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Very often I am being asked for recommendations of venues and it’s always a tough one as it really depends on what you’re looking for and what your priorities are! One thing is certain, all venues I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years know their stuff and pride themselves on executing weddings very well! They get it that this is going to be one of the most important days of your life, if not the most important day!
Now, instead of asking me for recommendations and as I appreciate many of you will be looking for your dream wedding venues in January and February, I thought to showcase to you the venues my couples most popularly choose for their special day.
Have you got your favourite venue? Tag it in the comments below.
HOPETOUN HOUSE
Hopetoun is a place of outstanding natural beauty, which has Scotland’s finest stately home at its heart. Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun is a welcoming and thriving 6,500-acre community with a great deal to offer all year round.
Hopetoun House was purpose-built in 1699 to bring families and friends together in celebration and has been a family home for over 300 years. The Hope family still live in the house and invite you to enjoy their home for your special day, with the offer of exclusive use of the Stables and Ballroom.
So why not celebrate in one of Scotland’s most iconic ballrooms, adorned with priceless tapestries and magnificent crystal chandeliers.
Ideal wedding venue for beautiful celebration from 80 to 200 guests!
Want to find out more? Follow Hopetoun House today!
https://www.facebook.com/HopetounHouse
https://www.instagram.com/hopetounhouse
weddings@hopetoun.co.uk
DUNDAS CASTLE
Secluded in the peaceful countryside of its own 400-acre estate, yet only 8 miles from Edinburgh, Dundas Castle offers all the comforts and high standards associated with the best of hotels. The difference is – when you choose Dundas for your special event, it belongs solely to you and your guests for the duration of your stay. No other guests, no distractions.
From the medieval to the elegant, the great outdoors to the intimate indoors, there are many locations to choose from for your unique ceremony.
Continue the celebrations with a delicious wedding breakfast followed by dancing the night away. Whether you are looking for an intimate setting or a larger location, there are several options available.
With 17 charming bedrooms within the Castle, they can accommodate up to 37 adult guests and have additional beds for children.
Ideal wedding venue for beautiful celebration up to 200 guests!
Want to find out more? Follow Dundas Castle today!
https://www.facebook.com/DundasCastleScotland
http://instagram.com/dundascastle
weddings@dundascastle.co.uk
RESTORATION YARD
Restoration Yard is a unique wedding venue set at the heart of the stunning Dalkeith Country Park. Set in a wonderfully re-imagined 18th-century stables and courtyard, Restoration Yard is the perfect space to hold your dream wedding.
The venue is located just outside Edinburgh in Midlothian. Their 1,000-acre park spans through both Midlothian and East Lothian, perfectly situated for your guests to travel with plenty of accommodation options around the venue.
Perhaps you’d like an outdoor wedding ceremony in their historic Orangery? Or to dance the night away in their restaurant, The Kitchen? The choice is yours.
Ideal wedding venue for a beautiful celebration for up to 90 guests!
Want to find out more? Follow Restoration Yard today!
https://www.facebook.com/RestorationYard/
https://www.instagram.com/restorationyard
events@restorationyard.com
BROXMOUTH COURTYARD
Once home to the Duke of Roxburgh, Broxmouth has welcomed some very well-known visitors over the years from Queen Victoria and Oliver Cromwell, to more recently Gary Barlow. This rustic, yet luxury Courtyard dating back to 1841 is currently being restored to its former beauty, in order to host some of the most excellent banquets and weddings from 2022.
Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a lavish reception, Broxmouth Courtyard is the perfect venue to make your wedding day truly remarkable. With its magnificent gardens, woodland and lake, Broxmouth Courtyard offers an abundance of choices for your dream outdoor ceremony.
The Broxmouth Menu offers a plethora of luxury cuisines for you to design your own bespoke menu. And the Honeymoon suite for the wedding couple, overlooking the loch, together with a private hot tub is also included so you feel really indulged on the morning of the wedding.
At Broxmouth, the team understands that no two weddings are the same, the venue is unique as it offers you the opportunity to create the wedding of your dreams.
A newly restored beautiful venue for 100 to 200 guests!
Want to find out more? Follow Broxmouth Park today!
https://www.facebook.com/broxmouth/
https://www.instagram.com/broxmouthcourtyard
events@broxmouth.com
THE RHYND
Built well over a century ago, the Rhynd has been owned by the Foster family since the early 1950s, and up until the late 1990s, the space was a working farm. The café used to be a grain store while the event space was a cattle shed.
