Mar Lodge Estate

Mar Lodge Estate: a historic venue in the Highlands

Mar Lodge Estate lies in the Cairngorms National Park near Braemar in Royal Deeside. Available for exclusive hire, it can accommodate up to 160 wedding guests and offers self-catering apartments for 45 people.

Once a Victorian hunting lodge, the building combines traditional wood panelling, antiques and a historic atmosphere with flexible spaces for modern celebrations. Couples can make use of elegant rooms in the Lodge, the distinctive Stag Ballroom, or outdoor areas with mountain views. 

The estate’s scale and facilities make it equally suitable for intimate weddings, large receptions, or full weekend celebrations.

Wedding spaces at Mar Lodge Estate

Couples can choose from several ceremony locations inside the lodge – the Balcony of the Grand Staircase, the Craggan Room and the Drawing Room

Afterwards, you and your guests can continue the celebrations in the stylish yet relaxed principal rooms within the lodge (Entrance Hall, Library, Drawing Room, and Billiards Room).

For larger weddings, the Stag Ballroom provides space for dining and dancing. This separate building features a sprung floor, good acoustics and 2,500 Victorian-era stag antlers.

Outdoor weddings are also possible, with ceremony sites across the estate and the option to hire a marquee for large-scale receptions against the backdrop of mountains, moorlands and forests.

Wedding packages at Mar Lodge Estate

Weekend hire packages are available for different guest numbers:

Up to 80 guests – approx. £6,000

• Use of principal rooms within the lodge for your ceremony and drinks reception
• Use of the Craggan Room for your meal and evening reception 
• Use of the lodge and grounds for photographs
• Access to the lodge the day before and day after your wedding

Up to 160 day/200 evening guests – approx. £8,500

• Use of principal rooms within the lodge for your ceremony and drinks reception
• Use of the Stag Ballroom for your meal and evening reception
• Use of the lodge and grounds for photographs
• Access to the lodge and ballroom the day before and day after your wedding 

Marquee hire – £2,000

• Use of the lawn for a marquee
• Use of the grounds for photography

Weekend weddings at Mar Lodge

Continue the celebrations by staying over at Mar Lodge in the on-site self-catering accommodation. With room for 33 guests across five apartments, as well as space for an additional 12 guests within the four bedrooms of the bunkhouse. 

Please check accommodation availability when booking your wedding. Hire costs will depend on your individual requirements. 

Accommodation at Mar Lodge Estate

The estate provides self-catering accommodation for up to 45 guests:

• Five apartments in the lodge (33 guests)
• Four-bedroom bunkhouse (12 guests)

Wedding catering at Mar Lodge Estate

Catering is provided by external suppliers. The venue team maintains a list of trusted caterers who can deliver tailored menus, buffets or multi-course dining.

What’s included in a wedding at Mar Lodge Estate?

As well as use of your chosen venue space, you’ll also get: 

• A dedicated event manager
• Use of the Boudoir - a dedicated changing room
• A year’s membership to the National Trust for Scotland 
• Use of 160 chiavari chairs and table set up
• Use of their event catering kitchen 

A National Trust for Scotland wedding venue

Mar Lodge Estate NNR is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, a charity dedicated to protecting Scotland’s exceptional nature, beauty and heritage. Income generated from weddings goes back into looking after this beautiful place.

It was originally built in 1895 for the Duke and Duchess of Fife, and now operates as a luxury Scottish wedding venue, providing a scenic and historic atmosphere for your wedding.

FAQs

Where is Mar Lodge Estate?

Situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Mar Lodge is 4.5 miles from Braemar in Royal Deeside.

Is there in-house catering for weddings at Mar Lodge Estate?

Mar Lodge does not offer catering; however, they can recommend trusted suppliers to create delicious food and drink for your guests. 

Does Mar Lodge Estate offer wedding guest accommodation?

Yes, there is self-catering accommodation on the estate for up to 45 guests. 

Does Mar Lodge Estate have a wedding coordinator?

You’ll be supported through the wedding planning process as well as on your big day by the venue’s dedicated events manager. 

What is the capacity for weddings at Mar Lodge Estate?

Mar Lodge is a great choice for large weddings of up to 160 guests. 

Can I have a marquee for a wedding at Mar Lodge Estate?

Yes, there is outdoor space where a marquee can be set up for an extra fee.