10 of the Most Romantic Fairytale Wedding Venues in Scotland
There are a number of factors that blend to create the perfect wedding; the guests attending, the music, the food and drink and making sure you have a wedding photographer and videographer to capture the perfect moment. However, the location is one of the most important, as it sets the scene for the entire celebration. Officially voted as one of the most beautiful countries in the world Scotland is home to whimsical woodlands, towering mountains, windswept moors, deep lochs and incredible castles. Scotland is the perfect backdrop for anyone looking to have a fairytale-esque wedding. Here are 10 of the most romantic fairytale weddings to help you plan your perfect day.
Set on a picturesque highland estate comprising thirty acres, Achnagairn Castle was crowned one of the best wedding venues in the UK by Harper's Bazaar Magazine. This five star venue's crown jewel is it’s magical, historic vaulted ballroom which was built in 1912 for the daughter of Archnagairns previous owner for her 21st birthday... a location truly made for celebration! Achnagairn Castle is perfect for anyone who dreams of the grande ballroom scenes of bridgerton or the classic beauty and the beast. It’s the perfect place for your wedding photographer to capture those beautiful first dance moments.
Nestled amongst the beautiful Scottish Countryside in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, Mar Lodge makes up more than 29,000 hectares of beautiful Scottish landscape. Surrounded by leafy forests, rolling glens, lush rivers and rocky peaks this lodge is ideal for a highland wedding, so make sure your wedding photographer is on hand to capture the spirit of outdoor adventure and beauty. Offering a range of wild activities, Mar Lodge Estate offer ranger walks, clay pigeon shooting and archery and ski centres, Glenshee and Lecht are a short drive away, for those seeking adventure.
Dating all the way back to the 14th century, Cluny Castle is deeply hidden in over two hundred acres of land. This majestic mansion has a rich heritage, striking architecture and it’s secluded position makes it incredibly enchanting. No wonder Cluny Castle has been a firm favourite for feature films, boasting accolades such as ‘The Queen” starring Helen Mirren. It is the ultimate setting for a fairytale wedding.
Attached to the castle, Cluny has it’s very own unique Chapel with stunning stained glass windows complete with a private courtyard entrance, adding to the romantic atmosphere. When the light is captured in the right way, it’s the perfect opportunity for your wedding photographer to capture some beautiful moments by the stained glass windows.
Legend has it Dalhousie Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles. Complete with towers, turrets and a moat it’s the textbook definition of a fairytale castle. What’s a fairytale wedding without a bountiful banquet? Dalhousie offers award-winning dining and the beautiful scenery is second to none. It’s a wonderful place to create everlasting memories and truly embody feeling like a prince and princess.
Pro Tip: Provide your wedding photographer and videographer with an order of service, with them knowing the structure of the day, they’re aware of all the magical moments they need to be on hand to capture.
Are flowers your forte? Then Brodie Castle is the location for you. In spring the grounds are overtaken by over 100 varieties of daffodil and you can choose to exchange your vows overlooking the grounds in the bright and spacious drawing-room. However, you might have a hard time choosing where the ceremony is held and where to get your wedding photographer to take the perfect shots, in addition to flowers, every fairytale lover loves books and Brodie Castle is home to a large library steeped in history with over 6,000 volumes as well as world-famous art collection, and there’s also the stables if you’re after something more rustic and cosy...
True Splendour in the grass, Dunskey Estate is home to an Edwardian Castle with beautiful panoramic views of the land and sea. You’re spoilt for choice on where to hold your ceremony at Dunskey... Be it the walled garden, the ancient woodlands, by the banks of the loch or even on a boat at dawn, each location is as magical as the last and will make for a beautifully memorable day.
Your wedding photographer will be in the know regarding locations in and around the area and will have experience shooting at different times of the day, so will know the best location at each time of day to capture those everlasting moments.
Voted one of the top three venues in Europe at the International Hotel Awards, Carlowrie Castle has been granted the title of one of Scotland's finest venues. This Victorian Baronial castle is traditionally picturesque on the outside but bold and contemporary within. The Devil is in the detail and Carlowrie Castle boasts an incredible dining portfolio with a menu made up of only the finest ingredients and drinks curated by only the best mixologists.
With a venue like this, your wedding photographer will be in their element, bringing all the features of Carlowrie and intimate moments of the day to life, to document your special day.
If you’re after something more pared back and rustic then The Cow Shed Crail is perfect for you. Located on the outskirts of the East Neuk of Fife, surrounded by stunning beaches, traditional fishing villages and harbours The Cow Shed Crail is full of quaint character that your wedding photographer won’t want to miss out on capturing. With various locations for the ceremony, from the beautifully canopied marquee to the barn shrouded in fairy lights to the rustic workshop and the courtyard, the Cow Shed Crail is the perfect initial blank canvas for you to create your dream fairytale wedding.
One of Scotland's most historic and authentic castles, Dundas is an officially recognised 5* exclusive use venue and is the stately home of Jack Stewart Clake and his wife Lady Lydia, whose talents in interior design are second to none and who helped renovate and restore every inch of the castle. When booking Dundas Castle, this event is reserved solely for you and your guests only, so your wedding photographer will be able to get some incredible images of you, all your family and all your friends over the course of the celebration.
10. Hopetoun House
Situated on 6,500 acres of Scottish landscape on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun House is a splendid examples of the famous architects Sir William Bruce and William Adam. Hopetoun House is a place of natural beauty and offers a great deal of character and authenticity. Hopetoun House has been granted the title of one of Scotland's finest wedding venues and is certainly a magical fairytale destination weddings and outdoors activities.