Scotland is full of memorable castle stays, from grand castle hotels and country house retreats to historic estates converted into luxury accommodation. Yet very few Scottish castles offer the chance to experience life inside a private family home that has remained in the same hands for more than four centuries.

Hidden within the Aberdeenshire countryside, Cluny Castle is one of those rare exceptions. Still occupied by the family who have cared for it for generations, it stands apart from many stays at Scottish castles. Family portraits hang where they always have, books line the shelves of the Library, and stories are passed down alongside the castle itself. This is not a house curated to look historic; it simply is.

Dating back to the early 17th century, Cluny has evolved from a fortified tower house into the romantic castellated mansion seen today. Stone walls, antique furniture, original features, and richly layered interiors speak to generations who have lived here and cared for it. The castle remains privately owned by Cosmo and Bronya Linzee Gordon, who continue to steward it today.

Unlike many castle hotels, where history is interpreted for visitors, Cluny’s heritage remains part of everyday life. The rooms are filled with books, paintings, heirlooms, and the accumulated details that only time can produce. It is a house with a genuine sense of continuity, where the past feels present without ever being treated as a spectacle.

Many people searching for castle accommodation in Scotland begin by looking at luxury hotels or traditional castle hotels. While these offer comfort and impressive surroundings, they inevitably come with shared spaces, other guests, fixed dining schedules, and the routines of a commercial operation.

Cluny offers something quite different. The castle is hired on an exclusive-use basis, meaning the estate belongs entirely to your group for the duration of your stay. There are no strangers passing through the Drawing Room, no competing reservations, and no need to coordinate around anyone else’s plans.
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Whether you’re gathering family from across the world, celebrating a milestone occasion, hosting colleagues, or simply looking for a secluded retreat, the experience revolves entirely around the people you have brought with you. Increasingly, that is what draws guests towards private castle stays in Scotland. Rather than booking individual rooms, they are booking time together.

Cluny sleeps up to thirty guests across fifteen individually decorated bedrooms, each combining traditional Scottish character with modern comfort. Fresh linen, luxury toiletries, Wi-Fi, attentive housekeeping, and thoughtful service ensure guests have everything they need, while the castle retains the warmth and individuality of a private home.

Much of life during a stay is centred around the castle’s principal rooms. Mornings begin in the Dining Room, afternoons might be spent reading in the Library or catching up with friends in the Drawing Room, and evenings often gather around the dining table beneath generations of family portraits.

Beyond the castle itself, 300 acres of private estate invite exploration. Woodland walks weave through the grounds, the walled garden offers a quieter corner to pause, and open parkland stretches towards the surrounding hills. It is a setting that naturally encourages guests to slow down and enjoy being outdoors.

No two stays at Cluny are quite the same. Some groups arrive with a detailed itinerary in mind, while others prefer to decide as they go. Drawing on a trusted network of local guides, chefs, sporting providers, wellbeing practitioners, and experienced hosts, the team can help arrange a wide variety of activities both on the estate and throughout the surrounding area.
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Guests might spend the day enjoying a private whisky tasting, taking part in Highland Games on the lawn, trying falconry, tracing their Scottish ancestry, joining a foraging experience, or heading out for seasonal sporting pursuits. Deer stalking can be arranged on the estate and nearby, while clay shooting and private fishing excursions are available through trusted local partners. For corporate groups, family gatherings, and guests with a particular interest in traditional country pursuits, these activities offer a unique way to connect with the landscape and traditions of Aberdeenshire.

Food plays an important role throughout a stay. Private chefs and catering partners work closely with guests to create menus suited to the occasion, whether that means relaxed breakfasts, celebratory lunches, or candlelit dinners showcasing some of the best seasonal produce the region has to offer.

One of Cluny’s greatest strengths is its location. Although the castle feels wonderfully secluded, it is only approximately 25 minutes from Aberdeen Airport, making it remarkably accessible to guests travelling from elsewhere in the UK or overseas.

