Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering surrounded by scenic views, this region has a venue to match
Norwood Hall Hotel (Photo: J Dyer Photography)
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If you’re planning a wedding in Scotland’s northeast, the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire area is brimming with unforgettable venues to suit every style and season.
Think stately castles steeped in history, exclusive-use country houses made for weekend-long celebrations, and elegant estates surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands.
We’ve rounded up some of the best wedding venues in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire – from countryside escapes to city-adjacent gems – all offering flexible spaces, trusted suppliers and a wealth of photo-ready scenery.
Whether you’re local to the area or looking for a destination-style Scottish celebration, these venues capture the romance and character of the region.
Read on to explore the top wedding venues across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and discover which setting might suit your celebration best.
Ballogie House, Aboyne
Photo: Karol Makula Photography
Hidden along a tree-lined drive near Aboyne, Ballogie House offers an exclusive-use setting surrounded by woodland and sweeping parkland views.
With seven en-suite bedrooms, an elegant orangery and a glass-sided marquee (soon with extended capacity for 200 evening guests), it’s designed for multi-day weddings that combine style with relaxation.
Ballogie House is located on the Ballogie Estate in Royal Deeside, with views of the surrounding hills and the River Dee running nearby – a favourite spot for wedding photos.
Couples can host intimate ceremonies in the Orangery (up to 56 for dinner, 70 in the evening) or larger celebrations in the glass-sided marquee (up to 180 for dinner, 200 in the evening).
Outdoor ceremonies can also take place on the lawn overlooking the hills.
Yes, standard hire includes a four-night stay, providing the time and space for couples to slow down, soak it all in and truly connect with friends and family.
The night before the wedding can also be reserved privately, just for the couple. A quiet evening to step away from the excitement and simply be together, before the celebrations begin.
Yes, the house sleeps 14 guests in seven luxurious ensuite bedrooms, with additional cottages and a lodge on the estate for larger groups.
Ballogie House offers a flexible, blank-canvas approach, allowing couples to bring in their preferred caterer – from fine dining to relaxed, informal options.
Cluny Castle, Inverurie
Dating back to the 16th century, Cluny Castle is a private, family-owned venue surrounded by 200 acres of Aberdeenshire countryside.
Known for its distinctive crenellated exterior and historic chapel, it offers a fairytale backdrop for exclusive-use weddings.
With absolute privacy, a highly personalised approach, and a team devoted to crafting once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, Cluny offers a level of exclusivity that few venues can match – hosting only a select number of weddings each year.
Cluny Castle is situated near Sauchen, around 25 miles northwest of Aberdeen.
A tree-lined driveway leads to the castle’s grand façade, set within extensive parkland.
Ceremonies take place in the on-site chapel (up to 120 guests), while the Tenants Hall seats up to 90 for receptions.
For larger celebrations, marquees can be arranged on the castle grounds.
Even if couples don’t want a religious ceremony, they can host a humanist ceremony and still enjoy the stunning setting that is the Cluny Castle chapel.
The castle has luxurious overnight accommodation for up to 30 guests and on-site parking for around 30 cars.
Couples can choose from a handpicked selection of external caterers who use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create bespoke menus.
Crathes Castle, Banchory
Photo: By Rhea Photography
Set on Royal Deeside around 35 minutes from Aberdeen, Crathes Castle is a distinctive Scottish tower house known for its world-famous walled garden.
The estate offers several options for ceremonies and receptions, from its Great Hall and Horsemill event space to outdoor garden settings.
With capacity for up to 80 guests and a self-catering cottage for four, it’s well suited to intimate and mid-sized weddings.
Crathes Castle is located near Banchory in Aberdeenshire, surrounded by rolling countryside and historic gardens that provide beautiful backdrops for wedding photography.
Ceremonies can be held in the Great Hall (up to 40 guests), in the Walled Garden, or in the Horsemill (up to 80 for dinner and 120 for evening receptions).
Marquees are also permitted for larger celebrations.
No, but weddings enjoy private access to the booked areas of the castle and grounds.
Yes – East Lodge, the estate’s self-catering cottage, sleeps up to four guests. On-site parking is available.
Crathes Castle is a dry-hire venue with a preferred list of external caterers.
