This wedding at one of Aberdeenshire’s most iconic exclusive-use wedding venues saw Emily and Steve go all-out with personal touches, a pipe band, fireworks and a large guest list of 165
Emily and Steve’s Cluny Castle wedding was everything they hoped for: grand yet welcoming, personal yet full of wow factor – they even had a 'ring for champagne' wall!
Set at one of the most historic Aberdeenshire wedding venues, their Scottish castle wedding brought 165 loved ones together for an autumn celebration filled with character, music and thoughtful details centred around the castle’s private chapel and exclusive-use estate.
Wedding highlights at a glance
Wedding venue | Cluny Castle, Aberdeenshire
Date | 19th October 2024
Photography | Willow & Wilde
Guests | 165
Decor | Autumnal reds and greens, marquee floral hoop, candles, cosy lounge styling
Ceremony | Chapel wedding Scotland, officiated by celebrant Bruce Aitchison
Entertainment | Aurora Quartet, pipe band surprise, The Scottish Soul Collective, fireworks
Venue for an autumn wedding in Scotland
When Emily and Steve began planning, they agreed on just one non-negotiable: the wedding venue – wherever it ended up being – had to feel truly extraordinary.
“Steve proposed while I was recovering from an ankle operation, so we spent weekends driving around Aberdeenshire looking for places we liked,” says Emily. “Since I couldn’t walk, it was all about kerb appeal.”
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One look at the long driveway of Cluny Castle – an exclusive-use Aberdeenshire wedding venue – was all it took. “We both said ‘wow’ at the same time. We knew it was the one before we even stepped inside.”
Castle wedding venue decor ideas
The pair wanted to showcase their hometown of Aberdeen and the beauty of a Scottish castle wedding to the many guests travelling from afar.
With 165 people attending, they brought their autumn wedding vision to life with deep reds, greens and candlelight.
“I even had a scrapbook to pull everything together,” Emily laughs.
Inside the castle, florals and candles created a warm, elegant atmosphere. In the marquee, a huge floral hoop and a playful ‘ring for champagne’ wall became instant talking points. Lounge furniture, rugs and lamps helped create a cosy, living-room feel.
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One of the couple’s favourite personal touches was a painted portrait of themselves with their dog Maggie, styled like a Victorian family. “It was hilarious,” Emily says. They also designed personalised dictionary-style place cards for every guest. “It was a lovely way to show people how much they mean to us.”
A chapel wedding ceremony at Cluny Castle
Hiring Cluny Castle and its 13 bedrooms for two nights meant time to relax and celebrate properly. The evening before, guests gathered for a cocktail party.
The ceremony itself took place in the castle’s private chapel – a major highlight for the couple. “Walking down the aisle with my dad was unforgettable,” says Emily.
The chapel holds around 100 guests, so the remaining guests watched via livestream from the Tenants Hall.
And one final surprise? Emily had secretly booked a pipe band to play immediately after the ceremony. “Steve was blown away,” she smiles.
“He thought the venue had arranged it — until wedding coordinator Natalie handed me my violin!”
Dinner, music and a firework finale
Dinner by Kate’s Bespoke Catering included a very personal nod to family. “We chose them because they agreed to recreate my granny’s sticky toffee pudding,” Emily explains. “I even printed her handwritten recipe on the back of everyone’s menu.”
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Entertainment flowed throughout the day, from the Aurora Quartet to The Scottish Soul Collective and a spectacular fireworks display.
“Guests said they loved all the details. As the fireworks went off, we knew it was a day we’d never forget.”
Emily and Steve's wedding trailer was filmed and made by Dean Johnstone Films
Wedding suppliers
Venue Cluny Castle, Aberdeenshire
Photography Willow & Wilde
Filmmaker Dean Johnstone Films
Content creation The Wilde Bride
Catering Kate’s Bespoke Catering
Marquee Esslemont Marquees
Celebrant Bruce Aitchison
Wedding dress Sassi Holford at Ivory Grace
Wedding rings Jamieson & Carry
Bridesmaid dresses TH&TH
Flowergirl dresses Custom-made by Martine Blair
Groomswear McCalls Highlandwear
Flowers and candles Hay’s Flowers
Cake Mark Lutton
Hair Gemma Taylor Hair
Makeup Julia Stronach
Nails Nails by Valerie
Invites Wild Mountain Thyme Scottish Stationer
Favours DIY by the couple and best man
Furniture Rustic Look Aberdeen
Decor 3 Tiers Creative
Tableware Style in Detail
Glassware Hudsons
Ceremony and drinks reception music Aurora Quartet
Reception music The Scottish Soul Collective
Pipe band Culter and District Pipe Band
Fireworks NJE Fireworks