The surrounding area offers an extraordinary variety of experiences. Royal Deeside, the Cairngorms National Park, Speyside whisky country, championship golf courses, dramatic coastlines and the famous Castle Trail are all within easy reach, while the wider region is known for some of Scotland’s finest sporting traditions, from shooting and stalking to fishing across rivers, moorland and unspoiled countryside. Aberdeenshire also has one of the highest concentrations of castles anywhere in the British Isles, with nearby landmarks such as Craigievar Castle, Castle Fraser and Balmoral offering a fascinating connection to Scotland’s architectural and royal history.

Visitors can spend a day exploring historic towns, distilleries, gardens, golf courses, and coastal villages before returning to the privacy of the estate for dinner. It is this balance between seclusion and accessibility that makes Cluny particularly appealing; immersed in the countryside, yet connected to some of Scotland’s most celebrated landscapes, traditions and attractions.

What guests often remember most about Cluny is not simply the castle itself, but the feeling of spending time in a place that continues to be lived in and cared for. The history is genuine, the welcome is personal, and the stay is defined by the people you choose to share it with.

Available for a limited number of private stays each year, Cluny Castle offers rare access to one of Scotland’s most exclusive private homes. For those looking for a Scottish castle that offers more than luxury accommodation alone, it is a chance to settle into a place with a remarkable history and make it your own for a few days.

We would love to hear about your group, your occasion, and what you have in mind. From there, we can create a bespoke proposal for your time at the castle.

​Telephone: +44 (​0)1330 833 302  
​Email: info@clunycastle.com

It’s serving 90s rom-com, it’s delivering major Four Weddings (without the funeral) and My Best Friend’s Wedding vibes, and I’m SO here for it.

Some love stories deserve a castle, and Sara and Iain’s fairytale celebration at Cluny Castle was no exception. With the turrets and manicured lawns of this Scottish gem as their backdrop (Sara’s first choice!), their summer wedding day was a heady mix of romance and nostalgia and is the perfect nod to the 90s rom-coms we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) love, yet with a chic, modern twist. There’s a big white marquee, a garden’s worth of white and pink roses, and a bridal gown with all the drama.
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Sara’s vision is a love letter to the golden age of romantic comedies and everything that made us swoon back then…and still does! Ready to relive the magic? Keep scrolling…

As soon as I saw Cluny Castle, I knew I wanted to get married there. We didn’t look anywhere else; it was exactly what I wanted: a fairytale castle. We also loved how we could have the ceremony in the gorgeous castle chapel, followed by the reception in the drawing rooms, and then have our wedding meal and evening party in a marquee by Elegant Pitches in the grounds, overlooking the castle at night, surrounded by fairy lights.

​My dress was by Suzanne Neville from Perfect Bridal Rooms in Aberdeen. My shoes were Jimmy Choo, and the bridesmaids wore dresses from Maids to Measure. The groom and groomsmen all wore kilts from Slaters menswear. I had Zoe Gordon for our hair and two makeup artists, Emma McCombie and Courtney Tocher.

My theme for the day was classic, elegant, and timeless. I really wanted it to feel like a wedding from a 90s rom-com. My colour theme was pink, white, and gold.
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Nicky Walker was my florist, and I chose pink and white roses with gypsophila for all my flowers. Nicky’s flowers and styling completely transformed our marquee into exactly what we wanted and so much more. We also had a gorgeous flower arch that Nicky did for the front of the castle.

We had Platter & Pop for our catering, who did an amazing sit-down three-course meal. We took time picking our catering company as we wanted to choose a catering company with good quality food and a beautiful, detailed presentation. We are proper foodies and wanted the food to taste and look amazing, and that did not disappoint! We also loved that we could give our guests the option of starter and main, as we know nowadays there are so many dietary requirements.
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Gumblossom​ made our wedding cake. I went for a retro four-tier cake, which was amazing. We chose white chocolate and raspberry, sticky toffee with caramel, lemon curd and chocolate, and Nutella.

