Romantic Wedding Venues in Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is inherently romantic, defined by its rolling hills, ancient abbeys, and grand stately homes. It’s a region steeped in history and literary legend, most famously associated with Sir Walter Scott. This creates a powerful atmosphere for a wedding, ideal for couples seeking a fairytale setting with a deep sense of place and intimacy.

Romantic venue types are plentiful here. You'll find:

• Historic Castles: Offering exclusive-use and fairytale backdrops.
• Country Estates: With sprawling grounds, walled gardens, and luxurious interiors.
• Charming Barns: For a rustic, yet elegant and cosy celebration.
• Riverside Settings: Venues along the River Tweed provide serene and picturesque views.

Venue hire costs in the Scottish Borders can vary greatly depending on the venue's size, exclusivity, and the season.

• Dry-Hire: Expect to pay between £4,000 - £8,000 for exclusive use of the space, allowing you to bring in your own suppliers.
• All-Inclusive Packages: For 60-80 guests, packages typically range from £9,000 - £20,000+. These often include the venue, a 3-course meal, drinks packages, and sometimes accommodation.

Top Budgeting Tips:

• Consider Off-Peak Dates: A weekday or a wedding in autumn or winter can significantly reduce costs and offer a wonderfully cosy, romantic atmosphere.
• Intimate Guest Lists: Smaller, more personal weddings are a hallmark of the region, and fewer guests naturally lowers the overall spend.
• Package Deals: All-inclusive packages can offer great value and simplify the planning process.

• Spring (April-May): The landscape bursts into colour with daffodils and bluebells. Milder weather is perfect for garden ceremonies and photos amongst blooming rhododendrons.

• Summer (June-August): Enjoy long, light evenings and lush green scenery. This season is ideal for outdoor receptions, marquee weddings, and making the most of stunning country estates.

• Autumn (September-October): The region's forests turn spectacular shades of gold and red, creating an incredibly romantic, atmospheric backdrop. Think cosy fires and rich colour palettes.

• Winter (November-February): Embrace the dramatic, moody landscapes. Perfect for intimate indoor weddings in castles with roaring fires, candlelight, and maybe a dusting of snow.

The Scottish Borders is very accessible for travelling guests.

• By Car: Easily reached from Edinburgh (approx. 1 hour) and Newcastle (approx. 1.5 hours) via the A7 and A68 main roads.
• By Train: The Borders Railway connects Edinburgh to Tweedbank in under an hour, with several useful stops along the way.
• Local Transport: For remote venues, arranging a guest coach or advising guests to pre-book local taxis is a good idea.

Your guests will find plenty of charming places to stay.

• On-Site: Many larger estates offer a number of beautiful guest rooms, suites, or self-catering cottages.
• Nearby Towns: Picturesque towns like Melrose, Peebles, and Kelso have a fantastic selection of boutique hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses.
• Booking Advice: It is always best to recommend that guests book accommodation well in advance, especially for a summer wedding.