Budget Scottish wedding at a self-catering cottage

[StrongInside]

Hi,

I’m trying to figure everything out before pitching it to my fiance. In my mind, I would like a small wedding (around 15-20 guests) somewhere in Scotland with a nice backdrop for photos where we will need only minimal decorations. Somewhere modern looking.

I can’t stand expensive formal hotel weddings with tartan carpets, boring white table linen and bog standard decorations. My idea is hiring several self-catering cottages for everyone to have their privacy, with an on-site place for the ceremony and maybe gathering around a chimenea in the evening (relative can bring theirs) or having lawn games. I want to choose my own suppliers so not keen on venues offering packages.

To give you an idea, I initially wanted a destination wedding on a beach with bright pops of colour where the sun, palm trees and blue sky provide a beautiful backdrop in themselves. We have now decided on staying put as it will be easier for us with a young baby and two toddler nephews. When I look at Scottish wedding ideas, they all look so boring, expensive or gloomy in some field where guests are in wellies.

Any location ideas that could bring a relaxed destination wedding vibe to Scotland? I can obviously put pops of colour around if the venue is plain, but would be nice not to spend two days on decorations.

Also, I know we could just find a big lodge with cottages next to it and have the ceremony in the lodge’s living room with re-arranged furniture if it rained. Just don’t know how to find such a place.

I know the weather is a hit or a miss so no preference on time of the year, hopefully next year.
Thanks!

[StrongInside]

P.S. Budget is as low as possible (destination wedding was going to be just over £2000 for beach ceremony, food, week’s accommodation, caterer, photographer, flowers and transport!). Happy to re-use decorations from a friend’s wedding or make our own on the cheap. Was considering asking everyone to pay for their overnight accommodation which could be wherever they wanted, not necessarily on site. Will consider any locations in Scotland at this stage.

[Zogthebiggestdragon]

You can hire a youth hostel for exclusive use, some of the locations are amazing. Have a look at www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/exclusive-private-rentals/.

[StrongInside]

Thanks for the link. I wanted something a bit nicer than basic bunk bed hostel, or is that just my memories of a hostel and they are all different?

[imfeelinit]

Have a look at craggantoul.net/accommodation/ - I have stayed in a few of these and the locations are lovely!

[StrongInside]

Beautiful, thank you! Could we stay in different locations if I can’t find a site with enough cottages or is it easier to find somewhere that noone has to drive after the wedding?

[Zogthebiggestdragon]

Some hostels have smaller rooms now, some still bunkhouses I think (it's been a while since I stayed in one!).

[Zogthebiggestdragon]

For example, Rowardennan hostel is on the banks of Loch lomond and has double rooms, from £400 for a hire. www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/rowardennan-lodge/

[imfeelinit]

They have got a larger property that sleeps 10+. The houses are in different locations however there is one of the properties that has a few others surrounding it. Might be worth contacting them to see!

[AgentProvocateur]

Check out Mhor 84, and the other one in the same group (that I can’t spell!)

[gonewiththepotter]

Not being funny OP I totally get the ‘alternative - non traditional- rustic free spirit’ theme you’re going for but please understand that style is actually pretty mainstream and popular right now!!!

I got married recently and when initially looking I wanted what you’re describing (DH is Scottish). I figured it would be natural and cheap and understated. But the type of property let you’re describing for the number of guests you’re quoting is not going to be cheap...and unless you shunt a large amount of the cost onto your guests (make them rent their own accommodation...etc) then it’s NEVER going to happen for £2000!

Also sourcing your own providers doesn’t make it cheaper. Dropping things like sit down meals and bands is what makes it cheaper!

For what you’re describing (if you want it really nice would recommend the small let’s on Celticcastles) I would be expecting £4000 just for venue hire for 3 nights over a weekend!

Food, flowers, photography, entertainment, outfits, rings...they can all be done on as much of a shoestring as you like but the rental property’s that work well for this kind of wedding know it...and charge appropriately!

[gonewiththepotter]

Think your overall budget would need to be closer to £5000-£6000 even if you’re careful and not particularly lavish.

I’m basing this on the extensive searching I did about a year ago!

[zonkin]

In your abroad wedding had you budgeted for any guests?

