Plan the perfect wedding day with these eight wonderful Scottish venues

CROSSBASKET CASTLE

A truly magical experience awaits brides, grooms and guests at a spectacular 17th century venue tucked away in the outskirts of Glasgow in High Blantyre  providing a picture perfect backdrop to capture special memories.

A luxurious affair, Crossbasket Castle is surrounded by spectacular Scottish scenery, the castle overlooks the stunning River Calder transporting you to the tranquillity and beauty of a country estate.

Be it an intimate occasion or the grandest of weddings, Crossbasket Castle and grounds can be available for a smaller event or exclusively yours. This will ensure complete privacy and give you and your guests’ uninterrupted access to the beautiful grounds throughout your stay.

The five-star hotel houses nine beautifully designed bedrooms in the main castle building each named after former owners and includes a four-storey private bridal tower reminiscent of a fairy tale.

A two bedroomed Gate Lodge, located at the entrance of the estate, is perfect for families and friends and features a master bedroom with ensuite, sauna, steam room and terrace with hot tub, second bedroom, family bathroom, living room with dining area and fully functioning kitchen.

Crossbasket’s opulent public rooms will delight your guests, they have been carefully restored to capture the glory of days gone by. The Grand Roosevelt Ballroom boasts space to seat up to 250 guests and overlooks the River Calder, it can provide the perfect start and end to your wedding day as a reception room. 

And for the ceremony, the latest addition to the castle, The James Little Hall, is a specially designed ceremony room, perfectly positioned next to the castle. The beautiful space welcomes up to 250 guests and provides an excellent backdrop for your day. 

Featuring an exquisite fine-dining restaurant from legendary chefs Albert and Michel Roux Jr, the father and son duo behind London’s Le Gavroche, the UK’s first triple Michelin-starred restaurant, the team at Crossbasket Castle work tirelessly to ensure every single detail captures the couple’s vision for their big day.

Crossbasket Castle promises a truly magical experience. See crossbasketcastle.com/weddings

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HOUSE FOR AN ART LOVER

THIS venue offers couples the opportunity to celebrate their special day in a beautiful set of rooms imagined by Charles Rennie Mackintosh himself.

The house was designed by Charles in 1901 as an elegant country retreat, and finally realised when it was built and opened in 1996. The Southside Glasgow location provides a leafy parkland setting, only a short drive from the city centre and with fantastic transport links.

For over 20 years House for an Art Lover has been one of Glasgow foremost venues, providing a backdrop unlike any other for couples celebrating their special day. The venue marries stunning architectural design with beautifully crafted menus and a dedicated team of staff to provide a truly memorable day – as the feedback shows!

"I just wanted to thank you for your patience and attention to detail from start to finish. Everything seemed to go like clockwork and was perfectly executed.  We really enjoyed what was an unforgettable day!"

23.03.18 Elisa Lamb (MOG)

"Massive thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we have theeeee best day! You guys were fantastic, every single one of you bent over backwards to make our day magical!"

24.04.18 Karen McKenzie (Bride)

The venue is in the unique position of having some wonderful dates still for this year and next with the Midweek Package at only £2900. Suitable 40 day guests and 80 evening guests the all in price includes venue hire, drinks package, 3 course menu and evening buffet, as well as table flowers, table stationery, dance floor and your master of ceremonies.

The rooms themselves are so picturesque that any additional decoration can only enhance them, the choice is yours!

Voted one of the 50 best wedding venues in the UK by the Independent newspaper, couples can plan their day with the added advantage of knowing that their dedicated co-ordinator Hannah will be with them every step of the way.

With her expert guidance you will organise your day moving from room to room to maximise on the best features of the suite.

Whether it’s an intimate meal for 2 to a banquet for 120 Hannah will work with each couple, as well as our head chef, so that their wedding is tailored to their every need, with no request too large or small.  

To find out more about weddings at House for an Art Lover contact:

Hannah Cochrane, Wedding Co-ordinator on 0141 353 4773 or email: weddings@houseforanartlover.co.uk 

Website:  www.houseforanartlover.co.uk

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BRANXHOLM PARK

Wedding days are beautiful and memorable occasions, or at least they should be. Unfortunately,  sometimes it just doesn’t quite work out and the day passes in a blur. Months and years of planning over in one single day.

Bring on Branxholm Park in the Scottish Borders. A first for Scotland, offering a 3 day wedding extravaganza, either over a weekend or on the economy mid-week days. Arrive on Friday, early afternoon and relax in the hot tubs, sauna or swim spa whilst your guests arrive and settle in to this wonderful and magical Victorian setting.

Bride and bridesmaids will find ample rooms (8 bedrooms) and facilities to prepare for the ‘big day’ and local hairdressers, beauticians and manicurists can be booked to come to the house – no need to go off to town. Now is the time for the two families to get to know each other in a relaxed and comfortable environment – private and exclusive to your party and only your party.

After an enjoyable evening socialising and preparing, whilst the Branxholm Fairies work their magic creating the perfect wedding setting, off to the luxurious bedrooms for some beauty sleep! Wedding Day comes and whilst your immediate  guests are served brunch, you can relax and prepare while the wedding co-ordinators ensure that everything is just perfect and your other guests are welcomed.