​Looking back now, the best part of the day was how Iain and I enjoyed it together, and we both had so much fun. We were with each other all day, and that’s exactly what we wanted. One of the biggest tips I got from so many people before the wedding was, “Make sure you spend plenty of time with your new husband on the day as time goes so fast and sometimes you are pulled away”, and I’m so glad I had that tip. Another favourite part of our day was 100 % our band, The Phat Cats. While we were having our champagne and canapés, we had the “Roaming Cats” where they walked around our reception, singing and interacting with our guests. Everyone just loved it; they were amazing!

​Investigate different suppliers before booking and paying a deposit. Do not rush into booking suppliers immediately; make sure they fit you and your day.

Communication is key. You may think you are super organised and under control, but never assume a supplier will do something or remember something you said. Make sure you have everything written out on your actual wedding day schedule; go over it the night before the wedding, down to the last detail and tick it all off.
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Spend as much time as you can with your partner. Your wedding day is all about you two, and it goes so fast—make sure you spend it together. Don’t separate at the reception while greeting your guests, do it together and make sure to spend as much time as possible at the top table together enjoying your meal. You will not regret spending too much time together.

We see that sparkler on your finger, which means you’re engaged! What a fabulous way to start the New Year, and now you’re super excited to crack on with organising one of the biggest days of your life. But, amidst all of your excitement, when you finally hit the ground, don’t be surprised if you find yourself also feeling a little daunted and overwhelmed by the reality of actually planning a wedding - that’s ok, it’s perfectly normal.
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There’s nothing quite like that just engaged feeling, it’s a life-changing moment, but you may well be wondering where exactly to go from here! Don’t worry though, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to help you navigate through these first steps and make the planning process as smooth, organised and hopefully as enjoyable as possible! So get ready: it’s going to be a busy, beautiful, unforgettable time of your life — let’s get started.  ​

Expectations really are key and the first step here is to get your priorities aligned. Sit down with your partner and determine the answers to three of the most essential planning elements as this will determine everything; the style of wedding you want, the number of guests you want to invite and the size of the budget.

Top tip: A longer timeline is your friend here - aim for around a year, if possible.

​Whilst the two of you are by far the most important people at the wedding, half the fun of getting married is being able to share in the joy, excitement, anticipation and celebration of your special day with your nearest and dearest! But don’t feel pressured into making any immediate decisions here! Your overall budget will also need to be considered when choosing your wedding party (think travel, outfits, accommodation etc) so it’s important to take the time to make the right decisions now to avoid any future stresses. At the end of the day make sure you choose your best cheerleaders, those who lift you up, encourage you, support you, make you laugh, make you cry (in a good way!) and who you want to be standing right by your side every step of the way.

You should by now have hopefully established your expected guest numbers and set a realistic budget so now it’s time for the all important venue search. Start by considering things like size, style, location, capacities and budgets. Do you want to be indoors or outdoors? Would you like to have both your ceremony and reception in the same venue, do you want overnight accommodation for you and your wedding guests? Do your research, think about what is most important to you on the day and narrow down your choices to your essentials and ‘nice-to-haves’. Then book some in-person viewings. Most importantly though, remember that there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ venue! Yes, you read that right. Venue hunting is a challenging and emotional step, and you need to be prepared to make some compromises along the way.

​If you are considering a castle wedding in Scotland our recent blog post, ‘Everything you need to know about Cluny Castle’ is available to read here.

Top tip! It may feel a bit like being back in school, but don’t forget to take plenty of notes and photographs when visiting venues. You’re bound to forget the detail by the time you get home.

