When it comes to getting married, small wedding venues in Scotland offer cozy and charming spaces for couples to tie the knot. These intimate places in Scotland's beautiful countryside and historic sites make weddings feel extra special. From old castles with fascinating stories to cute country houses with a rustic feel, each venue adds its unique touch to the celebration of love. In these small wedding venues in Scotland, saying “I do” feels even more magical against the backdrop of Scotland's stunning scenery.
1. Borthwick Castle
The magnificent Borthwick Castle has towered above the surroundings for over six centuries. These days, it offers small weddings in Scotland a mystical backdrop. The location dazzles and provides an enchanted haven for ‘I dos,' from the fairytale façade to the majestic reception rooms and bedrooms. There's even a spiral staircase, which will serve for some fantastic wedding pictures.
In addition, the pair and their wedding party can spend the night in one of the twelve bedrooms, each with its bathroom. Crookston Cottage can accommodate four more loved ones. After the dinner and dancing, the opulent rooms offer a tranquil haven.
Furthermore, the grounds are also magnificent, in case the medieval castle isn't enough. A stunning backdrop for couples celebrating with family and friends is created by towering trees, expansive lawns, and the rolling Scottish landscape in the distance.
2. Arniston House
Arniston House, a magnificent William Adam estate in Midlothian, offers exclusivity, timeless elegance, and ease to soon-to-be-weds, regardless of the size of their wedding (25 or 250 guests). It’s among the small wedding venues in Scotland.
You will adore The Orangery for smaller gatherings. With abundant natural light, this exquisite location is ideal for hosting ceremonies and dinners for up to 50 guests, including the wedding party.
Enjoy a change of pace as the evening wears on, using the nearby marquee for live music, a DJ, and dancing. At this point, we also think it's a great idea to reuse the ceremonial space. Will you turn it into a photo booth space, an additional bar, or a great seating area?
3. Aikwood Tower
Aikwood Tower is the ideal choice for anyone searching for a small, cozy space that retains the allure of a fantastic fairytale. It’s among small wedding venues in Scotland. With accommodations for up to 10 guests each night, this location can host guest lists ranging from two to 60.
In addition to having some fantastic grounds where the ceremony might be held (for those who want an outdoor wedding), the almost 500-year-old location offers a distinctive blend of modern and medieval décor.
Encircled by the magnificent Yarrow Valleys and tucked away in the Scottish Borders, Aikwood Tower is a charming destination full of Scottish character, about an hour's drive from Edinburgh.
4. Riddle's Court
Edinburgh's lively city is home to one of the most distinctive little wedding venues, Riddle's Court, which had a thorough renovation just a short time ago. It can hold wedding parties with anywhere from 12 to 60 guests. There's no denying the venue's uniqueness and charm as you approach the famous Royal Mile.
In addition, each room is roomy and ideal for wedding receptions and dances. Your whole day can be held under one roof because there are balconies for wedding photos. You can also get a license for a civil ceremony. The location can accommodate any wedding theme you've been dreaming. This is because they have a great selection of caterers, florists, and entertainment on their list.
5. The Harbour Chapel
The Harbour Chapel in Edinburgh might be the perfect location if you've always wanted a classic chapel wedding without an extravagant guest list—complete with gorgeous stained-glass windows. It’s among the best small wedding venues in Scotland.
The oldest chapel in the city, it provides a cozy and evocative setting for smaller weddings. It can accommodate banquet tables for up to 70 guests in one chamber. So there's no need to move locations for the dinner ceremony!
This exquisite structure, completely renovated and incredibly attractive, was built in the 1700s. It is the ideal downtown location for a small-scale wedding. The harbor chapel also has a charming balcony, which would make for some amazing wedding photos!
6. Cromlix
Cromlix in Dunblane offers a charming and intimate setting for a micro wedding or elopement, complete with a pretty, private chapel that can accommodate up to 30 people.
However, the space would be memorable for any special occasion thanks to its original wall hangings and exquisite pews! It’s among the small wedding venues in Scotland.
Alternatively, bind the knot in the more casual elegance of the smaller drawing rooms and enjoy a superb wedding breakfast in the recently renovated private dining rooms.
Searching for a little bit different?
The Garden Room, a vibrant, Victorian-style space with varied artwork for groups of up to 24, is a rich and colorful space that seats up to 24 guests. The study, located at the center of the hotel, can accommodate up to 10 guests.
Whether you're planning a more laid-back or formal sit-down dinner, the executive chef will work with you to design a menu that suits your couple's preferences.
7. Dunksey Estate
The Dunskey Estate is a modest wedding venue in Scotland that can accommodate every kind of wedding. This include those held in stunning Edwardian castles, award-winning walled gardens, ancient woodlands, on the shores of lochs, or a boat at dawn. It features a maze, too! This location is among the small wedding venues in Scotland.
Get the estate all to yourself for three days leading up to the wedding and live out your fantasy of being the Lord or Lady of the Manor. The resident chef will create a sensory experience using seasonal and local ingredients. The in-house florist will arrange bouquets from the garden.
Furthermore, the estate's eight cottages can accommodate an additional thirty visitors in addition to the castle, which may accommodate up to fifty. The rooms combine modern conveniences like Tempur-pedic mattresses, old-world elegance, fireplaces, and expansive, scenic windows.
8. Dougarie Boathouse
The remote beach location on the Isle of Arran, Dougarie Boathouse, may have captured your heart with its endearing tale from the Your Scottish Wedding podcast. We wouldn't blame you, particularly if you plan a small-scale, get-away-from-it-all wedding.
This charming, ancient location will make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, although it's only 45 minutes away from Glasgow. It's different, secluded, and romantic. It’s among the small wedding venues in Scotland.
