The Dougarie Boathouse

The Dougarie Boathouse: flexible exclusive-use Arran wedding venue

Nestled in a secluded shoreline setting on the Isle of Arran, The Dougarie Boathouse is a completely private, one-of-a-kind renovated Grade II-listed 19th-century boathouse with wooden beams, stained-glass windows and space for up to 80 guests. It has charm, elegance and spectacular panoramic sea views all year round, often with incredible sunsets thanks to its west-facing location.

The venue puts a focus on flexibility, allowing couples to fully customise and tailor their plans to their preference. It offers a venue-only hire option, alongside complete packages that include food and drink.

Ceremony and reception spaces at The Dougarie Boathouse

This lovingly refurbished Arran landmark can cater for intimate weddings, larger weddings, wedding receptions, civil ceremonies and civil partnerships. 

The Boathouse’s romantic fairy-lit vaulted wooden beams, original stained-glass windows and modern sliding doors allow couples and their guests to take in the beautiful views outside, making it a truly magical spot to exchange vows during a wedding ceremony indoors. 

For wedding dinners and receptions, the Boathouse can accommodate up to 80 guests and is flexible in terms of layout of tables and chairs. It’s also possible to pitch a marquee if you have larger numbers of up to 200.

If a pretty church wedding is what you have been dreaming of, there are many to choose from on the island.

Outdoor wedding ceremonies on Arran

The Dougarie Estate offers a number of spectacular locations for wedding ceremonies outside before continuing celebrations in the Boathouse. 

There’s the venue’s own stone circle overlooking the water and a sandy beach a five-minute stroll away where dolphins have even been spotted swimming past during an outdoor ceremony! There’s also a spectacular lochside ceremony setting a mile away at Loch Iorsa. 

Picturesque wedding photographs on Arran

Various areas across the Dougarie Estate and its surroundings are ideal for capturing the perfect photos, whether it’s around the Boathouse itself, on the lawn, on the stepping stones or in one of the many secluded spots along the shoreline. 

If couples are feeling more adventurous, they can venture up to dramatic Loch Iorsa for an authentic and traditional Scottish landscape as a backdrop. No matter the setting, this venue provides magical locations to freeze your special day in time, creating lasting memories for years to come.

Wedding packages at The Dougarie Boathouse

There are three main packages available:

Venue only

Full and exclusive use of the Dougarie Boathouse. Couple to provide their own suppliers. Prices start at £4,800.

The Dougarie team can recommend fantastic local suppliers – including caterers, florists, musicians and more – to work with if couples select this option, or they are free to source their own (with the exception of the bar, which must be arranged through The Boathouse Bar Company owing to licensing regulations).

The Iorsa package

Full and exclusive use of the Dougarie Boathouse, with a three-course seasonal and locally sourced menu. Prices start at £9,300 for 40 guests.

The Hamilton package

Full and exclusive use of the Dougarie Boathouse, with a three-course seasonal and locally sourced menu. It also includes a celebrant, photographer and piper. Prices start at £14,600 for 40 guests.

Accommodation on Arran

Couples have the option to stay on Dougarie Estate itself, in five separate properties that sleep up to 35 people.

There are also many incredible award-winning hotels nearby on Arran to rejuvenate before and after the big day. (Coach hire can easily be arranged.)

Catering at The Dougarie Boathouse

For all wedding bookings for alcoholic drinks, couples must use The Boathouse Bar Company to provide a pay bar (if they’d like one) and/or for serving their own drinks (corkage payable), for safety and licensing reasons.

If couples have opted for one of the complete packages, the venue can provide a choice of delicious menu options, from canapes and simple sharing boards, to three-course sit-down meals and relaxed outdoor feasts.

The history of Dougarie Estate on Arran

The Estate dates back to 1865 when the 11th Duke of Hamilton and his wife Princess Marie of Baden chose to build their summerhouse on Arran. In 1885, the Boathouse was built out of local red sandstone and used by the Duke and his family for entertaining: launching fishing boats during the day and hosting ceilidhs at night. 

It’s been hosting weddings since its refurbishment in 2021.

FAQs 

Where is The Dougarie Boathouse?

Located on the west side of the beautiful Isle of Arran, The Dougarie Boathouse is under two hours from Glasgow – a 45-minute drive then a short, scenic 50-minute ferry ride from the port of Ardrossan to be exact.

The venue is secluded on a stunning shoreline with the breathtaking vista of the Kilbrannan Sound beyond – perfect for the ultimate unique wedding. 

What is the capacity for weddings?

There is space for up to 80 guests, plus the option of having a marquee for up to 200 of your friends and family if you’re having a bigger celebration.

Is The Dougarie Boathouse exclusive use? 

Yes. As an exclusive-use venue, you have the luxury of complete privacy at Dougarie Boathouse, meaning you and your guests can relax in the knowledge that you are the priority.

Does The Dougarie Boathouse have a wedding coordinator?

Yes. There’s a team that really cares as much about your day as you do and can be as supportive or hands-off as needed. Every aspect of a dream wedding day starts with great ideas, and the team’s motivation is to help you create a magically memorable day that both you and your guests will cherish for a lifetime.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes, the Dougarie Boathouse is fully accessible and there is a disabled toilet. However, as it’s a listed building, the team highly recommend that you see the Boathouse and confirm it is going to work for you or your disabled guests before you book.