Hill Of Tarvit Mansion: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

Hill of Tarvit Mansion, once the country retreat of the wealthy and industrious Sharp family, can now be used as a private wedding venue.

The 110 hectare estate was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1948, and they have done an incredible job of opening this Edwardian mansion to the public.

So how does this place compare to other wedding venues in Scotland?

Well after some careful research, discussions with the NTS, and a full tour of the property, I think I have the answer to that question.

Let’s take a closer look at what a Hill of Tarvit Mansion wedding would be like.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion Location

Hill of Tarvit Mansion is nestled in the beautiful Scottish countryside, just 12 miles from St Andrews.

Dundee is only 15 miles away, and Perth is still a manageable 25 miles from the estate.

Coach journeys from both cities would be relatively short and pleasant.

In addition to this, there is ample on site parking for both your guests cars and big buses.

If you are looking at wedding venues in Fife, then this one definitely deserves a place on your list.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion Setting

As with all National Trust for Scotland properties, Hill of Tarvit Mansion is open to the public.

The grounds and gardens are open all year round, however the mansion is only open at certain times of the year.

What this means for you is, if you choose your dates carefully, you should get exclusive use of the entire building.

The outdoor areas will still have to be shared with the public, but given the size of the estate, it’s not likely to be a problem.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion History

The land surrounding Hill of Tarvit Mansion, has actually been inhabited for over 2000 years.

And there was a tower house, built by the Inglis family in the 1500s, quite close to the current building.

John Wemyss built the original Wemyss Hall in 1696, however when Frederick Sharp bought the estate in 1904, he wanted something more modern.

Frederick had made his fortune from jute, and investments in America, and wanted a new mansion to house his collection of fine antiques.

Sir Robert Lorimer was commissioned to design the Edwardian mansion you see today.

Frederick’s son Hugh took over the estate, when he died in 1932, but he was sadly killed 5 years later in a rail disaster.

His mother and sister continued to live at the house until 1948, when the estate was handed over to the NTS.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion

Considered one of Scotland’s finest Edwardian houses, Hill of Tarvit Mansion is an elegant country estate, with beautiful manicured lawns.

The house is full of interesting antiques, furniture, and Chinese porcelain.

For the art lover, there are paintings by Sir Henry Raeburn, Allan Ramsay, and some eminent Dutch artists.

Be sure to look out for the tapestry of Alexander the Great, hanging in the Main Hall.

If you are fortunate enough to get some sunshine, your guests will be able to enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn.

And if it rains, a tour of the house, or perhaps some billiards are also possible.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion Accommodation

The estate can actually sleep up to 18 guests in 10 bedrooms.

Within the main house, you have the Upper West Wing Flat.

This recently refurbished apartment, is located on the first floor, has its own front door, and sleeps up to 4 guests.

There are also three beautiful cottages on the land.

The East Cottage, located near the stable blocks, is set within its own enclosed garden, and sleeps up to 5 guests.

The Middle Cottage, surrounded by roses and flower borders, sleeps up to 4 guests.

And the West Cottage, also located near the stable blocks and set within its own enclosed garden, sleeps up to 5 guests.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion Ceremony

You have two indoor and one outdoor option, for your ceremony at Hill of Tarvit Mansion.

The Great Hall, with its wood panelling and 17th century tapestries, is perfect for up to 70 guests.

During the summer months, the French doors can be opened, revealing incredible views over the South facing terrace.

If you are looking for something more intimate, then the Drawing Room with its 40 guest capacity is also possible.

Outside you have the beautiful gardens, with colourful borders, yew hedges, and the stunning rose garden.

This alfresco location is perfect for up to 70 guests.

Civil, religious, and humanist ceremonies are all welcome.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion Reception

The Great Hall can also be used for your reception at Hill of Tarvit Mansion.

Up to 60 guests can be seated in this room, for a lavish banquet style meal.

The Drawing Room, with its Adam Weisweiler cabinets, may also be used providing you have less than 30 guests.

And if neither of these options are suitable, a marquee on the lawn with stunning views over the estate, is a great choice for larger parties.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion Grounds

Sir Robert Lorimer, the Hill of Tarvit Mansion architect, was also responsible for the grounds and gardens.

All 270 acres of them.

Complete with formal lawns, yew hedges, flowering borders, and sunken rose gardens, the estate is perfect for a relaxing stroll.

There are three way marked trails: the Woodland walk; the Hilltop Walk; and the Centenary Walk.

Each of them will reveal beautiful scenery, and if you are lucky, interesting wildlife.

The top of Tarvit Hill offers especially nice vistas over the estate.

And when it comes to your wedding photographs, the gardens will provide perfect backdrops.

This is something which is often overlooked, when considering a wedding venue.

I know many professional photographers will drive the bride and groom somewhere scenic if they must.

However this won’t be necessary here.

The sunken rose garden is especially picturesque.

And your wedding photographer will definitely be thanking you.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion Unique Feature

Now this is about as unique a feature as you could possibly imagine.

You and your guests can take a step back in time, and play golf as it was 100 years ago.

The estates 9 hole Kingarrock Hickory Golf Course, comes complete with traditional clubs, bags, tees, and balls.

It’s an experience everyone is guaranteed to remember.

There are also some other Hickory lawn games available, if golf isn’t your thing.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion Wedding Prices

For accurate Hill of Tarvit Mansion 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 Hill of Tarvit Mansion wedding cost:

• Apartment + Cottages (sleeps 18), price £2,840 for 7 nights.
• Great Hall (ceremony & drinks reception), price £1,140.
• Hill of Tarvit Mansion (ceremony & reception), price £3,000.
• Lawn Hire (marquee), price £1,500 (marquee not included).
• 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.

Hill of Tarvit Mansion Conclusion

So those are my 10 reasons you should consider Hill of Tarvit Mansion as your wedding venue.

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for something Edwardian in style, with quaint onsite accommodation, a great alfresco ceremony option, and its own private golf course; then Hill of Tarvit Mansion 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 Hill of Tarvit Mansion’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.