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Scotland boasts many incredible places that can make for the most romantic wedding settings, and the Scottish Borders, in particular, is bubbling with beauty.
Whether you’re seeking out castle wedding venues, moody hillside farmhouses, or lavish hotels, we look at the 8 most awe-inspiring Scottish Borders wedding venues you can book for your big day.
Read More: Northumberland Wedding Venues – Our Top Picks for 2024
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Where are the Scottish Borders?
The Scottish Borders are a collection of counties (32, to be precise) that make up the straddling line between England and Scotland.
Some of the most well-known and well-loved Scottish Borders areas include:
● West Lothian
● Edinburgh
● Midlothian
● East Lothian
● The North Sea
● Dumfries & Galloway
● South Lanarkshire
Read More: Colstoun House Wedding: Helena & Jesse
Why Marry in the Scottish Borders?
So, if you’re wondering, ‘what’s so special about the Scottish Borders when there are so many other gorgeous Scottish locations to tie the knot in, huh?’.
Well, aside from the abundance of charming and seriously romantic wedding venues, which we’ll get into shortly, the Scottish Borders scenery is something else. For those dreaming of a countryside wedding with rural views as far as the eye can see, this area does not disappoint.
But the countryside isn’t the only fabulous offering here. Oh no. The Scottish Borders are known for their incredible mountains, lochs, and, of course, the chiselled north and west coastlines.
Finally, there are over 1,500 miles of dedicated hiking routes, making it one of Britain’s go-to areas for those planning a hiking wedding.
Wedding Venues Scottish Borders: Our Top 8
Thirlestane Castle, Lauder
Okay, so there are castles and there are castles and then there is Thirlestane Castle. To say this venue is epic and sizeable would be a mild understatement.
Located a mere 40 minutes away from the city of Edinburgh, Thirlestane Castle is the very embodiment of royal grandiose, and, owing to its location, is super convenient for those flying into Edinburgh to attend the wedding.
But trust us: its handy location is the least of its charms. Many happy couples trek to this gorgeous neck of the woods because of its many castle wedding venues, and this particular venue may well be the most prestigious (and oldest) of all.
Although Thirlestane Castle is a wedding venue, only a select amount of happy couples have the pleasure of calling it theirs for the day. This is because the dedicated, hands-on wedding team extends and devotes their time and attention to each couple to make sure all their nuptial dreams come true.
As for the venue itself, couples and their guests can take advantage of the 5-star accommodation (catered or self-catered, depending on your preference), the surrounding Lauderdale Estate, 16th-century state rooms, vaulted cellar, the rose garden, and the Victorian kitchen for a truly fairytale wedding day.
This venue also offers a range of wedding packages to help you orchestrate your magical day.
Read more: Edinburgh Castle Wedding: Tying the Knot in Scotland’s Most Famous Villa!
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Duns Castle, Berwickshire
Nothing screams ‘Scottish charm’ like a Medieval castle wedding. Dating all the way back to the 14th century, the delectable Duns Castle is about as enchanting as it gets and gives seriously gothic vibes!
Spread across a lofty 1700 acres of its own private nature reserve (which includes woodland trails, a loch, and bespoke outdoor activities for all guests), this venue is an all-faith, licensed (both civil and religious) wedding spot, which enables couples to choose between the castle itself or the beautiful surrounding acreage to tie the knot in.
When it comes to celebrating your special day over a delicious feast, you can take advantage of the castle’s 14th-century dining hall (which seats up to 60 for dinner, and 100 for post-wedding cocktails and celebrations) and eat to your heart’s delight a banquet of delicious food crafted by the venue’s in-house (and award-winning) caterers.
Not only does Duns Castle have a trusted and meticulous team of event coordinators to make your day as smooth and seamless as possible, but they can also provide an extensive list of the best local wedding vendors for those wanting a more DIY approach. This includes the best photographers, florists, hairdressers, musicians, caterers, and more.
As for guest accommodation, Duns Castle can house up to 46 people (for on-site accommodation).
Photography by Wildling Weddings
How to get the BEST wedding photos – tell me where to send these tips!
Abbotsford, Galashiels
As well as being a historical country manor (and a stunningly beautiful one at that), Abbotsford is world-renowned for being the home of one of Scotland’s biggest names of yesteryear, the novelist and historian, Sir Walter Scott.