The space is yours to use, including arranging the seating and whether to hire a bar or provide your food. Package options range from venue-only (choose your suppliers) to those that guarantee creativity; nearby vendors are available.
9. Fruin Farm
Getting married at a stunning farmhouse in the middle of the countryside has a deliciously witchy and rustic quality. You've got one incredibly amazing wedding venue when you combine that with the traditional Scottish landscape of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
With its adjacent restaurant, Fruin Farm can prepare a sumptuous wedding feast for up to 60 guests. Because all food items are produced locally, this is one of the most delicious and environmentally friendly ways to tie the knot.
We nearly forgot the greatest part—the llamas and alpacas that call Fruin Farm home are incredibly adorable creatures!
10. McArthur Manor
McArthur Manor is one of Scotland's many spectacular, modest, private wedding venues. Its historical architecture makes it clear that the mansion was built in 1795. You can add it to your list of small wedding venues in Scotland.
The entire space is reserved for the couple's use when they book, allowing the unique couple to have a secret celebration for their loved ones. To further personalize the space, the newlyweds can decorate it however they like.
Furthermore, the mansion offers a range of venues for staging events and lodging for overnight guests. For those who wish, the team's skilled chefs can handle the catering, or guests can self-cater.
There are many options for smaller soirees of only 18, even though larger parties can be held here.
11. Restoration Yard
Restoration Yard is unique, from the grandiose Orangerie to the charming stables built in the Tuscan style to the stunning surrounds of Dalkeith Country Park. Not many places can match its history and uniqueness.
It also provides a tonne of charming nature for more intimate, small-scale events. Here, you may design a unique wedding down to the cuisine, décor, and drinks offered at the reception.
Our favorite locations for small weddings at Restoration Yard include the gorgeous red sandstone bridge. This makes a magnificent backdrop for photos once you say ‘I do’. Also, the historic 19th-century Orangerie, which is ideal for exchanging vows with the smallest of audiences.
12. Roulotte Retreat
The amazing Roulotte Retreat near Eildon Hills is perfect for happy couples who want a bohemian wedding celebration. It’s among the small wedding venues in Scotland.
In addition, you can enjoy champagne and dancing under the starlight on the neighboring meadow. Or have the ceremony in the magnificent studio with its sizeable wood-burning heater. This modest Scottish wedding location, which can accommodate up to 22 people, is perfect for micro weddings.
13. House For an Art Lover
Glasgow's House For An Art Lover is a chic and modern wedding location that has us completely smitten. It's located in Bellahouston Park, one of the most picturesque wedding photo settings.
For a private ceremony in front of your loved ones, we recommend the Music Room, and for your wedding breakfast, we choose The Mackintosh Suite. This charming Scottish wedding location has room for up to 80 guests. If neither of those works for you, there are many other lovely rooms to pick from!
Furthermore, when you reserve a wedding at House For An Art Lover, a committed wedding planner will be assigned to you, ensuring all arrangements and planning go as planned.
You'll also get a fresh flower table, centerpieces, a cake stand and knife, and inside fairy lights. There's also a quiet area for guests wishing to escape the noise.
14. Roseberry Estates
Rosebery Steading has introduced a Wee Wedding Package that will make you fall deeply in love with the allure of a microwedding. The estate is among small wedding venues in Scotland.
Bridal parties who value intimacy oversize can bring a maximum of 12 guests to experience the uniqueness of Rosebery's historical library for their ceremony, in addition to two magnificent self-catering apartments.
Even afternoon tea will be provided for you upon arrival, along with breakfast hampers on the day of departure – how romantic!
Select between accessible on-site catering alternatives or a private chef for your bridal brunch. Also, benefit from your dedicated wedding manager's network of high-end vendors and knowledge base of professional guidance.
15. Marlin's Wynd
The unique Marlin's Wynd is located in the center of the city's historic Old Town and offers a beautiful environment of candlelight and fairy lights to create a magical ambiance.
In addition, this location is ideal for small weddings, and to make the days leading up to your big day even more seamless and stress-free, it even provides an in-house wedding service.
Furthermore, you and your guests can enjoy a delectable feast prepared only for you to round off an incredibly magical day after the main ceremony is over.
16. Alladale Wilderness Reserve
Last on our list of small wedding venues in Scotland is this location. This classic Scottish lodge, within 100 square kilometers of the Scottish Highlands, may serve as your weekend residence and wedding location. Enjoy breathtaking views of Glen Mor, Glen Alladale, and the river, and make the most of your time gazing out the window at the abundant wildlife, including pine martens, golden eagles, stags, and wildcats.
When you head inside, you'll find yourself in the main lodge, accommodating up to 14 people. It has a sauna, a fully functional gym, a professional kitchen with a permanent chef. You’ll also find a dining room, billiards room, drawing room with a baby grand piano, and T.V. room. The staff is highly experienced.
There are two more lodges on the estate: Eagle's Crag, which can accommodate eight people, and Ghillie's Rest, which can accommodate four people. At the Alladale Wilderness Reserve, each property offers luxurious accommodations and unparalleled views of the surrounding scenery.
Furthermore, their Guest Liaison will collaborate with you to design the wedding of your dreams. They’ll guarantee that every detail of your small wedding is just how you see it.
Alladale is the perfect place to escape in a serene and picturesque environment, next to some of the greatest British wildlife. It’s also among the best wedding destinations overseas.
Conclusion
The enchanting allure of small wedding venues in Scotland creates an intimate and unforgettable backdrop for couples exchanging vows. From historic castles to rustic countryside estates, couples can create memorable moments amidst Scotland's scenic beauty. Choosing one of these venues ensures a truly magical wedding experience.
