January 30, 2018

20 Amazing Dumfries and Galloway Wedding Venues in 2021

Venue Guide

20 Beautiful Dumfries and Galloway Wedding Venues. Updated 2021

We have updated this list for 2021 giving you a fully comprehensive list of fantastic venues in Dumfries & Galloway.Firstly I have lived all my life in Dumfries and Galloway; one of the most beautiful and underrated parts of Scotland. Dumfries and Galloway Wedding Venues are some of the best wedding venues in the entire country. Did you know that elopement weddings started right here in Gretna? If you are travelling to the area for a destination wedding, it is an incredible place to give your guests a taste of Scotland.

Throughout the hundreds of miles of rugged coastline large country estates and house hotels. To our truly amazing forests sprawling lochs, there is something to suit every taste. Browse through these Dumfries and Galloway Wedding Venues, and start dreaming about your big day in South West Scotland.

Once you have a vision for your wedding, have a look through the different venues, then visit your favourites. There’s nothing like seeing a venue in-person to help make up your mind! I may earn a fee from Airbnb if you book from this page.

GGs Yard

Firstly, this is one of the newest venue to grace our region right in the heart of Galloway. The purposely built GGs yard owned by Duncan and Vicky McConchie. Set on the hillside overlooking the fantastic Kirkcudbrightshire Coastline and the glorious Galloway Hills. Moreover, it’s lovely to see they have thought of every detail in the beautiful Rustic Luxe Barn conversion.

The venue is one of the largest in the area. It can comfortably seat 200 guests for the wedding breakfast and has capacity to hold another 150 guests for the evening reception.  GG’s Yard has it’s own beautiful ceremony wing, a beautiful location for any wedding. It has exposed original stone walls, wooden beams that span the length of the building and floor to ceiling to Windows in which the couple stands for the ceremony.

GGs yard also in 2020 closed down their outdoor Activity Centre and in it’s place added a beautiful restaurant gather. Perched even higher on the hill than the wedding venue it offers mouthwatering food and incredible views over the Solway Firth.

My favourite part of the venue is the hilltop.  The views at the top are a double-whammy. The views out over the Solway Firth and Irish Sea coupled by the sparseness of the interior hills makes it a dream location.

Accommodation at GGs Yard : Lastly, GGs Yard has on-site accommodation with 18 beautiful snugs. They have views of the sea, some with hot tubs and each decorated with a beautiful theme. The venue has a cottage as well for someone needing a little more room.

There is extra accommodation nearby dotted about nearby in Gatehouse of Fleet.

Further Information : I have a handy GGs Yard Wedding Guide as well as links to wedding galleries of real weddings at GGS Yard : Claire & Alan | Amanada & Greig

Dalswinton Estate

The Dalswinton Estate has been in the Landale family for centuries, located 15 minutes from Dumfries it will feel like you’ve been transported to another world. The estate pride themselves in having such an idyllic setting steeped in lots of local history. You have a few different options getting married within the Estate you can get married in the beautiful ”Wee” Red Barony Church, a stunning Church Missionary Style Church that you see all over the world. The inside of the church is full of exposed wood and stained Glass. And the church is non denominational so you can have a humanist ceremony as well as a standard religious ceremony.

Where to hold your reception in the Dalswinton Estate, you have two options.
1. For small intimate weddings you can do a beautiful diy wedding in the village hall across the road which holds up to a maximum of around 70 guests total. The Village Hall is managed by the local community as well as the Estate. So if you are thinking of planning your own small wedding this is an excellent option. This also let’s you use the grounds of the estate.

You can also choose to have the full day inside the Estate, you can get married in the Church or in the grounds of the Estate. Both the walled garden and by the Loch are very popular. The reception can take place between April-September each year inside the Glasstop Marquee which can hold over 200 guests.

My favourite part of the venue is the Loch, it has its own little Island with a tiny turret castle in the middle which you can walk to across a vibrant asian style bridge.

Accommodation at Dalswinton Estate Weddings : The venue has no dedicated accommodation so best places to stay are in Dumfries.

