Ardoe House Hotel: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

My girlfriend is a professional photographer, and she recently shot a wedding at Ardoe House Hotel.

As part of her research, we spent some time getting to know this wedding venue, which included a full tour by their wedding coordinator Nicki Titley.

We also now have the experience of a full wedding day, seen through the eyes of a photographer.

And I have to say as far as wedding venues in Scotland go, this is a very nice one.

Given our new found insight, I wanted to share with you what makes Ardoe House Hotel so special.

Let’s take a closer look at what a Ardoe House Hotel wedding would be like.

Ardoe House Hotel Location

If you are looking for a countryside location, but with all the convenience of a city centre, then Ardoe House Hotel is perfect.

There are a few wedding venues in Aberdeenshire which fit this profile, but none so well as Ardoe.

The imposing granite castle sits within 30 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, and yet is only 3 miles from Aberdeen.

Needless to say, transporting guests and materials from the city, is quick and easy.

And once you are there, Ardoe gives you the atmosphere of a secluded country estate.

There is also ample parking for over 200 cars, and easy access for coaches.

Ardoe House Hotel Castle

It makes me think of Balmoral Castle, every time I look at it.

Perhaps the architect was influenced by the Queens country retreat.

It is however a 19th century grand manor house, with beautiful features, such as the turrets and the spires.

If you stand on the front lawn, you’ll get incredible views of the River Dee and beyond.

And the interior is just as spectacular, with tartan patterns sitting alongside ancient stained glass windows.

It is very Scottish, which is great, so the kilts and the bagpipes will feel right at home here.

A beautiful place.

Ardoe House Hotel Accommodation

One of the major benefits of getting married at a hotel, is there will be plenty of room for everyone to stay the night.

Very useful if you have out of town guests.

Ardoe House Hotel has 120 traditionally decorated rooms; so you can make a weekend of it.

Tell your guests if they want to be in the original 19th century mansion house, they should book a feature double room.

In addition to these, you have the newly refurbished classic double rooms, in the more modern part of the building.

The bridal suite (pictured above) is a good size, and has a free standing bath for two, opposite the bed.

It’s always fun to have something quirky.

You also have the option of exclusive use of the entire castle, providing your wedding is during the week.

Ardoe House Hotel Ceremony

Ardoe House Hotel’s size gives you a number of options, when it comes to your wedding ceremony.

If you are willing to brave the elements, you can get married outdoors on the manicured lawns.

The views over the river Dee, would make this location really special.

However if you are looking for something less risky, there are a number of indoor options.

The drawing room, for small and intimate 70 guest ceremonies.

To the ballroom, for 500 guest mega ceremonies.

There are also a couple of options in between.

Ardoe House Hotel Reception

If you need some serious space, the ballroom at Ardoe House Hotel can seat 450 guests for dinner.

I can’t imagine many weddings are on this scale, however there are 4 other options:

• Ogston;
• Crathes;
• Craigevar;
• Drawing Room.

These suites can accommodate between 50 and 250 people, giving you lots of flexibility.

In addition to the 5 different room types, Ardoe will work with you to create the atmosphere you want.

From massive and spectacular in the ballroom, to small and intimate in the drawing room.

The choice is yours.

Ardoe House Hotel Catering

You can make use of external caterer’s, but this is only if you are using the large ballroom.

Ardoe House Hotel has an excellent team of award winning chefs, at the ready anyway.

I have it on good authority, that the chefs relish the opportunity to create something unique and special.

This could be a medieval style banquet, or sophisticated world cuisine.

Whatever your vision is, they will bring it to life.

You will also be given the option to do a menu tasting, which of course would be fun and helpful.

Ardoe House Hotel Facilities

I’m a big fan of extending the celebrations.

Especially since weddings seem to pass by so quickly.

Why not check into Ardoe House Hotel early, and make use of the excellent facilities.

There is an incredible SPA, with all the usual pampering.

If that’s not your thing, how about a round of golf at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre, across the road.

If the sun is shining, a BBQ can be organised.

In addition to this, there is a swimming pool, a fitness centre, or you could do some laser clay pigeon shooting and archery.

Ardoe House Hotel Wedding Coordinator

Ardoe House Hotel will allocate you with your own wedding coordinator, to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

Nicki Titley is that person currently, and our experience of her has been brilliant.

She worked closely with us whilst creating this article, and I know she did an excellent job at the Ardoe wedding my girlfriend photographed.

Nicki can also do more than just make sure your special day runs like clockwork; she can also offer advice on all things wedding related, such as where to find a great florist.

Ardoe House Hotel Unique Feature

The bars at Ardoe House Hotel are really cool.

I love the decor, and all of them are great places to relax with a drink.

If you get married in the winter, you can expect to find a roaring fire in some of them.

My favourite is the Laird’s Bar, but you also have the Drawing Room and Soapie’s Lounge Bar.

The original owner made his fortune in soap, hence the name.

Check in to the hotel the night before your wedding, and enjoy a little tipple.

Ardoe House Hotel Wedding Prices

For accurate Ardoe House Hotel wedding prices, you should contact the venue directly.

Their wedding packages can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

However to give you an approximate Ardoe House Hotel wedding cost:

• Accommodation (sleeps 150+), prices from £60 per room.
• Drawing Room (ceremony), price £750.
• Outdoor Ceremony, price £250.
• Function Suite (reception), price £9,000 (includes Wedding Breakfast for 100 guests).

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost 10% less.

Ardoe House Hotel Conclusion

So those are my 10 reasons you should consider Ardoe House Hotel as your wedding venue.

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for something traditionally Scottish, with lots of space and flexibility, and a country setting close to the city; then Ardoe House Hotel just might be the place for you.

Whilst you are here, you should take a look at some of the other wedding venues in Scotland, featured on White Rose.

You can also find Ardoe House Hotel’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.