13 stunning wedding venues in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire 2024
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Our editor Katie once joked that if she ever gets lost in Aberdeenshire she can navigate her way by wedding venues, (and yes, she was lost at the time!).
And it’s actually true. The county is rich is stunning stately homes, castles, hotels and byres which provide picture-perfect settings for your wedding.
Whether you want to say ‘I do’ in the city itself or take to the surrounding shire for a more rural location, you’ll find the ideal venue for you, whatever style of wedding you’re planning. In fact, you’re so spoilt for choice, the difficulty will come when you have to whittle down the shortlist!
Luckily we’ve rounded up 13 stunning wedding venues in the area to help make your decision that little bit easier.
Read on to find your favourite…
Located near the village of Suchen in rural Aberdeenshire, but within easy distance of the city, the 15th century Cluny Castle is guaranteed to wow your guests from the moment they turn down the elegant tree-lined driveway. Then when the view opens out, they’ll be blown away by the sweeping lawns and impressive towers and turrets. Fairytale castle wedding-loving couples, prepare to fall in love.
The castle boasts its very own chapel, which comes complete with a private courtyard entrance. You’ll love the atmospheric stained glass windows and dark oak pews with room for 100 guests. Then directly below the chapel you’ll find the Tenants’ Hall, a charming space for your wedding reception, while more intimate weddings can be held in the magnificent dining room and drawing room.
Once the party finishes there’s space for 28 guests to stay over. You’ll love the recently refurbished ensuite bedroom – Balbair – which brings the total number of ensuite bedrooms to seven on the second floor.
Website | t. 01330 833 302 | Email | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Located near Turriff in rural Aberdeenshire, Fyvie Castle is an opulent venue designed to entertain and impress – but most importantly, it’s a place to have fun!
The castle can host weddings for up to 110 guests and has self-catering accommodation for 16 guests. Within the grounds, the picturesque lake and colourful walled garden add to the grandeur; all make fantastic locations for photography.
Fyvie Castle 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.
Website | t. 01651 891266 | Facebook| Instagram
Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, near Braemar in Royal Deeside, Mar Lodge is an exclusive-use venue for up to 160 guests, with self-catering accommodation available for up to 45.
This traditional Highland hunting retreat, surrounded by ancient forests and rolling glens, is adorned with rich wood panelling, antiques and lots of stag heads! 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.
Website | t. 01339 741276 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
The Marcliffe Hotel, nestled in the heart of the North East of Scotland, offers a relaxed, elegant and idyllic wedding setting within eight acres of picturesque grounds for wedding couples and their guests to enjoy throughout all seasons of the year. A highly experienced and attentive wedding team works with couples from initial wedding brief, within budget, to the ultimate delivery of the most memorable and magical of days.
Expect first class food at any Marcliffe wedding where local and seasonal produce is transformed into a delicious dining experience.
Guests can then enjoy dancing the night away in the exquisite Grand Ballroom following a special ceremony in the romantic Courtyard Room and Garden setting. Weddings are truly exclusive at The Marcliffe Hotel, with only one wedding at a time, giving plenty of opportunity to capture those cherished photographic moments.
Website | t. 01224 861000 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel in Aberdeen exudes character and charm with roaring log fires, sweeping staircases, magnificent interiors, and breathtaking Scottish scenery.
With 73 bedrooms and suites, and seven acres of enchanting grounds, this truly magnificent Victorian mansion is a spectacular base for your wedding party.
The stunning Pitfodels Suite features fabulous views of the gardens and surrounding Scottish countryside, providing one of the most romantic wedding venues in Aberdeen. Accommodating up to 200 guests for a wedding reception, the Ballroom features floor to ceiling windows, patio doors to the gardens, private reception area and bar with large dance floor.
Norwood Hall Hotel has received numerous awards and accolades, including North Scotland’s Wedding Venue of the Year 2023 which is testament to the highly experienced, dedicated team and the top-quality food and service.
Visit the website now for more information and book your showround.
Website | t. 01224 868951 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Macdonald Pittodrie House, one of the finest 4-star hotels in Inverurie, is set amongst 2,400 acres of private grounds, featuring magnificent views of the surrounding Scottish landscape – a magical setting for your wedding celebrations.
The hotel’s sumptuous accommodation will provide a luxurious base for your wedding party, many with spectacular views over our landscaped gardens.
The function rooms feature stunning views of the beautiful grounds and Bennachie, and can comfortably seat up to 100 guests, with the capability of housing up to 130 people for an evening reception.
Every step of the journey, the dedicated wedding planners will help you with all aspects of wedding planning, including opportunities to book suppliers on your behalf, and the award-winning chefs are on hand to make your wedding truly magical.
Visit the website for more information and book your showround.
Website | t. 01467 622437 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
The impressive Ardoe House Hotel & Spa is set in 30 acres of spectacular grounds and is only a short three miles from Aberdeen City Centre. Our stunning 19th century baronial mansion – originally a family home – was built incorporating many design features inspired by Balmoral Castle, with distinctive pointed turrets.
Inside, we still have original wood carvings, mosaic flooring and stained glass with the Ogston Family Coat of Arms, to remind us of the original occupants. You can expect a warm Scottish welcome with great food and fine wine, which means you and your guests will enjoy the perfect day you dreamed of in an ideal setting.
