Glen Tanar: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

Glen Tanar is one of the most stunning wedding venues in Scotland.

Located not too far from Balmoral Castle in the simply breathtaking Scottish Highlands, it has panoramic views like no other.

The Victorian Ballroom can be yours exclusively, providing the perfect backdrop for every stage of your wedding.

Plus there are 9 luxury cottages scattered around the estate, giving you and your guests the opportunity to extend the celebrations.

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

Glen Tanar Location

Is there a more romantic location than the Scottish Highlands?

The list would certainly be short.

And if you’re looking for wedding venues in Aberdeenshire, then your search may be over.

Nestled on the eastern edge of the Cairngorms National Park, Glen Tanar is surrounded by rolling countryside and rugged mountains.

Aberdeen is only 35 miles away, although the roads are twisty so the journey time is about 1 hour.

Both Dundee and Inverness can be driven from in under 2 hours also.

Large coach access is possible, and once you arrive you will find plenty of parking for all your guests.

Glen Tanar Setting

This has got to be one of the most relaxing places in Scotland to get married.

Far from the busy cities and surrounded by nature, Glen Tanar truly is a place of tranquility.

The Victorian Ballroom is an exclusive use wedding venue, so no need to worry about privacy.

Just you, your guests, and thousands of acres of Scottish Highlands.

The estate also has a number of cottages, which you can take exclusively too.

These are however rented out individually, and given their popularity you will want to check availability well in advance.

Glen Tanar

The Glen Tanar Estate is actually home to Scotlands most easterly Munro, Mount Keen.

Sir William Cunliffe Brooks, a merchant banker, bought the land in 1865 from the Marquis of Huntly.

He commissioned many of the buildings you see today, including the Victorian Ballroom which was originally created as a music room in 1869.

In 1905 George Coats bought the estate, and its the fourth generation of his family who still own the land today.

The ballroom is both elegant and luxurious, with an atmosphere of Victorian grandeur and authentic highland heritage.

It’s also a very versatile space, and can be used for both ceremonies and receptions.

Glen Tanar Accommodation

The Glen Tanar Estate can actually sleep 53 people, in 28 bedrooms, spread across 9 cottages:

• Rowan, 1 bedroom, sleeps 2.
• Garden Cottage, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4.
• Woodend, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4.
• West Millfield, 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4.
• Butlers Lodge, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6.
• Candycraig, 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6.
• East Millfield, 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8.
• Braehead, 5 bedrooms, sleeps 8.
• Birkelunn, 6 bedrooms, sleeps 11.

All of the cottages are unique, some dating back to Victorian times, and have been refurbished to a luxurious standard.

Hand made cushions and curtains can be found everywhere, as can paintings from local artists.

They are really relaxing and homely places to stay.

Glen Tanar Ceremony

Glen Tanar is licensed for religious, civil, and humanist ceremonies.

It has a pretty little chapel called the Chapel of St Lesmo, which is located a short walk from the ballroom.

Originally built in 1872, it has a cast iron arched gateway and beautiful stained glass windows.

With ceiling rafters fashioned from locally grown Scotch Fir, this a popular choice with a capacity for 70 guests.

For more space or for something a little different, the Victorian Ballroom can be used for your ceremony too.

It can seat 160 people comfortably, and has a grand piano to welcome the bride.

If you are willing to brave the elements, outdoor ceremonies are also possible.

Glen Tanar Reception

Assuming the weather is nice, you can have your drinks reception outside on the lawn.

Gazebos can be put up to shade your guests, and allow them to enjoy the views Glen Tanar is renowned for.

For your dinner reception the Victorian Ballroom, with its vaulted ceilings decorated with 700 antlers, is both spacious and airy.

It has been used to host celebrations for over a century, and can comfortably seat 160 guests.

The original oak floors are ideal for dancing, and the open fireplace really adds to the atmosphere.

If you are looking for something a little more intimate, the Coats Room is a great alternative for up to 20 guests.

It was formerly a carpenters workshop, but has been restored to a beautiful standard.

Glen Tanar Catering

Glen Tanar works with a specially selected list of caterers, who will provide you with fabulous cuisine:

• Hudsons Catering.
• Country Flavours of Alford.
• Wild Thyme.
• Harry Fraser Catering.
• Thainstone Events.

They take a lot of pride in this area, and all of their partners use the freshest locally sourced produce.

There are multiple menus to choose from, or you can have something created just for you.

I have actually been to two weddings catered for by Hudsons, and the food was fantastic.

You can bring your own alcohol (Hudsons Catering do not charge corkage) for up to the end of the meal, after which the caterers will operate a cash bar.

Glen Tanar Grounds

There are 25,000 acres of stunning Highland landscapes to explore at Glen Tanar.

Literally mile after mile of untouched open wilderness.

The lawns around the Victorian Ballroom are ideal for croquet.

And there’s a beautiful walled garden, packed with colourful flowers in the summer time.

Take a gentle stroll through ancient Scots pines, and enjoy the majestic waters of the River Tanar.

It’s just a wonderful place for some peace and quiet.

When it comes to your wedding photos, rest assured that stunning backdrops can be found virtually everywhere you look.

Glen Tanar Unique Feature

There is much more to do on the Glen Tanar Estate than just getting married.

Some of the best fishing and deer stalking in Scotland can be found here.

The Trout Loch, with its grass roofed boathouse, could be a great place to try and catch some lunch.

Or how about some mountain biking or horseback riding.

For the keen photographer, there is the opportunity to capture some incredible wildlife.

The Estate Safari also sounds like excellent fun, especially if you are planning an extended stay.

Glen Tanar Wedding Prices

For accurate Glen Tanar 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 Glen Tanar wedding cost:

• Exclusive use of Victorian Ballroom, price £6,840.
• Chapel of St Lesmo, price £200.
• Wedding Breakfast, prices from £50 per person.
• Birkelunn Cottage (sleeps 11), price £1,840 for 7 nights.

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost 20% less.

Glen Tanar Conclusion

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

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for an exclusive use Victorian ballroom, nestled in the stunning Scottish highlands, with a beautiful little chapel, and cosy cottage accommodation; then Glen Tanar 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 Glen Tanar’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.