Dunkeld Wedding Venues : A Guide
Referred to as the “Gateway to The Highlands”, Dunkeld has been a favourite holiday and weekend get-away location since the opening of the Highland Railway in the 19th century. Famed for it’s beautiful woodlands, quaint village and views along the River Tay, Dunkeld hosts an abundance of places to eat, stay and most importantly here, get married! As well as gorgeous country houses and luxury hotels, Dunkeld’s stunning woodland spaces are perfect for those seeking an outdoor wedding. And if you’re after an outdoor wedding but want the convenience of amazing foodie spots close by, you’ll find plenty to choose from in Dunkeld.
As a local to Dunkeld, I’ve put together all the best venues and outdoor spots for those planning a wedding in this beautiful Perthshire town. I may be a little bias, but it’s an absolutely magical place to host your wedding!
Dunkeld Wedding Venues
Cardney Estate
Just a short journey outside the town of Dunkeld, Cardney Estate is hidden away in the hillside in a gorgeous rural landscape. The venue has bags of potential for weddings of all shapes and sizes with multiple locations across the estate, both indoor and outdoor. Featuring a rustic but contemporary look, the spaces are perfect for blank canvas weddings.
Style : Restored modern farm steading with original features.
Venue Capacity : 80 - 250
Special Features : Multiple versatile spaces to cater for all wedding sizes and styles; forest and lochside locations for scenic outdoor ceremonies; partially covered outdoor courtyard for all weathers.
Website : https://www.cardneyestate.co.uk/steading
Dungarthill House
Dungarthill House is a stunning country home a few miles east of the leafy town of Dunkeld. The house is perfect for smaller weddings and provides onsite accommodation for a chilled out, no fuss wedding celebration with your nearest and dearest.
Style : Victorian Country Home
Venue Capacity : For smaller weddings
Special Features : Indoor or outdoor ceremony; private grounds; self-catered accommodation for up to 20 people
Website : www.dungarthillhouse.co.uk
Dunkeld House Hotel
Nestled in amongst grand redwood trees and sitting at the banks of the River Tay, Dunkeld House Hotel is a luxury venue with everything you need for a small or large wedding. With a multitude of indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s a great space to plan a bespoke day that suits your style and size of wedding.
Style : Luxury, 4 star country house
Venue Capacity : Up to 120
Special Features : Marquee for large receptions; indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces; onsite catering; onsite accommodation
Website : www.crerarhotels.com/collection/dunkeld-house-hotel
Dunkeld Cathedral
An iconic venue for a wedding ceremony, Dunkeld Cathedral is steeped in history and its origins as a site of religious significance can be traced back to the 6th century. It stands as a true focal point of Dunkeld town and overlooks the River Tay.
Style : A historic 14th century village Cathedral.
Venue Capacity : Around 150
Special Features : Stunning gothic architecture; Dunkeld’s most iconic building; overlooks the beautiful River Tay.
Website : https://dunkeldcathedral.org/
Eastwood House
Originally a Victorian Highland retreat, Eastwood House sits along the banks of the River Tay with a stunning rose garden and woodland. The house has welcomed famous guests throughout history such as Beatrix Potter, who began her story of the beloved Peter Rabbit during her stay there in 1893. This venue is ideal for smaller weddings and elopements making use of the gorgeous gardens overlooking the river.
Style : Country home with refurbished estate cottages
Venue Capacity : Small weddings
Special Features : Beautiful cottage garden for outdoor ceremonies; overlooks the River Tay; onsite accommodation for up to 6 people;
Website : www.eastwoodhousedunkeld.com
Ossian’s Hall, The Hermitage
This gorgeous circular Folly, originally built for the 2nd Duke of Atholl, sits above the Black Linn Waterfall which you can hear roaring through the open glass doors. Getting to the folly requires a 10-15 minute walk through The Hermitage, one of Perthshire’s most iconic woodlands, and is perfect for those who want to experience the joy of an outdoor ceremony but without the risk of getting wet!
Style : 18th Century Folly overlooking the Black Linn Waterfall
Venue Capacity : Up to 20
Special Features : Beautifully decorated interior hall; surrounded by some of Dunkeld’s most iconic scenery; close by on-site parking
Website : https://www.nts.org.uk/venue-hire/the-hermitage/weddings
Murthly Estate
Murthly Estate is a little hidden gem a short journey east of Dunkeld. Featuring Murthly Castle, a 16th century Chapel and a walled garden, the estate offers flexibility for where you can host your ceremony and reception as well as the number of guests you want to accommodate.
Style : Private, exclusive-use Estate with castle and grounds
Venue Capacity : Up to 250
Special Features : Stunning chapel for religious ceremonies; extensive outdoor locations including a walled garden; outdoor marquee
Website : https://www.murthly-estate.com/
Unique Outdoor Ceremony Spots in Dunkeld
The Hermitage
Originally designed as a pleasure ground for the 2nd Duke of Atholl, The Hermitage is a magical woodland paradise just off the A9. A short 10-15 minute walk from the car park is a gorgeous spot amongst towering pines which is a favourite for hosting outdoor wedding ceremonies.
Style : 18th Century designed forest with towering Douglas Pines
Venue Capacity : Elopement or small wedding up to 20 people
Special Features : Magical forest scenery along the River Braan; easy walkable paths; close by parking
Website : https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/the-hermitage
Pinecone Point
Style : Outdoor ceremony space located in Craigvinean Forest.
Venue Capacity : Small Elopement up to 10 guests
Special Features : Pinecone sculpture nestled in amongst the forest overlooking the Tay Valley; involves a magical 2.5 mile forest walk into secluded surroundings
Website : Forestry Commission Website
River Tay
If you’re after a guaranteed quiet spot in Dunkeld where you can enjoy the peaceful flow of the River Tay, there’s a perfect spot West of Dunkeld House Hotel surrounded by woodland and wildlife.
Style : Riverside location surrounded by woodland
Venue Capacity : Elopement
Special Features : Quiet, peaceful and away from the bustle of Dunkeld Village but with close parking facilities.
West grotto
A special and secluded spot that is easy to miss, the almost 300 year old stone structure sits within the grounds of Dunkeld House Hotel and overlooks the River Tay. With candle holders already in situ, West Grotto is the perfect outdoor spot for a cosy, intimate wedding that feels a little magical.
Style : A 17th century grotto situated on a forested hillside.
Venue Capacity : Elopement, Up to 10 people
Special Features : Romantic hide-away beside the Tay River
Website : www.crerarhotels.com/collection/dunkeld-house-hotel