Dog friendly wedding venues in Scotland
Today’s post is dedicated to one of the cutest guests I’ve had a chance to meet at weddings. Who wouldn’t like to bring a dog to their wedding? Fortunately, it is more and more acceptable to have a pet present during a wedding ceremony or at a wedding reception. Not only in a marquee or tipi, but more wedding venues like hotels or barn venues are offering dog friendly options for animal lovers. And this includes city wedding venues and churches, like this dog friendly church in Leith. I am really happy to receive more wedding enquiries where couples mention having their dog present during the wedding day.
There is my list of dog friendly wedding venues in Scotland. Remember, some venues will have stricter rules than others, some will allow dogs at the accommodation only, so make sure to discuss all options.
Venues in Edinburgh & the Lothians
- The Caves – Edinburgh’s most unique wedding venue located near the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Dark and cool! The Caves can host both wedding ceremony and reception and dogs are allowed all day.
- Dunglass Estate – exclusive use venue in East Lothian with a 15th century Gothic church, accommodation lodges and a marquee. Weddings at Dunglass are epic.
- Archerfield – an estate with a historic house, lodges and a waterfront wedding venue located in East Lothian. There is so much to explore at Archerfield! Dogs are welcome at the accommodation.
- Kirknewton Stables – refurbished stables in West Lothian within short distance from Edinburgh . The extensive grounds are perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony and dogs can run freely all around.
- Newhall Estate – country house wedding venue in a baronial style located near Penicuik in a stunning rural location.
Venues in Perthshire & Fife
- Cambo Estate – a very relaxed wedding estate in Fife with a resident dog. Cambo is a perfect location for hosting all day wedding celebrations.
- Fingask Castle – stunning fairytale style venue in Perthshire with a castle, wedding Pavillion for receptions, beautiful views and quirky grounds.
- Kilconquhar Castle Estate – budget friendly venue in Fife with a castle, a marquee, holiday lodges and grounds.
Aberdeenshire & Angus wedding venues
- Cluny Castle – a majestic castle for an exclusive hire in Aberdeenshire. Includes a chapel for wedding ceremonies and a marquee for reception.
- Glen Tanar – quirky venue in the Cairngorms National Park in Royal Deeside. Wedding ceremonies can be held in a little chapel or in the Victorian Ballroom adorned with over 700 antlers!
- Glen Clova Hotel – hotel and luxury lodges located in the Cairngorms National Park. The hotel provides dog friendly accommodation , dogs are allowed in the bar too.
Scottish Borders dog friendly wedding venues
- Branxholm Park – intimate wedding venue with cosy atmosphere and animals, a little gem in the Scottish Borders. Dogs are very welcome!
- Barony Castle Hotel – 16th century tower house located in the countryside near Peebles. Wedding ceremonies can take place outdoors and there is plenty of dog friendly accommodation available.
- Carfraemill – rural venue in Lauder, includes a marquee that can host 300 guests.
- Neidpath Castle – romantic castle in Peebles overlooking the River Tweed
Venues in Glasgow & Ayrshire
- The Engine Works – modern, industrial style wedding venue in Glasgow, can accommodate up to 250 guests.
- BAad – Barras Art and Design quirky wedding venue located at Barras market in Glasgow. Wedding ceremonies are usually held under the glass roof.
- Harelaw Farm – barn style wedding venue in the Ayrshire countryside. The Hay Barn can accommodate up to 250 guests.
- Sloans – events venue in the heart of Glasgow’s City Centre. The Grand Ballroom can host weddings for up to 100 guests.
Dogs at weddings – tips & ideas
Dogs can play different roles at weddings – walking the bride down the aisle, acting as a ‘flower girl’ or as a ring bearer. Obviously, dogs can be included in family photos so make sure they are on photographer’s list. Don’t forget to look for a nice clothing or personalised collar, there is a lot of dog wedding outfits on Etsy. And remember, if for some reason you can’t take them to a wedding, you can always arrange with your photographer to take some photos during bridal preparations or with the groomsmen in the pub.
Dogs make a great company during drinks reception but you might want to assign someone, a family member or a friend, to take care of a pet during the day, take for a walk or provide toilet break. You can also hire a professional dog sitter. As the event can be too overwhelming for your pets, make sure to arrange a safe space where they can rest, especially if you are having big wedding with many guests.
And remember, if your venue can’t accommodate dogs you can always include your pet in different ways like decorating the venue, using pet photos on the tables, having animal cake topper, naming cocktails with your pets names or mentioning them during the service or speeches. If you know of any other creative ideas please let me know ! I am looking forward to visiting more dog friendly wedding venues and photographing dogs at weddings in 2023!
Professional pet sitters
Lastly, check these professional dog sitters who can help with taking care of your pet so you can relax on your wedding day:
Woof Woof Weddings- dog chaperone services based in Ayr.
Vows Including Pets – collection, handling and dog boarding in Lanark.
Woofy Weddings – Fairy Dogmother based in Penicuik.