Elsick House: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

Elsick House is one of my favourite wedding venues in Scotland.

It is surrounded by over 1,000 acres of picturesque Aberdeenshire countryside, with gardens that would rival a National Trust property.

Privacy comes as standard and with accommodation for 18 guests, you and your loved ones can extend the celebrations for a full weekend.

How about an outdoor ceremony, in the grounds where Queen Elizabeth once played as a child?

Or a sumptuous banquet, provided by the renowned Hudsons Catering?

This wonderful place just has so much to offer.

Let’s take a closer look.

Elsick House Location

Conveniently located less than 10 miles from Aberdeen, Elsick House occupies a relaxed position away from the busy city.

You can drive from the oil capital in around 20 minutes, with Dundee also less than one hour away.

As far as wedding venues in Aberdeenshire go, this one has a terrific location.

On arrival you will find a beautiful sweeping hedge lined driveway, and parking for up to 50 cars beside the main house.

Further parking for up to 200 cars is available at the farm 200 yards away, and access for large coaches is possible too.

Elsick House Setting

One of the best features of Elsick House is its seclusion and privacy.

There are 12 acres of stunning gardens encircling the mansion, leaving you completely hidden from the outside world.

This is an exclusive use wedding venue, and you get the entire place from Friday until Monday.

Self catering is possible, or fully catered if you would prefer.

Either way the properties combination of elegance and comfort, will provide you with the perfect setting to celebrate with family and friends.

Midweek weddings are also possible.

Elsick House

The oldest parts of Elsick House actually date back to the 13th century.

With the Bannerman family owning the property continuously, apart from during the Jacobite rebellion when they found themselves on the wrong side.

Many a royal visitor has been received on the estate, including Queen Elizabeth when she attended the late Duke of Fife’s birthday party as a child.

The mansion has large and light reception rooms with the Main Hall, Drawing Room, and Dining Room leading off one another.

Historic charm can be found around every corner, and the newly refurbished interiors are both warm and welcoming.

The layout offers a great deal of flexibility too.

Elsick House Accommodation

There are 10 luxuriously appointed bedrooms at Elsick House, which can sleep a maximum of 18 guests.

Eight of the rooms are doubles, four with ensuite bathrooms and four with their own bathrooms.

A further two single rooms share a bathroom.

Each bedroom is traditionally decorated with a modern twist, and they all enjoy wonderful views over the gardens.

The Alexandra Suite would make the perfect Bridal Suite, as it has plenty of space for bridesmaids, makeup artists, hairdressers, and wedding photographers.

If you do require more accommodation, Lairhillock Lodge and Premier Inn at Bourtreebush are both within 2 miles of the mansion.

Elsick House Ceremony

Both Elsick House and the gardens are licensed for religious, civil, and humanist ceremonies.

The Main Hall is your best indoor option, although it will have to be an intimate affair as there is only seating for 45 guests.

Perhaps better to brave the elements and make use of the stunning lawns, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

This will give you all the space you need, plus nature will do the decorating for you.

If neither of these options suit, then a Marquee in the grounds is also possible.

Elsick House Reception

For dinner receptions of 70 guests or less, the Drawing Room and the Dining Room in Elsick House can be used.

They are connected by large double doors, practically turning two rooms into one.

The Main Hall can be used as a drinks reception space and as a dance floor, plus the Study makes the ideal bar and relaxation area.

For larger dinner receptions of up to 180 guests, a marquee inside the walled garden is a fantastic option.

The site measures 36 meters by 12 meters, and occupies an elevated position allowing wonderful views over grounds.

It also enables your guests to enjoy the outdoors on a sunny day.

Elsick House Catering

Hudsons Catering is responsible for providing the delicious food at Elsick House.

This is a partnership which has lasted three decades, largely because Hudsons understand the importance of individual client needs.

Whether you are looking for an intimate dinner in the house or a grand banquet in the marquee, they will work hard to create a wonderful experience for you and your guests.

And with 35 years wedding catering experience, you can be sure the results will be terrific.

Elsick House Grounds

There are 1,500 acres to explore at Elsick House, made up of beautiful open fields, woodland, and waterways.

The south facing walled garden is a real highlight, and is genuinely the equal of a National Trust for Scotland property.

Photo opportunities are endless, with architectural and floral backdrops everywhere you look.

Your wedding photographer will certainly be thanking you.

If you are feeling active, archery and clay pigeon shooting can be arranged for you and your guests.

There is also special outdoor lighting, allowing you to enjoy the gardens of an evening time.

Elsick House Unique Feature

If you choose to get married at Elsick House, then you will more than likely stay the night before your wedding.

This will give you the opportunity to make use of the excellent Bridal Dressing Room.

Complete with full length mirrors and double hair and makeup station, it’s the perfect place to open your first bottle of champagne.

Elsick House Wedding Prices

For accurate Elsick House 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 Elsick House wedding cost:

• Exclusive use of Elsick House (sleeps 18), price £6,240 for 3 nights.
• Marquee (seats 150+), price £5,760.
• Wedding Breakfast, prices from £50 per person.

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost 50% less.

Elsick House Conclusion

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

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for an exclusive use country house, surrounded by the most fabulous gardens, with accommodation for 18 people, and a fantastic spot for an outdoor ceremony; then Elsick House 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 Elsick House’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.