It is now beautifully restored with limitless potential for each couple to make it truly their own! They have kept as much of it as original as possible, so you don't need to do much if you don't want to!
The venue is super flexible with suppliers and drink/food service, there is nothing they cannot accommodate.
In addition to that, The Rhynd Farmhouse is a beautifully restored house that sleeps nine guests and is located only twenty metres away from the function spaces.
Completely your own wedding venue for up to 140 guests.
Want to find out more? Follow The Rhynd today!
https://www.facebook.com/TheRhynd/
https://www.instagram.com/therhynd/
lisa@craigiefarm.co.uk
KINKELL BYRE
Kinkell Byre, stunningly located on the coast just outside St Andrews, allows you to create your perfect event. The venue offers you exclusive hire of a converted barn, which is full of character and rustic charm. There is plenty of room inside and outside with spectacular sea views.
Kinkell Byre gives you the chance to build your own event with as much freedom as possible. The venue is a blank canvas retaining many original features. Their experienced team will give you as much or as little help and advice as you want. This allows you to really put your personal touch on your truly unique event.
The venue also offers optional hire of tables, chairs, and Chesterfield sofas directly from Kinkell Byre. Or if you love the venue but don’t want the blank canvas option, they can organise a full wedding package on request.
Kinkell Byre is made up of separate areas which allows each part of your day to have its own space, which can all be set up in advance. There is no need for room re-setting, which helps create a relaxed flow to your day.
The average wedding here at Kinkell Byre is between 100-120 people, however, the space is extremely flexible and has hosted weddings from 60 people to 450 people.
Want to find out more? Follow The Kinkell Byre today!
https://www.facebook.com/kinkellbyre/
https://www.instagram.com/kinkell_byre
info@kinkell.com
THE OLD DR BELL’S BATHS
The Old Dr Bell’s Baths offer all-inclusive packages that are equipped and designed to remove all the stress from wedding planning!
The packages include high-quality decoration, flowing fizz and exquisite food provided by their incredible in-house catering team, the most refined touches on your event are taken care of.
The venue has one aim – to provide their couples with a perfect wedding day experience. And they achieve this by relying on their expert team!
A fabulous one-stop shop for up to 100 wedding guests!
Want to find out more? Follow The Old Dr Bell’s Baths today!
https://www.facebook.com/theolddrbellsbaths/
https://www.instagram.com/theolddrbells
events@theolddrbellsbaths.com
THE BONHAM
With beautiful event spaces full of character and luxurious decor, The Bonham is a truly luxurious venue for an unforgettable wedding day.
The team is pleased to be able to host wedding ceremonies and receptions in the Dean Suite. You can also enjoy access to the private Drumsheugh Gardens, which provide the perfect setting for your photographs.
At the Bonham, they know that it’s the little details that make your big day special and your dedicated Wedding Coordinators will be on hand to help and support you during the preparations and on your big day.
Ideal venue for a more intimate wedding hosting up to 40 guests.
Want to find out more? Follow The Bonham today!
https://www.facebook.com/thebonham/
https://www.instagram.com/bonhamhotel/
events@thebonham.com
Intercontinental Edinburgh The George
What’s in your heart for the wedding day of your dreams? A traditional Scottish occasion or maybe something more contemporary? An elaborate and traditional gathering in the majestic King’s Hall or perhaps an elegant, smaller celebration in the Forth View Suite? InterContinental Edinburgh The George can make your dream a reality. With their team of event specialists to help set the scene and plan your big day to perfection, you can be sure of a truly stunning and memorable time for you, your partner and all of your guests.
The Historic King’s Hall lends a classic scene for larger weddings celebrations including the ceremony and evening reception, where 18th-century décor with original features creates a sense of history and drama for everyone.
The Rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and the Firth of Forth is unique and perfect for smaller weddings or bridal prep. Moreover, access to private manicured gardens offer a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photographs and videos.
An historic and grand New Town venue for up to 200 guests!
Want to find out more? Follow Intercontinental Edinburgh The George today!
https://www.facebook.com/IntercontinentalEdinburgh/
https://www.instagram.com/intercontinentaledinburgh
EdinburghTheGeorgeConference@ihg.com
Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh
Set in a stunning city centre location, in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, The Royal College of Physicians on Queen Street is a prestigious place to host your dream wedding and celebrate in style.