Every element of Naomi & Ross’s June wedding is completely enchanting, from the location (Cluny Castle is widely considered to be one of the most impressive wedding venues in Scotland) to the setting for the ceremony (a stunning private chapel located at the heart of the castle), and the stylish neutral colour palette incorporated in the outdoor marquee reception. Not forgetting the gents in kilts, a guest appearance from their beloved dog, and their gorgeous wedding portraits with the fairytale castle in the background. All expertly captured by Nicola Drummond Photography.

From the moment we entered Cluny Castle’s grounds and saw the castle, we instantly knew it was the ideal wedding venue for our special day.

The road leads up from the large main gates through a section of forestry, and as you emerge, you are met with the breathtaking sight of the castle with the pond and well maintained lawn in the foreground. There as ample space for a large family wedding. The castle holds a historic Scottish feel with impressive furnishings. It was even more impressive to know the castle was still a family home and housed the Lord Barron of Cluny and his family.

Ross chose a traditional Scottish fawn tartan kilt, complimented by a brown tweed jack and waistcoat from Neil Selbie, Peterculter. My dress was made by Justin Alexander and purchased from Blush Bridal, Fraserburgh.

We wanted our day to be minimalistic with a neutral colour theme. We chose to go with Hay’s Floristry, I had been stalking their Instagram page for a while. Jill was amazing, a very talented florist and a really lovely person. She was so helpful. What I had envisioned for my wedding bouquet is exactly what Jill delivered. This was made up of white hydrangeas, roses, peony roses and finished with eucalyptus.

Our wedding cake was made by Cakes By Kirsty, based in Oldmeldrum. It was a three tier cake with white icing and pearls.

For catering we chose Country Flavours; they also catered a BBQ for us, our family and friends the evening before the wedding. Everything was delicious. So many people complimented the food and how good the catering was.
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Our photographer was Nicola Drummond, who is absolutely fantastic. We first came across her on Instagram when she shot Jamie and Camilla’s wedding (Love Island Season 3 contestants). We loved how natural their wedding photographs looked. Everything was so candid and that’s exactly what we were looking for. Nicola was amazing from start to finish. She gave us so much advice regarding everything wedding-related. She knew the vibe we were looking for and really guided us in the right direction to create that.

Our most memorable part of the day was the evening reception, where we could relax and let our hair down surrounded by friends and family, although the ceremony was amazing.
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The backdrop from the marquee with the castle lit up in the background contributed to a very magical feel.
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Our wedding day went smoothly from start to finish. The staff were extremely helpful and made sure everything went to plan. They went over and above what was asked of them and were always on hand to answer any questions we had; Natalie even helped me into my wedding dress! Neil Lynch was our celebrant and he really made us feel at ease throughout our ceremony. He made all our guests laugh and really made us enjoy it, as having all eyes on us was something we found really daunting.

Natalie from Cluny Castle liaised with all the caterers/ suppliers and arranged timings. This took a lot of pressure off us meaning we were able to relax.

​Enjoy the lead up to the wedding as much as the ceremony and evening reception. It all comes together and having our wedding at Cluny Castle was a perfect example of this due to the excellent organisation by all staff and suppliers.

Venue - Cluny Castle, clunycastle.com
Catering - Country Flavours, countryflavours.co.uk
Florist - Hays Florist, haysflowers.com
Photographer - Nicola Drummond, nicoladrummondphotography.co.uk
Videographer, Aaron & Andrea - Reel Weddings, reel-weddings.com
String Quartet - Rococo String Quartet, rococoquartet.com
Piper - Thistle Piping, thistlepiping.com
Marquee - Frame & Tailor, frameandtailor.co.uk
Décor & Styling - Thoughts & Crosses, thoughtsandcrosses.co.uk
Cake - Cakes by Kirsty, facebook.com/Cakesbykirsty
Band - The Big Papas, thebigpapas.co.uk
Bar - Reynolds Cocktails, reynoldscorporateandcocktail.com
Celebrant - Neil Lynch, ​neillynch.co
Dress - Blush Bridal, blushbridal.scot
Groom’s Outfit – Neil Selbie, neilselbie.com

Thank you to Coco Wedding Venues for publishing this beautiful wedding, https://cocoweddingvenues.co.uk/the-blog/inspiration/naomi-and-ross/?source=%2Fthe-blog%2F%23article-226531

Cluny Castle stands proudly within 200 acres of impeccable Aberdeenshire countryside. A hidden gem steeped in history, nestled within a peaceful, picturesque setting. 