As castle wedding venues go, Abbotsford certainly doesn’t disappoint, but one of the many appeals of this incredible location lies within the grounds of the fortress: the wildflower garden.
Those looking to indulge in a summer wedding can tie the knot in amongst the feral florals, with the castle itself as a pretty incredible backdrop.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Schloss Roxburghe Hotel, Kelso
Did somebody say Downton Abbey-style manor wedding?!
The word ‘epic’ just doesn’t do this incredible wedding venue justice. But don’t be put off by the grand size and scale of this location – Schloss Roxburghe Hotel is open to host weddings and elopements of a smaller nature too.
This historical building was once owned by the Duke of Roxburgh and is now home to a luxurious hotel that features a golf course, a swimming pool, a range of outdoor activities (including archery!), and 58 contemporary (and seriously cosy) accommodation suites.
The perfectly manicured lawns can make for a gorgeous al fresco summer wedding, but equally, this wedding venue is stunning when dusted with snow in the wintertime, and the hotel itself houses several grand fireplaces to warm the bones next to with a glass of whisky.
Clint Lodge, Melrose
Clint Lodge is no ordinary B&B. On the contrary, it’s more of a countryside manor that is tucked away in the rural Scottish Borders, making for the ultimate secluded and peaceful smaller-scale wedding venue.
This idyllic hideaway is perfect for those planning an intimate elopement or micro-wedding, and the St. Boswell backdrop is something to behold!
Originally a 19th-century sporting lodge, the 4-star hotel has 35 years of wedding catering under its belt, ensuring your special day tastes as good as it looks (and feels), and offers a helping hand at planning the event, providing guidance on flowers, decorations, and everything else required to make your wedding a magical affair.
Kippilaw House, Melrose
Melrose is one of the Lothian & Borders’ most scenic spaces and is something of a Scottish Mecca when it comes to all things wedding-related.
This mansion-style wedding venue dates all the way back to the 15th century (and even features a bell tower!) and is sat amongst a beautiful bed of woodland.
Whether you want a big white wedding, or something on a more intimate scale, Kippilaw House provides plenty in the way of choice when it comes to where you want to get hitched. For example, there’s not one, not two, but THREE incredible reception rooms to dance the night away in.
Conversely, those wanting an outdoor wedding can say their vows under the garden’s fragrant rose-covered arch or the Ancient Tree (a giant covered beech tree kitted out with twinkle lights, just for that extra wow-factor!).
Ednam House, Kelso
Tucked away on the banks of the River Tweed is the stunning Ednam House. This Georgian wedding venue is brimming with old-fashioned romantic charm coupled with contemporary luxury, to ensure a beautiful mesh of comfort and decadence.
Sat atop an impressive acreage of landscaped and pristine lawns, this magnificent estate leaves no stone unturned when it comes to 17th-century detailing and stonework, as well as 33 individually designed bedrooms to house your guests, and a host of stylish function rooms to hold your wedding in.
Like so many Scottish Borders wedding venues, Ednam House is equally fabulous for outdoor celebrations, as well as indoor, and the warmer months can see you saying “I do” in an intimate gazebo.
Neidpath Castle, Peebleshire
Castle wedding venues don’t get much more magical than this!
As well as being a seriously romantic wedding venue, the famous Neidpath Castle is also a well-known TV and film location – the most recent being Merlin: The Quest Begins – and is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Jean Douglas, AKA, the Maid of Neidpath!
Ghosts and clapperboards aside, this 14th-century L-plan tower house gives major gothic goodness and makes for the ultimate medieval-style wedding venue for those wanting something a little different from the typical country manors and estates of the Scottish Borders.
This historical castle gives you all the old-school Scottish charm of roaring fires, wax-dripping pillar candles, Medieval tapestries, and incredible views of the nearby River Tweed, making you feel like the main character of an enchanting Gaelic fairytale.
For those looking to have a traditional religious ceremony, you can share your first kiss as newlyweds in the castle’s very own chapel/temple. Alternatively, those fancying a more alternative take are welcome to use the site’s many other incredible spots for a humanist or civil ceremony.
Finally, why not end your incredible wedding with a bang (quite literally) with a fully-permitted firework display?!
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