A surprise intimate wedding at Chatelherault Country Park

Weddings are often full of surprises, but Stephen and Joanna took that idea to a whole new level.

Guests arriving at Chatelherault in Lanarkshire thought they were attending the naming ceremony of the couple’s two daughters – only to discover they were actually there to witness a wedding.

With family at the heart of everything and a stunning 18th-century Georgian hunting lodge as their backdrop, the couple pulled off the ultimate secret celebration.

A family-focused celebration with a twist

Family was at the heart of everything for Stephen and Joanna’s celebrations at Chatelherault – but things weren’t quite what they seemed at first.

“We had a rather unconventional day,” the bride tells us with a smile. “We didn’t want our guests to fuss or stress about a wedding – so we decided to make it a surprise.

“Stephen and I always knew we wanted to be married in private but still involve our family in some way. So when guests arrived, they were under the illusion they had been invited to attend our two daughters’ naming ceremony.”

Find out how to make a wedding ceremony personal to you

Why Chatelherault was the perfect venue

The couple had found the ideal location for such a special event: an 18th-century Georgian hunting lodge sitting amid perfectly manicured gardens and surrounded by Chatelherault Country Park’s 500 acres of ancient woodland.

“It had to be somewhere local, so our guests could get there easily, but it also had to be beautiful.

"Chatelherault ticked all the boxes for us. It is a stunning venue with gorgeous grounds and architecture, and the staff there were so helpful right from the start, giving us great recommendations for local suppliers.

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Our wedding coordinator, Christine, was very supportive of our unconventional format.

"We had full access to all rooms and suites, and were supplied with a red carpet, table linen and decorations, a cake stand and more, and we added a few of our own decorations too.”

Find out more about Chatelherault as a wedding venue here

An intimate ceremony for close family

Keeping to their fuss-free promise, the happy couple decided to say their vows in front of just their parents (who were not in on the secret until the very last moment) and their young daughters, Emillie and Jessica.

“It was private and very personal, exactly as we’d hoped it would be.”

The room was then rearranged into a banqueting setup for the ‘naming ceremony’, and not long after that, their 25 guests began arriving.

“All the wedding decor was hidden away until our celebrant announced that guests were actually there to celebrate our marriage! Being presented as Mr and Mrs Sichi for the first time was such a great moment.”

As for Chatelherault’s staff, they were delighted to help pull off the surprise.

“When we told the team about our plans, they were very excited to be part of it. They managed it all amazingly.”

Making the most of Chatelherault’s light-filled spaces

After pulling off the grand reveal to much applause and laughter, Stephen and Joanna could fully relax and enjoy the rest of the day with their loved ones.

“We had our pictures taken before the guests arrived, which meant we were able to spend more time with them,” recalls the bride.

“Our photographs show just how much natural light fills Chatelherault, and its private garden was a lovely feature.” 

Check out this whimsical styled photoshoot with wild flowers at Chatelherault

Why Chatelherault is ideal for personalised Scottish weddings

Since this was a completely personalised day, the couple decided to deviate from the norm when it came to food too.

“Stephen and I weren’t really sure what to do so we sought guidance from our wedding coordinator. We felt a sit-down meal might be too formal but a buffet would be too casual, so when Christine suggested afternoon tea, it sounded perfect!

"There was soup, sandwiches, pastries and, of course, plenty of cakes.”

They opted against having an evening reception but instead provided quiz cards with ‘Mr and Mrs’ type questions to entertain their guests, which produced much hilarity. 

“Overall, I just loved the flexibility that Chatelherault offered us to really make our wedding day our own,” smiles Joanna. “It’s a day we’ll never forget.”

Wedding suppliers

Venue Chatelherault Country Park, South Lanarkshire
Photography Carrie Roy Photography
Videography Something New Bespoke Wedding Films
Celebrant Lesley Anderson, Independent Humanist Ceremonies
Wedding dress Coast Bridal
Flowergirl dresses Mamas & Papas
Shoes Carvela 
Groomswear Next
Flowers Handmade 
Cake Forgoodnesscake 
Stationery and favours Handmade
Ceremony music Charlotte Sager Harpist
Hair and makeup Tina Kelly Beauty