As well as being an exceptional venue open to a limited number of weddings and events during the year, Cluny Castle is also a beloved family home to Cosmo and Bronya Linzee Gordon, “Bronya and I are delighted to be able to welcome you to our family home for this virtual home tour”.
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Cluny dates back to the 16th century and while it has been sympathetically restored and renovated over the years, it still exudes Scottish character and a quintessential grace. Guests are warmly invited to create their own unforgettable experiences within the grandeur of this country retreat, in an atmosphere that is both relaxing and welcoming.

The castle has changed shape quite dramatically since the 1500s and undergone some major refurbishments over the years. Cosmo recalls, “One of the first major refurbishments within the castle as it stands today was for the visit of the newly-coronated King Edward VII". Most recently Cluny has undergone some extensive interior refurbishments to increase its accommodation capacity for visiting wedding guests.

From the moment you arrive you’ll be immersed in opulence, grandeur and over 500 years-worth of Scottish history – it really is a sight to behold. From the Drawing Room to the Tenants’ Hall, each and every corner of this beautiful castle is filled with times of a bygone era. Be wowed by the architecture, lose yourself in the beauty of the grounds and create endless magical memories here!

Enter the Entrance Hall, complete with ancient weapons and suits of armour which stand to attention as if still guarding this beloved building. A stag’s head has been mounted proudly above the door, and along with the vibrant orange walls and monochrome marble floor this space makes for an impressive first impression!

As visitors move through the property, they may spot little personalised touches; photographs, souvenirs from travels to far-flung destinations and treasured family artefacts are dotted around the castle reminding you that this is still someone’s cherished family home.

Guests are invited to relax in the Drawing Room, a light, bright and airy room with large sash windows and beautiful original plasterwork ceiling. Popular with couples for wedding photographs, this space is grand but homely with antique furniture, a sparkling chandelier, gilt mirror and grand piano. There is ample seating for a small wedding party to sit and relax together here.

Alternatively, you could retire to the Library, a cosier setting complete with large oak bookcases bursting with literature, a statement marble fireplace and welcoming soft furnishings. An altogether peaceful setting to while away an afternoon flicking through the pages of a classic novel.

When it comes to weddings and events spaces Cluny has two options within the castle that would suit private dining and / or an evening reception. The Dining Room benefits from a warm and welcoming atmosphere for an intimate occasion. Set the dining table for a private family dinner, enjoy a nightcap by the roaring fire or take a moonlit stroll around the grounds. 

The Tenants’ Hall is a wonderful space for festivities. This room is home to some remarkable stained-glass windows, a fairy light canopy and a classic parquet floor - perfect for dancing until the wee hours! This is a truly excellent space for couples to put their own stamp on their chosen wedding venue for their special day. Couples seeking a larger celebration are invited to hire a marquee to put up in the grounds, with the majestic castle as the backdrop.

In most recent years Cosmo and Bronya have turned their attention to the bedrooms which have been sympathetically refurbished in order to extend the accommodation offering on site. Cluny Castle now boasts luxurious overnight accommodation for up to 28 guests including the West Wing which has a kitchen aga - perfect for groups looking for a self-catering stay. 

​The bedrooms within the Castle have been stylishly and timelessly decorated. They feature a healthy dose of classic tartan, traditional features, antique furnishings and modern-day luxuries. These elements, together with the attentiveness of the staff results in a homely, comfortable stay for all. 

