To the manor born – our pick of stately home wedding venues
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Couples wishing to host a grand affair in a stunning space with a dramatic backdrop, look no further – Scotland boasts an extra special selection of stately homes and manor houses.
Think magnificent period architecture, lush sprawling gardens and interesting antique furniture, combined with all the modern conveniences you need to host a fuss-free wedding day – or weekend.
Oh, and did we mention the fact there’ll be a beautiful ready-made background for those classic, timeless photographs you’ll cherish forever?
Talking of forever, tying the knot in a venue with such a rich history (more often than not these properties are treasured family homes that are centuries old) means your love story will become part of its story…
If your heart is set on al fresco or marquee nuptials and you think manor house surroundings are out of the question, think again!
Let us introduce you to Arniston House where the team has chosen to host a maximum of 10 weddings per year, ensuring the ground is kept in optimum condition for each celebration – and making sure each couple gets the full ‘Arniston Experience’.
PHOTO | Roslyn Gaunt Photography
Steeped in more than four centuries of heritage, Arniston has been home to the Dundas family since 1571 and offers the most picturesque backdrop.
The countryside retreat has a variety of exclusive hire options, from ceremony-only to a full weekend.
Our fave space is the Orangery, a truly idyllic setting that takes up to 160 ceremony guests or 50 for ceremony and reception.
If seeing that a venue has an accolade or ten gives you confidence, you’re going to want to visit Balbirnie House, which has been crowned Scotland’s Wedding Hotel of the Year at the Scottish Hotels of the Year Awards an amazing fifteen times.
And that’s not all – the luxury country house scooped a whole bunch of impressive titles in the 2023 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards too, ranging from Best Wedding Hotel to Best Country Hotel.
We can’t say we’re surprised, though, as this category A listed Georgian 1777 mansion really does have it all.
Set in the heart of the Kingdom of Fife, you’ll find beautiful surroundings, elegant and romantic ceremony spaces, fine Scottish food and 32 bespoke designed bedrooms – wow!
A truly magnificent Victorian manor house and estate in Stirlingshire, Glenbervie House has been sympathetically transformed into a chic and stylish exclusive use venue; simply made for a grand celebration.
You’ll feel like the lord and lady, or lords, or ladies of the manor as you head up the private, sweeping drive (just add a horse and carriage for extra VIP vibes)!
And you’ll be in awe as the handsome building comes into view – Glenbervie House combines the elegance and style of times gone by with the luxury and comfort of a modern venue.
Our fave ceremony spot? The splendid drawing rooms, complete with beautiful countryside views and patio doors that lead to a glorious outdoor terrace – al fresco drinks reception anyone?
Timeless elegance, rich history and luxurious suites that have hosted royalty… We’re talking about Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort, which sits just 10 minutes
from Glasgow Airport (perfect for welcoming international guests, then jetting off on honeymoon) amidst a championship golf course and newly refurbished spa and leisure suite.
This Grade A listed building blends historical charm with modern luxury.
And we’re simply loving the multi-million-pound investment from Mar Hall’s new owners, which has given a new sense of opulence to the resort.
To-be-weds will find three distinct function suites that can accommodate anything from intimate garden ceremonies to grand celebrations for up to 300.
And did we mention the menus which are full of the finest local Scottish produce from chef Tony Tapia? Delicious!
Tucked away in Aberdeenshire (yet within easy reach of the market town of Ellon) Haddo House is the definition of a grand and elegant stately home.
Surrounded by a beautiful terrace garden with colourful and geometric flower beds, to-be-weds will be delighted to hear that Haddo offers lots of flexible spaces for saying their vows.
We especially love the library and the drawing room but it’s worth noting that the magnificent venue boasts its very own private chapel – how special.
After you’ve said ‘I do’, Haddo Hall provides an excellent blank canvas for wedding breakfasts with up to 160 guests.
There’s space for another 90 at night, taking your evening reception capacity to 250 – and giving you the opportunity to really get the party started!
Standing proudly in stunning country grounds and offering sweeping views over the Solway Firth and the mountains of The Lake District, Hetland Hall is timeless, elegant and oh-so-luxurious.
This stately home is located just outside Dumfries – and minutes from Gretna Green – and caters for up to 160 guests in its Galloway Suite.
But getting married in the gardens is an option too, especially if you want to take advantage of those captivating views.
Top tip: Check out the opulent Penthouse Suite where you can kick-start celebrations in the chicest of surroundings the night before (make time for a sesh in the lush whirlpool bath!).
Then soak up all the good vibes on the morning of the big day with your glam squad.
