Month Two: Finding your dream venue
Before looking at that fairytale castle it is a good idea have an approximate idea of guest numbers and your budget (see Getting Started). Also decide if you require separate locations for the ceremony and reception or whether you looking for a venue that can accommodate both. Remember that in Scotland we are far more flexible about where the ceremony can take place. A religious marriage may take place anywhere as it is the minister, priest or clergyman who is licensed not the venue. Civil marriages may take place at a register office or at an approved place. For a full list of approved premises in Scotland visit the General Register Office for Scotland's website www.gro-scotland.gov.uk.
Confine your search to venues that are within your budget. Whatever yours is, Scotlands got something wonderful to match it. Some famous faces have chosen Scotland for their dream day and you too can marry like a movie star if that's your heart's desire. Madonna chose exclusive Skibo Castle in the Highlands for her wedding day. If a castle celebration is your dream, why not check out the dozens Scotland has to offer. Some are hotels, others are still privately owned homes, such as Glamis Castle in Angus, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Spires, turrets, towers and a magical garden will take your guests breath away. Or how about a Scottish island wedding at Mount Stuart , easily accessible from Glasgow airport and a short boat ride away to Bute. Stella McCartney chose Mount Stuart, complete with accommodation for the bridal party, an indoor swimming pool (the world's first indoor heated one), a magical Gothic chapel and a garden that is one of Europe's finest. On a budget and with fewer guests there are still castles to find; Balgonie Castle in Fife is a mere forty minutes from Edinburgh airport. It offers a quintessentially Scottish wedding in a restored 14th century candlelit chapel. Let the Laird prepare a banquet for you and up to 58 guests in his Medieval Great Hall.
We've truly unique and quirky venues too. In Glasgow the city's most famous architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, designed House for an Art Lover. You and your intended can take over the house for and gardens for a glorious wedding ceremony and reception. Or exchange your vows aboard a Loch Lomond cruise vessel. And in Orkney you can find an Italian chapel on the island of Lamb Holm built by Italian prisoners of war during WW2 - intimate, beautiful and romantic beyond belief. If you a looking for the city experience we have world-class hotels to choose from who can create a magical day in all Scotland's major cities. From the traditional such as The Balmoral in Edinburgh, the boutique like the fashionable One Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow, to the spa at Marcliffe in Aberdeen. We've small country house hotels, romantic hideaways and even youth hostels like the Carbisdale Castle (budget, but quirky!).
Below are tips to help you, and use our venue search that allows you to sort by venue type, region and budget. We've also some more suggestions on unique venues and Historic Scotland can tell you more about the venues they run and that are available for your wedding day.
Soon you'll be ready to fill in the detail of your day and we're here to help. Next time I'll be looking at both bridal wear and outfits for the bride's party, including bridesmaids, mums, pageboys and flower girls. Until then and as always Happy Wedding Planning!
Venue Search Tips
- Do you need to be within easy reach of public transport?
- How many guests will attend?
- If at a separate location, how far is the reception venue from the ceremony and how accessible is it?
- Is there a dedicated events coordinator at the reception venue?
- Do you require a venue with separate areas for the ceremony and the reception?
- Do you require a venue with a separate area for dancing?
- What format would you like the wedding breakfast to take (canapé reception, buffet, sit down meal)?
- Will you invite additional evening guests?
- Will you want to stay at the reception venue on your wedding night?
- Is there guest accommodation at or near the venue?
VisitScotland's Wedding Planner
Wedding Top Tips
Month One: Getting Started
Month Three: Bridal Wear
Month Four: Deciding Groomswear
Month Five: Wedding Day Food
Month Six: Wedding Day Flowers
Month Seven: Photography
Month Eight: Transport
Month Nine: Guests
Month Ten: Hair and Beauty
Month Eleven: The Big Day
Month Twelve: Honeymoon