With a stunning choice of the New Library, Cullen Suite and the Great Hall, RCPE offers a variety of options for your ceremony and reception. The tradition and atmosphere are felt through Georgian architecture, traditional bookcases and grand pillars.
Providing a panel of well tested and professional suppliers, the Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh team will work closely with your choice of caterers to create a truly magical event.
This truly spectacular venue can hold weddings from 40 to 150.
Want to find out more? Follow Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh today!
https://www.facebook.com/rcpevenue/
https://www.instagram.com/rcpevenue
venue@rcpe.ac.uk
Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre
This historic building is home to a renovated and contemporary wedding venue, including the penthouse with a roof terrace. Venue’s dedicated wedding coordinators will take care of every detail and make sure that you have an easy planning process.
Whether it be a grand-scale celebration or an intimate family wedding, Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre can offer a stunning venue for your special day at the heart of Edinburgh. With a team of experienced and dedicated event planners, their personalised approach will help create the wedding of your dreams.
From a red-carpet arrival to a beautifully decorated wedding breakfast, the team will work closely with you and recommend local suppliers to ensure that every single detail is exactly as you have imagined it. Whether you would like to say “I do” with Edinburgh Castle perfectly framed behind you in the Penthouse or dreaming of a blank canvas ideal to be tailored for your dream day in their Orchardfield Suite, Doubletree by Hilton can cater to all your needs.
For an unforgettable wedding day, you can either book their all-inclusive Wedded Bliss package or their bespoke wedding option which is as unique as you are.
This contemporary venue with Edinburgh Castle views can accommodate up to 130 guests.
Want to find out more? Follow Doubletree By Hilton today!
https://www.facebook.com/SKYbarEdinburgh
https://www.instagram.com/skybar_edinburgh
weddings@doubletreeedinburghcity.co.uk
WEDDERLIE HOUSE
This beautiful, newly renovated venue filled with peacocks and pheasants will charm you upon your first visit! Wedderlie House is an exclusive use venue, accommodating only one wedding or event at a time. This means the whole estate is yours to enjoy.
The 50-acre estate which is set around a central courtyard with atmospheric festoon lighting, the grounds that are laid out to beautiful lawns, a walled rose garden, grassy paddocks and native woodland, provide a wealth of beautiful spots for an outdoor ceremony, ensuring no two weddings will be the same.
Two carefully restored historic barns, with exposed beams and original sandstone walls, provide the perfect blank canvas for an indoor ceremony or a more intimate wedding breakfast.
Their elegant marquee in the garden adjacent to the Stables for your wedding breakfast, with an enclosed garden is also included in your hire.
This magical venue in the Scottish Borders can host venues for up to 140 guests!
Want to find out more? Follow Wedderlie House today!
https://www.facebook.com/wedderliehouse/
https://www.instagram.com/wedderliehouse/
kamile@wedderliehouse.com
HARBOUR CHAPEL
This beautifully restored Historic Wesleyan Chapel is the oldest in Scotland and dates back to 1764. John Wesley preached in the chapel on 21 occasions and in 1770 he wrote:
“In the evening I preached at the new house at Dunbar, the cheerfullest in all the Kingdom”
This spectacular former church and elegant reception bar create an exquisite destination in which to celebrate your love.
Imagine getting married and then celebrating in an atmospheric and historic space lit by magnificent stained-glass windows originating from St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Complimented by oak pulpit and balcony, as well as small outdoor garden and one minute walk to the historic Victoria Harbour with castle remains, an outdoor amphitheatre and stunning panoramic views – you’ve got it all on their door step!
Ideal wedding venue for beautiful celebration from 70 to 120 guests!
Want to find out more? Follow Harbour Chapel today!
https://www.facebook.com/theharbourchapel/
https://www.instagram.com/theharbourchapel/
info@harbourchapel.com
SONAS HOTEL COLLECTION
What can be more romantic than getting married on the Isle of Skye in the Highlands of Scotland?
Sonas Hotel Collection offers a choice of three luxury, yet intimate and boutique wedding venues - Skeabost, Duisdale and Toravaig, each with their own individual personality but all with the same warm island hospitality and a passion for sharing local produce!
Surrounded by private gardens, water and hill views, those full of historic character wedding venues are a natural oasis of peace in which to celebrate your love!
