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Your Scottish Fairytale

Your Scottish Fairytale


Alison Hargreaves
Alison Hargreaves Updated:
8th of March 2023

Are you dreaming of a fairytale wedding, with sweeping grounds, impressive gardens and a grand venue at the heart of the estate? Instead of fighting brides for the venues in England which meet this criteria, venture to Scotland to widen your choice.  With stunning venues in a flexible location and at an affordable price, Scotland offers brides their picture-perfect big day. Prices are very competitive and more importantly, you will be more likely to secure your desired wedding date. It is also a great chance to encourage guests to stay for one or two nights, extending your wedding celebrations.

cromlix hotel

Another great benefit of getting married in Scotland is that you are not restricted to getting married within a building. For all but Catholic weddings, you can choose where the wedding takes place; beside a lake, on a golf course or surrounded by flowers and trees in the hotel grounds. We visited a number of Scotland's finest hotels, all within approximately an hour of Edinburgh...

The Balmoral Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Edinburgh. A very traditional venue, this hotel can accommodate weddings of all size. The function suites overlook Princes Gardens and Edinburgh Castle so there are some fabulous photo opportunities on your doorstep. If you time it right, there are at least 12 nights of the year when you and your guests will have the perfect view of a magnificent firework display that won’t cost you a penny.

the balmoral hotel

Cromlix Hotel is located near Dunblane and is owned by the tennis superstar Andy Murray. With beautiful countryside surroundings, the family-run Victorian house is set in 34 acres of woodland and gardens and has its own little loch and boat house. Offering its own private chapel alongside an outstanding Chez Roux restaurant, Cromlix makes for the perfect wedding venue.

groundscromlix

cromlix dining
As we were so near Dunblane, we thought we'd visit the famous Dunblane Cathedral where Andy Murray got married only a few weeks ago. His ceremony was followed by a marquee reception on the lawns at Cromlix Hotel.

dunblane cathedral
 

Edinburgh Castle is an unusual venue to get married. Unlike England, where you have to get married in a particular room in a licensed venue, Scotland allows you to exchange your vows anywhere. The Castle provides stunning views over Edinburgh - perfect for a unique ceremony. Once you've decided on your humanist, religious or civil ceremony, you'll just need to find the correct person to conduct the service.

Edinburgh castle

Carberry Tower is situated in a very convenient location, only a few miles from Edinburgh. Set in huge grounds, guests can enjoy the unique rose gardens, fountains and large copper beech tree which covers a third of an acre. The big rambling building is packed with history and charm, offering numerous reception rooms for guests to relax.

carberry
dining and snooker carberry tower

Gleneagles is perfect for couples seeking a full Scottish wedding experience. They provide an in-house wedding co-ordinator who will arrange all the little details, including a grand red or white carpet entrance, a pipe band and fireworks in the evening. If you are having a wedding at Gleneagles, your guests will need to be hotel residents for the night. This is great for couples wanting to prolong their wedding - making a weekend of it! Offering a stunning ballroom with huge chandeliers, ornate mirrors and white pillars - Gleneagles is a glamorous wedding venue. They have an additional venue in their grounds available to hire for 500+ guests.

gleneagles
ballroom gleneagles

Greywalls is a boutique country house hotel overlooking Muirfield Golf Course, with pretty gardens and a strong golfing feel. The drive takes you up to an impressive sweeping facade, behind which, the house retains all the charm and personal touches of a family’s country retreat.

greywalls

Roxburghe is a grand country house within an impressive estate. The hotel is heavily influenced by its owners, the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe – from fine wines, paintings and furnishings, the family have stamped the hotel with their personal touch. The conservatory is a stunning area for an indoor romantic ceremony with panoramic views of the garden.

Roxburghe are hosting a wedding open afternoon on 28th June - a great opportunity to visit the hotel and meet local suppliers.

IMG_4073

roxburghe hotel
 

Mansfield Traquair is Edinburgh's best known wedding venue; a vast church with beautifully restored murals, underfloor heating and new wooden flooring. The impressive Mansfield Traquair was originally built in 1885 as a Catholic Apostolic Church.  Thanks to £5,000,000 of National Heritage funding, they were able to renovate the venue to be the incredible space it is now.

mansfield
mansfield

The Royal College of Surgeons is a popular venue for graduates returning to Edinburgh, particularly people in the medical field. With a high brow feel, pictures of Fellows, Members and Presidents of the College line the walls of the main upstairs room. It is run by the same events management team that run Mansfield Traquaire.

college of surgeons

Want to give your bridal party a taste of Scotland in London? Boisdale Restaurants have established themselves as the unofficial Scottish Embassy in London with fabulous food, wine, whisky and music in their venues in Belgravia, Bishopsgate and Canary Wharf. Perfect for a wedding or for your hen or stag event. Read more about these fantastic venues.

Exter BCW
Looking for your perfect wedding venue?
Alison Hargreaves

About the author


Alison Hargreaves

Alison is a well-known and respected wedding expert with over 25 years experience of the wedding industry. As the founder of Guides for Brides and various other online brands, Alison frequently appears on expert panels, judging panels and podcasts. Known as a trusted voice in the wedding industry, she is here to give you an expert opinion on top London venues.

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