As well as the beautiful interiors within the castle, the immaculate grounds that surround it are just as enchanting. Including an impressive lake, expansive lawns and ancient trees which are transformed by the seasons, allowing for stunning photography against an array of beautiful backdrops, all year round. Guests visiting in late spring / early summer will be delighted to find the rhododendrons in full bloom, bursting with sprays of pink and purple!

This enchanting castle wedding venue is made for couples who want a modern fairy tale on their special day. Full of achingly beautiful spaces brimming with character, charm and warmth. Here you will find splendour, tranquillity, and complete exclusivity for your wedding day. This castle wedding venue truly has something for everyone, whether you want an intimate gathering, a grand affair or something in-between.

Cosmo and Bronya Linzee Gordon and their team pride themselves on providing an exceptional service to each and every one of their couples and guests. “Thank you for taking the time to read our blog. We look forward to meeting you in person, hopefully at some point in the near future!”

We’re kicking 2024 off in epic style with the glorious wedding of Elle & Stuart. Featuring chic all-white bouquets, bridesmaids in champagne, and gents in tonal tweed, their super stylish Summer celebration blended timeless charm and modern romance creating a day that was nothing short of magical! This captivating love story is our first real wedding feature of the year, and we have to say, you’re in for an absolute treat!

“It was like we were living out own fairytale story,” Elle reflects, capturing the essence of a celebration beyond the ordinary. With its breathtaking and lush surroundings, Cluny Castle provided the dreamlike canvas upon which their love story unfolded.
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Over to Elle for all the delightful details…..

From the first minute we got engaged we knew we wanted to view Cluny Castle as we kept seeing it on Instagram and we were just blown away by the breathtaking photos. My first impressions were precisely this. When we drove down the driveway and arrived at magnificent castle, we knew we wanted Cluny!!

On the wedding day, from the minute we woke up to the minute we went to bed the day went perfectly; it was like we were living in our very own fairy-tale story. We wanted a relaxed vibe throughout the day but with hints of our personality shining through. Cluny gave us both these things and more. From the stunning grounds to the beautiful, timeless interiors of the castle, Cluny ticked so many boxes for us and was exactly what we were looking for. I would 100% recommend Cluny to anyone getting married and looking for an exclusive use venue on which you can put your own stamp.

Stuart went for a Mitchell Scott full kilt in the Herbidean Glisk tartan with Crail brown jacket and vest and brown tie up shoes. I wore a Rosa Clara gown from Ivory Grace with a custom made over skirt to give off two looks with one dress. With Carvela shoes and a custom-made veil with lace details.

We wanted the whole day to be very traditional but with some modern twists. We decided to go for a very neutral palette of colours with hints of gold throughout. All styling was done by our wonderful caterers, Platter and Pop. It was like they went into my head and took all that I could ever dream of and put it together.

Hays flowers were an absolute must for us, all of Jill's work I had seen previously was amazing!! She did all the bridal party flowers, and we decided we wanted very simple white roses with a touch of greenery. The boy’s buttonholes were the same, just a single white rose and a thistle. Jill also did our beautiful arch coming into our marquee which was so stunning, again with big roses and hydrangeas and some greenery. She also used the same flowers for our flower ring which hung around the bar in the marquee. She also created a beautiful centrepiece for the marquee with a birch tree which gave the marquee that summer outside feel.

The excellent Lois at Cut the Cake made our beautiful old school cake and cupcakes. We decided we wanted a very traditional cake, nothing three tiered or fussy, so went for a one tier cake with beautiful piping and detailing.

Our caterers were fantastic from day one of speaking with Suzannah and Sophie. Not only did they create such an amazing meal on the day, but they also put so much effort in the fine detailing which won me over completely. From making us a signature cocktail, to an espresso station to a fantastic ice cream bar. We went for a grazing table for our reception food, which was a huge hit. Their attention to detail and taste was second to none. Nothing went without being beautifully presented.