Proudly holders of 2 AA Rosette winning restaurants and Wedding Venue of the Year with Scottish Hotel Awards on many occasions, Sonas Hotel Collection offer a unique opportunity to celebrate your weddings from 20 to 100 guests and you can do so on exclusive use basis!
Would you like to Find your Happy Ever After on the Isle of Skye? Follow Skye Weddings today!
https://www.facebook.com/IsleofSkyeWeddings
https://www.instagram.com/skyewedding/
weddings@sonashotelcollection.com
WHAT’S YOUR CHOICE?
Over the past few weeks, we’ve taken a look at the most popular venues my couple clients choose for their special day, but what are the venues you’re considering?
What’s important to you?
What’ informs your decision and what are your motivations?
Let’s take a minute to share your notes and help other couples make their important decision - share your opinions and tips in the comments below.
*All images used have been credited back to their authors with click-through links.
BOHO-INSPIRED SAME-SEX EDINBURGH ELOPEMENT
You might have already noticed that Gerlof from Geebz Photography and I love to stir some photoshoot excitement every now and then, therefore it is with great pleasure that I would like to present to you the extraordinary work of all those involved while celebrating #pridemonth #loveislove #lgbtq
We all decided that while we’re waiting for the big and exciting changes to happen, we could get creative and that creativity once again lead us to produce something magnificent, but I’ll leave this for you to judge 😊
Another motivation for us was the success of our Autumnal Photoshoot in November 2020 and we simply knew there was so much more we could do, therefore in this blog I will present to you our spin on a spring boho style city elopement in some of the most picturesque locations of our glorious capital city of Edinburgh, so allow me to take you on a journey in the next few paragraphs…
HAIR AND MAKEUP
For hair and makeup, we were inspired by natural makeup and free flowing locks. It was very important for us to ensure that hair and makeup wasn’t too busy, too heavy and too arranged – our aim was to achieve a very natural look for an outdoor wedding. I think that the team behind Bryony Quate Hair and Beauty Couture managed to pull of this inspiration so perfectly, don’t you think?
Bryony jumped on board with us as soon as I said that we were working on a bridal photoshoot and I wouldn’t expect anything less from this top-class team!
What stuns me about working with Bryony and her team is how they manage to create an atmosphere of celebration at the point of morning hair and makeup – Bryony’s team is young, fun and vibrant and immediately uplifts the atmosphere in the room and deflects the nerves among the Bridal Party!
Did you know that Bryony’s team also do beautiful hairpieces for your special day? Give them a follow to find out more!
OUTFITS
Mette from Freja Designer Dressmaking is absolutely outstanding – not only did she supply us with those two beautifully complementing looks, she actually made them from scratch for this photoshoot, now that’s dedication!
Mette – the designer says: “I was delighted to be invited to take part in this photoshoot with this amazing line up of suppliers. I was told it would be a same sex wedding, taking all the good from micro and outdoor weddings and in a beautiful setting. I wanted the brides to wear something which was modern and easy to wear on the hill, but which had some elements of traditional bridal wear and feminine details. The dress was made of beautiful guipure lace, it was soft and contemporary, the skin showing through the lace. I felt the sequins would add a little bit of sparkle in the sun, without looking garish. The trouser suit, had the traditional corset style top and illusion neckline with lace motifs on the skin and drapes on the back, again similar to a veil but in a new and contemporary way. I am so pleased with the photographs and felt it all came together to the same vision"
In the initial conversations with Mette, I only suggested that we wanted two distinct, yet complimenting looks for this same-sex elopement photoshoot. We didn’t want long trains as majority of the photoshoot was planned for the outdoors and I suggested a tea-length dress and a jumpsuit, Mette just jumped at this idea with excitement and run with it. Don’t you think she’s exceeded the brief? Make sure you follow Freja Designer Dressmaking today!
VENUE
The dream was to have the entire photoshoot at the Edinburgh’s iconic Arthur Seat, which we had the pleasure of featuring on the day! Having been in this wonderful and creative industry for many years now, I knew we couldn’t bank on the weather (especially this year!), so I ensured to work with one of my highly recommended wedding venues to have another unique backdrop to our photoshoot!
Therefore, we started our day at the SkyBar of the Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre and featured our ceremony and drinks reception shoot against the absolutely breathtaking and uninterrupted backdrop of the Edinburgh Castle. If you haven’t been to the SkyBar before, you should definitely check it out, they regularly host ticketed and bar events there mid-week to experience this unique location.
