8 of the Best Wedding Venues in the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands are everything you’d come to imagine Scotland would be like and more. Stunning scenery, a beautifully rugged coastline, friendly folk and unbelievably pretty architecture and buildings. Nestled within these, you’ll find wonderfully cosy, warm and vibrantly rich interiors, that form the best backdrop to a wedding. Whilst you’re there, you and your guests can explore the mysterious Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park and the lovely coastline of Caithness - all the lovely things that make up the rich tapestry that is the Highlands.
Below we’ve rounded up 8 of our favourite wedding venues here that really bring the area to life.
1. Fife Arms
A beautiful and playfully decorated hotel, Fife Arms is located in Braemar, a region of Scotland much loved by Queen Victoria who visited the area lots before acquiring Balmoral. Restored and reopened in 2018, Fife Arms is split into seven areas including the Royal Suite, Victoriana Suites and Scottish Culture Rooms, featuring traditional Scottish design with a twist throughout. The hotel has plenty of unique food and drink options from Bertie’s Bar which is home to 365 different whiskies, to Clunie Dining Room which serves up seasonal Scottish produce cooked over a wood fire. The venue is also home to a spa and a golf club just 5 minutes away, the perfect spots for any pre or post wedding activities.
2. Achnagairn Castle
An opulent and luxurious 5 star hotel, Achnagairn Castle has previously been awarded the Highlands ‘Best Wedding Venue’ by the Scottish Wedding Awards, and the Best Wedding Venue in the UK by Harper’s Bazaar, and it’s easy to see why. Filled with beautiful spaces, the venue can host weddings for up to 200 seated guests in their ornate ballroom, and has the option of outdoor ceremonies under their grand stone arch in the grounds. The castle benefits from 24 bedrooms in the main building, along with 40 further bedrooms in their large luxury lodges.
3. Royal Marine Hotel
Voted in 2023 as one of the ‘Best Places to Stay in Britain’ by The Times, the stylishly designed Royal Marine Hotel is located along the North Coast 500 and is set within a quiet and gentle highland village. Beautifully balancing traditional and contemporary Scottish design, the venue can host up to 80 guests in their Sutherland Room, or up to 24 guests in their Garden Room. The venue is also just 5 minutes from the beach, so you can make the most of its proximity on the days around the wedding.
Source: The Times
4. Inverlochy Castle
Located in the foothills of Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle is a grand and romantic 19th century castle that can be exclusively yours for the weekend. The space is great for weddings both large and small, with the option to use their Great Hall for up to 80 guests or Drawing Room for up to 60 guests, in addition to outdoor spaces too. They offer a number of different package options and have a great in-house wedding planning team.
5. Glenmorangie House
Featuring a dazzling technicolour aesthetic that takes inspiration from the flavours in their famous whiskies, Glenmorangie House is a real feast for the eyes and senses. Situated just moments from their distillery, the venue is playfully designed throughout with even the rooms scented with candles inspired by their heritage. Combining luxury accommodation with the warm hospitality of the Highlands, this spot is a great option for more intimate wedding celebrations.
Source: Tatler
6. The Whispering Pine Lodge
A lovely tranquil Highlands retreat set against the backdrop of mountains on the banks of Loch Lochy, The Whispering Pine Lodge is a picture perfect, romantic spot. With it’s own private pebbled beach, enveloped in twinkly lights and roaring fires, it’s a cosy place to host a wedding no matter the season. Within the venue, you’ll find rooms inspired by their surroundings, with accents of tartan, plaid, oak and wall paneling. The Lochside Brasserie is their largest event space and can host up to 80 guests, complete with private deck and panoramic views of the Loch. Ceremonies can also take place right on the loch, for a really special moment. There is also plenty of guest accommodation, with 25 rooms and 8 cosy cabins available.
Source: Black Sheep Hotels
7. Dornoch Station Hotel
A beautifully designed hotel with unique and warm interiors, Dornoch Station Hotel is an ode to the Scottish Highlands, with bespoke design inspired by the area’s myth, magic and rugged beauty. All newly renovated, you can host your wedding within the 1616 Ballroom, which features large striking columns, elegant drapery, statement chandeliers and a bold floral ceiling, and can host up to 200 guests. The venue is also home to 89 bedrooms, its own seasonal and locally inspired restaurant and bar, and is located close to the legendary Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
Source: Visit Scotland
8. Glenapp Castle
Chosen as one of the most romantic hotels in the UK by Harpers Bazaar and described as one of the most spectacular wedding venues across the globe by Tatler, Glanapp Castle is a real delight. Perfect for everything from intimate weddings to large soirees, this 5 star hotel has an abundance of different spaces you can choose from both inside and out. The venue can host up to 70 guests and is available for exclusive hire, and if you fancy getting to grips with the castle from the comfort of your own sofa, you can catch it on BBC iPlayer’s ‘Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby’.
Source: Amazing Space Weddings
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