18 of the Best Unusual Wedding Venues in Scotland
Scotland is a treasure trove of quirky and unique spots to say 'I do' - these are our favourites
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Home to historic cities, stunning beaches, magnificent scenery, delicious food and friendly locals, Scotland is a wonderful location to marry.
If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten path to say ‘I do’, we’ve found the quirkiest and most unusual wedding venues in Scotland.
From a hilltop bothy to an outdoor sculpture park, a zoo to a lochside treehouse, you’ll find the perfect wedding venue here – whether you’re in the Capital or the Highlands.
1. Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo – Edinburgh
If you’re animal lovers, there’s no place better to say ‘I do’ than Edinburgh Zoo. How about visiting their famous giant panda couple Yang Guang and Tian Tian? You could catch a penguin parade or organise an animal encounter for your guests? Mansion House itself is stunning too: have your ceremony in the Wedgwood blue MacMillan Room with views over the Pentland Hills, then move to the oak-panelled Geddes and Gillespie suite for your reception. It’ll be an unforgettable experience.
2. Harvest Moon – East Lothian
Enjoy the spotless sand of the Tyninghame coast beneath your feet as you walk down the aisle at Harvest Moon. You can celebrate your reception in their luxury safari tents on the beach or choose their treehouse with views over Bass Rock. With a honeymoon tent complete with a white four poster bed that looks out to sea, this is a start to married life unlike any other. This beautiful beach will be exclusively yours for the whole weekend.
3. Cherrytrees – Kelso
Located in the beautiful Borders countryside, just a stone’s throw from the English border, Cherrytrees is a lovely Victorian walled garden. It’s bursting with beautiful, seasonal Scottish flowers which can also be cut and weaved into your bouquets and centrepieces. Cherrytrees is small and can only accommodate 50 guests so if you’re looking for a romantic, unusual, intimate wedding venue, this is the one for you.
4. The Lodge on Loch Goil – Argyll
Yes, that is a treehouse on the shores of Loch Goil. It’s licensed for intimate ceremonies or – if you have a large group – you can marry in the neighbouring Lodge and sign your certificate in the treehouse. It’s an enchanting venue with completely privacy that your guests will love spending the day at.
5. The Old Dr Bells Baths – Edinburgh
This former bathhouse has been transformed into a luxury, modern venue that still has all the character of its Victorian heritage. Packed with original features and boasting gorgeous vaulted ceilings and high windows bathing the room in natural light, it’s a completely blank canvas for you to transform. Bet marrying in a bathhouse will be a first for your guests!
6. Jupiter Artland – Edinburgh
Jupiter Artland is a contemporary sculpture garden that’s an unrivalled backdrop to your day. Set across over 100 acres of woodland and meadows, it’s bursting with amazing artworks that you and your guests will love exploring. There’s five indoor event spaces so you’ll have your choice of indoor and outdoor areas.
7. Hilltop Bothy – Perthshire
Considered marrying in a bothy? Usually they’re simple buildings and shelters used by hikers to sleep in, but this Hilltop Bothy is a super luxury version. It features locally crafted interiors, a log burning stove and cosy lighting set at 2,000ft up a mountain. You’ll have the best of Scottish fare prepared by an award-winning chef and be delivered to your location in a 4×4 driven by your own Highland Safari ranger.
8. Roulotte Retreat – Melrose
Feel like you’re in the French countryside in the Scottish borders! Roulotte Retreat has a collection of French handcarved Gypsy caravans set round a small loch, which are uber romantic and eco-friendly. They offer boutique weddings for up to 22 guests and quirky and enchanting caravans for you all to sleep in. With campfires to stargaze by and a studio festooned with fairylights and Moroccan lanterns, it’s a magical and unusual place to marry.
9. Go Ape Aberfoyle – Stirlingshire
It doesn’t come much more unique than saying your vows 22 metres above the ground, with a harness accesoring your wedding day attire. Go Ape in Aberfoyle is home to one of the world’s longest zip wires (it’s longer than four football pitches) so even if you don’t get any wedding day nerves, this’ll get your heart racing. Here you’ll get treated to stunning views of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park too.