Drumtochty Castle, Laurencekirk
Photo: Emma Lawson Photography
Hidden within a tranquil woodland glen near Auchenblae, Drumtochty Castle is a private estate designed for truly personal celebrations.
With its own church, on-site accommodation for up to 110 guests and exclusive-use hire as standard, couples can enjoy an uninterrupted wedding weekend surrounded by family and friends.
The castle’s historic rooms, roaring fires and homely touches make it feel like a relaxed country retreat – just with a grander backdrop.
Drumtochty Castle is located in Auchenblae, around 30 miles southwest of Aberdeen.
Set within a wooded glen on its own private estate, it offers complete seclusion and scenic countryside views.
Ceremonies can take place in the estate’s church or inside the castle, with capacity ranging from 23 to 120 guests depending on the season.
Receptions follow in the grand function rooms, which can be tailored for intimate or large gatherings.
Yes, the entire estate is reserved for you and your guests, with no noise restrictions or early curfews – allowing celebrations to continue into the night.
Yes, the castle and its estate buildings sleep up to 110 guests in total, with accessible ground-floor bedrooms available.
The castle offers flexible catering arrangements, with a vast choice across every course.
Informal dining options are available with the use of Drumtochy’s own food truck.
Fyvie Castle, Turriff
Located near Turriff, Fyvie Castle is a striking Aberdeenshire wedding venue offering both grandeur and comfort.
The National Trust for Scotland property can host up to 100 guests and provides self-catering accommodation for 16 in its Preston Tower Apartment.
With a loch, walled garden and opulent interiors, it’s a venue that combines history with impressive photo opportunities.
Fyvie Castle lies between Aberdeen and Banff, surrounded by parkland and a picturesque loch.
It’s ideal for couples seeking a countryside wedding venue that remains accessible from the city.
Ceremonies can take place in the Drawing Room and Music Gallery, with the Billiards Room and Entrance Hall ideal for drinks receptions.
The Dining Room hosts intimate dinners for up to 22 – while the Drawing Room and interconnecting Music Gallery can seat wedding meals for up to 100 guests, as can the 19th-century Racquets Court.
No, but weddings are hosted in private areas of the castle, ensuring a sense of seclusion.
Yes – the Preston Tower Apartment offers self-catering accommodation for up to 16 guests.
Fyvie Castle is a dry-hire venue with a preferred list of external caterers.
Haddo House, Ellon
Around half an hour north of Aberdeen, Haddo House sits near Ellon surrounded by lovely landscaped terrace gardens with vibrant, geometric flower beds.
Managed by the National Trust for Scotland, the venue balances history and flexibility, offering a range of stately rooms and a private chapel for ceremonies.
From its sweeping staircases and chandelier-lit halls to the rustic charm of Haddo Hall, couples can tailor the setting to suit their celebration – all while supporting the ongoing conservation of this heritage estate.
Haddo House is located near Ellon in Aberdeenshire, set within landscaped grounds that offer both privacy and striking backdrops for photographs.
The estate’s gardens, fountain and architectural details lend themselves beautifully to capturing timeless wedding portraits.
The venue is not exclusive-use, although its separate rooms and extensive grounds create a sense of seclusion for private events.
Ceremonies can take place in the private chapel (up to 110 guests) or in the Library (up to 80).
The Drawing Room, Morning Room and Ante Room suit drinks receptions of around 110, while Haddo Hall accommodates up to 160 guests for dinner and 200 for evening receptions.
Haddo House operates on a dry-hire basis, with couples free to choose from a preferred list of external caterers.
House of Elrick, Newmachar
Photo: Clara Lou Photography
A secluded 18th-century estate near Newmachar, the House of Elrick blends Georgian architecture, walled gardens and personal service to create a magical wedding setting.
Since opening as a luxury wedding venue in 2023, the exclusive-use venue has already earned a strong reputation for its impeccable service and flexible setting – ideal for both intimate ceremonies in a historic drawing room to a weekend-long event with an extended array of friends and family.
The estate is located near Newmachar in Aberdeenshire, around 20 minutes from Aberdeen.
Surrounded by woodland, it offers peace and privacy within easy reach of the city.
