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Wildling Weddings was recently tasked with snapping Helena and Jesse’s beautiful Colstoun House wedding, and let us tell you – to say it was magical is an understatement!
But perhaps the most intriguing element of the entire 900-year-old property is the unique sub-venue, The Polytunnel. Let’s find out more.
Where is Colstoun House?
The stunning Colstoun House is near Haddington in East Lothian, Scotland, and is just under a half-hour car journey southeast of the city of Edinburgh.
The property is centred in the middle of 2000 acres of Victorian woodland and farmland, giving guests complete peace and privacy for the ultimate countryside wedding.
Getting to Colstoun House
Colstoun House Address
Colstoun
Near Haddington
East Lothian
Scotland
EH41 4PA
Getting to Colstoun House From Edinburgh
Colstoun House may feel deeply embedded within the Scottish countryside, which it is, but it is also less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, making it super handy for those flying in.
The journey is a 21.8-mile trip west of the city following Old Dalkeith Rd/A7 and A1. Once you hit Haddington, you will need to make a sharp turn south and follow the road heading to Bolton. The venue will be on your right-hand side.
Colstoun House Wedding: Helena & Jesse
Many modern couples are shunning traditional wedding locations, such as churches and registry offices, instead favouring something a little different.
Scotland is an ideal place to get hitched, owing to its relaxed laws on outdoor wedding ceremonies. But that’s not to say a whole host of the indoor venues aren’t super special too – and Colstoun House is a fine example.
When the lovely Helena and Jesse asked me to photograph their wedding, I was giddy with excitement at the endless stunning picture options this historical house would have to offer.
Although the countryside house is regal and elegant, it is ideal for those favouring something a little more rustic and relaxed – think a barbecue buffet, shabby chic decor, and TONNES of fun!
Perhaps the best part is that couples can get married inside or outside, depending on their preference (and the weather!), as there are more than enough unique and unusual spaces to say your vows.
Colstoun Coach House Wedding
One of the scrummiest places to tie the knot on the entire acreage is the beautiful brick Coach House, which makes for the perfect location to dance the night away at your wedding reception.
Considered one of the Colstoun’s ‘wet weather contingencies’, this particular corner of the estate is more than just a plan B.
Boasting dining space for between 20 to 150 guests, the Coach House has a dedicated kitchen and scullery to house your caterers – and enough space to enjoy your first dance as newlyweds.
Colstoun House Polytunnel
We touched upon the infamous Colstoun House Polytunnel earlier, but let’s dig deeper as to why it is such a magical spot for your wedding.
First of all, the Polytunnel is ROOMY! Think of it more like a festival tent or a marquee. There is enough room to place chairs on both the bride’s and groom’s sides, and still have a decent-sized aisle to walk down.
Not only that, but there is plenty of room for decorations, including plants, twinkle lights, bunting, rustic signs, and more. Owing to the nature of the venue, open flames pose a safety threat, so candles would need to be fully contained inside the tunnel.
Surrounding the tunnel is the most gorgeous hand-planted garden with home-grown crops and vegetation, making it ideal for the couple who loves nothing more than being in nature.
Everything You Need to Know About a Colstoun House Wedding
Here are the facts!
Capacity
- 150 guests (Coach House wedding reception)
- 100 guests (Historic drawing room)
- 200 guests (Walled garden ceremony)
Intimate Ceremonies, Micro-Weddings, & Elopements
Don’t be fooled into thinking that because Colstoun House is a big space the venue only caters to larger weddings.
Those looking for something smaller and more intimate can still enjoy a magical Colstoun House wedding, which will cover a guest list of between 4 people and 200.
Hire Ware Services
Those wanting to put on an epic spread can hire local tableware through the venue; items of which include:
- Red wine glasses
- White wine glasses
- High ball glasses
- Low ball glasses
- Side plates
- Dinner plates
- Bowls
- Serving platters
- Salt & pepper shakers
- Water jugs
- Cutlery
- And more.
