natural wedding photography
St Andrews wedding venue – where to get married?
This small seaside town known for being the home to the oldest university in Scotland, and also the home of golf. Many international students met their partners while attending the St Andrews University, so it is nothing unusual to travel back to Scotland to get married. And so is St Andrews a vey popular destination for weddings and a home to one of best wedding venues in Scotland.
The town is quite small and you can get to the major attractions within walking distance so choosing St Andrews wedding venue for hosting both a ceremony and a reception, seems like a great idea. There is a list of popular places in the town:
St Salvator’s Chapel
Founded in 1450, this gothic chapel is one of two collegiate chapels belonging to the University of St Andrews. To get married in the St Salvators Chapel, one of the parties must have a connection to the university of St Andrews or the local area. This makes St Salvator’s Chapel wedding a very unique experience.
The chapel is perfect for wedding photos, there is a sheltered space at the back I use a lot for family group photos. The lawn is a popular photo location too with College Halls in the background.
Click here to check Chapel’s availability.
Lower and Upper College Halls
Located in St Salvator’s Quad, just across from the Chapel, Lower College Hall is a great venue for a wedding reception. It can accommodate up to 152 guests. Upper College Hall can be reached via a grand staircase, and is a suitable for the evening reception and dancing. It can host wedding ceremonies too. The lawn in the front of the halls is always well maintained. With stunning chapel in the background, it is a location for many wedding photos.
Located in the heart of the town, it is probably the most convenient St Andrews wedding venue.
Check their website for more information.
Old Course Hotel
Know also as a golf resort & spa, the hotel is a luxurious resort overlooking the Old Course and West Sands Beach. This iconic hotel is a home to weddings too and is offering a range of spaces. The light filled conservatory can sit 190 guests while The Ballroom can accommodate 130 people for a dinner. The hotel got a new extension recently, the Hall of Champions, which can host 450 guests.
Wedding packages here.
Forgan’s St Andrews
Possibly the most modern wedding venue in St Andrews. Think more of a restaurant with quirky industrial look! Forgan’s is located only 3 minute walk from the St Salvator’s Chapel, it is worth considering as a wedding reception venue. It offers spaces suitable for small weddings for up to 48 guests or bigger events for 140 people. If you are not into traditional venues, Forgan’s is good alternative.
Rufflets Hotel
Rufflets is a luxury hotel located a short drive from the town. This dog friendly hotel offers a range of suites, bedrooms, cottages, lodges and even shepherds huts! Nestled in 10 acres of private grounds, there is a plenty locations for wedding photos at Rufflets. The Drawing Room can host small weddings for up to 24 guests while Garden Suite can host 150 guests. You can have both indoor or outdoor ceremony at Rufflets and the venue is pretty flexible with last minute arrangements.
Wedding venues near St Andrews
These are out of town venues, located close to the main road they are very accessible for travelling wedding guests. Some provide on-site accommodation, and some are just 10 minute drive from the town.
St Andrews wedding barn – quirky farm conversions
Let me say this: you won’t find more wedding barns in any other area in Scotland. St Andrews wedding barns are really cool venues with easy access to the beach and outstanding views to the sea.
Kinkell Byre
Kinkell is the oldest barn venue. This large converted farm building has an easy access to the coast. Beautiful red doors make a lovely backdrop for the photos. There are two spaces suitable for a wedding ceremony and Kinkell offers onsite accommodation too.
The Cowshed Crail
Probably the most impressive St Andrews wedding barn – and I must admit, I haven’t worked there yet! The Cowshed offers unique spaces – a barn, a marquee, a courtyard and a roundal. The steading marquee can seat up to 200 guests and there is onsite accommodation for 60 people.
https://www.thecowshedcrail.co.uk
Kincaple Farm
This is a new venue which includes a barn and luxury self catering holiday cottage. I would say it is most suitable venue for micro weddings. Kincaple Farm has a beautiful orchard which makes a great space for drinks reception and wedding photos. They also offer an indoor space, The Shed, which can host a dinner and dancing.
