The Perthshire venue has nailed blank-canvas weddings, thanks to a stunning setting, authentic rustic vibes and a supportive team. We head along for a tour to find out more...
Couples can host their ceremonies indoors if the weather doesn't play ball (Photo: Zoe Barrie Photography)
Nestled amongst 150 acres of private parkland in the heart of the Scottish countryside, The Byre at Inchyra is a blank-canvas venue with a beautiful walled garden for outdoor ceremonies.
Tie the Knot Scotland visit to find out how couples can make it their own and throw the celebration of a lifetime...
Visiting the Byre at Inchyra feels like stepping into a haven of pure bliss.
Set in 150 acres of private parkland – with a resident pony and two Highland cows to give a true Scottish welcome – the Glencarse venue really is a perfectly curated yet relaxed slice of Scottish charm.
Find out more about weddings at The Byre at Inchyra
And as general manager Tim Swan tells me during our walk-around, every wedding here is completely different.
“We’ve been hosting weddings for around ten years now and we never have two the same,” he says.
“Whenever I think I’ve seen the Byre decorated in every way possible, our couples surprise us with their vast imagination and creativity.”
Before it hosted weddings, the Byre was used to shelter cattle (Photo: Photos By Zoe)
Historical wedding venue
Creativity and history is something that’s at the heart of this venue. Dating from 1877 when it was used to shelter cattle, the building has been through quite a transformation since it hosted a joint 50th birthday party for owners James and Caroline over a decade ago.
The success of that night convinced them that, once restored, it would make a brilliant place for weddings – a project that truly became a labour of love.
James and Caroline’s aim was to preserve the character of the byre, so they left untouched anything that didn’t need to be changed. Walls were stripped back to the original stonework and every possible piece of wood, slate and stone was salvaged and reused.
James and Caroline’s aim was to preserve the character of the byre, so they left untouched anything that didn’t need to be changed.
Walls were stripped back to the original stonework and every possible piece of wood, slate and stone was salvaged and reused. Since the first wedding was held here in June 2014, the team have orchestrated many celebrations.
Decorating a blank-canvas wedding venue
The venue is well suited to weddings of up to 160 day guests (with numbers rising to 200 in the evening). It is a true blank canvas and is ideal for those eager to put a personal stamp on their day.
If that sounds like you, but you fear being overwhelmed by the possibilities, the team can provide all the “practical things” that you need (to light the space, play music and feed your guests, for example), meaning you can concentrate on all the wonderful details that will make your day special.
“We like to make things easy for our couples,” Tim says.
“It’s important we strike a balance between creative freedom and offering support and guidance.
“Some blank-canvas venues are a bit like ‘here’s a key, give it back when you’ve finished.’ But we provide lighting, sound and furniture and have a list of recommended suppliers on hand to help.”
See what's included in blank canvas weddings and how to make them your own
The Byre at Inchyra set up for a wedding dinner (Photo: The Kitcheners)
Getting married outdoors in Perthshire
And, as we make our way down to the magical two-acre walled garden, I am truly wowed. This is something straight from a fairytale.
Its avenue of mature apple trees has often been called the ‘most romantic aisle in Scotland’.
Outdoor ceremonies here, in front of a wooden pavilion, are stunning – and your photographer, for one, will be in heaven.
“We encourage couples to use this space as much as they like, if the weather allows,” smiles Tim. “You can host your drinks reception here too.”
Check out this spring barn wedding where two brides had an outdoor ceremony
This has been called the ‘most romantic aisle in Scotland’ (Photo: Emma Lawson Photography)
Indoor ceremony options at The Byre at Inchyra
If the weather isn’t on your side, there are loads of indoor options that are just as special. The most popular pick for saying ‘I do’ is under the timbered roof of the historic barn.
The intimate Stable Room is ideal for up to 110 guests; larger ceremonies (up to 160 guests) will often be in the Lower Byre.
Once the vows have been exchanged, it’s time for dinner and dancing, and here at Inchyra the spaces are all very conveniently placed right next to each other.
“We’ve got a dedicated dancefloor and also a stage that can be expanded for your band,” Tim points out.
He tells me the feedback received by the team makes all their efforts worthwhile. “One of our couples booked us just a week after being here as guests at another wedding. That’s a real compliment.”
As is the case at most Scottish venues, 80% of Inchyra’s weddings take place between March and October, but the team are happy to accommodate you throughout autumn and winter (with the exception of Christmas or Easter).
How to decorate a barn or blank-canvas venue for your wedding
The venue has been hosting weddings for around 10 years (Photo: Wonderful & Strange)
Accommodation for guests at a blank-canvas venue
The location is a winner too. It feels tucked away in the countryside, but it’s actually just an hour’s drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and is close to Perth and Dundee.
Most guests stay in nearby hotels and B&Bs but there is availability for up to 22 people (usually the newlyweds, their parents and the bridal party) to stay in the estate’s self-catering accommodation, all of which is spacious and comes fully equipped.
The first of these is Stable Cottage, which has a full kitchen, a double bedroom and two twin bedrooms, sleeping up to six people. Like the others, it is decorated throughout in lovely Farrow & Ball colours, with many of the fabrics from Caroline’s own range, Inchyra Linens.
The charming Home Farm cottage, meanwhile, can sleep eight people across a double room and a family room with twin beds and bunks. There is an additional twin room on the ground floor.
The lush Garden Cottage is hidden away in a tranquil spot behind the walled garden. Six people can stay here in its one double and two twin rooms.
Find more barn wedding venues in Scotland
There's many accommodation options for guests to pick from (Photo: Angus Bremner)
Wedding suite at The Byre at Inchyra
But the jewel in the crown is the light-filled Stable Yard Wedding Suite – where I had the privilege of staying overnight. It is often used as a private area for the bridal party to get ready.
It has a large, vaulted bedroom with a king-size bed, comfortable armchairs, a huge window seat, a luxurious bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. And it makes a lovely honeymoon suite afterwards.
As I left , feeling well rested and relaxed, I could see why the Byre at Inchyra has become such a firm favourite with so many couples.
Its family owners have poured their heart and soul into making it feel authentic and welcoming, and the unbeatable combination of flexibility, creativity and exceptional service all comes together to produce a truly unforgettable wedding weekend.
The Byre at Inchyra's beautiful Bridal Suite
The Byre at Inchyra at a glance
The venue welcomes a minimum of 50 guests and a maximum of 200 (160 dining; 40 evening).
Indoor ceremonies tend to take place in the Stable Room, but there are other versatile options too. The walled garden is exceptional on a sunny day.
Your hire covers many practical aspects, such as the sound/AV and lighting.
A professional- grade kitchen, bar facilities and luxury loos are also provided.
The wedding hire charge (from £6,050) includes a magical fairylight canopy, rustic wooden benches, dining tables and limewashed dining chairs.
The Inchyra team believe high-quality food is super-important, so they ask that couples choose from six of its approved caterers.
These range from the conventional to the imaginative, so you should be able to find the right style of food for you.
Weddings are available to book over a minimum of three days – first day for set-up, the second for celebrations, and the third for packing up.
Up to 22 guests can stay in self-catering cottages, and the Stable Yard Suite accommodates a bride or groom on the night before and after. Glamping can be booked too.