Colstoun Accommodation
Unfortunately, owing to new Airbnb laws, it is currently not possible to stay over at Colstoun House, so the wedding party and any close guests will need to find nearby accommodation (see below).
Places to Stay Near Colstoun House
There is no shortage of beautiful places to stay within the vicinity of Colstoun House.
Garleton Lodge, Haddington
This upscale Haddington-based bed & breakfast, which is only a 13-minute drive from the wedding venue, features a restaurant and a spa – making it the ideal treat after a long day celebrating! And don’t forget to take in the beautiful views of the nearby mountains!
Popular amenities include:
- Spa
- Restaurant & bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- 24-hour front desk
- Facilities for disabled guests
Birchbank at Chesters Farm, Haddington
Those who prefer a holiday home over a standard hotel or B&B can relax in the plush and spacious Birchbank Cottage, which is approximately a 10 minutes drive from the venue, and features a garden, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views.
Popular amenities include:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Whole house
Orchard House Lodges by Ecohuman, Haddington
Feel at one with nature while recovering from the fun and fizz of the wedding in one of these eco-lodges in Haddington, which are just a 9-minute drive from the venue.
These units feature a seating area, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchenette with various cooking facilities, a fridge, an oven, a microwave, and a stovetop. There is also a garden to enjoy your morning coffee in!
Popular amenities include:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Family rooms
The Golf Tavern, Haddington
Just 8 minutes away from Colstoun House is the snazzy but cosy Golf Tavern, which offers all the old-school comforts of a traditional British inn with the modern luxuries of contemporary life.
Each suite is kitted out with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, a private bathroom, a tea/coffee maker, bed linen, and towels.
Popular amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bar
- Superb breakfast
Number 70, Haddington
Those looking for an entire apartment can relax in this super chic accommodation, which is just 9 minute’s drive from the wedding venue, and features 1 bedroom, a living room (with a TV), a fully-equipped kitchen with a dining area, 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower, a washing machine, and towels and bed linen.
Popular amenities include:
- 377 ft² size space
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- City views
Maitlandfield House Hotel, Haddington
Just a mere 6 minutes away from Colstoun House is the regal and impressive Maitlandfield House Hotel, which is about as picturesque as countryside manors get!
Featuring landscaped gardens, a Brasserie restaurant (which features a pretty epic wine list, just FYI!), and being within walking distance of the beautiful village of Haddington, this accommodation is the ideal peaceful retreat.
Popular amenities include:
- Free parking
- Good breakfast
- Pets allowed
- Free Wi-Fi
- Family rooms
- Room service
- Facilities for disabled guests
The Grieves Cottage, Haddington
Sometimes the best way to enjoy the Scottish countryside is to kick back in a charming, rural brick cottage.
Just 13 minutes away from Colstoun House, this quaint and quirky cottage is so homely, you won’t want to leave! It features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (with a shower), a TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a washing machine, and a fireplace.
Popular amenities include:
- 1130 ft² of space
- Private parking
- Garden
- Free Wi-Fi
- Nearby golf course
8 Barney Mains Cottage, Haddington
Sticking with cottages for a sec, take a trip back in time with this traditional stone-built affair, which features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (with a shower), a TV, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven, a washing machine, and a fireplace.
Popular amenities include:
- 1130 ft² size property
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pets allowed
- View
Carberry Tower Mansion House & Estate, Musselburgh
Just 22 minutes away from Colstoun House is the incredible 15th-century Carberry Tower Mansion just outside of Edinburgh.
Sleep like kings and queens with a suite that includes a four-poster bed, while perusing the many charming old staircases, fireplaces, and stained-glass windows that adorn this magnificent building. In the morning, why not take a stroll amongst the rose garden and lily pond?!
Popular amenities include:
- Restaurant & bar
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Fabulous breakfast
Colstoun House Wedding Photos
Let’s let the pictures do the talking, shall we?!
To book your Wildling Weddings for your wedding, get in touch today.
