Sense of place

Picking the right wedding venue can help to establish the right vibe and guarantee a day to remember

The choice of venues is wider than it’s ever been so find one that makes you both feel right at home.

For many couples, choosing the wedding venue is where all the planning begins. Depending on your choice of location, it can set the tone for the whole celebration.

From castles to the traditional church followed by a hotel, a stately home or a trendy city location, the possibilities are endless.

Discuss what you both want to get from the venue – are you the kind of couple who want a slick affair, a traditional wedding or a celebration with a more bohemian vibe?

Straying from the truly traditional could mean you can find a real gem – it might require a bit more work to create your dream setting but the results will be worth it.

Flexibility with dates is another way to bag a great spot – booking low season, on a weekday or even last minute can mean that you will get a great bargain.

Think about your personality and how you envisage your big day.

Perhaps you have always dreamed of a fairytale wedding, in which case Scotland is the place to be, with an amazing array of castles, palaces and grand stately homes available to hire out for your special day.

Throughout Fife, Angus and Perthshire there are stunning castles that would make a fantastic backdrop to any fairytale-inspired celebration.

For a more intimate celebration, think about hiring a small castle or country lodge for a special weekend or book a room in your favourite restaurant where you can celebrate with a select

Get out there and visit a few different venues, compare costs, availability and the services that they offer...

few family members and friends.

For country girls and boys, the growing trend for hiring out rustic venues such as converted barns is the perfect choice – these are usually a fairly blank canvass with a rustic charm, so you can let your imagination run wild.

If you really want to get married in the great outdoors it is possible to exchange your vows almost anywhere, from the top of a mountain to your favourite beach – the only limit is your imagination.

For golf fans, there are the iconic courses and hotels at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Gleneagles, plus many more right here on our doorsteps, while footie-mad couples might like the idea of getting into the team spirit with a wedding in the hospitality suite at your team’s ground – you might even be able to get hitched on the hallowed ground of the pitch.

Get out there and visit a few different venues, compare costs, availability and the services that they offer – chat to staff and wedding planners, who will be full of ideas about how your big day could unfold. Don’t dismiss a venue as being too small if you are planning a large celebration or a big party for your evening guests, as marquees can add flexibility and capacity to many locations.

Also, don’t forget your budget. It is important to work out how much you would like – or can afford – to spend on your wedding venue. This will probably be the most expensive aspect of your wedding and it is important not to get too carried away, even if that fairytale castle sweeps you off your feet.