Inviting a big crowd to the mother of all parties? You need a ballroom or capacious function area, says Nicole Conner. Here are ten venues with enough space to really let your hair down
1 Achnagairn Castle
Your Bridgerton fantasies can become a reality at this dreamy exclusive-use destination in Inverness. Its fairytale ballroom is a spectacular space, with a vaulted ceiling, jaw-dropping fireplace and gallery. There’s room for 170 for a meal and 200 to dance the night away.
2 Mar Lodge
Nothing is as quintessentially Scottish as a Strip the Willow in a ballroom clad with 2,500 pairs of antlers. If this sets your heart aflutter, the atmospheric Mar Lodge in Braemar is for you. Up to 200 guests can join the party in the ballroom.
3 Boclair House
Looking like the set of an old Hollywood movie, with beautifully detailed interiors and an impressive gothic-style exterior, Boclair House in Bearsden will appeal to those with a penchant for all things Art Deco. Up to 160 can witness your ceremony at the Glasgow venue, with room for 200 for the reception.
4 Oxenfoord Castle
Looking like it has come straight out of the pages of a storybook, the magnificent Oxenfoord Castle is less than 12 miles south-east of Edinburgh. Its brightly coloured drawing room has space for 150 guests and can be used for your ceremony and reception.
5 The Old Course Hotel
If your heart’s set on an opulent, historic venue, consider St Andrews’ Old Course Hotel on the world’s most famous golf course. There is a five-star catering team ready to fuel up to 130 guests before a night of celebrating in the chandelier-lit ballroom.
6 Dumfries House
Once the playground of the Marquesses of Bute, Dumfries House in Cumnock, Ayrshire, is a lavish space to host your big day. If we were marrying here, we’d host our reception in the richly adorned Tapestry Room. The 18th-century mansion is a versatile venue that will wow your guests – up to 110 people during the day, rising to 200 in the evening.
7 Ardoe House Hotel
Boasting one of Aberdeen’s largest dancefloors (and with room to host a whopping 500 evening guests), Ardoe House Hotel is made for celebrations – a wedding party here will be one to remember. It makes a fine first impression too, with some of the exterior design inspired by Balmoral Castle.
8 Ingliston Country Club
Although not strictly speaking a ballroom, the Grand Marquee at Ingliston Country Club has it all: it is nestled in peaceful countryside between Glasgow and Loch Lomond; can host up to 500 guests in the evening; and has recently been renovated with chandeliers, white drapes and mood lighting. What more could you ask for?
9 Redhurst Hotel
This venue on the south side of Glasgow pulls out all the stops so couples can put their own stamp on its impressive Grand Ballroom. A recent refurb has added an ultra-modern ‘living wall’ to the private foyer of the Giffnock venue, where guests can access the 220-capacity room. This means your florist can add your own blooms and colour scheme, helping to make the place your own.
10 Cornhill Castle
Cornhill Castle in Biggar ticks two major boxes: it can accommodate a vast guestlist and it’s a proper fairytale castle. With room for 250 of your loved ones to dance the night away, the Grand Ballroom in the Renaissance-style chateau is a timeless space to start your happily ever after.