Are you looking to get married in one of the world’s most romantic countries?
Wedding tourism to Scotland is booming as more and more couples discover the country’s incredible luxury wedding venues. With 20% of all Scottish weddings now being celebrated by couples that don’t live in the country, there’s never been a better time to book your luxury Scottish wedding venue.
…But how do you choose the right one?
There are so many amazing options across Scotland, from castles to country houses, hotels to distilleries.
Luxury wedding venues in Scotland do more than simply host your wedding. They provide a complete luxury experience that will take your day to the next level. In this blog post, we’ll run through everything you need to know about the best Scottish luxury wedding venues.
You’ll discover
- Why Scotland is so popular for luxury weddings
- What to look for in a luxury Scottish wedding venue
- The top categories of luxury venue you need to consider
- Expert tips for choosing the perfect Scottish wedding venue for you
Why Scotland is so popular for luxury weddings
Scotland has cracked the luxury wedding tourism industry.
In the past two decades, over 130,000 couples have come to Scotland from outside the UK to get married. This is a trend that has only increased in recent years, and there’s a good reason why Scotland is such a popular choice for luxury destination weddings.
One of the key benefits of getting married in Scotland is the wedding laws. Scottish law is very flexible, which means you can actually have a legally binding ceremony almost anywhere. Want to get married on top of a mountain? No problem. By a loch? Yes please. In a medieval castle? You’re welcome.
What many couples don’t realize is that the average wedding in Scotland actually costs £19,387, which is significantly less than the £36,778 average London price. What you get for your money is the chance to enjoy world-class luxury venues and Scottish hospitality that the capital can’t match.
Luxury wedding venues in Scotland know that destination weddings are all about the experience. You want to come to Scotland not just to get married but to spend a whole weekend with your loved ones, enjoying luxury accommodation, activities and, of course, a fantastic wedding ceremony and reception. Top Scottish wedding venues have years of experience creating the kind of wedding experience that couples dream of.
What to look for in a Luxury Scottish Wedding Venue
Not all wedding venues are the same.
Premium luxury Scottish wedding venues have a few key things in common that separate them from other locations. A great example of a luxury venue is Branxholm Park. As an exclusive use property in the Scottish Borders with exceptional service and a beautiful location in the Scottish countryside, Branxholm Park represents the very best of luxury Scottish wedding venues.
Luxury venues have some common characteristics including
- Exclusive use access – the whole property is yours for the day
- Onsite accommodation – luxury rooms for your wedding party
- Wedding coordinators – professional event teams with local knowledge
- Award-winning catering – fine dining menus and world-class chefs
- Iconic locations – natural landscapes for spectacular photographs
Luxury wedding venues will also understand the difference between being merely functional and creating a truly magical experience.
Castle Weddings: The Ultimate Scottish Luxury Experience
Castle weddings are one of the fastest growing sectors in luxury weddings, and predicted to account for most weddings by 2025. Scotland is home to some of the most amazing castle venues that you can have completely to yourself for your wedding.
Castles are popular for a number of reasons
- Historic stone buildings can’t be beaten for atmosphere
- The architecture and history makes for the most incredible photo opportunities
- Castles seamlessly incorporate luxury facilities into historic settings
Scottish castle venues like Dundas Castle near Edinburgh can sleep up to 200 guests in luxury bedrooms and have all the old-world charm but with brand-new facilities and impeccable service.
Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands is one of the most popular venues for a reason. Situated where three lochs meet, there are opportunities for dramatic photography that destination wedding couples have sought out.
The best castle venues take all the stress out of planning and provide complete wedding packages that take care of everything. You should expect your package to include the hire of the venue, catering, accommodation and coordination services.
Country Estate Venues: Glamour in the Scottish Countryside
Country estate venues in Scotland provide a different kind of luxury experience.
The elegance of country houses is combined with access to private gardens, woodland, and lochs and rivers.
Country estates offer the kind of privacy that you simply can’t get with hotels or other shared venues. Your guests can wander the grounds and get away from the party, which is one of the reasons Scottish country estates are so popular.
Estate venues often have luxury accommodation in the main house but also in converted stables or guest cottages. This allows your whole wedding party to be together and creates a sense of an extended family celebration over the wedding weekend.
Country estate catering can also feature local Scottish ingredients, with many chefs now using the freshest Highland beef, seafood from Scottish lochs and fish, and produce from the estate’s own gardens.
Historic Hotels: A Taste of Scottish Elegance
Scotland has some of the most incredible historic hotels that offer a more urban but still quintessentially Scottish luxury experience.
Many of these venues have been around for centuries, providing world-class hospitality to royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries.
Luxury historic hotels have several advantages:
- Professional service standards and experience in delivering luxury events
- Multiple venues for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions within one location
- Established relationships with top-tier florists, photographers, and entertainers in Scotland
Historic hotels can often also provide themed wedding packages, with many now offering Outlander-themed weddings or more traditional Scottish ceremonies with bagpipers and kilts.
Historic hotels are another way to get that luxury wedding experience in a truly unique and beautiful setting.
Distillery Venues: Distinctively Scottish
Distillery venues are one of the more unique options, offering a distinctly Scottish experience that combines heritage with modern luxury.
Distillery venues provide that authentic Scottish atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else. They tell the story of Scotland through whisky and provide spaces that are both historic and refined for a truly unique experience.
The ability to have exclusive tastings and tours for your wedding guests at distillery venues is a major draw. Distillery weddings provide an opportunity to share the experience of Scottish whisky with your loved ones.
Distilleries also provide incredible backdrops for photography, from old copper stills to aging barrels to the striking architecture.
How to Choose Your Perfect Luxury Scottish Wedding Venue
Choosing a venue can be daunting, but if you know what to look for, you’ll find the perfect place for your special day.
Ask yourself a few questions first
- How many guests do you want to accommodate, and where will they stay?
- Are you looking for a summer or winter wedding, and what kind of experience do you want for your guests?
- Do you want a ceremony in a specific type of venue, or are you open to suggestions?
- What activities are important to you and your guests for your wedding weekend?
- How much do you want to spend on your wedding package?
Luxury Scottish wedding venues typically start at around £12,000 for premium packages, but packages can vary depending on your guest count and specific needs.
Always start early, as luxury venues get booked up 12-18 months in advance, particularly in peak wedding season. Your chosen venue’s wedding coordinator will have local knowledge and relationships with Scottish suppliers to make your day unforgettable.
Scotland offers some of the most beautiful and unique luxury wedding venues for your wedding. Whether it’s a castle, country estate, historic hotel, or even a whisky distillery, your Scottish wedding venue will be more than just a location for the ceremony and reception, it will be an experience you and your guests will remember forever.
