Lower and Upper College Halls

Located in the centre of St Andrews, Lower and Upper College Halls offer a distinctive university setting for weddings in Fife and are available to couples beyond the University community.

Lower College Hall provides an elegant setting for wedding breakfasts, with traditional paintings, grand drapes and a feature fireplace. A sweeping staircase leads to Upper College Hall, where a fixed dancefloor, purpose-built bar and stage create a dedicated space for the evening reception.

Couples can also make use of St Salvator’s Quadrangle, Lower College Lawn and the Chapel Cloisters for drinks receptions and wedding photographs, with marquee options available.

At a glance

•    Location: St Andrews, Fife
•    Venue style: Historic university wedding venue
•    Ceremonies: Civil ceremonies available
•    Wedding breakfast: Lower College Hall, up to 150 guests
•    Evening reception: Upper College Hall, with bar, dancefloor and stage
•    Outdoor spaces: St Salvator’s Quadrangle, Lower College Lawn and Chapel Cloisters
•    Exclusive use: Available
•    Wedding coordination: Dedicated Social Events Manager
•    Accommodation: University residences available from June to August

Wedding spaces at Upper and Lower College Halls

The two halls allow different parts of the wedding day to take place within the same historic St Andrews setting.

Lower College Hall

Lower College Hall is the main space for wedding breakfasts and can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Traditional paintings, grand drapes and a feature fireplace give the room a distinctive historic feel, while the layout can be arranged around the couple’s celebration.

Capacity: up to 150 guests
Best for: wedding breakfasts and dining

Upper College Hall

Upper College Hall is used for evening receptions and is connected to Lower College Hall by a sweeping staircase.

The hall has a fixed dancefloor, purpose-built bar and stage, making it well suited to entertainment and evening celebrations. Views extend across St Salvator’s Quadrangle, St Salvator’s Chapel and the Scores.

Best for: evening receptions, dancing and entertainment
Capacity: to confirm according to layout

Civil wedding ceremonies in St Andrews

Civil wedding ceremonies are available at Lower and Upper College Halls, allowing couples to hold the ceremony and reception within the University setting. 

Couples should discuss their preferred ceremony space, guest numbers and arrangements with the University events team.

Outdoor spaces and wedding photography

The University grounds provide several outdoor spaces that can be incorporated into the wedding day.

These include:

•    St Salvator’s Quadrangle
•    Lower College Lawn
•    Chapel Cloisters

The spaces can be used for drinks receptions and wedding photographs.

Beyond the University grounds, couples can also make use of nearby St Andrews Cathedral and the Scores for photographs, while the Old Course is within walking distance.

Marquees may also be erected, subject to University arrangements.

Wedding packages and pricing

The University’s Excellence Package combines exclusive venue hire with catering, drinks, styling essentials and support from the events team.

The package includes:

•    Exclusive use of Lower and Upper College Halls
•    Sparkling wine and canapés on arrival
•    Three-course wedding breakfast
•    Tea, coffee and petit fours
•    Wine with the meal
•    Sparkling wine for the toast
•    Evening buffet
•    Table linen
•    Silver cake stand and knife
•    PA system with wireless microphone
•    Table plan
•    Menus
•    Place cards
•    Table numbers
•    Floral arrangements for wedding breakfast tables
•    Wedding breakfast tasting for two
•    Dedicated Social Events Manager

Excellence Package prices:

•    Friday and Saturday: £6,965 for up to 70 guests
•    Sunday to Thursday: £6,615 for up to 70 guests

Couples planning for more than 70 guests should discuss additional costs with the University events team.

Wedding coordination

Couples are supported by Amanda Morrison, the University’s Social Events Manager, who has more than 25 years of wedding industry experience.

She works with couples throughout the planning process, helping coordinate the practical details of the celebration in line with their plans.

Wedding catering and menus

Wedding catering is provided by the University of St Andrews’ in-house catering team.

Couples can choose from à la carte options or work with the chefs to create a bespoke menu for their wedding breakfast.

Options include:

•    Bespoke wedding menus
•    Children’s meals
•    Half portions of main menu dishes
•    Drinks packages
•    Wine and corkage arrangements

Couples can supply their own wine, subject to a corkage fee.

Dietary requirements can be accommodated when communicated to the events team in advance.

All catering, apart from the wedding cake, must be provided by the University’s catering team.

Wedding guest accommodation in St Andrews

Discounted University accommodation is available from June to August for guests attending University wedding receptions.

Options include Agnes Blackadder Hall and David Russell Apartments.

Agnes Blackadder Hall

Agnes Blackadder Hall offers three-star bed and breakfast accommodation approximately a 15-minute walk from St Andrews town centre.

Room facilities include:

•    Ensuite shower rooms
•    Complimentary toiletries
•    Double beds
•    Televisions
•    Tea and coffee-making facilities
•    Limited twin and larger twin/family rooms

David Russell Apartments

David Russell Apartments provide three-star self-catering accommodation approximately a 25-minute walk from St Andrews town centre.

A bed and breakfast option is also available.

Each apartment includes:

•    Five bedrooms
•    Double bed in each room
•    Capacity for up to 10 guests, including babies and small children
•    Shared accommodation suited to families and groups

Why choose Lower and Upper College Halls?

Lower and Upper College Halls are well suited to couples looking for a historic wedding venue in St Andrews with separate spaces for dining and evening celebrations.

The combination of the halls, University grounds, in-house catering and seasonal accommodation gives couples the option to keep several parts of the celebration within the same central St Andrews setting.

FAQs

Where are Lower and Upper College Halls located?

Lower and Upper College Halls are located on North Street in the centre of St Andrews, Fife. 

Dundee is approximately 20 minutes away by car, Edinburgh just over an hour, and Glasgow just under two hours.

How many guests can Lower College Hall accommodate?

Lower College Hall can accommodate up to 150 guests for a wedding breakfast.

What is Upper College Hall used for?

Upper College Hall is used for evening receptions and includes a fixed dancefloor, purpose-built bar and stage.

Couples should confirm the maximum capacity for their preferred layout with the University events team.

Can couples have a civil wedding ceremony at the venue?

Yes. Civil wedding ceremonies are available at Lower and Upper College Halls.

Is Upper and Lower College Hall accessible?

Lower College Hall is fully accessible. Access to Upper College Hall is via a staircase only, which couples should consider when planning for guests with mobility requirements.

Is accommodation available for wedding guests?

Yes. Discounted University accommodation is available from June to August for guests attending University wedding receptions. Options include Agnes Blackadder Hall and David Russell Apartments, subject to availability.

Can couples hire Lower and Upper College Halls exclusively?

Yes. The Excellence Package includes exclusive use of Lower and Upper College Halls. Couples should confirm the package conditions and timings with the University.

Who provides the wedding catering?

All wedding catering, apart from the wedding cake, is provided by the University’s in-house catering team.

Couples can choose from existing menu options or discuss bespoke menus with the chefs.