Further Info : Real Weddings at Dalswinton Estate : Ashley & Chris 

Hetland Hall

Hetland Hall was recently acquired by the Rad Group, who own other lovely venues such as Lochside House Hotel in Ayrshire. Hetland Hall has transformed into a modern elegant country house set amidst 18 acres of private parkland with its sweeping views over the Solway Firth.

The venue can hold 100 day guests with room for an additional 50 evening guests. You can get married either inside the venue or outside of the renovated patio area nestled between two exquisite fountains.

What I love about Hetland is the views. Yo can see Criffel (Dumfries’ Tallest Hill) on a good day on their beautiful balcony, rather amazing. Just off the A75 it is one of the closest wedding venues to the border with England.

Accommodation : Being a fully functional hotel, most of your guests will be able to stay in the hotel.

Further Info : I have an in-depth venue guide to Hetland Hall Weddings here. Be sure to get in touch with Natasha or Shauni for all our wedding planning at the venue.

Friars Carse

Friars Carse is a delightful country house hotel filled with lots of character and a beautiful marquee too. The grounds within a beautiful estate of ancient woodlands and picturesque views over the river Nith, which is one of the locations you can choose to have a stunning outdoor Scottish ceremony. A

The venue is only a 15 minute drive from Dumfries. Additionally it has a beautiful charm of the baronial style house which has strong ties to Robert Burns who lived nearby for those history buffs.

For your Ceremony you can choose to either get married by the River Nith (Most Popular Option) inside the Hotel or in the recently converted woodland glade.Friars Carse can hold roughly 80 Day Guests with an additional 60 guests for your evening Reception.

One of my favourite things of Friars Carse Weddings is it’s bold outdoor locations for Ceremonies, with shelter from the harsh summer heat and sun of the ancient woodland that sits right on the bank of the river it makes for one amazing ceremony location.

Accomidation at Friars Carse : The hotel has a number of lovely rooms including a spacious honeymoon suite for the couple. The jaccuzi bath in the honeymoon suite is pretty much the size of a small swimming pool.

Further Information : Here is a beautiful summer wedding of Sean & Emma.

Easterbrook Hall & Crichton Church

The Crichton Church & Easterbook Hall sits in a large estate just a few minutes from the Town Centre of Dumfries. This is another venue that is perfect for very big weddings. The Church itself can hold well over 200 guests as can one of the many rooms inside the Easterbrook Hall only a two minute way from the Church.

One of the most significant wow factors of this venue is their beautiful memorial church. The Crichton Church is that it is non-denominational, which means you can have any ceremony, not just religious one. With a large selection of beautiful function rooms as well as its well kept Gardens which look beautiful all year round.

If the weather isn’t ideal all the family formal images can be shot inside the Church, what a stunning backdrop!

My favourite time of the year to photograph at the Crichton Estate has to Spring, all the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees on a breezy day in may can dance around you like little snowdrops falling for the trees.

Accommodation at the Crichton & Easterbrook Hall : The Holiday Inn is within the grounds of the Crichton estate.

Springkell

Springkell is a stunning Palladian Mansion built from 1734 and just 6 miles from historic Gretna Green and is a wonderfully elegant venue. With a recent addition of a permanent marquee, Springkell has a lot of history and character that add that level of je ne sais quoi to your big day. The property is owned by the lovely Johnson-Ferguson family who will welcome you and your guests with open arms.

There are a lot of choices for getting married at Springkell, you can either choose their beautiful big ceremony room inside with centerpiece fireplace at the very top of the room. You can also getting married anywhere you’d like outside, some people choose the sprawling staircase at the rear of the property. There is also a quaint little walled garden if you want something a little more private and secluded. You can up to 100 guests during the day if you plan to use reception room inside. If you have more guests or potential evening guests, then the permanent marquee holds over 150 guets.

Accommodation : A number of couples who get marrried in Gretna Green choose to make a stay at Springkell which is just a few miles away. Springkell has 24 beautiful rooms of all sizes to stay in. There is also a cottage and house on the grounds if you prefer something out of the way.

Further Information : Here is the beautiful gallery of Chloe and Gavin’s Wedding.