We then proceeded to climb Arthur Seat… well… not exactly, we settled on St Margaret’s Loch and the beautiful hill there overseeing the Auld Reekie! This is where the weather cleared, and we got to enjoy true Scottish spring and the iconic city views in the distance. The scene was romantic and simply perfect for a city elopement wedding!
Would you like to find out more about the fabulous team behind this photoshoot? Make sure you follow all suppliers involved today!
STYLING
For this photoshoot we were inspired by moody, yet rich and vibrant colours of our Scottish spring! We focused on two scenes, indoor ceremony and outdoor romantic city view picnic scene.
Lynsay Borthwick Weddings and Events once again exceeded our expectations – we’ve asked Lynsay to create the perfect frame for our ceremony view encompassing the views of the Edinburgh Castle. She produced this trendy ivy and rose drooping copper frame for us along with cylinder vases filled with pillar candles.
On the hill by Arthur Seat, she set the scene perfectly with your dreamy picnic scene complimented by seasonal moss, floral accents, carved out wood trunks and earthy finishing touches.
Massive thanks also go to Dawn Stafford from Your Scottish Wedding who stepped in to help us with the setup on the day of our photoshoot – we couldn’t have done it without you!
Do you think the theme introduced by Lynsay fits with the landscape? Make sure you follow Lynsay on Instagram for many more of these gorgeous treats!
FLORISTRY
Once again, we had the pleasure of working with the best of the best in the wedding industry and Kathrin from White House Flowers hasn’t disappointed! Planning for this photoshoot we wanted something different, rich and lively, yet natural looking for our boho idea.
We’ve asked Kathrin to create two similar, yet slightly varied looks for the bouquets and headpieces, in order to give off a slight bohemian vibe.
Kathrin says: “When Oskar approached me to be involved in a photoshoot that celebrated the love of same sex couples , I jumped at the chance. Creating 2 flowers crowns that were the same - but different, was something I was really interested in doing. Providing complimentary bouquets that were individual but also cohesive, one with pops of spring coral - the other more classic, was also fun. I guess I saw it as a marriage of flowers too. I loved working with this team of professionals again. It makes my job as a wedding florist just brilliant.”
Would you like to be inspired by more stunning floral looks from Kathrin? Make sure you follow her Instagram page today!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Now, let’s focus on the fabulous duo who captured the amazing work of all suppliers involved in this photoshoot!
We had the pleasure not only to be guided by Gerlof from Geebz Photography and Beate from BBPicture Photography on the day, but we’ve also been greatly entertained by them both – you wouldn’t expect anything else though! This is why these two don’t just make your wedding photography a tick box task on your special day – they make it a very special and fun event in itself and create special memories to cherish! All of us involved in this photoshoot can assure you of that!
They also don’t only work magic together, but they create some incredibly inspiring and distinct looks – don’t you think? Now, if you haven’t followed these guys on social media yet, you must do so!
VIDEOGRAPHY
We didn’t only settle on photography – this time we decided to involve a videographer to show behind the scenes footage of this truly beautiful elopement wedding photoshoot in one of the most picturesque locations!
You might not know this, but Daniel from Fern Photography is venturing out with a new string to his bow – videography!
It was amazing getting Daniel involved in our photoshoot and the scenes, views and settings he’s captured for us in his short trailer video showcase the beauty of all of our work! I am excited to learn more about the new videography element from Fern Photography and if you haven’t followed Daniel and Matt on their social media channels yet, you must do so now!
ACCESSORIES
The wonderful team at ScotlandShop came to the rescue when we realised that Spring this year is very much unlike anything we’ve seen in the past few years!
Anna, Susan and Monja couldn’t have been more helpful – when I approached them about getting involved with the photoshoot, they invited me to their shop in Queensferry Street where they presented me with a vast variety of choices to keep our Brides warm on the photoshoot day!
We could choose from wraps, shawls, scarfs and structured jackets and we made sure to feature them all in our photshoot!
If you’re looking for first class wedding accessories, kilts, jackets, handbags, brogues, tartan high heels and much more for your special day – look no further as this shop offers a range of high quality items produced locally in Duns in the Scottish Borders! Are you not following them yet? Here’s their Instagram page for you to check out today!
PLANNING AND HUMANIST CEREMONIES
