Discover intimate wedding venues in the Highland Council, where dramatic landscapes offer romantic seclusion. From cosy loch-side lodges to charming historic inns, this region is the perfect backdrop for a smaller, more personal celebration. Explore unique spaces that truly reflect your love story, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Whether you envision an elopement for two or a gathering with your closest loved ones, the Highland Council provides a wealth of exclusive-use venues. Imagine exchanging vows against a backdrop of mountains or celebrating in a rustic barn. This selection focuses on characterful settings that specialise in creating unforgettable moments for smaller wedding parties.
Are you planning a Scottish wedding near Wick? We’ve been hosting weddings at Mackays for over 40 years. We aim to tailor the day to how you want it, making it special and memorable.
A Georgian Country Mansion sleeping up to 38 persons. An upstairs Party Barn available for 60 persons to hold a wedding Ceilidh. With 33 acres of surrounding woodland, lots of photo opportunities.
If you're looking for an intimate highland wedding then this historical venue is perfect for you!
Beautiful gardens, rooms with a view and friendly service.
Octagonal elegant dining room and first class food.
The iconic wedding venue at Lews Castle in the spectacular Outer Hebrides offers a unique setting for celebrations, showcasing a chandelier-lit ballroom, star-lined corridors & sumptuous accommodation
A venue for a large or small celebration in a beautiful surrounding area. As the Elgol Hall does not have a website please check their Facebook page or e-mail them directly for more information.
The Pentland Hotel is a classic venue for weddings, from your first steps through the revolving door, dining in the ballroom, ceremony or drinks in our intimate garden, delicious locally sourced delicious Scottish food, we will love your day together
This charming small wedding venue is nestled in the beautiful Scottish Highlands and offers you the highest standards of service for your picturesque wedding day! Perfect for small and intimate weddings. All weddings are bespoke.
The Chieftain Hotel is a welcoming Inverness venue offering comfortable event spaces, delicious catering, and warm Highland hospitality to make your wedding day truly memorable.
The Ben Nevis Hotel and Leisure Club has brilliant facilities and modern function rooms to cater for all you need and make your wedding day extra special.
The Three Chimneys is a beautifully-run small restaurant with comfortable accommodation, and it's sure to give you a welcoming, tranquil and memorable wedding day.
This beautiful hotel in the heart of Scotland offers weddings in the vicinity of the infamous Loch Ness and rolling hills which provide a stunning wedding backdrop!
A historic Georgian mansion in the Scottish Highlands offering elegant wedding spaces, luxury accommodation, and exceptional seasonal cuisine in breathtaking gardens and grounds.
This gorgeous wedding venue is located on Scotland's West coast, providing beautiful highland views which provide the perfect backdrop for those all important wedding photos!
Forss House is perfect for an intimate wedding. The beautiful house, grounds and the river nearby are available for exclusive use for your special day.
The Royal Highland Hotel in Inverness is a fantastic choice of wedding venue. Dating back to 1850, its vast experience and elegance mean that you will have a special day to remember.
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80
86 Bedrooms
£245 – £700
Everything you need to know about weddings in Highland Council
Getting married in Scotland offers unique flexibility, allowing you to legally marry almost anywhere for a truly personal ceremony.
Civil & Religious Ceremonies: Both are widely available throughout the Highlands.
Humanist Ceremonies: These are fully legal in Scotland and are a popular choice for couples seeking a non-religious, bespoke ceremony.
Giving Notice: You must give notice to the registrar in the district you plan to marry in, no earlier than 3 months and no later than 29 days before your wedding date.
Choosing an intimate Highland wedding allows you to focus on what matters most.
Exclusive Use: Many smaller venues offer exclusive hire, ensuring total privacy for you and your guests.
Stunning Backdrops: The region provides unrivalled photo opportunities with its mountains, lochs, and castles.
Quality Time: A smaller guest list means more meaningful interactions with every person you've invited.
Unique Venues: Gain access to charming venues that can't accommodate larger parties.
