Pollok House: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

Pollok House is the ancestral home of the Maxwell family, and is now under the protection of the National Trust for Scotland.

In fact Sir John Stirling Maxwell was a founding member of the NTS.

Dating back to the 18th century, Pollok House is one of Scotland’s grandest Edwardian country mansions.

It is also the location of the first ever wedding I attended.

Personally I think this is one of the most unique wedding venues in Scotland.

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

Pollok House Location

Pollok House has a very unique location.

It is only 3 miles away from Glasgow, which of course makes it a very convenient place to get to.

However it sits right in the centre of the enormous Pollok Country Park.

Assuming you live in or around Scotland’s largest city, transporting guests and wedding materials will be quick and easy.

And yet once you arrive, it’s like being out in the beautiful Scottish countryside.

The drive leading up to the mansion is very picturesque, and the house itself impressively imposing.

You’ll definitely know you’ve arrived, at what is certainly one of the best wedding venues in Glasgow.

Pollok House Setting

As with most properties under the protection of the NTS, Pollok House is open to the public.

And because it’s such an interesting one, it is open virtually all year round.

Up until 5pm you will get exclusive use of some of the rooms, but not the entire mansion.

However after 5pm the building is closed to the public, and then you will have the place to yourself.

Your celebrations can go on right up until midnight too.

So it’s not what you would consider a 100% exclusive use wedding venue, but the evening element certainly will be.

Pollok House History

The Maxwell family have connections with Pollok, dating all the way back to the 13th century.

And in fact some of them lived at the house right up until 1966.

There was originally a castle built on the estate in the early 1200s.

However the current house was constructed in 1752, with the additional wings not added until 1890.

Would you believe that up to 48 servants were required to run the household, even with as few as 3 family members living there.

It’s an incredible insight into the upstairs downstairs division.

If you or your guests are interested in seeing the entire property, guided tours can be arranged for your wedding day.

It’s something I did, and would highly recommend.

Pollok House

As you can imagine the house is absolutely stunning inside and out.

It is world renowned for its striking architecture, luxurious furnishings, and incredible art collection.

When you arrive, you will be struck by the walled courtyard and beautiful gardens.

The grand Entrance Hall, decorated in marble, mahogany, and bevelled glass, makes for the perfect area to welcome guests.

Your friends and family will love the sweeping staircase, which leads up to the reception rooms.

It really is like something out of a fairytale.

Pollok House Ceremony

The Pavilion Library in the East wing is perfect for indoor ceremonies of up to 100 guests.

It contains over 7000 books and manuscripts, plus there is a Steinway grand piano which can be used to welcome the bride.

The room is framed by iconic columns, with the famous El Greco masterpiece (Lady in a Fur Wrap) hanging on the wall.

Once your ceremony is over, French doors can be opened on to the Parterre Garden, which is ideal for drinks and canapes.

It’s also a nice spot for photographs.

Religious, civil, and humanist ceremonies are all welcome.

Pollok House Reception

Depending on your requirements, Pollok House can offer a couple of options for your reception.

The Dining Room in the West Pavilion is ideal for up to 60 guests.

It’s elegantly decorated and features masterpieces by Gerrit Malleyn.

You also have the choice of both round tables and long tables.

Downstairs there is the bright and spacious Edwardian Kitchen, which can also accommodate 60 guests.

It retains many original features, plus it opens out on to the Tea Garden, which will allow everyone to get some fresh air.

More importantly the Edwardian Kitchen can be combined with the Servants Hall, to create a room suitable for up to 120 guests.

This space is also ideal for ceilidhs, and large evening receptions.

Failing all that, a marquee somewhere on the grounds is possible too.

Pollok House Grounds

Given its proximity to Glasgow, it’s hard to imagine Pollok House having so much land.

There are 1000 acres available here, which is larger than New York’s Central Park.

Peace and tranquility can be enjoyed amongst the beautiful gardens and grounds.

After all, no one does a garden quite like the National Trust for Scotland.

You don’t have to venture far to find nice woodland and riverside walks.

There is also an old stable containing Clydesdale horses, and a lovely walled garden.

Assuming you get some nice weather, Pollok Country Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Pollok House Wedding Photographs

The all important wedding photographs.

So often overlooked when choosing a wedding venue.

Ideally you want a range of picturesque landscapes to act as backdrops.

Plus some indoor options with lots of light, as bad weather alternatives.

Well we already know that Pollok House has beautiful gardens, that will have your wedding photographer thanking you.

But it also has relatively large windows for an old building, with some of the upstairs rooms pretty good for natural light.

You’ll definitely get some shots to remember.

Pollok House Wedding Coordinator

Never underestimate the value of a good wedding coordinator.

With so many options available at Pollok House, you really need someone to guide you through.

Fortunately you will be allocated with your own events manager, who will be on hand to offer friendly advice and support.

Also worth mentioning at this point, celebrating your wedding at Pollok House is helping the NTS to protect our nations natural and cultural heritage.

Definitely something to be proud of.

Pollok House Wedding Prices

For accurate Pollok 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 Pollok House wedding cost:

• Library (ceremony & drinks reception), price £1,200.
• Pollok House (ceremony & reception), price £3,900.

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost less.

Pollok House Conclusion

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

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for a beautiful Edwardian house, set in 1000 acres of stunning grounds, with space for a 120 guest reception, and perfect photo opportunities; then Pollok 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 Pollok House’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.