Orroland Lodge

Orroland Lodge is such an amazing venue if you are having a small and intimate wedding or if you are eloping. Orroland is nestled 40 minutes from Dumfries and just a stones throw away from the picturesque painters town of Kirkbudbright. Fun note is across from the entrance was the location for the Wicker-man Film! Orroland can hold a maximum of 30 guests, what it lacks in space it makes up for with an abundance of character!

You can get married inside the main house but I recommend anywhere in the grounds. At the back of the house you can get married overlooking the solway firth as you are on-top of the cliffs. The venue has some of the best grounds in Dumfries & Galloway which make for the best photo locations. There is a gorgeous boating pond and see above with Roman inspired bath house. Behind the pond is a Charles Jenks sculpture hill which makes for a lovely backdrop. Finally, Orroland lodge has it’s very own private beach, with the shelter it receives they have there own little tropical plantation on the beach with tropical plants and palm trees.

Accommodation : There is lots of cottages to stay on-sight at Orroland Lodge as well as a handful of rooms in the main house which should cover all your guests.

Further Information : Some beautiful images from Avril & Davids Spring Wedding at Orroland

Mabie House Hotel

Mabie House Hotel has been a staple wedding venue in Dumfries and Galloway for generations. The house sits right on the edge of Mabie Forest which makes it perfect for weddings and people who love the outdoors alike. Mabie House Hotel used to only conduct ceremonies inside the hotel but this all changed at the start of 2019. As you can see from the picture they now have a dedicated full year-round pavilion with proper heating this make its a year-round option for weddings. The pavilion is a blank canvas meaning you can style the room to your wedding theme and taste.

For your couples pictures you are right in the heart of the Forest, there are so many stunning locations within the Forest which are not too far away so you are not leaving the party for too long!

Weddings at Mabie House Hotel can hold up to a maximum of 150 guests and can accommodate smaller more intimate weddings too. You can have the ceremony either inside the Hotel or out in the beautiful gardens, which is an ideal choice for a spring/summer wedding. Mabie House Hotel is only around 15 minutes from Dumfries town centre.

Accommodation : The hotel has lots of beautiful rooms for you to stay in and can host around 40 guests, the next large closest hotel to stay in the Holiday Inn around 15 minutes away with lots of little AirBnbs dotted around the Coast too.

Threave gardens is part of the National Trust of Scotland. This venue does only cater to smaller weddings, especially if you have the whole wedding day at Threave. A garden paradise in the heart of glorious Dumfries and Galloway, Threave’s world-famous gardens, beautifully restored Victorian country house and Terrace Café combine to offer an idyllic and flexible venue for your dream wedding.

Threave Gardens are just outside of Castle Douglas, Threave is only 20 miles from Dumfries and 45 miles from Gretna Green. The best time to come to Threave is either in the Spring or Autumn, when the gardens are fully in bloom. A special tip, is that on the side of one of the hills near the main house there is a giant map of the UK  which was meticulously planted in daffodils. This could be the perfect backdrop for your spring outdoor wedding ceremony.

Accommodation: There is no accommodation at Threave Gardens, however, Castle Douglas is just a stones throw away, again with lots of local hotels and bnbs.

Auchen Castle

Scotland is renowned for all it’s beautiful Castles across the country, and Dumfries & Galloway is no exception. Auchen Castle is located around 20 minutes from Dumfries and a few minutes from the lovely town of Moffat right in the heart in the Moffat hills. With stunning turrets, gilded staircases and panoramic views await you at this very special wedding venue. Its’ a venue that holds small and initiate weddings as well as big beautiful ceremonies holding up to __ . Very easy to access, the Auchen Castle is a few miles for the M74 motorway making it a venue that couples from anywhere in the UK can reach with ease.

The venue can hold a maximum of 120 guests in total. The well maintained grounds are beautiful, including my favourite location of the Loch at foot of the banking infront of the Castle! If you love history and Castles this venue could be the one you fall in love with. The venue has the option of either conducting your ceremony in the ceremony room which looks directly on to the gardens, otherwise if the weather is lovely you can get married outside in the gardens enjoying the great views.

Accommodation : Auchen Castle has 26 rooms all with a lovely period feel, there are more places to stay in Moffat, Dumfries and Lockerbie which are all less than 20 minutes away.

