When it comes to making that all-important decision on where to get married, this might not register as the most legitimate of reasons, but who on earth would say no to tying the knot in an area that proudly claims to be home to more faeries per square mile than anywhere else in the world!? Truly, the Trossachs National Park in Stirlingshire holds this magical title and whether you believe in faeries or not, we’re pretty much in LOVE with this claim to fame.
From its folklore, forests and faerie friends to the gentle mists and jewel-green munros, the Trossachs are without question one of Scotland’s most romantic and enchanting destinations, even inspiring the likes of history’s prominent poets – Wordsworth, Coleridge & Scott!
Loch Venachar makes up one of the Trossach’s twenty-two bodies of water and is set against a magnificent backdrop of forested hills with Ben Ledi towering in the north. The location of Loch Venachar is as otherworldly and unbelievable as its kelpie resident, but there’s something even more unreal situated on the water’s edge – Venachar Lochside!
Here’s why we’ve chosen Venachar Lochside as this week’s Incredible Scottish Wedding Venue:
• Wildly romantic Trossachs location
• Less than one hour from Edinburgh & Glasgow
• Perfectly situated for inspiring photographic opportunities
• Numerous ceremony/reception options
• A foodie’s dream come true
• Large space to accommodate up to 80 guests
• Ample accommodation for wedding party nearby
• Disabled entrance and W.C.
Less than one hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow, Venachar Lochside is perfectly located for those looking to escape from it all on their big day and embrace some Highland-style wilderness without having to trek further north for hours. Turning off the A84 at Kilmahog, within seconds you’ll find yourself transported into the serenity of Trossachs life, where a meandering tree-lined lane leads to the ample carpark of a secluded chalet-style building. Welcome to Venachar Lochside!
Situated slap-bang on the north shore of Loch Venachar with not a neighbouring building to be seen, Venachar Lochside is a modern larch building, which has successfully managed to blend the elements of country and contemporary to great effect. Rustic wooden floors, mounted stag’s heads and a roaring wood burning stove meet a Scandi-style aesthetic of modern lighting and floor to ceiling windows, which allow couples and their guests to take in the spectacular view from every inch of the building.
What we love most about this venue (aside from the neighbouring faerie population and the fact that the owner’s Labrador joins in with the celebrations) is the flexibility it offers to couples. The fact that it’s not really a “wedding venue” at all, but an award-winning café, means there’s no set script. So, without the restraints of traditional wedding packages, Venachar Lochside makes for the perfect venue for couples looking to create a truly one-of-a-kind wedding day in an epic location.
As an exclusive use venue, couples have the flexibility and freedom to utilise any of three ah-ma-zing spaces for their ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception (there’s a mezzanine level on the first floor, a large space on the ground floor with double doors leading out to a third option, the lochside decked area and lawn). Each area comfortably seats up to eighty guests and takes advantage of the far-reaching views over the loch and hills. Therefore, no matter what the good old Scottish weather decides to throw at you on your big day, you’ll still be treated to wondrous views from any of the venue’s glorious spaces.
When Hannah & Steven married in May last year, they opted to hold their ceremony amidst the wildflowers on the south facing lawn overlooking the loch. They utilised the light and airy mezzanine level for their wedding breakfast, before heading downstairs for dancing and merrymaking.
The freedom and flexibility at Venachar Lochside doesn’t just stop at the reception spaces. The talented kitchen team are on-hand to help create a truly bespoke menu for couples and their guests. This is a foodie couple’s dream come true where anything from simple but delicious sharing platters to full-on gourmet extravaganzas can be served up. With the emphasis on seasonal, sustainable and Scottish, the chefs at Venachar Lochside use locally sourced produce wherever possible and even have their own kitchen garden. No wonder they’ve been awarded with a Scottish Thistle Award not once, but twice!
The wonders of Venachar Lochside aren’t lost after dark either. With zero light pollution, couples can celebrate their newlywed status by clinking champagne beneath the star-scattered sky. There’s even a crackling fire-pit where guests are encouraged to toast marshmallows with nothing but the sound of owls hooting and the loch lapping onto the nearby shore to disturb them.
When it comes to wedding photography, again, Venachar Lochside does not disappoint (as you can see by these fab photographs snapped by Trevor at Silver Photography). Even on the most dreich of days, light streams into every corner of the building, making it a wedding photographer’s best friend! Outdoors, couples are spoilt for choice with ancient forests, lochs and hills providing epic backdrops for some seriously romantic photos.
All in all, Venachar Lochside is a cracking wedding venue if you’re after a laidback, intimate, informal celebration in one of Scotland’s most beautiful and accessible locations. Speaking of access, the property even has it’s own jetty and pontoon for the landing of the Loch Lomond sea plane so brides hoping to make the ultimate, unforgettable entrance need look no further!
Thanks to:
Couple: Hannah & Steven
Photographer: Trevor at Silver Photography
Venue: Venachar Lochside
An A-Z of Incredible Scottish Wedding Venues:
A – Arisaig House
B – BAAD
C – Caves (The)
D – Dalduff Farm
E – Errol Park
F – Fernie Castle
G – Glen Clova Kirk
H – Harelaw Farm
I – Isle of Skye
J – Jupiter Artland
K – Kelburn Castle
L – Leith Theatre
M – Molteno Hall
N – Nevis Range
R – Roulotte Retreat
T – Tullibole Castle
