by Coleen McKay
Luxury Destination Wedding Planner, and Scotland Wedding Planner.
Scotland is home to many jaw droppingly gorgeous stately homes, castles and manor houses. The possibilities and choices are endless.
As a luxury destination wedding planner I’ve worked in some of the best wedding venues in the world. I would love to tell you a little more about the venues I feel are 10 of the best Scotland has to offer.
CARLOWRIE CASTLE
Minutes from Edinburgh Airport, and 20 minutes from the city of Edinburgh, Carlowrie Castle is centrally located to host your luxury wedding. A stylish and modern historical castle with 9 luxury suites in the main castle, alongside a further 7 in the newly completed stables, the castle is the perfect setting for an intimate or lavish celebration.
Hosting up to 300 in various reception rooms, Carlowrie Castle is perfect for couples with 10 guests or groups of up to 300. Should the Scottish weather permit an outdoor wedding with the backdrop of the castle is simply stunning.
Fly into Edinburgh, and enjoy all that Edinburgh has to offer by spending a day or two in the city before hoping aboard a shuttle to Carlowrie to celebrate your wedding in style.
DUNN ALUINN
Exclusive. Luxury. Secluded. Stylish. A few words to describe the wonder that is Dun Aluinn.
Dun Aluinn is an exclusive use venue situated in Aberfeldy Perthshire, Scotland. The main house at Dun Aluinn sleeps up to 18 guests in 9 sumptuous individually designed bedrooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom, in addition, The Lodge at Dun Aluinn sleeps an additional 8 guests (4 bedrooms, all ensuite).
Situated on an elevated site overlooking the town of Aberfeldy and the sweeping River Tay, Dun Aluinn enjoys 5.5 acres of private grounds with an extensive terrace with stunning views down the Tay Valley to Schiehallion. Enjoy the views down the valley, in the Wood Fired natural cedar Hot Tub, nestled in the woods beside the house, large enough for 10-12 guests. Dun Aluinn is available for hire as an Exclusive Use venue with catering provided by partners Ballintaggart Farm, with full housekeeping, butler and concierge services. Dun Aluinn create totally unforgettable Highland Experiences for guests together with local world-class partners, from whisky tours & tasting to salmon fishing on the River Tay.
DUNDAS CASTLE
Dundas Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historic castles and it is one of the top 5 star exclusive use venues in the UK. Located close to the historic city of Edinburgh, the castle is the perfect location for a variety of events. Design your fairytale wedding for up to 200 guests, enjoy an extended break with family and friends in the castle’s sumptuous reception rooms and bedrooms, sleeping approximately 40.
TRUMP TURNBERRY
Host your wedding day in the most exquisite location where you can celebrate in true luxury. Picture the most beautiful destination with romantic views over slate blue seas and spectacular glimpses of distant mountains. Combine this with an iconic lighthouse and you know that you are at Trump Turnberry. Nestled on Scotland’s southwest coast, this resort has everything a happy couple could wish for as they plan the start of their life together.
With enchanting ocean view rooms and suites, world-class cuisine, a beautiful spa and a wealth of activities for the whole wedding party, including legendary links golf, you will be able to host a luxury wedding like no other at Trump Turnberry.
ROSEBERY HOUSE
Home to Lord Dalmeny, Rosebery House is an exquisite, exclusive use wedding venue nestled in the rural Edinburgh countryside. Approximately 30 minutes drive from Edinburgh city centre, Rosebery is the perfect combination of romance and intimacy.
Host your rehearsal evening in the grounds of the house, sleeping up to 20 whilst celebrating your marriage ceremony in the quaint little chapel located on the estate, a minute’s walk from the main house.
The Orangery can host the wedding breakfast, or if your feeling fancy, why not head back into the chapel for your wedding breakfast and reception.
BARNBOUGLE CASTLE
This 13th century Castle is one of Scotland’s hidden treasures. It commands spectacular views over the Firth of Forth and is surrounded by the secluded, wooded parklands of Dalmeny Estate.
Barnbougle is only minutes from Dalmeny House, the majestic family home of the 7th Earl of Rosebery. It is well located as a venue – secluded, yet close to Edinburgh and easily accessed.
Barnbougle offers the most memorable of event spaces – the very best that Scotland has to offer.
Its rooms are versatile and inspiring, ranging from the stately and magnificent to the intimate and secluded. The sixty foot long Banqueting Hall has a Minstrel’s Gallery and breathtaking views. The grand Scottish Library has thousands of books and open access onto the sea-facing terraces and private beaches.
The Castle caters for up to 140 guests seated or 200 standing and up to 450 in marquees. This makes the venue versatile – whether for large-scale entertaining or more intimate gatherings with family and friends. There is no onsite accommodation at present however there are some wonderful local hotels only a stones throw away.
HOPETOUN HOUSE
Think formal. Bridgerton vibes.
Hopetoun House is available for exclusive use of the entire estate. Main House, Stables and Ballroom. Hosting a lavish, large celebration? This is the venue for you! The Stables can accommodate up to 250 and the ballroom can host 250 seated, 300 standing (for a party).
Hopetoun House has been the ancestral home of the Hope family for over 300 years; the present Earl of Hopetoun lives in the house and The 4th Marquess of Linlithgow (the head of the family and Lord Hopetoun’s father) lives on the Estate. The Hope family has a long and honourable record of service to crown, country, the law and the military.
ACHNAGAIRN ESTATE
Named one of the best wedding venues in the UK by Harper’s Bazaar.
Achnagairn Castle is a five-star exclusive-use venue, set in the beautiful Highlands of Scotland, on a 30-acre estate. It is breathtaking as a wedding venue, particularly thanks to the castle’s crowning glory – a magical, historic, vaulted ballroom.
The ballroom is always the centrepiece of weddings at Achnagairn: the aisle for you to walk down, the setting for the grand wedding breakfast, and the site of the dancing that goes on to the early hours. It truly lends itself perfectly to fairytale weddings, large or small.
DUNGLASS ESTATE
Dunglass Estate is a beautiful, exclusive use venue that’s within easy reach of Edinburgh yet feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Capital.
Whether you’re planning your dream wedding or a landmark celebration, Dunglass is the ideal place to gather together for the ultimate special event. Inspirational. Memorable. Simply Stunning. Dunglass Estate is all this and more.
KINROSS HOUSE
One of the most sought after private retreats in Scotland.
Available on a strictly limited basis for exclusive use, the Kinross House Estate represents the best of Scotland architecturally, historically, culturally and gastronomically.
A secluded estate that is available to hire for exclusive-use holidays, corporate retreats, family get togethers, special occasions and private events.