Further Information : Here is a wedding from Auchen Castle.  Dominic & Rebeccas Fairytale Castle Wedding Scotland.

Cocoa Bean

If you have a young family and are planning your wedding, you’ll definitely want to go visit the Cocoa Bean, in Twynholm. The Coca bean is right in the middle of Dumfries and Galloway around 40 minutes from Dumfries but very easily to get to along the A75 which is the major road through the Area. As I mentioned previously, this very is perfect if you have a young family as right next door the Cocoa Bean Factory, with its own chocolate making and soft play area. This is fantastic because during your wedding meal the kids at the wedding can be taken away to the play area whilst all the grownups get to relax and enjoy their delicious meals.

The Cocoa Bean has a beautiful bandstand area that you can get married in outside with the river running right beside. After the ceremony, your guests can relax in the spacious marquee where you’ll spend the evening meal and reception.

Accommodation : There is no accommodation at the Cocoa Bean so I highly recommend checking out some of these Airbnb near Coca Bean.

Castle Kennedy

Castle Kennedy Estate is located in right at the Western edge of Dumfries and Galloway just 10 minutes way from Stranraer for anyone coming across from Ireland. The historic estate is the perfect backdrop for weddings big and small. The venue holds up to 150 guests total with a marquee in the middle of the Castles courtyard, there is also the option to have your reception in the converted stables at the edge of the courtyard too.

You can also choose to get married in one of the many local Churches including my favourite Ardwell Church, which is beautifully finished nestled just minutes from the coast. The grounds have lots of incredible oppertunities for your couples photos, including Loch Insh itself. My favourite time of the year hear is spring with all the flora out in full bloom the venue is bursting at the seams with colour. You can also visit the original ruined castle that is in the grounds as well.

Accomidation : Here are lots of amazing airbnbs to stay near Castle Kennedy & Stranraer.

Further information : Check out Callum & Thais’ Elopement Scottish Castle Wedding.

Caerlaverock Castle.

Lots of international couples dream of a Scottish Castle Wedding. Caerlaverock Castle is one of the oldest, it was built in the 13th Century overlooking the estuary to the river Nith. The castle which is owned by NTS can be your dream wedding venue, complete with its very own moat and draw bridge. Weddings in the Castle can typically hold around 50 guests, to note there is no roof on the interior of the castle so be sure to bring your umbrellas.

The Castle is only 10 minutes drive from the heart of Dumfries, so very easy to get to. You can have any type of wedding here including religious or humanist. The Castles unusual triangular design makes it so eyecatching and perfect for your wedding photos. If you are having a small and intimate wedding at Caerlaverock Castle I highly recommend visiting the Boat House in nearby Glencaple for a delicious meal.

Accomidation : Nearby is the Holiday inn about 10 minutes away, there are a lot lots of other charming Airbnb options to consider too.

Craigadam Wedding Venue

Craigadam is the kind of wedding venue for those couples looking for something different and unique. Craigadam is located just outside the village of Crocketford, 20 minutes from Dumfries. The venue is full of quirks that make it a unique venue to get married.

The receptions are held in a giant marquee in the middle of the courtyard. What makes it unique is the water fountain in the middle and all the exotic plants inside. Craigadam can host small and large weddings alike with a maximum guest number of 180. The venue is set in stunning grounds on a countryside estate, there are lots of picturesque locations for your couples photos. For couples who love supporting local businesses, the estate provides weddings with fresh produce and meat for the wedding meals.

Accomidation: Craigadam has 10 rooms, some of them themed for your stay at the venue. A few of the rooms also back onto the reception courtyard, this means you are only a few steps away from your bed after a long night dancing.

Further Information : Here is a beautiful real wedding from Craigadam.

Drumlanrig Castle.

As you’ll have noticed during this list, Dumfries and Galloway has many castle wedding venues. Drumlanrig is definitely the biggest castle in the region. The ‘Pink Palace’ of Drumlanrig, was constructed in the 17th century from distinctive pink sandstone, with stunning Renaissance architecture.

The category A listed castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. You can choose to get married either inside one of the many grand rooms of the castle or in the stunning grounds. For your wedding reception, you can hire a marquee which can host weddings as big as the sky. The venue is still a private residence so unfortunately there is no accommodation at the venue.