Couples can choose from The Drawing Room (up to 28 guests), the Walled Garden (up to 100) or the Garden Marquee (30-170).
Each space offers a different atmosphere, from refined interiors to relaxed outdoor charm.
Yes – hire includes private access to the entire estate, accommodation, and dedicated support from the Elrick team.
The manor features 11 bedrooms sleeping up to 24 adults, as well as the Coach House sleeping up to 6 adults.
The estate partners with several local hotels within 10-minutes of the venue for preferential wedding guest rates.
House of Elrick works with a trusted list of local caterers and offers bespoke multi-day or one-day hire options.
Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar
Photo: Karen Thorburn Photography
Tucked within the Cairngorms National Park, just 4.5 miles from Braemar, Mar Lodge Estate is a historic Highland retreat surrounded by ancient woodland, rivers and mountain views.
Built in 1895 for the Duke and Duchess of Fife (Queen Victoria’s granddaughter), it now offers exclusive-use weddings with on-site accommodation for up to 45 guests – ideal for multi-day celebrations in a private, scenic setting.
A traditional Highland hunting retreat, rich in history and full of charm – think warm wood panelling, antique furnishings… and plenty of stag heads!
Mar Lodge sits in Royal Deeside at the heart of the Cairngorms. Its remote location and natural surroundings create an idyllic backdrop for weddings immersed in Highland beauty.
The main lodge features multiple rooms for ceremonies and dining, including the Entrance Hall, Drawing Room and Craggan Room.
For larger celebrations, the timber-built Stag Ballroom – adorned with around 2,500 antlers – can host up to 160 guests.
Yes – the property is available for three- or four-night hire, giving couples time to relax and celebrate across the estate’s historic buildings and scenic grounds.
The estate has five self-catering apartments for 33 guests, plus a 12-bed bunkhouse – sleeping 45 guests in total.
Mar Lodge is a dry-hire venue with a preferred list of trusted external caterers.
Norwood Hall Hotel, Aberdeen
Photo: J Dyer Photography
Just a few miles from Aberdeen city centre, Norwood Hall Hotel offers the best of both worlds – a secluded setting surrounded by seven acres of private grounds, yet easily accessible for guests.
The historic house is full of character, from its sweeping staircase and ornate wood panelling to its grand ballroom overlooking the gardens.
In spring and summer, couples can look forward to seeing the gardens bursting with colour – beautiful for an outdoor ceremony – while autumn and winter bring their own intimate kind of magic.
Norwood Hall sits in the Pitfodels area, around 3.5 miles southwest of Aberdeen city centre.
The hotel’s peaceful grounds are bordered by mature woodland, creating a private, scenic setting.
The Pitfodels Suite hosts up to 200 seated wedding guests and features views across the gardens.
Smaller weddings can be held in the Old House Library or Tapestry Room, ideal for intimate gatherings of 2-36 guests.
Not as standard, though exclusive use may be available depending on the date and package chosen.
Yes, the hotel offers 73 bedrooms for guests, along with complimentary on-site parking.
Couples can choose from a range of in-house menus, including three- or four-course meals, afternoon tea or the signature ‘Host the Roast’ dining experience.
Planning your wedding in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
What types of wedding venues are there in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire?
Couples will find a wide range of options across the region – from exclusive-use estates and historic castles to charming countryside manors and hotel venues.
The area is known for its blend of coastal scenery, rural landscapes and elegant architecture, offering something for every taste and guest list size.
Can international wedding guests fly in for an Aberdeen wedding?
Most Aberdeenshire venues are within a 30-90 minute drive from Aberdeen Airport or the city centre, making travel easy for both local and destination weddings.
Do wedding venues in Aberdeenshire offer exclusive use?
Many popular venues – such as Cluny Castle, Ballogie House and Mar Lodge Estate – offer full exclusive-use hire, giving couples private access to the property and grounds for the duration of their stay.
Are there outdoor wedding options in Aberdeenshire?
Yes, from walled gardens and terraces to scenic lawns and riverside settings, many venues in the region offer beautiful outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions during the warmer months.
Wondering what wedding venues look like further afield in Scotland? From castles to barns, and everything in between, find the perfect place to say ‘I do’ with help from our venue directory
