Nowadays it’s possible to host your wedding pretty much anywhere and when it comes to rural venues in Scotland, there’s certainly plenty of choice. By the sea, in the hills, indoors or out – at these venues all you need is the perfect partner to share it with. Nik Hunter picks four of her favourites.
WEE SWEETHEART WEDDINGS
Romantic and individually themed, the cute accommodation here includes: Sweetheart Cottage, The Wee Bee Hive, The Wee Love Nest, The Wee Bear’s Den, and The Wee Fae Hideaway.
Options for your ceremony location are flexible as not only is Sweet Donside in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, the 300-year-old Poldullie Bridge with the River Don beneath is a popular spot for nuptials as are the woods beside the properties with views over the glens.
Wee Sweetheart offers a chilled wedding experience where the happy couple can celebrate with their nearest and dearest or simply by themselves. Scrumptious afternoon teas are also on offer along with the options of fire pits and wood-fired pizzas to extend the celebrations into the evening.
CREAR WEDDINGS
Crear’s stunning location by Tarbert on the west coast takes in views to the isles of Islay, Jura, Gigha and the coast of Ireland. With absolute privacy and direct access to the beach, it’s a destination second to none.
Combine this with world-class fine dining by Alan Boslem and his talented brigade at Crear Kitchen and it’s also a foodie’s paradise. Alan was previously premier sous chef at Gleneagles and his son, Ross, has recently rejoined Crear having been the last of Andrew Fairlie’s apprentices working at the two-Michelin star restaurant.
With absolute privacy and direct access to the beach, it’s a destination second to none
Gourmet wedding packages for up to 50 guests include a six-course tasting menu paired with organic and biodynamic wines or go bespoke with a package for up to 80 guests.
There’s accommodation on site for up to 20 guests and flowers can be provided by Blooming Wild Crear Flowers with photography by the talented team at Crear Photography. The motto at Crear is as long as it’s legal, you can do anything you want!
DUN ALUINN
Opened in October 2018, Dun Aluinn is a design-led, exclusive-use venue situated on a private estate overlooking the picturesque town of Aberfeldy.
The property sleeps 18 guests in the main house and an additional eight in the lodge (four double bedrooms with en suites). Effortlessly cool and contemporary, the renovation of this Victorian property has ensured that each room is Instagram ready, but this is no exercise in style over substance. From the bedrooms to the reception areas, the attention to detail is exceptional.
Nuptials with up to 26 guests (30 including children) can be held inside or outside on the spacious, elegant terrace. Dinner simply has to be taken at the 5.5-metre bronze and oak dining table – thought to be the longest bronze table in the world and which easily accommodates 20 guests.
And who better to cater for your special day than the acclaimed Ballintaggart Farm. Specialising in locally-sourced seasonal produce and tailored to guests’ requirements, the wedding dinner is a true gourmet experience. Uber cool and stylish, guests will be posting about this wedding for weeks to come.
GLEN DYE
Whatever option you choose, Glen Dye’s speciality is giving you a wedding that epitomises relaxed, simple luxury. The venue can cater for up to 50 and elopements are welcomed! The estate also offers a handful of quirky, individually-styled holiday cottages, many with outdoor wood-fired hot tubs and one with its own private cabin.
From wood-fired pizzas to hogget roasted over open flames, your guests won’t go hungry.
The old estate sawmill has been converted into a private outdoors paradise, where visitors will find a 1955 Airstream with a giant bed, a fully-restored foresters’ kitchen and sitting room, a spectacular outdoor shower, and a wood-fired hot tub.
Each cabin and cottage combines jaw-dropping wild locations with perfect comfort and style. And, with a number of expert contacts and suppliers on hand offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to hogget roasted over open flames, your guests won’t go hungry either.
www.glendyecabinsandcottages.com
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