The garden and outdoor rooms are transformed with garlands of lights and flowers to lead you to the wedding pavilion, where the ceremony takes place. Can’t be without your family dog for a moment? No problem – just pop a bow tie on him and along he comes to the ceremony as well!

The wedding meal is served in the Belle Epoche, a Victorian styled glass room, which can seat up to 60 people. Leisurely wedding meals are not normally high on a child’s list of things to do – so how about a supervised, pizza party and film in the cinema room!

After a truly special wedding – party time with dancing and socialising! Now worries about high drinks bills as you buy your own and Branxholm serve with no corkage!

The day after the wedding all your guests who are staying locally can return for a farewell barbecue, leaving you and immediate family and friends to spend the last evening sitting round the fire going over the high points of the last three days – memories made which will last forever.

All this and much more at www.branxholmpark.co.uk

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DUNKELD HOUSE HOTEL

This venue has gone through some exciting developments over the past year. Formerly under the Hilton brand, Dunkeld House Hotel is now independently owned and has recently completed a £3 million refurbishment allowing the hotel to shake off the shackles of chain ownership and shine as a luxury destination in its own right.

The significant investment has seen the tasteful modernisation of the hotel while being mindful of the building’s history and traditional iconic features.

With 280 acres of land, Dunkeld House hotel is set in the heart of Big Tree Country amongst the rugged, yet stunning, Perthshire countryside. Once the holiday playground of the Duke of Atholl, there are a number of historically significant trees around the estate.

The cherry on top is the River Tay which flows within walking distance of the main entrance providing scenic walks through natural woodlands. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wild deer that call the estate home.

Spread throughout the old, new and external buildings are 98 fantastic guest rooms and a number of individually designed ceremony and reception rooms. You can have an intimate ceremony in the nearby Grotto in front of up to 15 guests or on the lawn with an unrivalled view of the river.

If the weather is not the best, you can say ‘I do’ in the Drawing Room, a lovely airy space with views out towards the woodland that can hold up to 65 guests, or the Garden Room, a spacious room on the ground floor with doors that open up to the grounds and patio area which is perfect if you are looking to have a grand gathering.  

Adding to the allure, the hotel is incredibly central being about an hour from two of Scotland’s major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh but still has fantastic access to the great outdoors, perfect for guests coming from both near and far.

Inside this hidden Scottish gem you can find a well-equipped bar where you can hear cocktails being shaken over ice, a generously sized restaurant and orangery with stunning views out towards the River Tay and an abundance of roaring fires in the colder months where sparks fly giving that cosy glow where you can snuggle up and enjoy a good book.

For some pampering before the big day, Dunkeld House Hotel’s spa specialises in the use of products by isga, a Scottish organic seaweed skincare brand that can help rejuvenate your skin and ease tense muscles.

If you are looking for a magical, old-fashioned charm then Dunkeld House Hotel hard to beat. Find out more by calling their dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator on 01350 728338.

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GRETNA GREEN

With over ten ceremony venues to choose from and three individually designed hotels, Gretna Green Since 1754, has something for everyone and our dedicated team of experienced wedding planners are here to help you choose the perfect venue for your special day. 

From large scale weddings to intimate ceremonies just for two, and everything in between, you can be sure the Gretna Green team will look after you and help you bring your dream wedding to life. 

The Famous Blacksmiths Shop, Gretna Greens original marriage venue offers a unique setting with over 260 years of romantic history.  Famous for hosting weddings since 1754, this ancient building stands virtually untouched where couples still marry over the traditional Anvil.

Legend has it that if you touch the famous Gretna Green anvil, it brings you good fortune in affairs of the heart. The Famous Blacksmiths Shop is currently a ceremony only venue, but here at Gretna Green Since 1754 we have three hotels, each with its own identity, to offer you a truly memorable post-ceremony reception.

The newly refurbished Gretna Hall, the original manor house built for Gretna Estate in 1710, sits in 10 acres of beautiful parkland and offers all the character of a substantial historical building, with the comfort you would expect from a contemporary hotel. 

This is an ideal place for a wedding reception or can be your ceremony and reception venue for the entire day. Famous for hosting a series of aristocratic marriages in the 1800s, with converted outbuildings housing three uniquely designed marriage rooms and with the option to host your ceremony outside or in the main house; Gretna Hall is a flexible venue with a dramatic backdrop and exciting history.

Decorated with an elegant colour palette and bespoke finishing this venue boasts a comfortable and luxurious setting.

For a more contemporary feel, Smiths at Gretna Green embraces both tradition and modern day comfort with inspirational design. Situated directly opposite the Famous Blacksmiths Shop, this hotel offers both ceremony and reception venue options.

You can marry in the cool contemporary elegance of the Smiths Marriage Room and experience a wedding venue with a difference. For smaller wedding parties, the Smiths Penthouse Suite which overlooks the Famous Blacksmiths Shop and the rolling landscape of South West Scotland offers a luxurious and intimate setting filled with style and sophistication.

