There is a wide variety of large wedding venues in Dumfries and Galloway. From large historic houses to modern well appointed hotels or function rooms. As a wedding photographer I spend a lot of time at wedding venues and I thought that I would share some of my favourite large wedding venues for couples who are looking for somewhere special for their wedding ceremony or reception.
GG’s Yard – Gatehouse of Fleet GG’s Yard is a venue of rural excellence. This is a modern large wedding venue which is located on the hills overlooking Scotland’s southern coast and the Solway Firth. There are plenty of breathtaking views from the 250 year old converted stedding. The venue has ten luxury accommodation units to sleep the wedding party or your guests. GG’s offer a romantic hilltop ceremony or a ceremony within the stedding looking out to sea.
The Brides Room – Exclusive bridal preparation room for the bride and bridesmaids to relax whilst getting ready. This room contains full length mirrors and seating.
The Whisky Room/Snug – Providing an opportunity to have a wee dram and some quality time with friends whilst the party is in full swing.
The Ceremony Wing – With stone walls and rustic beams and coastal views, this is a wonderful light and airy room, full of romance and perfect for your vows.
Grand Gallery – Seating up to 200 guests with gorgeous coastal views. The hall is filled with character including bare stone walls, wooden floors, a feature log burner and pretty lime washed tables and chairs. This is the perfect place for your wedding breakfast and to party all night.
The Byre Lounge – The lounge is a relaxing zone filled with log burners and comfortable seating area, a great place to relax and chat with your friends.
Cocoa Bean – Twynholm
How cool is it to have a wedding at a Chocolate factory? The Cocoa Bean has a luxury hardwood floor marquee which can comfortably seat 250 guests. The marquee is fully insulated and heated. Wedding ceremonies can take place within the marquee or outside with the beautiful bandstand as the central feature, 120 guests can be accommodated for outdoor ceremonies.
Portpatrick Hotel – Portpatrick
Perched majestically on a Galloway cliff top the Portpatrick Hotel offers commanding views across Portpatrick Harbour and the Irish Sea. The hotel offers 55 en-suite bedrooms and three self-catering apartments. Wedding days can catering for up to 150 guests.
Green Valley Golf Academy – Castle Kennedy, near Stranraer
Green Valley is located in Castle Kennedy and offers a modern venue with large areas of landscaped gardens which include a small loch. The venue also boasts a beer garden and marquee conservatory and a large function room. Green Valley offers a wide variety of packages, aimed to suit all budgets and can accommodate for 70 day guests plus an additional 130 Evening guests (making a total of 200 at night). That’s some party!
Threave Gardens – Castle Douglas
Threave Gardens is owned and maintained by the National Trust. Threave House was designed in 1871 for the Gordon family and is a fine example of a Scottish Baronial House. Covering 64 acres the gardens include a working walled garden, a rock garden, several ponds and water features and is a fabulous place for an outdoor ceremony. Wedding receptions are hosted in the modern visitors centre.
Springkell House – Lockerbie
Springkell House is a stunning Palladian Mansion built in 1734 and only 6 miles from Gretna Green. The wedding room, resplendent with Italian marble, can hold up to 150 guests. The main hall can hold up to 250 guests and boasts marble pillars and black and white marble flooring, it’s like a mini palace. There are 14 luxury bedrooms of which seven boast huge Emperor beds. Outside are beautifully kept formal gardens and parkland and a sweeping Italian stone staircase with balcony, perfect for romantic wedding day photographs.
North West Castle – Stranraer
The North West Castle is a large hotel and wedding venue located in Stranraer. The Castle itself, was formerly the home of Sir John Ross, who was a world renowned Arctic explorer. The hotel occupies a central location only yards away from the dramatic shoreline of Loch Ryan and offers you and your guests the perfect place to celebrate. The hotel has 72 en-suite bedrooms and also a variety of leisure facilities including swimming pool, sauna, spa bath, gym and its very own indoor curling rink. The hotel has a number of different sized function suites in order to offer a variety of accommodation to suite your wedding celebrations:
The Prince Philip – The Prince Philip function room can comfortably seat 120 guests for your religious, civil or humanist wedding.
The Castle Suite – The Castle Suite is the perfect venue for holding your wedding meal. Catering for up to 180 guests at rectangular tables (128 at round tables) for a 3 or 4 course meal or buffet with the possibility of up to another 70 guests in the evening.
The Edinburgh Room – A smaller, more intimate room is ideal for smaller weddings. The Edinburgh Room can accommodate up to 60 guests for your wedding meal.
The Rink – The ice rink at North West Castle is suitable for large weddings, receptions and parties. For a seated reception, the maximum capacity is 400 guests.
Crichton Estate – Dumfries Located on the Crichton Estate The Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries offers traditional church weddings in the amazingly beautiful Crichton Church or in the formal function rooms withing the Easterbrook Hall itself. Set in 100 acres of parkland providing the perfect backdrop for your special day. Duncan Rooms – 140 guests, up to 170 evening Main Hall – 150 guests, up to 300 evening Gilchrist Room – 140 guests, up to 160 evening Crichton Church (Wine and Dine) – 120 guests, up to 250 evening Crichton Church Ceremony – 250 guests
Dan Baillie is a wedding photographer in South Scotland. If you’re looking for a creative wedding photographer then Get in touch!
