If there’s one thing Scotland isn’t short of, it's amazing wedding venues! From stunning castles to intimate pubs. From rustic barns to contemporary hotels and refurbished country manors. We’ve got it all. So I certainly don’t envy couples when it comes to making a decision on a wedding venue. There’s a lot of choice out there, how do you know which venue is the perfect place for your wedding?

Worry not, I’m here to help you. I’ve put together some top tips for choosing a wedding venue in Scotland. What are the things you really need to think about? What are the questions you need to ask? Read on and find out!

a bride and groom choosing a wedding venue in scotland they are standing in an arched doorway of an ancient stone castle with turrets and ramparts above — Photo Credit: Harper Scott Photo

Capacity - what does it really mean

So, this is key. When you’re looking for your venue you should have some idea of your guestlist and how many people your venue will need to accommodate. However, when it comes to the stated maximum capacity what will it realistically look and feel like on your wedding day?

For example, if your shortlisted venue can accommodate up to 120 seated for dinner, really get an idea about how that will look and feel within the space. Will it be nice and cosy? Will you (and your guests) be able to move freely within the room when everyone is seated or will it feel a little cramped?

Remember, you need to think about your own decor too. When you’re looking at an empty room it can be so easy to assume there’ll be plenty of space. But add some wedding guests and some beautiful decor things can start to look very different. Understanding a venue’s maximum capacity is one thing, understanding the reality of how that maximum capacity will feel can be very different.

Putting your stamp on the place

And speaking of decor…I’m going to be blunt here. If you hate the inside of your venue then don’t book it. Even if the outside space is everything you ever dreamed of.

A lot of couples will fall in love with a wedding venue because they just adore the outside - the gardens, the views, the surrounding landscape. They’ll naturally imagine an outdoor wedding on a gloriously sunny day. But let’s be realistic here. You might not get that outdoor wedding. The weather might not play ball. And if it doesn’t, then you don’t want to be stuck inside with a venue interior that you hate.

You really do need to love your venue, inside and out. Remember, if the worst does happen and it’s tipping it down on your day then that ‘backup’ indoor space will be in all your photographs.

a bride and groom hold hands while sitting on wicker chairs in front of a neon marry me sign after choosing a wedding venue in scotland — Photo Credit: Burfly

One for the winter weddings

Are you planning a winter wedding? Then this tip is especially for you.

When are the venue putting up their Christmas decorations?

If you’re getting married in late November or December then you might not have even thought about additional Christmas decor in your venue, but by the time your wedding rolls around then your venue might be all decked out. Have a chat with the venue, and see when they normally decorate for Christmas. As well as that, find out where the decorations will be and, most importantly, what their colour scheme is. That could all have an impact on the decorations and details you decide on for your day.

The flow of the day

Weddings can be gloriously diverse and untraditional and lots of couples are opting to do things their own way. You might decide to flip things around, perhaps having a later ceremony or a longer drinks reception with plenty of time for you to be with your guests. Whatever you’re thinking you need to understand how flexible your venue is going to be with that.

How strict are they going to be about what happens and when? Are they specific about how “they” do weddings and that’s just how it always happens or are they all up for changing things up and doing things your way.

I’m all for sharing top tips about getting the most out of your day at a venue and I personally know what will and won’t work. However, couples - you - need to have that conversation with the venue especially if you want to make changes to timings etc. Be sure to have those conversations early on if needed so you can establish how accommodating and flexible your venue can be to your requirements.

Noise - or lack of it!

Or, more specifically, sound limiters!

Sound limiters will influence whether bands will be able to - or choose to - play at the venue. Some bands simply refuse to play somewhere where the sound limiter is too strict.

Noise restrictions can also apply to fireworks too, especially in rural venues that might be surrounded by farmland. It’s best to ask the question early on so you won’t be caught out when you’re well into planning.

a bride and groom hold hands as they walk past the barrowlands ballroom's neon sign after choosing their wedding venue in scotland — Photo Credit: Euan Robertson

Their onsite accommodation

This isn’t applicable to everyone however if you’re hoping you and your guests can stay over, or if you want plenty of space to get ready onsite in the morning, then you’ll need to chat to your venue about what’s included and any additional costs. Some venues will be able to point you in the direction of other local accommodation too.

For your suppliers…

And finally, access times for your suppliers. Of course, you’ll have your venue for your wedding day but you and your suppliers will need access earlier in order to set up. That might even mean accessing the venue the day before.

Not all venues have this option so you’ll need to chat to your shortlisted venues to find out what access, if any, you can have the day before (and after) your wedding.

Remember, on your wedding night you’re going to be on an absolute high and celebrating. You won’t want to be thinking about clearing things up and packing away! So can you and your suppliers have access the next day to collect everything you need to? If so, will there be additional costs?

Phew! So, there you have it. My top tips for choosing a Scottish wedding venue.

Now, this list is by no means exhaustive but hopefully it’s given you some things to think about. As you visit your shortlisted venues other questions might crop up. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question so be sure to ask anything and everything you want to know before you book somewhere. You want to make sure that you’ve found the perfect venue for you and your day.

Need some more advice about choosing a wedding venue in Scotland? Get in touch and I’ll be happy to help!

Top Tips for Choosing a Wedding Venue in Scotland