I often get into conversations with fellow wedding industry professionals about what their favourite or most unusual venues are – so I thought I’d put together a list of the most unique wedding venues I’ve had the chance to work at.

There are some really interesting spots to host a wedding and these are just a few in the Central Belt of Scotland. Be sure to check out the video highlights for each location!

1. Eden Leisure Village

John and Lisa’s rustic wedding took place at the glamping site in Cumbernauld

Eden Leisure Village provided the idyllic setting for Lisa and John’s wedding last summer. The glamping site in Cumbernauld, near Glasgow, is the perfect location for those looking for a festival style wedding. Lisa and John opted to host their ceremony in the big bell tent, complete with bunting and floral garlands and their reception was in the marquee. One big advantage of choosing this venue for your wedding is that the site can accommodate your guests in the various glamping pods, lodges and hobbit huts!

It was clear to see that Lisa and John’s guests enjoyed their day at Eden Leisure Village with plenty to keep the kids and adults alike occupied. Fun was definitely the aim of the day for this couple and their guests!

As you can see from their video below, the couple have a love of their pet bunnies and there was a distinct rabbit theme throughout the day – with the minister even declaring “You may now kiss your bunny!”

2. Oran Mor

Sean and Hayley’s wedding reception was held in the beautiful converted church in Glasgow’s West End

Maq Films covered the wedding of Sean and Hayley in 2017 and the couple chose to have their reception in the heart of Glasgow’s West End, at Oran Mor. It’s an iconic building for anyone from the Glasgow area and the interior did not disappoint. It was formerly Kelvinside Parish Church and the dramatic stained glass windows remain, providing a beautifully colourful backdrop for the wedding festivities. The name “Oran Mor” means ‘great melody of life’ in Gaelic and this is just the perfect description for this venue.

Sean and Hayley’s wedding reception was energetic and vibrant as you can see from the video below:

3. Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Esme and Ian got married under giant sequoia trees in Edinburgh Botanic Gardens

I couldn’t quite believe my eyes when I arrived at the ceremony space for Ian and Esme’s wedding at the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh earlier this year. It was one of the first really hot days of summer and their ceremony was to be held outside under a canopy of giant sequoia trees, surrounded by endless varieties of bright and sweet-smelling flowers.

The couple got married on the same day as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the whole country was experiencing blue skies and bright sunshine. Ian and Esme were emotional as they said their vows and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight! Check out their video below for some of the highlights from their day:

4. The Caves

Sarah and Paul’s wedding took place in the unique Caves in Edinburgh’s City Centre

Whisky Row in Edinburgh city centre is home to the Caves – a venue which is part of the 18th Century South Bridge. The caves were hidden for over 100 years but were restored to the original stone vaults by the current owner and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They were at one time used to store whisky and house taverns and in later years were a hotspot for criminal activity.

The venue is steeped in history and is very unassuming from the outside but once you step through the doors, there’s an almost magical feeling in the building, with twinkling fairly lights, secret nooks and a grand stage to host the ceremony. Sarah and Paul chose Maq Films to record their wedding day at the Caves earlier this year. Check out their highlight film below:

5. Tullibole Castle

Tulibole Castle in Crook of Devon

When you think of a Scottish wedding, the word castle definitely comes to mind and this exclusive use wedding venue in Crook of Devon, near Kinross, really provides the wow factor. Nikki and Gary asked us to film their wedding in the summer of 2016 and it was one of the first Maq Films weddings. Their own personal style really came across in everything that they chose for their day, which I think is a real positive in choosing a venue like this.

Nikki and Gary’s ceremony took place in the Great Hall of the castle, which dates back to the 17th Century. Then their reception was held in the barn just next door. It meant that there was a romantic and dramatic setting for the most important part of the day – the vows – and then a more rustic and relaxed setting for the reception. Tullibole Castle is a venue you can put your own stamp on, from intimate and romantic to full blown festival style weddings.

6. Glencorse House

Inside the Old Kirk where Jen and Jamie made their vows

Jen and Jamie got married at Glencorse House back in 2016 and it remains one of our favourite venues to have worked in. The Old Kirk on the grounds of the house provided an atmospheric spot for the vows to take place, beautifully lit by candlelight and the old stone walls which seemed to be full of stories from days gone by. It dates all the way back to the 17th Century and famous author, Robert Louise Stevenson was a parishioner back then and mentioned it in a few of his publications. It has also been used as an Outlander filming location *Spoiler coming up* and was the church where Claire and Jamie got married in Season one of the Starz show. Check out their wedding scene here.

The rest of the venue is equally as spectacular with amazing grounds to use for the family and couple photos. The evening reception was held in the marquee, which saw Jen and Jamie’s friends and family dancing right through to to the wee hours.