Lot’s more venues to view below!

Galloway Activity Centre

Are you an adventurous couple? And looking for a venue tucked away in the hills situated right on the side of one of the biggest lochs in Dumfries? Then this may be the venue for you. You can get married inside the converted boatshed or on the shores of Loch Ken. Additionally, it’s one of the only places I know where you can arrive in front of your guests by boat. What a way to make an entrance.

Galloway Activity Centre has some of the coolest locations for your couples pictures. You are right at the beginning of the Galloway hills with Loch ken right at your footstep. You can also do lots of activities that the centre offers including some caber tossing and archery or even take a dip in the water if you are feeling brave.

The venue can hold weddings of up to 80 guests so perfect for small to medium size weddings. The venue has some fantastic accommodation onsite including eco-friendly bothys and a few unique Mongolian Yurts.

Real Weddings : Isabel & Thorsten | Sian & Lachlan 

Mathrown of Mabie

There are two venues in Mabie Forest, we have already covered the first here is the second Marthrown of Mabie. Marthtown of Mabie is right in the heart of the forest and is the perfect location for a Boho rustic wedding. Complete with yurts, tipis and other cool accommodation.

Whether you want your ceremony under the forest canopy, inside the Celtic Roundhouse, outside with breathtaking views over the Solway Firth and out towards the Lake District Fells or down by a secluded protected loch which is designated nature reserve. . If flower crowns in the woods is your idea of a wedding this is a great venue for you.

Corsewall Lighthouse

Do you love the sea? Have you ever fancied getting married in a Lighthouse? You can get married in the lovely Corsewall Lighthouse. Perfect for a minimal and intimate wedding overlooking the Sea. Ideal for anyone looking for something bold a different in a venue. 

Coarsewall Lighthouse is located at the very western edge of Dumfries and Galloway overlooking the Irish Sea. The venue is only suited for very small intimate ceremonies so if your planning to elope this would make an ideal choice.

Kinmount House Wedding Venue

Dumfries & Galloways newest venue established in 2020, Kinmount house screams timeless elegance everywhere you looks.  Located between Dumfries & Gretna the estate owned by the lovely Burkbeck family you will be enchanted as you drive up to the family house the setting for your wedding. Kinmount house has lots of fantastic options for your ceremony including the recently refurbished orangery with floor to ceiling windows looking out over the estate. There is the grand ballroom for larger guest numbers.

You can also choose to get married outside at Kinmount house including the Italian Garden or in the cute little boathouse at the end of the loch. Speaking of lochs one of the coolest features of Kinmount is the fact you can get away from all the hustle and bustle of your wedding with a private boat ride. You both can take a little boat ride around one of the Lochs with a bottle of champagne letting it all sink in.

The venue is known for holding the grandest of weddings but they have small weddings covered perfectly. No matter if you have 250 guests of two you’ll feel at home at Kinmount House.

Village Halls

There are so many beautiful little village halls in Dumfries & Galloway that are perfect DIY Wedding Venues. Some of my favourite are Dalswinton Village Hall & KirkBean Village Hall. You can really put your own stamp on Village Hall Weddings. They are very intimate and romantic, although if your planning on 100+ guests this isn’t the best option as most village halls in Dumfries and Galloway are on the smaller side holding between 40-80 guests usually.

Extra Tip : Elopement Ideas

Finally, in Scotland you can get married wherever as long as you have permission from whoever owns the land. And overall has some of the most beautiful scenery, its such a viable option. Furthermore, you could choose to hike to the top of Loch Skeen above the Graymares tails or in the Heart of the Galloway Forest. The choice is vast and entirely yours.

I have some extensive venue guides where I breakdown each wedding venue in Dumfries & Galloway. Here is GGs Yard Wedding Guide & Old Church Portpatrick Wedding Guide

Comparison of Dumfries & Galloway Wedding Venues

Are Looking for a wedding photographer for your Dumfries & Galloway Wedding?

RELATED POSTS

Wedding Dresses Dumfries | Isobel Florence Bridal Q&A

Wedding Planning Guide 2022 : Everything you need to know.

GGs Yard Wedding Guide 2022 | Hemera Visuals