Aberdeen, and Aberdeenshire as a whole, is spectacular. Ok, I’m biased, because I hail from there but that means you can trust me when I say there are fewer more jaw-droppingly beautiful places on the planet. You can also trust me when I say a wedding in Aberdeen or the surrounding area would be nothing short of epic because I’ve been to more than a few. And it’s not just popular with the Scots. Aberdeen is fast becoming the destination-wedding location of choice for couples around the world who want their big day to be as dramatic as the scenery it’s in. Not convinced? Read on for the top 6 reasons to get married in Siorrachd Obar Dheathain (that’s Gaelic for Aberdeen in case you were wondering.)
1. Aberdeenshire has 300 Castles
No, I didn’t accidentally add on a zero. Aberdeenshire really does have over 300 castles and that’s not including the ruins and countless stately homes. In fact, Aberdeen and its surrounding area is known as Scotland’s Castle country. Historically, the rich have flocked to Aberdeenshire to spend their holidays here, building expansive retreats in the country - most of these are available for private hire in the modern day and age. Little has changed - Aberdeenshire’s estates frequently host the rich and famous who want to partake in Scotland’s most popular past times - fishing, golfing, hiking or simply enjoying a wee dram of local whiskey. Indeed, a certain President chose to create one of the most famous, luxury golf resorts just outside of Aberdeen. Because of the sheer number of venues which you can hire for private events, Aberdeen has a distinct air of exclusivity and this alone would help guarantee an unforgettable wedding day. Just have a look at these dramatic venues and see if you disagree;
- Drumtochty Castle
- Cluny Castle
- Dunnottar Castle
- Mar Lodge
2. It’s Good Enough For Jon Snow
Game of Thrones fans will definitely approve of the swoon-worthy venue that saw the marriage of Jon Snow and Ygritte - aka Kit Harington and Rose Leslie. The pair got married at Rose’s childhood home, Wardhill Castle, which has belonged to the Leslie family for over 900 years. The castle is one of a number owned by the Leslie clan and is a sought-after wedding venue with couples from across the world. So if you fancy a wedding here book early!
3. The Royals Love It Here
From celebrity royalty to actual Royalty. Aberdeenshire is home to Balmoral Castle, the British Royal family’s holiday home since 1852 and trust me when I say, there are few places on earth that are so steeped in history, culture or are as heart-achingly beautiful than the Royal Deeside. Whilst photographers have an easy time capturing awesome wedding pictures around here, wedding parties may seriously struggle to choose their favourite photographs of the big day. Oh, and did I mention you can celebrate your marriage in Balmoral Castle - a place where the Royal Family resides for a significant proportion of the year? Well, you can! You can also hold your actual ceremony at Crathie Kirk where the Royal family attend church. I think you will agree when I say that’s taking the notion of feeling like a princess for a day to a whole different level.
4. Be a Part Of History
Aberdeenshire is steeped in history. It saw fighting between the Scottish clans; the fall of Macbeth at Lumphanan in 1057; during the Scottish Wars of Independence, Robert the Bruce succeeded William Wallace (Braveheart) as Guardian of Scotland and was victorious over King Edward I near Inverurie - you would need to commit to a degree in Scottish History to cover everything of historical significance in this incredible part of the world. Fancy being a part of it?
5. You Can get Married anywhere
Under an oak tree, on a beach, in a ruin, at a castle... take your pick. Scottish law allows you to get married anywhere as long as the ceremony is conducted by a religious official, registrar or a non-religious Humanist Society Scotland celebrant. Time is not a limiting factor either as, whilst elsewhere in the UK you have to get married between 8am and 6pm, in Scotland you can hold your wedding whenever you would like. So if a wedding at dusk, on Aberdeen beach is your dream, go for it!
6. Take your pick of the scenery
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have got some of the most varied scenery around and “jaw-dropping” is a description the would actually do it a disservice. From stunning, heather covered hills, to unspoilt beaches; from expansive glens to tranquil lochs; from picturesque villages to the Granite City itself - the hardest thing about hosting a wedding in Aberdeen or its surrounding area is choosing a location. And with Aberdeen’s excellent connections - thanks to the rapidly expanding airport and efficient rail links to destinations throughout the UK - you can jet off on your honeymoon with no hassle at all. Unless you fall in love with the the North of Scotland and want to try any of these honeymoon destinations instead.
Wardhill Castle
Aberdeenshire Bothy
Once you’ve decided on the venue, how about booking a band that will match the incredible location? Music for Scotland have the most sought after wedding bands across Scotland who have performed around Aberdeen’s best venues. Our expert team have a wealth of experience in the music industry - what they don’t know about wedding and events bands isn’t worth knowing! Get in touch today and we’ll take care of the rest!