If your dream is to marry in the beautiful outdoors our stunning outdoor wedding venue, the Water Gardens at Greens at Gretna Hotel offers a unique alternative site right in the heart of Gretna. 

Maintained all year round this garden venue is perfect for intimate weddings and can be booked in conjunction with a reception at Greens, Gretna Hall or Smiths.

For more information on all of our venues, contact our wedding team: weddings@gretnagreen.com or visit gretnagreen.com.

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THE WOODSIDE HOTEL

This is a classic Victorian hotel and offers visitors history and modernity; the famous Oscar Paterson stained glass ceiling in our Clipper restaurant, combined with super-fast Wi-Fi in all rooms and areas of the hotel. The hotel has, since November 2017, been owned by John and Lis McTaggart, owners of the award-winning McTaggart's cafe in Aberdour.

They offer guests a relaxing stay in our scenic Fife coastal village, a 2016 Silver Gilt winner in the prestigious "Beautiful Scotland in Bloom" Awards and acknowledged by "The Sunday Times Best Locations List 2018" as the 2nd Best place to live in Scotland. They are situated directly on the Fife Coastal path; ideal for walking, running and cycling. They have several first-class golf courses within a very short distance. Guests can have discounted golf at Aberdour GC and Burntisland GC.

Aberdour is an hour’s drive from Glasgow, 15 miles from Edinburgh International Airport and just 36 miles from St Andrews. The hotel is a five-minute walk from Aberdour train station which has regular half hour journeys to Edinburgh.

The Clipper restaurant features the beautiful stained-glass ceiling designed by Oscar Paterson. The ceiling was a key feature of the first-class restaurant aboard the Clyde built RMS Orontes, which sailed from the UK to Australia between 1902 and 1926. Oscar Paterson was a contemporary of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the influence is clear.  The owners pride themselves on offering a "bespoke" approach to wedding planning. 

The hotel tailors each wedding to your own individual requirements and cater to all your needs for the big day! Whether you want a small intimate wedding or a private dining experience, or a full weekend of celebrations surrounded by family and friends they can cater for all.  Make an appointment with the wedding planning team who will be pleased to discuss all your requirements and answer any questions you have without any obligation.

Call 01383 860328 Email - events@thewoodsidehotel.co.uk www.thewoodsidehotel.co.uk

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SALTCOATS TOWN HALL

From its fabulous west coast location, North Ayrshire is well known for its miles of beautiful coastal scenery, rolling hills and long sandy beaches.  

Just 45 minutes from Glasgow, North Ayrshire encompasses bustling coastal towns from Irvine up to Skelmorlie, the beautiful countryside of the Garnock Valley and the idyllic islands of Arran and Cumbrae.

With so much to see and do, amazing places to eat and stay, and warm, welcoming people, North Ayrshire is the perfect location for your special wedding day.

The stunning Saltcoats Town Hall is one of North Ayrshire Council’s most popular venues. Situated at the heart of the town this exquisite building is a real focal point of Saltcoats.  The award winning Town Hall has truly beautiful function suites which are well-appointed for all wedding requirements. 

The Countess Suite is designed to impeccable standards with floor to ceiling windows and spectacular decorative features to give your wedding celebration a grand, romantic feel.  This room lends itself to larger wedding celebrations and is equipped with multimedia equipment, a fully stocked bar, and stage area. 

The Harbour Suite offers a truly elegant and versatile space. This stunning suite has hand crafted window designs bring a unique and opulent ambience offering an idyllic and inspiring backdrop for any ceremony.  The Town Hall also has the charming Sir John Lavery Suite designed for intimate ceremonies or a pre-ceremony bridal suite.

Whatever type of wedding you have in mind at the Town Hall, we can provide superb in house hospitality, catering and bar services.  We are committed to providing professional high quality food using only the best fresh, and where possible, local ingredients prepared in our dedicated kitchens.  Your wedding is one of the most special and treasured days of your life and our packages can be bespoke to suit your every need.

North Ayrshire Council Community Facilities

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SCORES HOTEL
With panoramic views across West Sands and St Andrews Bay, Best Western Scores Hotel is perfectly placed for your special day.

Your Wedding Day will be one of the biggest days of your life and the team at the Scores Hotel are committed to ensuring that every detail is just right.
Whether it’s an intimate wedding for four or a celebration with 100 guests, we will help you every step of the way to make your day special.
The hotel has a licence for Civil Marriage Ceremonies and we have a number of venue options depending on your numbers.

CARTLAND BRIDGE HOTEL

The Best Western Cartland Bridge Hotel is a truly unique setting for the biggest day of your life. The lovingly cared for Grade 'A' listed building is set in 19 acres of glorious woodland and gardens for you to host your perfect day. 

The hotel also offers the facility to hold your Ceremony within the grounds and your Civil service can also be held within certain licensed areas of the hotel.

From the moment you make your booking you will be looked after by our team of dedicated professionals, ensuring that every individual big day goes perfectly from start to finish, ensuring you have the perfect day with memories to cherish.