Chatelherault: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

Chatelherault Hunting Lodge was originally built in the 18th century for the Dukes of Hamilton, but today it functions as one of the most elegant wedding venues in Scotland.

Nestled in the Chatelherault Country Park this aristocratic summer house is surrounded by beautiful Scottish countryside, and yet is only a short drive from Glasgow.

You can have both your ceremony and reception in the ornate Banqueting Room, with the Parterre Gardens providing the perfect outdoor space for wedding photographs.

Let’s take a closer look at what a Chatelherault wedding would be like.

Chatelherault Location

Wedding venues in South Lanarkshire, especially those located at the northern end, have the benefit of being in close proximity to Glasgow.

With Chatelherault situated just 15 miles south east of Glasgow.

You can drive the short distance in approximately 30 minutes.

And when you arrive you will find ample onsite parking for your guests.

If you would like to put on transportation, which could be a great idea as there is no onsite accommodation, then large vehicle access is not a problem.

Chatelherault Setting

Chatelherault Hunting Lodge has a fantastic location at the top of a hill, which gives you incredible vistas over the landscaped gardens and ancient woodland.

The surrounding parkland creates a really tranquil atmosphere, which is ideal for a wedding.

And you do get the entire West Wing exclusively, so although it’s not 100% private it’s still pretty reasonable.

Assuming you are lucky enough to get some nice weather, this is a great venue for enjoying the outdoors.

And if it rains at least you will benefit from great views from the windows.

Chatelherault Hunting Lodge

Originally built in 1732 for James the 5th Duke of Hamilton, this William Adam designed Georgian hunting lodge serves as a gateway to the Chatelherault Country Park.

The Duke also had a French Title “Duc de Chatellerault” hence the lodge’s name, and the property was built as a lavish summer house for entertaining.

Should you choose to get married here you will have exclusive use of the West Wing, which comprises the Banqueting Room, the Duke and Duchess Rooms, and the Stables Suite.

Each room is beautifully decorated, and can play a different role during your day.

Your guests are certain to be impressed by the lavish surroundings.

Chatelherault Accommodation

Sadly there is no accommodation at Chatelherault, however with Scotlands largest city only 15 miles away this won’t be a problem.

A quick 30 minute drive back to Glasgow, and you will have an enormous range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

If you’d rather not travel all the way back to the city, nearby Hamilton will also provide you with a good level of choice.

Chatelherault Ceremony

Religious, civil, and humanist ceremonies are all welcome at Chatelherault.

Although it will have to be a more intimate wedding, with a maximum capacity for 60 seated guests.

The Banqueting Room is where your ceremony would take place.

It has stunning ornate plasterwork, high ceilings, and tall romantic Venetian windows which look out onto the Parterre Gardens.

This really is a very beautiful space, and will really contribute towards the sense of occasion.

After your ceremony, doors can be opened out on to the gardens, allowing your guests to spill out into the beautiful surroundings.

Chatelherault Reception

The Banqueting Room is also used for your dinner reception.

And it can comfortably seat up to 50 guests.

Tables and chairs are included in the price, and of course you will enjoy the same ornate plasterwork and panoramic views experienced during your ceremony.

On a clear day you may even be able to see Ben Lomond.

For your drinks reception the Parterre Gardens would be a beautiful choice.

However if the weather isn’t being kind, the cobbled floor Stables Suite is a great indoor alternative.

Chatelherault Catering

The catering at Chatelherault is handled internally.

They have a dedicated team with years of experience, who will create mouth watering cuisine using the freshest local ingredients.

There are sample menus on the website, although custom dishes can be created.

And there’s also a children’s menu, plus options for those with special dietary requirements.

Unfortunately you cannot bring your own alcohol, however there will be a cash bar provided with similar prices to that of a city centre pub.

Chatelherault Grounds

Because Chatelherault Hunting Lodge sits at the entrance to the Chatelherault Country Park, there is an enormous acreage of beautiful grounds to explore.

For the really adventurous there are 10 miles of walks through ancient woodland and along the banks of the River Avon.

However more relevant to your wedding day is the stunning Parterre Garden.

This is a fantastic place to host your drinks reception, but an even better place for taking your wedding photographs.

And should the weather turn against you, the Duke and Duchess Room’s make great indoor alternatives.

Chatelherault Unique Feature

Chatelherault can be used for more than just weddings.

It’s also a very popular place for Bridal Showers.

They have a fantastic range of afternoon tea packages, which includes the Tipsy Tea Party package.

Could be a nice way to sample the venue, before making any major commitments.

Chatelherault Wedding Prices

For accurate Chatelherault 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 Chatelherault wedding cost:

• Chatelherault Hunting Lodge (ceremony), price £670.
• Chatelherault Hunting Lodge (reception), price £300 (fee waived if 30 guests or more).
• Wedding Breakfast, prices from £43.50 per person.

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost less.

Chatelherault Conclusion

So those are my 10 reasons you should consider Chatelherault as your wedding venue.

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for a beautiful historic hunting lodge, surrounded by stunning parkland, with a fabulous Banqueting Room, and an ornate Parterre Garden; then Chatelherault 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 Chatelherault’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.