Frank and Gemma, now Mr and Mrs Huggins, tied the knot on 5th May 2025 at Abercairny Estate in Perthshire, in the company of 60 loved ones
This relaxed Abercairny Estate wedding in Perthshire shows how flexible, non-traditional venues in Scotland allow couples to plan a day that works for them.
With colourful florals, outdoor drinks in the estate gardens and a laid-back approach to dining, Gemma and Frank’s celebration made full use of Abercairny’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Wedding highlights at a glance
Venue | Abercairny Estate, Perthshire
Date | 5th May 2025
Photography | Marion McKinnon Photography
Guests | 60
Ceremony | Indoor ceremony at Thistle Hall with registrar
Entertainment | DJ and outdoor firepits
Planning a relaxed Abercairny wedding
Right from the start, Gemma and Frank knew they didn’t want a traditional wedding. What they were after, rather, was a day that could be shaped entirely around them.
“The idea of a strict package didn’t appeal to us,” explains the bride.
“Frank and I were looking for somewhere that could be completely tailored to how we wanted things to run.
"We were also really drawn to the idea of having outdoor space, such as a courtyard or gardens, for pictures, but it had to have easy access for my dad who is disabled and blind.”
Originally from England, the happy couple moved to Scotland over two years ago and always knew they’d tie the knot north of the border. Abercairny, near Crieff in the Perthshire countryside, fitted the bill.
“We wanted to get married here to celebrate our future.
“Abercairny is a unique venue with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces – it allowed us to have our day exactly as we wanted, with no compromises.”
An added bonus was accommodation for close family. The estate’s Arnbank Cottage sleeps up to 10 people, which suited them perfectly.
“We had use of the cottage for three nights – the rooms are so spacious, and it overlooks a lovely garden.”
DIY wedding decor with colourful florals
Determined to DIY as much as they could, Gemma and Frank got to work.
“We wanted to personalise everything, from the order of the day to the decor. We kept things very simple but opted for really colourful flowers.”
As with most weddings at Abercairny, the couple were able to start setting things up the night before.
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“The venue team were so helpful – they had already prepped the tables for us and set out the chairs, and they even assisted in cleaning up the next day, which made it easier for us to collect our belongings.
"They were in constant communication with us during all the planning too,” smiles the bride.
"We’d like to say a special thank-you to Anna, one of the owners.”
Indoor ceremony in Thistle Hall
After a relaxed morning, with Gemma and her bridesmaids getting ready at nearby Crieff Hydro (where they’d hosted a family get-together the night before), it was time to say ‘I do’.
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The ceremony began at 4pm and was held in the estate’s Thistle Hall, which was decorated with bright blooms to complement the dark stone fireplace.
“We wanted our ceremony to be short, sweet and light-hearted.
"Our registrar did exactly that, with even a special shout-out to our beloved pets!”
Outdoor drinks reception and garden photos
After a sun-soaked drinks reception, which included bar hire from One for the Road and photos in Abercairny’s impressive landscaped gardens, the couple and their 60 guests were ready to eat.
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“Frank and I had decided against a traditional sit-down meal with a top table. Instead, we served a hog roast as the main course (my favourite!), and it meant guests could grab food and mingle at the same time without having an assigned seat.
"And for the evening, Frank’s mum kindly made us charcuterie boards, plus some amazing tablet.”
Hog roast wedding catering and evening reception with DJ
All there was left to do after that was to get the party started.
“Our DJ was brilliant at reading the room and had our guests dancing all night. There were also firepits outdoors, provided by the venue, decorated with fairylights – it fitted our theme perfectly.”
It was a day to remember: “There’s honestly nothing we’d change about it. We just loved having all of our family in one place celebrating together.”
Wedding suppliers
Venue Abercairny Estate, Perthshire
Photography Marion McKinnon Photography
Officiant Perth & Kinross Council registrar
Catering The Spitting Pig Co
Bar hire One for the Road
Wedding dress Occasions by Design
Bridesmaid dresses Six Stories
Hair Fran at Silver Linings Hair Studio
Makeup Claire Nisbet Bridal Makeup
Groomswear Walker Slater
Flowers and decor Michelle at Cordon Farm
Cake Personalised Colin and Connie the Caterpillar cakes from Marks & Spencer
Evening food Made by the groom’s mum
Favours Tablet made by the groom’s mum
Stationery Etsy
Wedding jewellery WTG Henderson
Piper Tay Piping
Reception music DJ Sean Hanlon