10. Dynamic Earth – Edinburgh
Overlooking the extinct volcano, Arthurs Seat, Dynamic Earth is a interactive museum that journeys through the history of our planet. Make your own piece of history here by tying the knot under its impressive canopy roof in the Biosphere or Ozone spaces. It’s a truly unique venue with so much to see and do.
11. The Caves, The Rowantree and Marlin’s Wynd – Edinburgh
Nestled in the depths of the 19th century South Bridge in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town is this collection of three award-winning venues. Previously a tavern that served Scots such as Rabbie Burns and David Hume, the vaults were rediscovered in the 1990s and have been restored into atmospheric spaces full of exposed brickwork, huge arches and spectacular lighting. The Caves, The Rowantree and Marlin’s Wynd hold between 30 and 150 day guests and are a unique backdrop to your day.
12. House For An Art Lover – Glasgow
Set within Bellahouston Park is House For An Art Lover, designed by artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. It was opened in 1996 and now houses art exhibitions as well as weddings. For a stylish and chic day, surround yourself with the beautiful architecture and artwork of the house which is full of nods to the famous artist.
13. Neidpath Castle – Peebles
Castle wedding venues are extremely popular but the history of this one sets it apart. It survived a siege by Oliver Cromwell; played host to Mary Queen of Scots; provided inspiration for authors Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth; and most recently has been a filming location for scenes in The Bruce, Merlin and Joan of Arc. Neidpath Castle isn’t open to the public, but can be hired for private events giving it a feeling of total exclusivity.
14. Royal Botanic Garden – Edinburgh
All within easy reach of Edinburgh’s city centre is this oasis of tranquillity. The Botanic Gardens dates back 350 years with 70 acres of beautiful landscape that looks over the capital’s skyline. From weddings under the shade of the towering redwoods in John Muir Grove or in the Victorian Caledonian Hall, looking out over the rock garden and waterfall, to a big ceilidh in the John Hope Gateway, there’s plenty of spots to host a unique, nature-filled day.
15. Glen Tanar Ballroom – Aboyne
The Victorian Ballroom at Glen Tanar is a sight to be believed! The vaulted ceiling is adorned with 700 antlers; huge chandeliers hang from the roof; giant fireplaces roar in the winter; and outside the windows are gorgeous woods. The oak-floored room is bright, spacious and atmospheric and ideal for a ceilidh. Surrounded by tastefully renovated cottages, there’s plenty of accommodation for guests to roll into too.
16. The Tall Ship at Riverside – Glasgow
The Tall Ship is anchored on the River Clyde, just 15 minutes from Glasgow’s City Centre, and is a completely original place to host your wedding. She was built in 1896 and is now the only Clyde-built sailing ship still afloat in the UK. It’s a truly atmospheric surrounding, mixed with modern facilities, where you can have a riverside ceremony in front of the sunset before going below decks to dine. You’ll all be free to explore the exhibits too!
17. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh – Edinburgh
This awe-inspiring Georgian treasure is pretty gorgeous to look at from the outside, but it’s a whole new world of atmosphere and elegance inside. Antique books line the cases and alcoves in, grand marble fireplaces flank the room, and a balcony winds around the room overlooking the action. The Grand Hall is breathtaking too, with its rich crimson walls, lofty pillars and impressive statues. The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is one for those who love grandeur.
18. The Engine Works – Glasgow
With a history of innovation – a Sir Henry Royce crane stands proud in the main hall of the venue – and an industrial vibe, The Engine Works is a natural choice for creative and artsy couples. Sympathetically restored, the exposed brick building is flooded with light and provides the ideal celebration space, without losing any of its original charm. We’d host our laidback celebrations beneath the canopy of festoon lights here in a heartbeat.
If you want to stay a little longer in Scotland, don’t miss our pick of the best Scottish minimoon destinations!
