10 of the BEST wedding venues in the Scottish Highlands
Daniel Craig loved filming new blockbuster hit No Time To Die in Cairngorms National Park, the international world porridge making championships are held In Carrbridge and half a million acres of the highlands are set to be rewilded as Scotland improves its biodiversity.
There’s always something unique and wonderful happening in the Scottish Highlands. It truly is one of the best places to visit - and even better to elope! We’ve got a list of the best wedding venues in The Scottish Highlands, perfect for your dream wedding.
Inverlochy Castle
If you’re after the utmost luxury then Inverlochy is a perfect place to start. Queen Victoria can vouch for this as well - crowning the location of the highest creed proclaiming she ‘never saw a more romantic spot’. It’s got the royal seal of approval and I’m sure it has most visitors too. Situated in the west highlands this beauty is nestled amongst the mountains, glens and lochs. You’ll not find a more romantic and charming room for the wedding breakfast, it’s truly stunning. Inverlochy offers bespoke packages so you can have your dream day exactly as you want it. Once all is said, done and celebrated you have a whole host of activities to pursue - whitewater rafting at Loch Oich or a simple but beautiful wildlife tour.
Glentruim Estate
Did someone say a top 10 winner of the Scottish wedding awards? In 2019 Glentrium were voted winners amongst the creme de la creme, and it’s no wonder why. The venue, nestled in a beautiful forest, boasts just the right blend of cozy and luxurious and the views of the highlands are breathtaking. It exudes ‘oldy worldy charm’ and is perfect for those looking for a ceremony of up to 80 guests. Glentruim offers elements to make your day extra special from marquees on the lawn in summer or woodland drinks with lanterns for those more festive months.
Achnagairn Castle
Do you dream of renting a castle, just for your wedding?! Imagine thirty acres of land just for you and your guests to have the celebration of a lifetime. It’s been voted as one of the best wedding venues in the UK by Harper's Bazaar Magazine! But what makes it so special? If you’re looking for the perfect place to say “I do” , Achnagairn is famed for its historical vaulted ballroom. Your ceremony, wedding breakfast and dancing til dawn are all done in the ballroom and if you can dare to tear yourself away from the beauty of the ballroom the grounds are also not to be missed.
The Torridon
When you ask someone to describe somewhere idyllic it usually involves beautiful lush greenery, a beautiful body of water and open spaces to roam. The Torridon is exactly that. It should be noted that they cater for more intimate weddings - up to 36 guests at the resort. This is the perfect venue if you’re looking to do activities around your wedding. Amongst your options are mountain biking, kayaking, gorge scrambling and you and your partner could even try the stargazing experience for that extra touch of magic.
Oh and if you and your guests are partial to a tipple, The Torridon has its own bespoke gin and whiskey bar with over 365 whiskies and 120 gins to choose from - including Arcturus, The Torridon’s very own gin.
Ardverikie Estate
Ardverikie Estate is an incredibly long standing venue, traditionally an old Victorian sporting estate but as they enter their new era they are committed and focused to fighting against climate change. The estate building itself comes complete with turrets and stunning views of Loch Laggan making it a beautiful venue for those picture perfect wedding photos. Over 1000 red deer reside at Ardverikie so if you’re lucky you might be able to spot some.
Balfreish Barns
Are you after something quaint and rustic? Balfreish barns is full of charm and the venue pride themselves on acting as ‘your blank canvas’ so you can have your wedding exactly the way you want and let your imagination run free. Fairy lights, flowers or any plants of your choosing. Pick how you want the music, what food you want and you can even run the bar yourselves! As the evening draws in there are fire pits for toasting marshmallows and blankets to snuggle into. The celebrations don’t have to stop at night! You can even extend the party into the next day and have a BBQ or buffet lunch until the evening of the next day!
Kincraig Castle
Not quite the hundred acre wood, but a ten acre wood - Kincraig Castle sits in all it’s might at the top of a hill surrounded by a beautiful woodland. You can even see the Black Isle in the distance. Famed for it’s home-from-home feel and exceptional dining, Kincraig does everything in their power to make sure you have your dream wedding. The best thing? You can hire the wedding exclusively for you and your guests.
Loch Ness Country House Hotel
Loch Ness Country House Hotel and high quality go hand in hand. They’re regular visitors in the Scottish wedding awards, making the final year on year. The venue is beautifully furnished, set in beautiful grounds amongst the highlands and has an extensive malt whiskey selection. What more can you want?
They even offer a wedding show round where you can stay for the night for free, sample their breakfast and see if you can envision yourself tying the knot.
Macdonald Aviemore Resort
Having trouble deciding on who to invite? You don’t need to be at Macdonald Aviemore - if you have 450 friends, you’ll fill the place. Have all your friends, family, nieces, nephews, second cousins and neighbours best friends watch the ceremony overlooking Craigellachie nature reserve or why not go outdoors in the midst of the mountains - maybe in summer… although they have packages for every season. If there's ever a place you’ll get beautiful wedding photography it’s here in the highlands at Aviemore
Newhall Mains
What used to be a working estate is now a beautifully reinvented family property. Newhall mains is now a family run bunch of cottages and guest suites offering some of the finest decorated rooms in the highlands - think heated floors, en suite bathrooms and beautiful fabrics at every turn. It’s a perfect location for a wedding if you’re after a more contemporary modern feel but still holds that integrity of tradition and beauty.
Planning your wedding? Make sure you’re not missing anything by following our wedding planning timeline.
Need a wedding photographer and videographer - perhaps one that can offer both? My name is Aryan and I’m an elopements and wedding photographer and filmmaker based in Scotland - I can turn your once in a lifetime moment in a story to share forever. Weddings are my passion and I love capturing couple’s lifelong stories and memories on their special day and producing something that they’ll remember forever.