Venue hire for an intimate wedding in the Highlands can range from £1,500 to over £8,000, depending on the level of exclusivity and services included.
Guest Count Impact: A smaller guest list often allows for a higher spend per head, enabling you to splurge on gourmet dining, premium drinks or unique experiences.
Elopement Packages: Many venues offer specific packages for couples or very small groups, which can be a very cost-effective option.
There are several ways to manage your budget for a smaller Highland celebration.
Off-Peak Perks: Consider a mid-week or off-season wedding (typically October-March) for potentially lower venue hire fees.
All-Inclusive Deals: Look for packages that bundle catering, accommodation, and venue hire for simplicity and better value.
DIY Elements: An intimate setting is perfect for adding personal, DIY touches to your decor, which can also help manage costs.
Each season offers a unique atmosphere for a small Highland wedding.
Spring (Mar-May): A time of renewal with blooming wildflowers and lighter evenings.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Long daylight hours perfect for outdoor celebrations. Be aware of the infamous Scottish midge!
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Stunning landscapes with rich, golden colours, a favourite for photographers.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Dramatic, snow-dusted scenery and the chance for a cosy, fire-lit ceremony.
The Highland weather is famously unpredictable, but that's part of its charm.
Be Prepared: Always have a wet-weather backup plan, even in summer. Most intimate venues have beautiful indoor spaces.
Guest Comfort: Advise guests to bring layers, waterproofs, and sensible footwear. For winter weddings, think about providing blankets.
Embrace It: A moody, misty day can result in incredibly atmospheric and romantic wedding photos.
Reaching your Highland venue is part of the adventure for your guests.
By Air: Inverness Airport is the main hub, connecting to major UK and some European cities.
By Rail: Scenic train routes run to key towns like Inverness, Fort William, and Aviemore.
By Road: Driving offers the most flexibility to explore the region. Advise guests that many rural venues are best reached by car.
Accommodation can enhance the intimate feel of your wedding celebration.
On-Site Stays: Many exclusive-use venues include accommodation for the core wedding party, creating a home-from-home experience.
Local Charm: For other guests, the Highlands are filled with cosy B&Bs, boutique hotels, and self-catering cottages.
Group Bookings: Consider recommending a few local options to your guests to make their planning easier.
Can we legally get married anywhere outdoors in the Highland Council?
Yes, Scotland's marriage laws are very flexible. As long as the ceremony is conducted by a registered celebrant (religious, civil, or humanist), you can legally marry almost anywhere, from a loch shore to a mountain summit. You just need to ensure the location is safe and publicly accessible.
What is the best time of year for an intimate wedding in the Highlands?
Every season has its charm. Autumn (September-October) is popular for its spectacular colours and softer light. Spring offers blooming scenery, while winter provides a dramatic, cosy backdrop. Summer has the longest days but is also peak season for tourists and midges, so plan accordingly.
Are there 'elopement' packages available for just the two of us?
Absolutely. Many venues in the Highlands specialise in elopements and micro-weddings. They often offer dedicated packages that include the ceremony space, a celebratory meal, overnight accommodation, and sometimes even witnesses, providing a seamless and romantic experience.
How do we handle guest transport for a remote Highland venue?
For remote venues, it's helpful to provide guests with clear driving directions and local taxi numbers. For a small group, you could also consider hiring a minibus or coach to transport guests from a central point, like a nearby town or hotel, which adds to the collective experience.
What defines an 'intimate' or 'small' wedding venue?
While there's no strict rule, an intimate or small wedding typically has under 50 guests. Venues catering to this size are often exclusive-use properties like private estates, cosy inns, or unique lodges that focus on a highly personal and detailed experience rather than large-scale events.
Do small venues in the Highlands have good accessibility?
Accessibility can vary greatly, especially in historic or rural properties. Modern barn conversions or contemporary hotels are often fully accessible. It is always best to discuss specific accessibility requirements directly with any venue you are interested in to ensure they can comfortably accommodate all of your guests.
