The perfect match: Scottish wedding venues paired with entertainment acts

Boost the day’s theme by twinning your venue with complimentary entertainment and get everyone singing in harmony

Cormiston Farm

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Cormiston Farm, near Biggar, sits amid stunning scenery for a classy rural do

For a rustic farm celebration, you’ll want to keep it au naturel – and that starts with getting back to nature itself. Why not let BobCat Alpacas bring the petting zoo to you? It’ll provide two to four furry friends who’ll be happy to mingle with your guests and pose for photographs – and can even supply food so you can give the creatures a little nibble.

“The alpacas will be suitably dressed, and will have a special halter and lead rope for the occasion,” says Cath Crosbie. “We can even arrange for their neck ties to co-ordinate with the bridal couple.” If you’d rather take it to the skies, Elite Falconry will delight your party with an interactive flying demonstration during the drinks reception.

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From left: BobCat Alpacas will bring a dollop of cuteness to your big day – just be prepared to share the spotlight with these lovelies; You don’t have to be wise as an owl to know how much your guests will enjoy an Elite Falconry display while you’re off getting papped

Òran Mór

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Any musician worth their salt would be thrilled to play at Òran Mór (photo: Mark Wild Photography)

This converted church in Glasgow is a favourite with musicians and couples alike, and when you look at the jaw-dropping interiors, it’s no wonder. Louise Sheridan Soprano can serenade your entrance to the ceremony.

“Having a traditional singer adds another special memory of the wedding for the couple and their guests,” she says. “I feel really lucky to share in that.” During the drinks reception, fill the space with the musical stylings of Prima Strings, an ensemble represented by agency Encore, that plays a variety of genres.

“The sound of a string quartet will suit the acoustics of this former church, and the classical vibe will add a touch of sophistication to your day,” the group promises.

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From left: Give it up for Prima Strings; Louise Sheridan Soprano can hit the right notes come your big day

Cambo Estate

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Cambo Estate’s Party Woodland is a hit with cool couples looking to host relaxed, music-centric nuptials (photo: The Curries)

For a festival-inspired bash, you have to head down to St Andrews’ Cambo Estate’s Party Woodland, a picturesque clearing perfectly poised for a little DIY decor. Best of all? There’s no curfew.

To get your guests in the disco mood, we’d recommend enlisting the help of glitter maestro Emma Cunningham. “Give Good Face brings a bit of sparkle to any party,” she says. “Couples have told me it makes for a fun talking point – and who can resist a dance when they’re all glittered up!”

Once darkness falls, light up the skies with an awe-inspiring display from Midnight Storm Fireworks. That’s certainly one way to get married life started with a bang.

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From left: End the night with a dazzling display courtesy of Midnight Storm Fireworks, as you and your other half look forward to a bright future together; Make sure the photographer captures your best side with Give Good Face

Glen Clova Hotel

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Glen Clova Hotel & Lodges provides splendid vistas across the countryside (photo: Anna Urban)

Glen Clova Hotel & Lodges sits amid five Angus glens and offers sublime views across an iconic Scottish landscape. With that in mind, we reckon you’ll want to keep your entertainment on the traditional side.

“It would be criminal not to host a ceilidh – especially one that goes on well into the wee hours!” say It’s No Reel, one of the country’s most in-demand ceilidh bands, bookable through Encore. “It’s the ideal way to get everyone on the dancefloor and bring together guests of all ages.”

For something a little more unconventional, why not hit up Highlanders 4 Hire: they’ll send up to eight appropriately dressed Scots to act as guards of honour and meet and greet your guests.

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From left: We’re liking the sound of It’s No Reel; Highlanders 4 Hire will be a hit with non-Scottish guests

Wedderburn Castle

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Wedderburn Castle and Barns lies an hour outside of Edinburgh and is available for exclusive use. A marquee in the grounds can hold up to 500, so everyone gets a plus-one

A venue as elegant as 18th-century Wedderburn Castle requires an arsenal of accomplished musicians, and we’ve picked out two who are certainly destined for great things.

Waltz down the aisle to the sweet sounds of Steven Segaud, pianist extraordinaire. “I’ve performed at weddings and events throughout Scotland and across the UK,” the talented player reveals. “I can set the atmosphere for each part of the day, and ensure that your favourite songs are included, making your wedding even more personal and unique.”

Up the ante by bringing in harpist and clarsach player Tsvetelina, available to book via Encore; she’ll perform a mixture of Scottish folk songs, classical pieces and pop songs. 

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From left: Steven Segaud Pianist certainly knows his way around a keyboard; Encore’s Tsvetelina can provide a sweet soundtrack to your day with her harp and clarsach

Hamilton Park Racecourse

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You’re sure to hit the jackpot if you get hitched at Hamilton Park Racecourse – this stellar venue is far from a gamble

For a day at the races, you and your partner will be looking to inject a healthy dose of fun into proceedings, and we reckon magician Jody Greig could be just the trick (pun intended).

“As an experienced wedding magician, I help to build an amazing atmosphere with my unique form of comedy entertainment,” he says. “I specialise in creating and sharing moments of joy, laughter and wonder that will forever be remembered.”

In the evening, hand over the reins to DJ Wedding Services to ensure that all your guests get their groove on. Former Clan FM presenter John Stead can play a mix of modern hits as well as classic floor-fillers to entertain young, old and everyone in between.

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From left: Jody Greig Magician will delight guests with terrific tricks during the drinks reception; With over 20 years’ experience, DJ Wedding Services knows how to get the party started