 200 guests, it has unspoilt views of the stunning trees that encircle this East Lothian mansion.
9. Scone Palace
Scone Palace’s grounds feature two pinetums, one made up of giant redwoods and noble firs that stand tall, and a newer, softer gathering of decorative, less hardy conifers. Both would make a striking backdrop to wedding photos – in fact, the whole estate is full of verdant corners.
10. Cormiston Farm
Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Clyde valley, Cormiston Farm has 26 acres of woodland and mature pastures, which are grazed by alpaca and Hebridean sheep. There’s also an orchard and a lovely walled garden.
11. Crieff Hydro
Framed by lofty evergreens, Crieff Hydro takes full advantage of its rural setting and offers guests the opportunity to explore this beautiful corner of Perthshire. There are lush lawns too if you’d rather not stray too far from the elegant hotel.
12. High Wards
Get lucky with the weather at High Wards and you’ll be able to marry under an oak gazebo that overlooks an RSPB nature reserve. So you’ll not only bag yourself a vibrant green setting, but you might even spot an osprey or two soaring overhead on their way to Loch Lomond.