12 Scottish wedding venues in Perthshire, East Lothian, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire, Midlothian, the Highlands and the Borders that have courtyard settings – perfect for enjoying a sheltered post-ceremony drink or posing for selfies with pals without the elements messing your hair!
1. Cardney Steading, Perthshire (above)
Perthshire’s Cardney Steading is an exclusive-use venue that’s so private, it even has its own loch. At the heart of the steading is the courtyard (partially covered by a glazed ceiling) and its Double Barrel bar. This connects to the venue’s other spaces – the old mill, hayloft, cattle shed and woodland firepit – giving your guests loads of room to mingle.
2. Broxmouth Park, East Lothian
This luxurious Dunbar venue has unveiled plans for restoring its courtyard and – no surprises here – it’s going to be stunning. The new space will be ready by November 2021 and will include a ceremony chapel, wedding gallery, private bridal suite and more.
3. Eden Leisure Village, near Glasgow (below left)
Want a relaxed atmosphere for your day? You’ll find it at this Cumbernauld venue with its pleasing mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. You’ll enjoy cosying up with loved ones around the courtyard’s firepits, whatever the weather.
4. Logie Country House, Aberdeenshire (above right)
If you’ve been enjoying The Crown on Netflix and fancy some royal glamour of your own, look no further than this Inverurie venue. Not only was the impressive house once a fortified castle, but its award-winning caterers have served the Queen herself, as well as other VIPs. Weddings can be held in the courtyard, ballroom or lawn – or even on Logie’s private island.
5. Barony Castle, Borders
Quite frankly, this Borders venue is spoiling us: not only is there a spacious courtyard with room for 110 guests, it also has an outdoor altar, around which receptions for up to 80 can be held.
6. Newhall Mains, The Black Isle
This family-run space, on the Black Isle, has an impressive claim to fame: it’s the only wedding venue in Europe with its own private runway. Newhall Mains is set around a traditional 18th-century courtyard and can host up to 150 people, with overnight accommodation for 28. Captain, we’re ready for take-off.
7. Ubiquitous Chip, Glasgow (below left)
The beautiful glass ceiling arching over the Victorian cobbled courtyard at Glasgow’s Ubiquitous Chip gives the venue an indoor-outdoor feel, while offering protection from the city’s notoriously unpredictable weather. There’s room for up to 100 for the wedding breakfast plus an extra 30 in the evening, or opt for a cosy meal in the Brasserie, which sits 45.
8. Riddle’s Court, Edinburgh (above right)
Just off the Royal Mile, Riddle’s Court’s courtyard is a peaceful outdoor space in the heart of Edinburgh. The external staircase is perfect for photos – or station a piper there to welcome your guests for an atmospheric start to the day.
9. Abercairny, Perthshire
With its striking Gothic architecture, Abercairny’s courtyard offers something a little different. It also boasts terraced gardens and grand indoor spaces perfect for a ceilidh, making this venue in the Strathearn valley ideal for those seeking old-school romance and drama.
10. Rosebery Steading, Midlothian
We’re predicting that Rosebery Steading (just outside Edinburgh and new for 2021/22) is going to be a major hit with couples whose dream wedding is all about rustic luxury. As well as the large courtyard, the venue offers meadows, an eye-catching clock tower, heated outdoor seating areas and firepits.
11. Ness Walk, Inverness
With our truly world-class scenery and our fabulous cities, it can be hard to decide between a rural retreat or a city-centre shindig when planning a wedding in Scotland. Ness Walk, in the middle of Inverness, offers the best of both. The views from the Riverbank Room over the courtyard and across the River Ness will transport you to another world.
12. Fingask Castle, Perthshire
About an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh and just 20 minutes from Dundee, Perthshire’s Fingask Castle is a great spot to gather friends and family. With accommodation for 70 and a swimming pool and tennis court, your biggest challenge will be persuading people to leave once the festivities are over…
