Wedding suppliers in Aberdeenshire

Planning a wedding in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire is castle country. The north east of Scotland has a remarkable concentration of castles and tower houses, many set in farmland or along the River Dee. Dunnottar Castle, a dramatic ruin on a clifftop south of Stonehaven, is one of the most photographed sights on the coast. Inland, Royal Deeside around Banchory leads towards the Cairngorms, while the north coast around Peterhead and Fraserburgh has fishing heritage and big skies.

Where you can marry

Scottish law is more flexible than in England and Wales. Religious and belief ceremonies, including humanist weddings, can be held almost anywhere, outdoors included, so a ceremony on a beach, in woodland or beside a river is possible. Talk to the local registrar early to confirm the details and notice period.

Venue types

Castles and estate houses, country house hotels, converted steadings and barns, and coastal settings are all common. Steadings, the traditional farm buildings of the north east, make warm, characterful reception spaces.

Travel and stays

Aberdeen Airport sits on the edge of the county with domestic and international flights, and the main rail line from the south runs through Stonehaven and on to Aberdeen and Inverurie. The A90 and A96 are the main roads. Rural venues may be a fair distance from towns, so organise transport and share timings with guests.

Summer days are long in the north east, giving extended evening light for photographs. Winters are short on daylight and can bring snow inland, so check access if you are marrying in the colder months.

• Ask suppliers about travel to more remote venues on Deeside or the north coast.
• Have a sheltered option for any outdoor ceremony.
• Book accommodation early near popular estates and coastal towns.

Prices vary with the day of the week and season, so gather a few quotes from the suppliers above.