We wanted our guest to remember how they felt more than anything on our special day, so entertainment was a big part. We had Scotia Strings playing in the chapel and out at our drinks reception which gave such a brilliant atmosphere whilst everyone mingled. We then had a saxophonist, which put everyone in the mood for a party, while our evening guests were arriving at the marquee. Once our evening guests were settled in, we then had a super display from my dance school, Danz Creations, who put on a 10-minute highland dancing show for all the guests, which went down ace! Our band at night time was The Rockettes, who played everything from hits of the 60's & 70's all the way up to present day. They kept the dance floor very busy all night and were an absolute buzz.

We picked Sophie Alexandria for our photographer. From the minute of meeting with Sophie we knew she would be a fantastic photographer and a laugh on the day, which is exactly what we wanted. She nailed every part of the day perfectly. We wanted very natural photos, that wouldn’t age and that’s exactly what we were given. She has captured the day flawlessly.  She was more than a photographer on the day; anything needing done or sorted she was always first to sort it.

Our most memorable part of the day was the chapel. Getting married in Cluny Chapel is something we will both never forget. From the stain glass windows to the most beautiful woodwork, everything in the Chapel is everything we ever dreamed of.

Our words of wedded wisdom would be relax and take everything in because it’s done in a flash. Remember at each part of the day and how you felt in that moment. Take time away from it all just the two of you and breath.

Venue - Cluny Castle, www.clunycastle.com
Photographer - Sophie Alexandria, www.sophiealexandriaphotography.com
Videographer - Connor Ross, www.conorrossmedia.com
Caterers - Platter & Pop, www.platterandpop.co.uk
Decor & Styling - Platter & Pop, www.platterandpop.co.uk
Florist - Hays Flowers, www.haysflowers.com
Marquee - Elegant Pitches, www.elegantpitches.com
Furniture - Rustic Look, www.facebook.com/rusticlookaberdeen
Hair - Simone Hair Saint, www.simonesaint.com
MUA - Jacqueline McPhee, www.jacquelynmcphee.com
Cake - Cut the Cake, www.facebook.com/lloissmithh
Piper - Alba Piping, www.albabagpipes.com
String Quartet - Scotia Strings, www.scotiastrings.co.uk
Saxophonist, PaddySax, www.facebook.com/paddysax
Band - The Rockets, www.rockettesband.co.uk
Dancers - Danz Creations, www.danzcreations.co.uk/competition-team
Dress - Ivory Grace, www.ivorygrace.co.uk
Kilt - Mitchell Scott, www.mitchell-scott.co.uk

Thank you to Coco Wedding Venues for publishing this beautiful wedding,
https://cocoweddingvenues.co.uk/the-blog/inspiration/elle-and-stuart/

We hadn't hosted an open day / showcase event since just before the first lockdown back in 2020 so we wanted to make this one super special. We wanted to create something different to anything we had seen before so decided on a 'when Spring meets Autumn' theme. Using beautiful rich, warm tones of terracotta, rust and blush, which compliment the castle so much, alongside lovely airy elements to create a really fresh, spring-like and delicate feel to the day. It was the perfect combination of Autumn warmth and Spring freshness bringing everything together with such beauty.

Lorna from Sakura flowers did the most amazing job of bringing my vision to life and absolutely nailed the brief. Autumnal warmth lifted with beautiful light, fresh greenery to give it that Spring feel; it was March after all, so I really wanted to emphasise that. It was a challenging task for her given the limitations on sourcing fresh, sustainable, local flowers at this time of year (something that is at the heart of Lorna's ethos and business principles). She did however manage to pull it off in epic style.
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Lorna from Sakura Flowers says, “After meeting with Fiona at Cluny Castle, who gave me a brief, I put together a mood board to give an idea of colours and flowers we could use. Fiona was keen to incorporate rust and blush into the florals, so I stared from there. The castle chapel itself if very decorative, so we decided to keep things classy and elegant here; think giant urns at the altar with flowing tendrils of foliage and big blooms, and a combination of high soft pews ends and low mini flower meadows to line the aisle. The variation of height created the most beautiful effect!.”

