TTKS Visits: Ardoch Loch Lomond, an exclusive-use waterside wedding venue

Come with us to Ardoch Loch Lomond, an exclusive-use Scottish wedding venue with breathtaking views and a charitable purpose.

Every celebration at Ardoch supports CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland), making it a beautiful place to say ‘I do’ with extra meaning.

Charity wedding venue in Scotland

Weddings are all about feeling things deeply. Love, joy, nerves, nostalgia – often all at once. It’s the beginning of your future with the person you love, surrounded by the people who know you best.

But at Ardoch Loch Lomond, that joy is amplified with a deeper layer of meaning. That’s because when choosing Ardoch, couples are also helping to raise donations for Scottish charity CHAS.

In 2020 Ardoch was gifted in its entirety to the charity and it is now run by manager Annie Cullinane as an exclusive-use, not-for-profit venue where every single wedding (and conference and yoga retreat) funds vital hospice care and support for families across the country.

Scenic wedding ceremonies with views of Loch Lomond

I knew this aspect alone would make for a special visit, but I’m not prepared for how beautiful the venue, the grounds and especially the view would be.

I’ve been to Loch Lomond quite a few times over the years and been blown away by the scenery, but nothing I’ve seen before compares to the sweeping vistas at Ardoch.

The idea of exchanging vows out on the beautifully manicured lawns (shout-out to estate manager Cammy Bell) with the loch and hillside as a brilliant backdrop is enough to tip any couple into saying ‘I do’ on the spot.

My partner Luke and I arrive to be greeted by senior duty manager Linda Allan, who is all smiles as she gives us the lay of the land (including the whereabouts of the coffee machine – very important) and guides us up to our home for the evening, Ardoch House’s room 12 – also regarded as the honeymoon suite.

After dropping our bags, marvelling at the glittering waters from our very own balcony and resolving to pop open our complimentary champagne later, we dash straight outside for a pre-dinner walk around the grounds.

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See the Scottish Saltire from the sky

We don’t notice it at the time, but the next morning Annie informs us that the sweet little grassy paths between the wildflowers out at the back of the house are actually an incredibly clever depiction of the Saltire when viewed from above! 

"Future Ardoch brides and grooms out there – a videographer with a drone is a must for your big day"

Exclusive-use wedding weekends at Ardoch

From the get-go, it’s clear this isn’t your typical wedding venue, and Annie explains as much while spoiling us the next morning at breakfast (the bacon rolls, says Luke, are the best he’s ever had).

While demand for weddings at Ardoch has certainly been growing since CHAS was presented with the incredibly generous gift a few years ago, Annie makes it clear that weddings are truly special at Ardoch and although she never wants the venue to be classed as a ‘wedding factory’, she and her team ensure that at every wedding, delivery of the couple’s vision is their ultimate goal.

Couples get the full run of the 133-acre estate for the entire weekend, from Friday to Sunday (or two midweek nights if you’d prefer), so there’s no pressure to cram everything into one day.

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There are 18 bedrooms to accommodate your closest friends and family (up to 33 people can stay on-site), and any number of beautiful corners to gather in – around the firepit, out on the terrace or in one of the quiet drawing rooms. 

Ceremony and reception spaces: The Barn and marquee

As we walk and talk, Annie shows us the Barn where ceremonies and dinners are usually held.

"With its floor-to-ceiling windows, the space feels so open and bright – but again, it’s the view just outside that steals the show"

Next is the fabulous new bespoke marquee. It’s a semi-permanent structure that can stay up throughout the peak season (May to September), providing shelter from all sorts of weather while cleverly extending the capacity of the Barn’s dining room to host more of your favourite people.

Scottish venue shares top wedding day tip

As Annie explains, the exclusive-use blank-canvas nature of the venue means there’s no template for weddings here, just the chance to do things your way.

Looking at the 100 bottles of Leffe blonde Belgian beer stockpiled in Annie’s office (gathered throughout multiple Tesco runs), as per an Australian couple’s special request for their upcoming nuptials, it’s evident the Ardoch team are more than happy to help you achieve it (all the members of the team we meet are clearly passionate about their jobs).

Their one big request in return?

“We just want everyone to feel truly at home here. Relax, enjoy and savour every second – weddings go so quickly,” Annie smiles.

Ardoch invites you to make memories that matter – not just for you, but for others too.

It’s the kind of place that quietly puts everything into perspective, reminding you how lucky you are to have found your person, and to be surrounded by love.