[LittleCandle]

Mill at Lewinshope in the Scottish Borders. I would expect its cheap as its in the arse end of nowhere, but very pretty and I don't think its twee. I've never been, in fairness, so I don't actually know.

[TheSproutOfWrath]

My friend got married here. It was amazing.
www.barwheys.com/

[Villanellesproudmum]

You can hire St Abbs visitor centre, pretty harbour location.

[Notageek]

How about this ? If its close to St Andrews I would have thought that people could then choose their own accomodation or you might be able to find nearby self-catering. www.kinkellbyre.com/

Just a thought though, it looks like venues have to be licensed to hold a wedding and that probably means cost so a) the possible venues are much reduced in number b) they’re limited to wedding businesses. Could you get legally married at a nice local registry office and then simply hire out a big house and have your party ...maybe even doing your own ‘vows’ there ?

[Notageek]

This place is amazing, we stayed there last year in Tringa www.eaglebrae.co.uk/weddings-and-honeymoons/ - pm me if you have any questions but they were very accomodating about 20 mins from Inverness and a great little restaurant in the nearby village.

[OhBuggerandArse]

The Misty Isle takes boat trips out of Elgol in Skye, to Loch Coruisk, and does loads of weddings - you couldn't imagine a more beautiful backdrop! Have a look through their photos and you'll see the different ways and places they can organise things.
en-gb.facebook.com/mistyisleboattrips

[OhBuggerandArse]

Sorry, wrong link:
mistyisleboattrips.co.uk/about-misty-isle-boat-trips/skye-weddings/

[NuffingChora]

Ardoch would be perfect for this, agree with PP though that you’ll struggle to get what you want for anywhere near £2000 if you’re hoping to cover accommodation as well.

Incredible views out across Loch Lomond, beautiful contemporary steading conversion and accommodation on site. The people who run it are lovely too. My husband spoke at a conference there and I had to take him as he was on crutches. They were so nice to my 2 year old and I.

ardoch-scotland.com/

[MissMoodyMoo]

What about dalavich log cabins? It's right on the shore of loch awe and has a social club where you could have a meal and a party?

[Graphista]

"Just a thought though, it looks like venues have to be licensed to hold a wedding" not true in Scotland.

It's the Celebrant that's registered/licensed not the location

I used to work in the industry but feel far too out of touch now with venues and who's running them and how good they are to recommend places/know what that would be like in terms of budget/quality.

But certainly I helped couples to organise weddings on boats, farms and castle ruins in Scotland.

Loch Lomond, the north and west coasts and various islands are and always have been popular and stunningly beautiful. Where it gets tricky/expensive is accommodation, catering, entertainment so great idea to post here for recommendations.

I too think £2000 as a budget for what you're planning might be a bit tight unless you've loads of people who would likely be happy to contribute with skills etc like someone who'll make the cake.

Check with locals as to beat time weather wise. Scotland isn't known for its tropical climate 😂 but depending on location it can have its moments!

Often late spring/early summer is quite dry and reasonably warm in most places.

[TheLovleyChebbyMcGee]

I'd avoid kinkell byre, it's absolutly gorgeous, but very expensive. What about air Bnb? They might have some luxury properties big enough, but no idea on the hire costs I'm afraid!

[SheWoreBlueVelvet]

This is a beautiful modern house slap bang on the beach
www.scottish-cottages.co.uk/southern-scotland/dumfries-galloway/ropeworks-cc537126

Lots of guest accommodation in rented houses and a camp park a bit further round the beach

No idea of cost for whenever you wanted it or how you cater though. The nearest pub is ..er...basic.

[SheWoreBlueVelvet]

Looks like they’ve stopped renting it out.

Up the road in Newton Stewart is the Crafty Distillery. Fantastic new building with stunning views and locally sourced food ( its sort of a picnic - you chose 3 items for a standard price and they throw in bread).
It’s not massive but lots of parking and fantastic views.
www.google.co.uk/search?q=crafty+distillery+newton+stewart&client=safari&hl=en-gb&prmd=msivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi26vmq-dXjAhVPSxUIHT_6AkkQ_AUIFygD&biw=768&bih=922#imgrc=1BRlEN-CvQvSjM