House Of Dun: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

House of Dun, once the stately home of the Erskine family, can now be used as your very own private wedding venue.

The 300 hectare estate was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1980, and as with all of the properties in their care, they have done an excellent job of opening this place to the public.

What we are really interested in though, is how it compares to other wedding venues in Scotland.

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

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

House of Dun Location

There are some wonderful wedding venues in Angus, and without question House of Dun adds to that list.

Conveniently located only 35 miles from Dundee, and 45 miles from Aberdeen, it occupies the most beautiful country setting.

Montrose is also only 3 miles away, and does have hotels suitable for your guests.

The estate is accessed via a long avenue of Wellingstonia trees, which leads you right up to the stunning mansion house.

If you are planning to transport your guests to the venue, there is plenty of space to park coaches.

House of Dun Setting

I really like the idea of an exclusive use wedding venue.

Complete privacy for you and your guests to celebrate.

This is an area however, that National Trust for Scotland properties can sometimes fall down on.

Largely because they are open to the public.

House of Dun is open to the public, but only for guided tours and only at certain times of the year.

Therefore if you choose your dates carefully, you should get the place to yourself.

The grounds are open all year round, but with 300 hectares available, your privacy is unlikely to be interrupted.

House of Dun History

The Dun Estate was originally bought by Sir Robert Erskine in 1375.

He built a tower house, typical of those times, west of the current mansions location.

By the 1700s however, the 13th Laird, David Erskine, wanted something more modern.

So he commissioned William Adam, to create the masterpiece you see today.

Building started in 1730, but took until 1743 to complete.

After which successive generations of Erskine’s lived on the estate, until the property was gifted to the NTS in 1980.

It was opened to the public in 1989, by the Queen Mother.

House of Dun

House of Dun was designed from the outset for entertaining.

This is one reason why it makes such an excellent wedding venue.

Inspired by Chateau d’Issy near Paris, the interior is richly decorated with incredible ornate plasterwork.

Your guests will be spellbound as they enter via the grand external staircase.

Beautiful walled gardens, and courtyards flank the 18th century Georgian mansion.

It really is a very pretty building, and an ideal setting for a wedding.

House of Dun Accommodation

You can’t actually stay in the main building sadly, but there is accommodation available on the estate.

Both the North and South Stables, dating from the 18th century, have been converted into self catered apartments.

They are full of character, built using golden sandstone, and decorated to a high standard.

Each one can also hold up to 4 guests, which could be ideal for your wedding party.

House of Dun Ceremony

Civil, religious, and humanist ceremonies are all welcome at House of Dun.

Your indoor option is the interconnected Grand Saloon and Dining Room.

Packed with family portraits, and intricate details, these rooms can accommodate up to 70 guests.

If you are interested in an outdoor ceremony, then the Victorian Walled Garden is perfect.

Most country houses have their walled gardens situated away from the main building.

However here, the gardens are connected to the house, making them much more practical to use.

They also offer much more space, with 150 guests possible outside.

House of Dun Reception

The interconnected Grand Saloon and Dining Room are also where you can have your reception.

Either 70 guests are possible for drinks, or 50 guests for dinner.

Imagine sitting down to a banquet style meal, surrounded by 18th century portraits, porcelain and furniture.

Just like the Erskine Laird’s and their friends and families once did.

For the art lover, these rooms also contain a collection of 20th century masterpieces, by prominent Scottish Colourists.

If the indoor option at House of Dun is a little too small for your needs, a marquee can be setup on the lawn too.

House of Dun Gardens

Historically, gardens have always been a major feature of these large country homes.

And the NTS has done a simply stunning job of maintaining them, despite the enormous costs involved.

The gardens at House of Dun are extra special, as the walled in section is accessed directly from the mansion.

Whether you use it for your ceremony or not, this will be an excellent area for your guests to relax and enjoy some fresh air.

It doesn’t stop there either.

You also have the Formal Terrace Gardens, which are separated from the surrounding countryside by a ha-ha.

A ha-ha is a vertical drop used to keep out wildlife, but still allow for open views.

House of Dun Grounds

Nearly 750 acres of idyllic gardens and grounds are waiting to be explored at House of Dun.

In the distance, you will be able to see the Montrose Basin, which has become a world famous nature reserve.

The beach is nearby too.

A gentle stroll around the estate will uncover beautiful scenery, and interesting wildlife.

You will also see fruits and vegetables being grown, which are served in the cafe at certain times of year.

I’m sure you won’t make use of all of this on your wedding day, but it gives you a great excuse to go back for a return visit.

And when it comes to your wedding photographs, no ugly hotel carparks here.

Or having to travel some distance to a picturesque location.

House of Dun is a wedding photographers dream.

The grounds and gardens offer endless opportunities for stunning images.

And if the weather turns against you, there are some bright and spacious indoor options too.

House of Dun Wedding Prices

For accurate House of Dun 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 House of Dun wedding cost:

• North & South Stables (sleeps 8), price £1,090 for 3 nights.
• Grand Saloon (ceremony & drinks reception), price £1,200.
• Walled Garden (ceremony & drinks reception), price £1,000.
• Lawn Hire (marquee), price £1,650 (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.

House of Dun Conclusion

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

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for something pretty and historic, with beautiful gardens and grounds, an excellent outdoor ceremony option, and room for a marquee; then House of Dun 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 House of Dun’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.