You’ll find beautiful landscaped grounds for capturing those special moments, event space that is stylish, comfortable and neutral in design, comfortable guest rooms ideal for parties with guests travelling from afar and our leisure club and spa for pampering yourself pre and post-wedding.
Website | t. 01224 867 355 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Ballogie Estate lies on the south side of the River Dee in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire and is a beautifully serene and secluded location, perfect for a rural country house wedding.
Set in the heart of the estate, Ballogie House is an idyllic setting with uninterrupted views across the parkland. The luxurious exclusive use house can accommodate up to 15 guests in seven luxurious en suite bedrooms, including the beautiful honeymoon suite.
The elegant Orangery with its breathtaking views is a gorgeous backdrop for your vows or you could say “I do” on the lawn or in the marquee, while there are endless possibilities for your photos.
Website | t. 013398 86497 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Set in beautiful Royal Deeside, Douneside House sits within the grounds of the MacRobert Estate making it an ideal location for a romantic countryside wedding. Exclusive use packages are available where you and up to 60 guests will have the full run of the house itself, the adjacent apartments and holiday cottages as well as the gardens, health club and tennis court.
The couple themselves will stay in the bridal suite, Lady MacRobert’s room, which boasts spectacular views over the infinity lawn.
Foodie couples will relish every moment of their wedding at Douneside. The award-winning head chef will prepare a true Scottish dining experience for your big day, showcasing seasonal and locally sourced produce, perfectly complemented by an extensive list of wines and whiskies.
Website | t. 013398 81230 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Owned by the Duke of Fife, this glorious baronial manor in the heart of Aberdeenshire has played host to many a celebration over the centuries and has even entertained royalty in the past. It’s fitting then, that in its latest incarnation as a beautiful wedding venue Elsick is home to festivities once more.
You’ll love the manor house itself. With three adjoining public rooms there’s plenty of scope to arrange your wedding ceremony and reception just as you please. But if the rain stays off, we reckon it doesn’t get any more romantic than tying the knot in the beautiful walled gardens. Just picture exchanging vows under the fragrant rose arbour while your loved ones look on. And if the weather threatens to put a dampener on things, Elsick’s marquee stays up along one side of the walled garden from Spring to Autumn.
Garden lighting also adds to the festive atmosphere while the summer house is the perfect location for your al fresco reception drinks bar.
Website | t. 01569 731310 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
If a fairytale wedding is the vibe you’re going for, Fasque Castle is definitely worth considering. Sitting at the gateway to the Highlands, the views are, of course, magnificent, while the castle itself is one of the finest stately homes in the country. And it could be yours exclusively to host your nearest and dearest on your wedding day.
Prime Minister William Gladstone bought the present house in 1829 and the baronial style mansion is as suited to hosting illustrious gatherings now as it was when the former PM was at the helm.
If you choose to hold your ceremony inside the iconic cantilever staircase of the Grand Hall provides a pretty special backdrop, or if the weather plays ball you could say ‘I do’ in the beautiful Sunken Gardens. We’ve got a soft spot for the 19th century St Andrews Chapel which is only a short walk from the house itself.
Then when it’s time for the wedding breakfast entertain your guests in the luxurious Fallow Hall, overlooking the Deer Park. Whether you plan an elopement, intimate micro-wedding or grand affair for up to 120, Fasque Castle is the dream setting for your day.
Website | t. 01561 340 746 | Email |Facebook | Instagram
Glen Tanar Ballroom
The Victorian Ballroom at Glen Tanar Estate near Aboyne in beautiful Royal Deeside was originally the music room of Glen Tanar House and has been hosting celebrations for over a century.
So it’s the perfect spot for your wedding in the heart of picturesque Aberdeenshire. Afterall, these walls have seen a fair few parties since 1869.
Couples with a love of all things historical will fall for the ballroom’s Victorian grandeur, vaulted ceiling which is adorned with over 700 antlers and the original oak floors.
What’s more, there’s space to seat up to 160 guests in the ballroom which is exclusively yours for your wedding.
While you’ll love the open fire and grand piano inside, the lawns are ideal for a summer wedding drinks reception and garden games.
If you want to keep the ballroom purely for your wedding reception you could host an intimate ceremony in the pretty Chapel of St Lesmo, which sits only a short walk from the ballroom. Talk about fairytale venue!
Website | t. 01339 8 86 451 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Set in the heart of the Don Valley, near Inverurie, Manar House is a beautiful Georgian Category B listed home which Christina Horspool and her family have been lovingly restoring since they first took ownership on Valentine’s Day 2020.
Since then they have been bringing the home back to life, room by room, and it is now open to hire for corporate functions, wellbeing and yoga retreats and, of course, weddings!
Nestled in 65 acres of breathtaking grounds, Manar House offers a breathtaking backdrop to your stately wedding. Think manicured lawns, ancient woodlands and glittering chandeliers. There’s even a West Wing which you can hire exclusively, complete with billiard room.
If you’re as captivated by the light and airy spaces and picture-perfect rooms as we are make sure you add it to your dream venues shortlist.
Website | t. 07812386674 | Email | Facebook | Instagram
Have you got your hearts set on a micro-wedding?
Make sure you check out our round-up of some of the most stunning venues from across the country here
