Aberdeenshire is one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions, and that’s saying something considering how iconic most of Scotland is. Filled with rolling hills, picturesque coastlines and historic castles, the county has a bit of everything, on top of having passionate locals who are proud of their heritage. And there’s so much to see; from the grand architecture of Aberdeen, also known as the Granite City, to the rolling hills and mountains that make up the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, every region of Aberdeenshire brings its own unique charm, making them all great choices for a place to host your wedding.
Our 2025 Wedding Report discovered that 83% of Scottish couples choose to stay in Aberdeenshire and the surrounding area when they get married. This is partly because of the amazing landscapes and amenities available, but also the affordability when compared to the rest of the UK. The average cost of a wedding in Aberdeenshire (and Scotland overall) is £18,617, which is more than £2,000 less than other couples across the UK pay, at an average of £20,822. This shows that not only can you have the wedding of your dreams in Aberdeenshire, but you can also do it while spending less than in other regions.
Because Aberdeenshire is home to some of Scotland’s most popular venues, booking early is essential, especially if you want to celebrate in style with a luxurious castle wedding.
We recommend booking your venue at least 12 to 18 months in advance, but it might be two years plus if you’re hoping for a summer or weekend wedding.
If you’re flexible with your date or venue, you may find availability for around six months’ time, especially if you’re happy to have a weekday or winter wedding. Even then, it’s always recommended that you book as far in advance as possible so you’re not disappointed.
Aberdeenshire is home to more than 260 castles, which has earned it the nickname of Scotland’s Castle Country. That means there are plenty of historical venues around the area, as well as those filled with character, charm and luxury, and those that take advantage of the fantastic local landscape.
Many of Aberdeenshire’s castles have been transformed into amazing wedding venues, allowing you to tie the knot in a location once occupied by noble Scottish figures and even royalty. Cluny Castle in Inverurie is so impressive, with its own chapel and huge towers overlooking the lake. Fyvie Castle in Turriff is like something taken straight from a fairytale and is filled with artwork from some of history’s greats. There’s also Crathes Castle in Banchory which is set within expansive grounds, with some of the flora thought to have been planted more than 300 years ago.
For something just as impressive but with an even greater level of luxury, you might choose to tie the knot in one of the county’s many stately homes or manor houses. For a venue that combines classic design with modern aesthetics, Douneside House in Aboyne is ideal. Stood in the shadows of the iconic Scottish countryside, Mar Lodge Estate is absolutely beautiful. You might also want to consider Haddo House, an elegant stately home surrounded by pristine gardens.
Another option you might want to consider is an outdoor wedding, which lets you take in everything natural Aberdeenshire has to offer. Aswanley Wedding Venue in Huntly, The Barn in Banchory and Barra Castle in Inverurie all have bags of character and lovely outdoor spaces.
This part of Scotland is also perfect if you’re hoping to have your dream wedding but not spend too much. Loads of venues have a great balance of affordability, amenities and luxury, like Cortes House in Fraserburgh, Palm Court in Aberdeen and The Waterside Hotel in Peterhead.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Aberdeenshire, as well as the rest of Scotland, is £5,685. This is slightly less than the UK national average, which is £5,945. It also makes the country far more affordable than London at £7,020, making it a brilliant choice for a wedding away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Many couples getting married in Aberdeenshire embrace Scotland’s rich traditions and breathtaking landscapes, choosing venues filled with some of the county’s fantastic history. After all, if you’re going to get married in Scotland’s Castle Country, incorporating some of that history into your day only seems right!
Scottish pride is stronger than ever at the moment, so couples are making sure to embrace as many local wedding traditions as possible, such as by including elements like kilts, bagpipes and ceilidh dancing.
Rustic and countryside weddings are also a big trend, with barn venues and outdoor venues providing a serene and relaxed location. If this is something you like the sound of, just make sure the season you get married in isn’t likely to mean swarms of midges.
Couples in Aberdeenshire have also taken to extending their wedding festivities beyond a single day, instead choosing to have a multi-day event. This is especially true for weddings hosted at hotels, where couples and their guests can hunker down for a couple of days of celebrating while not having to worry about travelling between multiple locations.
Scotland is known for its frequently wet and chilly weather, and Aberdeenshire is no exception. But that’s not to say it’s like that year-round – in fact, there’s plenty of sun and warmth to be had, too. Plus, there’s something magical about misty, dramatic skies. So, whenever you choose to have your wedding, each season brings something new that makes it a great choice.
Spring (March – May) brings blooming flowers and fresh greenery, which fills the surrounding Scottish Highlands around the county with life. Temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) in March to 13°C (55°F) in May. While spring showers are entirely possible, there might even be a little snow in March, which is something to bear in mind if your venue is out in the sticks.
Summer (June – August) offers the warmest temperatures, typically between 15°C (59°F) and 19°C (66°F). With long daylight hours and stunning golden sunsets, it’s ideal for outdoor weddings at venues like Maryculter House and Netherdale House. Just be wary that some parts of the Highlands around Aberdeenshire can be rather popular with midges at certain times of the year, so this is something to ask your chosen venue if you’re hoping to tie the knot outside.
Autumn (September – November) is a beautiful time of year in Aberdeenshire, with dramatic autumn colours and crisp air. Temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in September to 8°C (46°F) in November, making indoor venues a necessity unless you want to risk the rain and cold.
Winter (December – February) is when Aberdeenshire becomes an icy winter wonderland, with snow especially common. With temperatures between 1°C (34°F) and 6°C (43°F), a cosy, festive wedding by a roaring fire could be the perfect choice. Just be aware that some remote venues might be tough to get to if there’s particularly heavy snowfall.
Aberdeenshire is well connected, making it easy for guests to travel to and from the region from across the UK.
Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) is the main travel hub, offering flights to and from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other destinations throughout Europe. The airport is just a 15-minute drive from Aberdeen city centre, making it ideal.
For guests travelling by train, Aberdeen Railway Station offers direct services from Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. A regular service from London Euston will take around seven hours, or an overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper will get you there in around 12 hours – but hopefully most of that trip would be taken while you were asleep!
Aberdeenshire is also easily accessible by car, with the A90 and A96 providing direct routes from central Scotland. Just remember that during the winter, when roads might be slippery or covered in snow, some of the county’s windier roads might be a little treacherous.
When it comes to places to stay, because Aberdeen is a great tourist destination, your guests shouldn’t have any trouble finding somewhere to rest their heads. Many hotels in the county are also wedding venues in their own right, giving you a convenient location to have both your ceremony and reception – as well as having a bed to collapse into at the end of the night. Hotels like Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Norwood Hall Hotel and Thainstone House Hotel and Spa are all lovely hotels with event spaces.
