Haddo House: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

Haddo House, once the stately home of the wealthy and powerful Gordon family, is now one of the most unique wedding venues in Scotland.

The estate was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1974, and they have done a wonderful job of opening this intriguing place to the public.

So what is it like to get married here?

Well after some careful research, and a full tour of the property, I think I am in a good position to answer that question.

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

Haddo House Location

Located only 20 miles from Aberdeen, Haddo House is surrounded by the beautiful Scottish countryside.

The setting is quiet and peaceful, like most wedding venues in Aberdeenshire, and yet a coach journey back to the city is short and convenient.

Ellon is also only 8 miles away, and it does have hotels suitable for your guests.

You will enter the estate along a picturesque sweeping driveway, which leads right up to the mansion house.

There is plenty of parking for cars and coaches.

Haddo House Setting

Being a National Trust for Scotland property, Haddo House is open to the public.

However whilst the grounds are open all year round, the house is only open during certain months, for guided tours.

What this means for you is, most of the rooms can be used for your ceremony and reception exclusively.

The public will still have access to the grounds, but with 200 acres available, that’s not likely to be a problem.

Haddo House History

The land which Haddo House sits on today, used to be occupied by a fortified tower, built by the Gordon family in the 15th century.

In 1682, George Gordon was appointed Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, and became the Earl of Aberdeen.

It was his son William, a Jacobite supporter, who built the current mansion in 1732.

Designed by William Adam, it would become a Gordon family home for over 250 years.

George Hamilton Gordon, the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, served as Prime Minister in 1852.

His guests included Queen Victoria, who stayed at the house in the now named Queens Bedroom.

In 1974, the 4th Marquess of Aberdeen, David Gordon, died leaving the estate to the National Trust for Scotland.

Lady Aberdeen actually lived in the South Wing until her death in 2009.

What a fantastic place to make your own piece of history.

Haddo House

Haddo House is actually one of Scotland’s grandest Palladian style homes.

This type of architecture is derived from the designs of Venetian architect Andrea Palladio.

Undergoing a major refurbishment in the 19th century, what you are left with is a crisp Georgian exterior, and a lavish Victorian interior.

The inviting oak panelled Entrance Hall is the first thing your guests will see, before ascending the grand staircase to find the principal rooms.

Don’t forget to look up, as this building is renowned for its stunning ceilings.

As you take in your surroundings, you will find an incredible collection of period furniture, ceramics, and artwork.

It’s a very sophisticated setting, and perfect for a wedding.

Haddo House Ceremony

Religious, civil, and humanist ceremonies are all possible at Haddo House.

You also have a trio of options when it comes to location too.

For a Christian ceremony, of any domination, there is the Chapel, dating back to 1881.

Furnished with traditional wooden pews, stained glass windows, and a golden altar; it’s a really beautiful place.

In addition to seating for 110 guests, you will also have the use of the fantastic pipe organ.

The Library, with its 19th century decor, is a great civil ceremony option.

Its sweeping drapes, rich cedar and ebony bookcases, and stunning chandeliers, create an atmosphere of both grand and homely.

You can seat 80 guests in this room, which is filled with heirlooms and family portraits.

For something a little more intimate, there is also the Drawing Room.

Small yet impressive, it can seat 40 guests comfortably.

Haddo House Reception

Whether you want grand and sumptuous, or intimate and relaxed; it’s all possible at Haddo House.

For drinks receptions of up to 110 people, there’s the interconnecting Ante, Drawing, and Morning Rooms.

Your guests will be able to sip champagne, surrounded by grand oil paintings, with stunning views across the gardens.

When it comes to dining, the Library with its capacity of 80 guests, is both versatile and spacious.

It’s also a room which has played host to royalty over the years.

And if you are looking for something more intimate, the elegant Dining Room is perfect for parties of 17 or less.

The options don’t stop here either.

A short walk from the main building is the Canadian Hall, inspired by the 7th Earl’s first trip to Canada in 1890.

With a capacity of 160 for dining, and 250 for dancing, this room is ideal for ceilidhs.

A marquee is also possible, on the lower lawn.

Haddo House Grounds

The grounds and gardens at Haddo House are absolutely stunning.

And there are no less than 80 hectares of them too.

The Formal Terrace Gardens, to the rear of the house are beautiful, especially during the summer months.

They are a wonderful place for some fresh air and a relaxing walk.

If you are lucky enough to get some sunshine on your wedding day, your guests will love this outdoor area.

There is also the Haddo Country Park, with its lakes and woodland walks.

Perhaps not one for your wedding day, but brilliant for a return visit.

You can feed the ducks, do some wildlife watching, and there’s a play park for the kids.

Haddo House Wedding Photographs

Not all wedding venues are equal, when it comes to the all important photographs.

What you really want, is stunning gardens and a picturesque backdrop, to set the scene for your images.

But also a light and ornate indoor alternative, just in case the rain is on.

Well rest assured that Haddo House provides both these options.

Your wedding photographer will definitely thank you for choosing this venue.

Haddo House Unique Feature

As you are probably aware, these old country houses are full of incredible artwork.

All of the really valuable stuff finds its way into galleries of course.

However sometimes mistakes are made.

George Hamilton Gordon bought a painting, which was wrongly attributed to a little known Italian painter, Innocenzo da Imola.

In the late 19th century, it was valued at just £20.

Recently though, this 16th century masterpiece of the Virgin Mary, was found to be the work of Italian renaissance painter Raphael.

It’s new valuation is £20 million!

If you got married at Haddo House before 2016, then you were probably within champagne spilling distance of this irreplaceable piece of work.

Haddo House Wedding Prices

For accurate Haddo 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 Haddo House wedding cost:

• Chapel (ceremony), price £1,800.
• Library (ceremony), price £1,800.
• Haddo House (ceremony & drinks reception), price £3,000.
• Haddo House (ceremony & reception), price £4,800.
• Wedding Breakfast, prices from £54 per person.
• Drinks Package, prices from £15 per person.

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost less.

Haddo House Conclusion

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

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for something historic and traditionally Scottish, with a beautiful little chapel, stunning grounds and gardens, and potentially priceless works of art hanging on the wall; then Haddo 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 Haddo House’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.