Top 25+ Dog Friendly Wedding Venues in Scotland

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 South Parish Church in Leith. I am really excited to receive more wedding enquiries from couples mentioning having their dog present during the wedding day.

Here is my list of dog friendly wedding venues in Scotland. I will keep it updated every few months as I discover more venues in the UK that allow dogs. Remember, some places will have stricter rules than the others, some will allow dogs at the accommodation only, so make sure to discuss all options with your venue. And it doesn’t advertise as dog friendly, you can still ask if your dog can visit with a pet sitter during drinks reception.

Dog friendly wedding 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.
Colstoun House – a wedding barn with options for an outdoor ceremony. Lots of space for dogs! I have photographed many weddings at Colstoun and can recommend it as a perfect place for dogs.
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. Newhall looks especially beautiful in the Autumn.
Melville Castle – a castle style hotel and a wedding venue with 54 acre estate, Melville is my local venue I have visited many times. Happy to see they are dog friendly now, offering dog friendly stays and Doggy Afternoon Tea!

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. I love easy access to the beach and I am sure dogs will love it too!
Fingask Castle – stunning fairytale style venue in Perthshire with a castle, wedding Pavillion for receptions, beautiful views and quirky grounds. So many places to explore.
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 Tanar is a bit different.
Glen Clova Hotel – hotel and luxury lodges located in the Cairngorms National Park. The Glen Clova 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 unique wedding chapel, a little gem in the Scottish Borders.
Auchen Castle– a fairytale castle venue not far from Gretna Green! Dogs are welcome here. Still on a list of my places to visit.
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. Barony Castle has a lovely view too
Carfraemill – rural venue in Lauder, includes a marquee that can host 300 guests.
Neidpath Castle – romantic castle in Peebles overlooking the River Tweed.
Thirlestane Castle – a hidden gem I discovered in 2023, the castle is a perfect location for a destination wedding in Scotland. Thirlestane offer a range of dog friendly accommodation suites.

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. Check their website.
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 at Sloans can host weddings for up to 100 guests.

Dog friendly elopement venues

Looking to elope? Then it’s even easier to find a location that allows dogs.

Crear Weddings – private coastal estate in Tarbert on the West Coast of Scotland with spectacular views over Hebrides.
Holyrood Park – possibly the best location for an outdoor elopement in Edinburgh and best public park for dogs to explore.
Riddle’s Court – an intimate venue in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Riddle’s Court is great for small and big weddings.

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. They should be included in family photos too so make sure your photographer has them on a list. It is a great opportunity to purchase nice clothing or personalised collar so don’t forget to check dog wedding attire on Etsy. If for some reason you can’t take them to the wedding, you can always arrange with your photographer to take some photos during bridal preparations or photos with groomsmen in the pub.

dogs floral collar wedding

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 them for a walk or provide a 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 a big wedding with many guests.

dogs at weddings Dog visiting the wedding venue with a pet sitter during a wedding.

And remember, if your venue cannot 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 more dogs at weddings in 2024!

dog decor weddings dog theme at weddings wedding cake with dog toppers