With deep royal connections (being the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots), a long history of shaping the shale oil industry and some absolutely gorgeous countryside, West Lothian is a historic and lovely part of Scotland. Located just west of Edinburgh and on the banks of the Firth of Forth, and despite it not being a particularly huge region, West Lothian has a bit of everything, thanks to its brilliant proximity to the capital. On top of this, it has plenty of busy towns, sleepy villages and fantastic places to visit. This means, for a brilliant balance of convenience, accessibility and choice, West Lothian makes for a wonderful choice location to get married.
Our 2025 Wedding Report revealed that West Lothian and the rest of Scotland are where 12% of UK weddings take place, with 83% of couples who live in the area choosing to stay local for their special day. Couples spend an average of £18,617 on their wedding in West Lothian, which is over £2,000 less than the national average, meaning it’s also ideal if you’re hoping not to spend too much money.
For a wedding day that combines the rolling Scottish landscapes with laid-back vibes and great accessibility, West Lothian is definitely a great place to consider hosting your special day.
West Lothian is a dream come true for couples looking for romantic, nature-led weddings. Countryside-chic remains one of the most sought-after styles, blending rustic aesthetics with relaxed elegance. Couples love to include wildflower bouquets, tweed suits, soft fairy lights strung through converted barns and long, candlelit tables to create a magical, fantasy feel.
West Lothian’s heritage also lends itself beautifully to big manor house weddings, bringing timeless and traditional details for couples drawn to Scotland’s romantic history. Iconic venues steeped in legends and stories offer a dramatic backdrop for classic celebrations, often complete with pipers, kilts, handfasting ceremonies and grand halls fit for a ceilidh. These weddings tend to strike a great balance between formality and warmth, with tradition playing a major role in many couples' days.
But that’s not to say couples aren’t bringing their own modern touches. A growing number are choosing minimalist, design-led styling that still feels grounded in the Scottish countyside, blending two popular styles to make a unique atmosphere. This modern-meets-rural aesthetic is particularly popular with creative couples who want their day to feel fresh, personal and Instagram-worthy.
Local food and drink are a big part of the wedding experience in West Lothian, continuing the love for all things Scottish. Many couples go for menus that celebrate local seasonal produce, like including roast lamb, fresh-baked oatcakes, Scottish seafood and sharing platters piled with locally sourced treats. Grazing tables, whisky tasting bars and desserts featuring berries from nearby farms or even foraged are all popular ways to add a nice touch. There’s also a growing love for street food options, with wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers and mac and cheese vans offering a fun, informal vibe for evening guests.
Eco-conscious choices are also influencing wedding plans across the region. Many West Lothian weddings now feature locally grown blooms, plastic-free styling and repurposed vintage decor. Couples like to work closely with florists, caterers and stylists who prioritise sustainability, without compromising on beauty or creativity.
West Lothian is often overlooked by couples as a wedding destination, as Edinburgh is just a short drive from the region. And that proximity works in its favour, meaning you have the benefits of accessibility but without as much competition from other couples. And there are some wonderful venues around the area too, so you can absolutely have a special wedding day in West Lothian.
Ever dreamt about getting married in a literal palace? Well, West Lothian can make that happen at Linlithgow Palace, which is not only a truly stunning castle ruin that really does look special when adorned with lights and flowers, but was actually the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. That makes Linlithgow Palace a massively important Scottish landmark, and a great venue to consider for any proud Scottish couple.
If you’re not quite sure a palace fits your vibes, a manor house ticks those luxury boxes while not being quite as grandiose. And Macdonald Houstoun House is a fabulous venue which can accommodate up to 180 guests and offers a range of ceremony options. It even has its own walled garden, which is a must-visit as part of your wedding photography session.
If you love the thought of getting married outside, West Lothian is definitely a region that does a great job of highlighting the beautiful Scottish countryside. Venues like Duntarvie Castle, Jupiter Artland and Harburn Barn are three stunningly individual outdoor locations that celebrate the great outdoors.
For something even more unique, West Lothian has you covered on that front, too. Inchcolm Abbey on the island of the Firth of Forth is often considered the best-preserved monastic building and dates back to 1235 – it’s also a great location to spot wildlife, including seals, which often sit on the island! There’s also The Vu, a one-of-a-kind wedding venue which offers its very own purpose-built wedding island.
The average cost of a wedding venue in West Lothian (as well as Scotland as a whole) is £5,685. This is around £300 less than couples pay on average across the UK, showing that it should be a destination to consider if you’re hoping not to spend a fortune on your special day.
As a wedding destination, West Lothian is sometimes overlooked in favour of Edinburgh or Glasgow, which means venue lead times are often not quite as lengthy. Most couples book their West Lothian venue between 12 and 18 months in advance, especially for sought-after spots or for the most popular dates.
You’ll also have more flexibility with weekday or off-season dates, and some smaller venues may be able to accommodate you within just a few months. This is a great way to save some money, too, as venues often have off-peak discounts.
Scottish weather can be rather drizzly at times, but West Lothian’s location not far from the Firth of Forth means it enjoys a relatively mild climate, especially when compared to the Highlands or the west coast.
Spring (March - May) is when the West Lothian landscape comes alive with fresh greenery and buds emerging across the region. With average temperatures between 9°C and 13°C (48°F to 55°F), it’s a popular season for nature-lovers who want to tie the knot outdoors but have a backup plan of some indoor space, such as at Kirknewton Stables Weddings.
Summer (June - August) is the wedding high season, with long daylight hours and highs of around 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F). It’s the best time for outdoor ceremonies thanks to the lowest likelihood of rain, with venues like Cairns Farm being absolutely ideal.
Autumn (September - November) is when things start to get a little cooler with temperatures between 10°C and 14°C (50°F to 57°F), but it makes up for it with amazing autumnal colours and better availability at venues, such as Deer Park Golf and Country Club.
Winter (December - February) offers frosty backdrops, so cosy indoor celebrations at venues like Mercure Livingston Hotel are a must. Temperatures typically hover between 2°C and 7°C (36°F to 45°F), but it’s the best time if you want the added magic of the festive season.
West Lothian is conveniently located between Edinburgh and Glasgow, making it extremely easy to reach no matter how you and your guests choose to travel.
By car, the M8 motorway runs straight through the region, connecting Livingston and Bathgate to both cities in under an hour, and it takes less than 45 minutes to drive to most parts of the region from nearby Edinburgh. It’s also ideal for guests travelling from further afield, with the A720 and M9 offering additional routes.
For those travelling by train, East Lothian towns like Livingston, Bathgate and Linlithgow have regular services to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, with journey times of 20 to 30 minutes.
If your guests are flying into the area, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is just around half an hour away, while Glasgow Airport (GLA) is just under an hour’s drive. Both airports serve major UK and international routes.
As for accommodation, there’s a variety of choices, including idyllic country hotels and plenty of B&B options. Hotels also make for a brilliant wedding venue, with several across West Lothian having their own event spaces, meaning you and your guests can spend your entire wedding day in one convenient location. Take a look at The Hilcroft Hotel, Fairway Hotel and Orocco Pier Hotel to see some of the hotel wedding venues you can find in the area.
