YSW on tour | Impressive Macdonald Houstoun House
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Macdonald Houstoun House holds a special place for the YSW team as this was the location for our first ever photoshoot and returning now is a bit of a full circle moment.
This time however, I get to stay over and sample a flavour of what wedding couples can expect.
In fact, I’m staying in room 31, the elegant corner bedroom in the historical main tower building where brides typically spend their wedding morning.
And it’s easy to see why.
Walking into the spacious double-aspect room I can imagine the happy buzz with a busy glam squad and all the bridesmaids.
The history graduate in me can’t help but fall for the romance of Houstoun House, which dates back to 1551.
Built for John Shairp, advocate to Mary Queen of Scots, the baronial mansion house played host to the ill-fated queen.
Now a 73-bedroom hotel, it’s no wonder so many couples choose to say ‘I do’ here.
If you’re looking for a traditional Scottish vibe with all modern comforts this is the place for you.
Dinner is served in the intimate wood-panelled Tower Restaurant where there’s a heavy emphasis on locally sourced produce.
I opt for delicious slow cooked lamb shoulder with ‘French style’ peas followed by a wickedly rich dark chocolate tart before we head downstairs to the Vaulted Bar for a fireside gin – just the tonic on a cold March evening.
Next morning we’re up early for a steam and swim in the light-filled on-site spa before breakfast.
Incidentally, couples who marry at Houstoun House receive a three-month leisure membership to take whenever they choose.
Talk about an added bonus.
Your wedding, your way
Speaking of bonuses, all wedding packages at Houstoun include room hire so there are no hidden fees.
And then there’s Charlotte Lambie, the weddings and events manager who will be by your side from your first enquiry until after your first dance.
When we meet for a show-round, Charlotte’s passion for her job is evident.
“Flexibility is key” she assures me as she outlines just some of the wedding set-ups they’ve had, from llamas and bouncy castles to fireworks displays – impeccably timed to fit around the nearby airport’s flight paths.
The perfect package
At Houstoun House it’s very much “Your day, your way” with couples free to include everything they wish for a uniquely personal celebration.
However, the hotel has a range of wedding packages to make life easier, the most popular being the Houstoun package.
It includes table linen, candelabras and uplighters, the honeymoon suite for the couple on the night, arrival red carpet, as well as optional on-the-day stationery.
And Charlotte says you can add extras like a piper, the in-house DJ, and chair covers.
For those wanting to leave all planning elements to the experts, there’s the Deluxe package, while the Whirlwind package is ideal for couples who can’t wait to say ‘I do’, and I love the details of the Just the Two of Us package, which includes spa treatments and Champagne on arrival for elopements.
At Houstoun House there’s a one wedding per day policy and you’ll have all the privacy you could wish for.
Marrying in the tastefully decorated Houstoun Suite you can exit through a confetti throw into the courtyard which has the feeling of your own wee village.
Just picture your drinks reception here on a sunny day or in the adjacent Strathbrock Suite, (where smaller ceremonies are held), before dinner back in the Houstoun Suite, which can comfortably accommodate up to 150 day guests and 170 in the evening.
For those who wish to take full advantage of the backdrop of that magnificent white-washed tower building you can marry outdoors in the beautiful secluded gardens.
And with Scottish weather being what it is, you can make the call on whether to exchange vows inside or out up to an hour and a half before.
Remember I said flexibility is key!
Fancy saying ‘I do’ here in 2024? There is still some availability for mid-week and Sunday weddings.
Find out more about marrying at Houstoun House – Website | t. 0344 879 9243 | Email
