Best Wedding Venues in Scotland – 2023 update
Wedding venues in Scotland
I am often being asked what are best wedding venues in Central Scotland . It’s a hard question because there are so many places I’ve worked as a wedding photographer and it’s not possible to choose just one. I love unique venues, ones with plenty of natural light and barn style venues with pretty gardens and spacious grounds. I love tipis, yurts and village halls decorated by the couples themselves. Castle weddings and weddings on a canal boat; and libraries of course.
Here are my recommended places to get married in the central belt. They all are worth checking out .
Unusual wedding venues
Secret Herb Garden
Garden centre with lovely cafe and plant nursery at the foot of Pentland Hills. Not a traditional wedding venue; the greenhouse is perfect for smaller and alternative weddings. There is an arch for an outdoor wedding ceremony and small barn for dancing. I really enjoyed photographing Abigail & Ben’s Secret Herb Garden wedding in September.
Colstoun House
Countryside venue in East Lothian. Absolutely perfect wedding venue with a few options for a wedding ceremony including the polytunnel. I’ve done a few weddings at Colstoun and looking forward to photographing more in the future.
Kirknewton Stables
Lovely barn venue in West Lothian. Extensive lawns with walled garden are great for wedding ceremonies, drinks reception and games. The stables are spacious and available for couples to decorate it however they want. There are secluded gardens and woodland walks nearby, perfect for the wedding photos. This venue is wedding photographer’s dream location for work!
https://www.kirknewtonestate.co.uk/
Castle wedding venues
Melville Castle
Mansion & hotel located in Midlothian and surrounded by nature , perfect venue if you want to have a wedding in the Scottish castle. So popular for destination weddings, they have a marquee for wedding receptions and offer exclusive use of the hotel. Check out Molly & Byron’s Melville Castle destination wedding.
Carberry Tower
Mansion house and estate, this luxury hotel in East Lothian has it’s own Chapel for wedding ceremonies. Extensive grounds and woodland make a perfect backdrop for wedding photos. Principal rooms are a perfect option for indoor photos if the weather is bad. Great venue!
http://www.carberrytower.com/
Oxenfoord Castle
Country house in Pathhead, Midlothian. Beautiful grounds and gardens, this castle wedding venue is only half an hour drive from the city. I photographed Sarah & Gordon’s wedding at Oxenfoord and fell in love with this place, there are so many opportunities for great photos.
https://www.oxenfoordcastle.co.uk
Other popular wedding venues in Scotland:
Caledonian Hall – a venue at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh
Mansion House at the Zoo – yes, you can get married at the Edinburgh ZOO 🙂
Ghillie Dhu – Georgian hall with dark quirky interior located on the West End
Carlowrie Castle – castle venue with modern interior and extensive grounds, located close to the airport
Check my wedding venues in Edinburgh too!