North Highlands of Scotland provides an iconic location for a winter wedding, with the rugged setting providing a marriage of romance, jaw-dropping landscapes, and ageless traditions. Featuring snow-kissed mountains, ancient castles, and snug hideaways the Highlands offer a magical winter wonderland atmosphere for loved up couples. From a wedding set against frozen lochs and heather in the hills to one held inside an ancient Highland estate, there is no end of fairytale settings that will touch the hearts of all who attend.
Why Get Married in the North Highlands?
Although Scotland is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, in the North Highlands, nature comes together with culture. This land in the winter becomes something out of a storybook. So what draws couples to the North Highlands to tie the knot in winter?
Breathtaking Winter Landscapes: The North Highlands are renowned for some of the most stunning views to be found in Scotland. Think of having your wedding in front of sweeping snow-covered hills, or towering majestic mountains, or glassy lochs. And the cool, stark winter air with the tranquillity of the Highlands is so fitting for a wedding. Crater lakes like Loch Assynt, Ben Hope and the Torridon Mountains are equally beguiling in winter, with craggy peaks flocked by early season snows and waters mirroring their icy skies.
The North Highlands: are home to a few of the very best wedding event places in all of Scotland, from grand castles to intimate homes. From elegant estates like Dunrobin Castle to waterfront cabins with rustic charm, there is truly someplace for every couple. We will come to an end to Ackergill Tower or Ardvreck Castle; two stunning settings that can help add a sense of majestic solemnity to your day. There are many highland wedding venues that offer snuggle indoors with a real fire which is a great idea for winter weddings. Indeed, its ancient buildings and natural attractions certainly make it extra romantic and historic to have an intimate reception at.
Living in Scottish Tradition: When you have a wedding in the north highlands, you will feel like living in a house built by tradition. From bagpipers that line the aisle as you walk down to the groom in his full Highland Dress there are many places to include the heritage of Scotland into your wedding. Couples may also wish to incorporate special traditions into their big day, such as the Quaich Ceremony where the bride and groom share a cup and we toast each other to unity and bonding together. Scottish venues too tend to offer handfasting ceremonies, a quaint tradition that involves the couple having their hands tied together with a ribbon or tartan, focussing on the binding of two lives.
Winter wedding in the Highlands: why not take advantage of the seasonal food and drink on offer perfect for warming up in those colder months! Picture warming whisky from Scotland’s famous distilleries and hearty, locally-sourced meals like venison steaks, salmon en croûte and haggis. Couples can invite the guests to enjoy a hot chocolate station, mulled wine and if you want, traditional Scottish shortbread which would bring cosiness and warmth. Having some snow, if you are lucky enough, provides a magical backdrop to your wedding and helps set the wintery scene in your photos.
Beautiful Winter Wedding Venues in North Highlands
The North Highlands is home to a range of intimate and grand settings that are perfect for hosting a winter wedding. These are some of the top venues that are preferred in the region:
Dunrobin Castle: one of the most romantic and opulent castles in Scotland, set against a winter landscape. Formerly a residence of the Duke of Sutherland, its French-style architecture and impressive gardens with an outlook over the Dornoch Firth are truly storybook. The ornate interior of the castle is so warm and grand that it is perfect for hosting your winter ceremony and reception.
Ackergill Tower: overlooks the North Sea coast, making it a stunning venue for a winter wedding. At the same time, its warm and cosy interiors with fire pits and candle-lit rooms have a more intimate feel. There is the option for couples to hire the tower for their exclusive use, creating an intimate and bespoke wedding celebration.
Torridon mountains: is certainly an amazing option for a couple who like a bit more of a natural setting. A great winter making it an alpine resort perfect for staying at one of the mountains, which is a hotel cousin providing winter views over the pointing tops surrounding it. Their contemporary interiors are welcoming and cosy, making this place ideal for that small Highland wedding you are dreaming of.
Skibo Castle: The Skibo Castle round up Our epic wedding finale celebration was back in the Fall season of 2016 complete with elaborate gown changes and a handful of celebrities to top it all off. The interior is plush and warm, with roaring fires and picturesque views over the snowy winter landscape. The castle is available for exclusive use, meaning it does not get much more luxurious than this with simply you and your guests in the beautiful surroundings.
Top 5 Tips for a North Highlands Winter Wedding
If you are planning a winter wedding in the Highlands there are some considerations to be made as below are our top tips here on how to make the day run smoothly and for everyone to have fun. Below are a few, simple tips to remember.
Be Prepared for the Elements: The North Highlands weather of winter can have equally schizoid behavior with all three options snow, rain or wind, on the cards. For the outdoor parts of your wedding: consider blankets for guests and a heated marquee. 65. It’s also important to speak with your venue and vendors about any weather related logistics, because as you know things quickly get complicated when travel conditions become dangerous.
Take lighting into account: The days in Scotland are short, the sun disappears at about 3 pm already. If your ceremony is around midday use the light to your advantage in terms of photos. That low winter sun can do you a favors though by making the most gorgeous soft light for those photos to compliment what will already be a pretty breathtaking day. In the evenings make the most of the early darkness (it sounds odd but it really is a lovely feature!) by placing an abundance of candles, fairy lights and warm fires to give that cosy romantic feel.
Protect Yourself from the Cold: The winter Highlands scenery can be beautiful, but it is important that you always stay warm and so do your guests. Try providing cosy blankets or pashminas if it’s an outside element of the wedding. Traditional kilts may be heavy woollen, smart capes, shawls for the bride suited to wear with bridal dresses.
Transportation and Accommodations: The North Highlands are fairly remote, so transportation for your guests must be organised, particularly in the winter months. This is something many venues will be able to help with, either supporting the organisation of buses or private transport to ensure everyone gets there and gets home safely. Additionally, make sure there are accommodation opportunities nearby for guests (and especially if your wedding is in an obscure location)!
Conclusion
Getting married in the depths of a Highland winter is such a magical thing. With its stunning views, traditions and cosy locations — you get it all in this region for a perfect wedding; romantic at the same time making the most out of your special day. By using some advanced planning and relishing all the scenic views of the Highlands, your winter wedding could be a day you will both remember for years to come.
With fairytale settings in mediaeval castles and intimate fireside ceremonies loved-up with a traditional winter gathering, the North Highlands are beautiful for every Christmas nuptial wish.