Falside Mill
Falside is one of the newest barn wedding venues near St Andrews. The venue can host up to 200 people for a wedding ceremony or up to 400 guests for a reception. There is a small courtyard too, really cool space for the evening reception. Check more photos from Falside Mill wedding.
The Rhynd
A cafe, event space and wedding venue all in one. The Rhynd can host wedding from 20 to up to 300 guests and the farmhouse can provide an accommodation for up to 9 people. This is another venue on my wish list !
St Andrews wedding venue – exclusive use
Exclusive use venues guarantee privacy during the event as well as security. Many venues will offer rooms for bride or groom to get ready in the morning as well as all inclusive accommodation for your wedding party. Choosing exclusive venue can also guarantee you won’t need to travel anywhere and can spend quality time with your guests.
Cambo Estate
Cambo Estate is my favourite venue near St Andrews. It has everything needed to create amazing wedding photos. The house, walled garden, woodlands and even a private beach! The courtyard at Cambo is a beautiful space for a meal and dancing with plenty of natural light. A dream for your St Andrews wedding photographer.
Kinnettles Mansion
Stunning mansion with a Victorian walled garden. Kinnettles is available for small gatherings and events and offers 8 beautiful decorated rooms. It has small home cinema too! The lawn outside the house can host an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Carphin House
Formerly known as Carphin by St Andrews, the venue got new owners in 2016 and went through transformation. Set in 15 acres of private land, it is suitable for micro weddings as well as bigger celebrations. The dining room can seat 20 guests while big weddings take place in Papakata teepees. I started my career as a wedding photographer by taking photos of weddings at Carphin so feel a bit nostalgic whenever I go back!
Crail Community Hall
Budget friendly St Andrews wedding venue, local community hall in Crail. This venue is perfect for couples with creative ideas and DIY skills. The venue can be decorated with the help of local suppliers. There is a lovely park in front of the hall suitable for drink receptions.
https://www.crailcommunityhall.co.uk
Cory & Joshua’s wedding in Crail
St Andrews Pictures – scouting best locations for your photos
If you are having a wedding in St Andrews and wondering where to go for your wedding photos, here are some of my ideas.
West Sands Beach
Really beautiful beach in St Andrews. Parking is very accessible and free and there is plenty of space on the beach so you can get away from the crowds. Depending on the light and wedding timings, I suggest going to the beach for your evening shoot.
St Andrews Harbour
A typical harbour in a Scottish fishing village, very picturesque. There is something magical about photos in the harbour with seagulls and lobster cages in the background. Harbours are usually busy but I like to take photos even when other people are walking around.
St Andrews Cathedral
These cathedral ruins in St Andrews are very popular location for wedding photos. Time slots need to be booked in advance and the ruins were closed for the visitors for some time so check beforehand if you are planning to visit.
Fife coastal path
Starting from East Sands beach, this part of the coastal path includes various cliffs and rock formations, and you will need a bit more time to explore it fully.
Lower College lawn
The lawn just outside St Salvator’s Chapel is perfect for family group photos and couple shoot. There are usually a few tourists wandering around but it is a great space especially if you are getting married at the Chapel.
St Andrews weddings
I’ve photographed many St Andrews weddings over the years, let me share a few stories from the past.
Lisa & Alex’ wedding at the St Salvator’s Chapel & The Seafood Restaurant
Lisa & Alex have traveled for their Scottish wedding from Vienna. We met a month before for their engagement photos in St Andrews. The ceremony took place in St Salvators Chapel followed by drinks reception at Hotel du Vin. On the way to the restaurant, we stopped by the West Sands Beach to take some wedding photos. The meal took place at The Seafood Ristorante by the sea, very cute place with great food.
Hannah & Mark’s Kincapple wedding
Hannah & Mark traveled to St Andrews from London. Their sweet wedding ceremony was performed by Hannah’s mother. Drinks reception took place in the orchard, it was cool but dry. I really loved this small intimate venue and dancing in the small barn. Beautiful flowers were made by Jenny from Studio Seapink.
