Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural traditions and long history aren’t the only reasons you might choose this fabulous country to host your wedding. Across Scotland, there are so many affordable wedding venues that it’s also a great choice if you’re hoping to get married on a strict budget. And it doesn’t matter what kind of wedding you’re after, either. Whether you’re planning a romantic lochside ceremony, a lively ceilidh in a barn hidden away in the countryside, or a fancy inner-city hotel celebration, there are countless affordable wedding venues across Scotland.
Our 2025 Wedding Report uncovered that the average cost of a wedding in Scotland is £18,617. This might be less than the overall UK average of £20,822, but it’s still a high price tag for one, albeit important, day. However, as there are so many options to choose from around the country, many of those are suitable for a smaller budget, so don’t worry if you don’t have nearly this amount for your wedding. You can still have the wedding of your dreams even with just a fraction of the average spend.
Many venues also include on-site accommodation or flexible spaces that allow couples to bring in their own catering and decor to save costs while keeping things personal, which further helps lower costs and stay on top of your budget. From the rolling beauty of the Highlands to the history and buzz of Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland offers a wide variety of low-cost wedding venue options.
Scotland’s most affordable wedding venues can be found in areas up and down the country, from the legendary Highlands and the beautiful coast to the centre of the country’s biggest cities. Whether you’re looking for something intimate and relaxed, fun and quirky, or grand and opulent, you’re bound to find it in Scotland, no matter your budget.
Scotland is home to more than 1,000 castles. And what is traditionally seen as a building steeped in wealth isn’t necessarily reflected in the cost. Many castles around Scotland are also fantastic wedding venues, and believe it or not, a huge portion of them are suitable for smaller budgets. Check out Coats Paisley, Kilmartin Castle, Cornhill Castle, Melville Castle and Dundonald Castle to see exactly what kind of royal residence you can get for your budget.
If you’re looking for luxury but you’d prefer the charm and warmth of a manor house or stately home, you also don’t need to rule these out just because you’re working within a set budget. There are loads of amazing mansions around Scotland that are affordable and don’t compromise on quality. Balbirnie House is a stunning Georgian mansion with wonderful gardens. Eglinton Arms Hotel dates back to 1835, and they offer their own in-house wedding planner. You’ll find Muthu Newton Hotel within 21 acres of picturesque grounds and offering unbeatable views of Moray Firth. And there’s Friars Carse Country House Hotel, a truly gorgeous manor house set in 45 acres of grounds.
Something that many couples on a budget choose is a hotel wedding, which lets you have your entire day, from ceremony to reception, all under one roof. This is not only convenient, but it also lets you keep a close eye on your spending to help you stick to your budget. Hotels such as The Lodge On Loch Lomond, Garfield House Hotel, Mackays Hotel, Smiths at Gretna Green Hotel and Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel all have lovely wedding venue spaces that are totally affordable.
There are often two types of couples: those who enjoy an inner city wedding among the hustle and bustle of city life, and those who prefer the peace and quiet associated with a wedding in nature. Thankfully, Scotland has plenty of affordable wedding venues that cater to both types of couples, so really, you’re spoilt for choice. When it comes to city venues, Ghillie Dhu, The National Piping Centre and Scottish Arts Club are all definitely worth considering. And to make the Scottish landscape the guest of honour on your wedding day, take a look at outdoor venues like Bachilton Barn, The Rhynd, The Seton Garden, Wee Weddings and Scottish Lavender Oils.
Of course, Scotland being a nation filled with character and charm, there are plenty of low-cost venues across the country that reflect just that. Oran Mor is a brilliant converted church and now hosts galleries and events. You could tie the knot at Low Parks Museum surrounded by exhibits related to agriculture and mining. Or The Weaving Shed is a barn with a modern chic and industrial feel.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Scotland is £5,685. This is less than the overall average amount paid by couples, at £5,945. But, it’s important to remember that this is an average, so there will be couples who pay way more than this – and way less. And it’s easy to find a cheap wedding venue in Scotland thanks to the abundance of choice.
Because Scottish couples are keen to seek out affordable wedding venues, the average booking lead time for them can be between 12 and 18 months. But, some of the more popular venues in highly sought-after locations may need to be booked two or more years ahead of time. This is especially true if you’re looking to get married during the busy summer wedding season or at the weekend, when there’s more competition.
To get the most out of your budget and to lessen the stress of competing against other eager couples, you could consider choosing a date during the quieter winter season or choosing a midweek date. Not only does this mean you can secure a date around six to nine months from now, but many venues also offer lower rates. It’s a win-win!
Affordable wedding trends in Scotland are all about embracing the country’s natural beauty and historic traditions. Rustic and nature-inspired celebrations continue to be a favourite, including hotels, barns, outdoor venues and even castles. Couples are leaning into laid-back styling with plenty of charm, with simple yet effective decor like fairy lights strung across wooden beams, wildflower bouquets and tartan accents.
Many affordable venues across Scotland offer blank-canvas spaces. Barns, village halls or repurposed farm buildings give couples the creative freedom to add their own personal touch. DIY decor is a big trend, with couples crafting everything from signage and centrepieces to homemade favours, keeping costs down while adding character and personality.
Micro-weddings have seen a huge rise in popularity in Scotland, too. Couples are choosing meaningful locations in city centres or in the countryside to say their vows surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery and just a handful of loved ones. These smaller, more intimate celebrations are often more cost-effective but no less magical.
Scotland is also a country with some amazing traditional foods, many of which are ideal for lower-cost budget weddings. What wedding guest could say no to a plate of haggis, neeps and tatties? And a traditional Scottish whisky always goes down well for the toasts in place of fizz.
