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15 Nov 2018

Love at first sight – perfect wedding venues in north-east Scotland

Wedding cake and dining room at Haddo House
North-east Scotland is one of the most sought-after destinations for luxury weddings, and lucky couples can tie the knot at any of these spectacular places, all cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.

Fyvie Castle

Wedding couple in front of Fyvie Castle
Photographer: Nicholas Frost

If you’re going for grandeur and style, look no further than Fyvie Castle. This is a lavish, luxurious place with an incredible history that will stay with you forever.

Built in the 13th century, it has the largest indoor capacity of any Trust venue in Aberdeenshire, seating up to 120 guests for a wedding breakfast. The wow factor comes from a sweeping stone wheel staircase and world-famous art collection, and the icing on the cake is the castle’s glass-roofed racquets court and sprung dance floor – a must-have for anyone looking to ceilidh the night away.

Castle Fraser

Castle Fraser
Photographer: Neal Murray

Tranquil and full of treasure, Castle Fraser has a history stretching back as far as the 15th century. Inside, you and up to 70 guests can soak up the atmosphere of old Scotland, surrounded by family portraits and historic artefacts.

Or, for a somewhat different wedding experience, you can venture to the top of the castle’s Round Tower and exchange your vows overlooking the courtyard and gardens. There’s room on the turret for just 10 people, and the views of the surrounding Aberdeenshire countryside will leave you breathless.

Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle lit up at night
Photographer: Jonathan Addie

Nestled in the heart of Royal Deeside, Crathes Castle is a 16th-century, turreted tower house that stands resplendent in the midst of manicured gardens. The wider estate is a haven for roe deer and red squirrels abound.

Why not make your vows in the Great Hall, then enjoy summer drinks in the walled garden or beside the croquet lawn?

The castle even has its own dedicated space, The Horsemill, ideal for weddings. With room for up to 80 guests for dinner or 140 for a reception, it’s the perfect place for anyone who wants plenty of rustic style with all the ease of a contemporary venue.

Drum Castle

Wedding couple walking across a lawn in front of Drum Castle
Photographer: Rubislaw Studio

Drum Castle, 8 miles west of Aberdeen, was home to the Irvine family for almost seven centuries. As soon as you see this magnificent place, which can host up to 50 people for your wedding dinner, you’ll surely want to stay here for a few years too.

Drum is a haven for history lovers – it was given to the Irvines by Robert the Bruce, and who wouldn’t want to get married in a place befitting royalty? The Library is home to more than 4,000 ancient books, and the world-famous Garden of Historic Roses is perfect for alfresco fizz. You can even tie the knot in a cosy 16th-century chapel if you’re planning a religious ceremony. We’re seeing kilts, we’re seeing candles …

Haddo House

Bride facing the garden at Haddo House
Photographer: Nicholas Frost

Designed in 1732 by one of Scotland’s greatest architects, Haddo House has all the elegance of a classic Georgian stately home, with luxurious Victorian interiors.

In the grounds around the house you can turn the magnificent avenue of lime trees into your very own natural aisle. Haddo also has its own chapel, which dates back to 1881 and is reserved for religious ceremonies. In the main house, there’s room for up to 80 dinner guests, but the Canadian Hall is big enough for double that – it also has a sprung dance floor, for all your foot-stomping needs.

There are incredible places of all shapes and sizes in the Trust’s care, and everything we do is for the love of Scotland. By choosing a Trust property for your wedding you can support our vital conservation work.

For more inspiration and info

Visit our weddings page

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