Our super talented suppliers included:
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Flowers @sakuraflorist 
Photographer @donnamurrayphotography 
Videographer @deanjohnstonefilms
Decor & Styling @withoutahitch_aberdeen 
Caterers @katesbespokecatering 
 Stationery  @paperoo_1
Cake & Dessert Table @cakesbykirsty_sugarelli 
Furniture @rusticlookaberdeen
Musician @gjsthomson 
Vocalist @florencejackmusic
Dress @ivorygracebridal 
Kilt @ms_mitchellscott 
Makeup @stephmartistry
Hair @michellereidhair 
Model @_laurencook 
Model @rosscmiddleton
Piper @james_cooperbagpiping

Katie & Lewis instantly fell in love with Cluny castle as soon as they set eyes on it (well, wouldn’t you?!) and started planning their fairytale wedding straight away. They went on to marry here in early October surrounded by their loved ones and their precious golden Labrador, Eric. Their day was a joyous celebration, filled with fun, laughter and lots of emotion and was a beautiful mix of stunning autumn colours, incredible light and classic romance. If you’re a fan of autumnal tones, men in kilts and that warm October sunshine then you’re going to love this traditional castle wedding.

We had seen Cluny Castle previously and fell in love with it straight away. Not only was it beautiful to look at from the outside, the inside was just as amazing. As soon as we saw it for the first time, we knew we couldn’t get married anywhere else.

My dress was a long sleeved lace dress with plenty of sparkle giving it a boho feel. Lewis and his best man wore an ancient Gordon tartan kilt which was passed down from their dad.

Sandra Forbes who is a family friend looked after our wedding flowers and she was just brilliant. We just said we wanted autumnal colours and she did the rest!

Our catering was by Thistle Catering who were amazing from start to finish. We are so lucky they were there for our special day, not only was their food out of this world the service they provided us with was extraordinary. We are still thinking about that sticky toffee pudding!

We went for a three-tier sponge with lemon drizzle, chocolate and Victoria sponge for our wedding cake and it was just delicious. It was decorated with dried flowers and a little statue of our beloved lab Eric (who would definitely of tried to eat the cake if he had a chance). The cake was made by our beautiful best friend Martha Rennie who is just so talented.

Our photographer was Danielle Leslie Photography who was just amazing and unbelievably talented, we are so lucky to have met her. She was unable to be there on the day but we had Sandie Ritchie Photography and ​Louise Malcolm Photography who captured the day wonderfully and were a joy to be around!

​Our videographer was Ray and Kelsie Allan from Simple Wedding Films. They created the most amazing video from our special day that we will treasure forever, they really are a credit to the wedding industry.

Our theme for the day was boho and rustic but I also tried to incorporate my love of ABBA without it putting Lewis off the wedding too much! We ended up settling on the addition of vinyl records as our centrepieces to demonstrate our mutual love of music.

There were so many ‘best parts’ of our wedding but a few that stick out were; when my mum, dad and Lewis saw me ready for the first time. They all mean the world to me and are the most important people in my life so to see them so happy meant everything. Our golden Labrador, Eric, acting as our surprise ring bearer and being able to be part of our special day was amazing. He did so well and of course looked so handsome running up the aisle. It’s so hard to choose just moments as being surrounded by our beloved friends and family at the beautiful Cluny Castle was so special and it truly was the best day of our lives.

Our advice would be try to enjoy the lead up and the day as much of possible without getting too stressed and take some time just the two of you to really enjoy the moment, it really does go so quick.

We would recommend Cluny Castle in a heartbeat. It is an absolute dream venue with the most amazing team who are there to help every step of the way. We just absolutely loved our day at Cluny Castle and wish we could do it all over again!!