Best Wedding Venues in Dumfries and Galloway

Location: Kinmount House, Annan, Dumfries & Galloway, DG12 5RH

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Kinmount House

If you’ve heard of Kinmount House - then you’ll be aware of it’s stunning setting, surrounded by remote countryside. Gorgeous unique character and jaw-dropping, timeless views.

But what’s harder to convey is how all these facets combine into an experience that enrich a wedding with perfect romance at any scale - no matter if you’re hosting 300 guests or an elopement with just you two.

There’s a certain magic at work at Kinmount and when you experience it for yourselves you’ll discover why this is one of the most spectacular wedding venues, not just in Dumfries & Galloway, but the entire UK.

There’s a lot of exciting developments going on at Kinmount House - this is a real treasure waiting for you to discover it..

Nearby Accommodation: Kinmount Cottages

Location: Dalswinton Estate, DG1 1TG

Nearby Accommodation: Burnfoot of Cluden, Allanton Mill Cottage

Dalswinton Estate

What’s to love.. Just look at Dalswinton Barony Church - I do a double-take every time I pass it. With Scandinavian/Icelandic or even pioneering North American vibes this is one charming church..! For photographs you couldn’t ask for more - that Pillar-box red exterior opens into a warm honey-coloured wooden interior, big enough to comfortably seat over 100 guests yet still maintaining intimacy.

And the church is just the beginning of Dalswinton Estate - the Journey Garden gives spectacular views over the Dumfriesshire countryside to the distant hills and the secluded walled garden is the perfect marquee reception location. And as if that wasn’t enough, the loch with its ancient sandstone tower on an island surrounded by colour all-year-round has limitless scope for photographs.

My favourite time of year to photograph here has to be Autumn when the colour of the cherry trees in the walled garden is at it’s peak - there’s really not a lot more you could wish for..

Dunskey Estate

What’s to love.. Driving deep into the Galloway countryside - nearing Dunskey Estate feels like a true adventure, like getting off the beaten track and finding a well kept secret.

The variety across the estate is breathtaking - from lush woodland, formal garden and walled garden, complete with a delightful glasshouse and bathed in perfect afternoon light.. The walled garden contains some amazing exotics - banana plants grow happily outdoors thanks to the unique microclimate of this area.

The house has a character all of its own - a delightful place to stay with gorgeous details for photography - if the rain comes you could spend all your time photographing inside and not run out of scope.

The coast is a diversion that’s well worth the effort - explorers are rewarded with spectacular rocky coastline and pristine coves, there’s even a waterfall or two. The colour in the rock is indescribable and at dusk the dark rugged cliffs provide a delicious backdrop for a photographer. Kick off your shoes and lets your toes feel the pebbles - Dunskey is a place you feel as much as you see.

Location: Dunskey Estate, Portpatrick, Stranraer

Nearby Accommodation: Dunskey Estate Lodges, The Old Church, Portpatrick.

Location: Orroland Lodge, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4QS

Nearby Accommodation: Orroland Self Catering Cottages, Kirkcudbright, Tower Lodge, Auchencairn.

Orroland Lodge

What’s to love.. Looking for the perfect boho sea-front lodge - look no further! Orroland’s outlook stretches out over the Solway coast - blue sea meets views of the distant Lake District hills and then dissolves into sky.

The best part is the unexpected walk from the Lodge to the shore - through the arching Sycamores and if you’re lucky around May there’s one of the finest displays of bluebells to be seen anywhere - the perfect Springtime secret, waiting to be discovered.

This is the stuff of wedding photographer dreams..

I love weddings at Orroland Lodge because the size of wedding that it’s best suited to is an intimate gathering. Sharing a day with close family and friends in this perfect setting gives me all the warm fuzzies - and one of my all time favourite Spring wedding venues!

There’s even a lochan with a rowing boat, wake me up - this must be a dream. For more - check out this Orroland Lodge real wedding on my blog: Jacqui and Duncan.

Location: Friars Carse Hotel, Auldgirth, DG2 0SA

Nearby Accommodation: Friars Carse,Trigony House Hotel, Thornhill, Nithbank, Thornhill

Friars Carse

What’s to love.. The bend in the river Nith and the water slowly rolling past - gargantuan conifers providing a flourish of green all year-round.

Colours range from the frosty blues of Winter, crisp new greens of Spring and then the fire-burst of Autumn warmth - those lofty riverside trees create a gorgeous side-light which is wonderful for creative photography and the hidden nooks of rock and Rhododendron give an abundance of potential to get lost in.

I always seem to come away from a wedding at Friars Carse with something new - a new location, or a variation in seasonal colour and light.

Every time I photograph here there seems to be something previously undiscovered.. it’s a venue where I hope nothing changes - there’s a wonderful discovery every time I’m lucky enough to photograph here.

Location: Mabie House Hotel, Mabie Forest, Dumfries, DG2 8HB

Nearby Accommodation: Mabie House Hotel, The Wee Byre, Irongray.

Mabie House

What’s to love.. Maybe it’s coincidence but there’s always awesome light and colour when I photograph here. Photographers often talk about ‘finding the light’ and at Mabie there’s always good light to be found. The exposed hillside position on the edge of the 2500 acre Mabie Forest seems to yield a local micro-climate with drama for photography.

Surrounded by mature trees - there’s subtle pockets of shade to be found and welcome cover when the weather isn’t playing along.

Venture into the woods and there’s another layer of photographic scope to be had along the forest boardwalks and hidden lochen platform.. although these take some time to reach - the effort is always rewarded.

The recently erected, permanent Marquee has increased the hotel’s capacity for large celebrations - making it one of the most versatile venues in the region. For more - check out this Mabie House real wedding on my blog: Laura and Steven.

Location: Argrennan Manor House, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG7 1TZ

Nearby Accommodation: Argrennan Manor House Lodge and Cottages, Treetop Lodge, Kirkcudbright

Argrennan Manor House

What’s to love.. When you arrive and feel you’ve left the outside world behind - this is how Argrennan stirs you. Each room has so much character and original detail that’s perfect for story-telling photography. Preparations in the morning are a joy to photograph - with the sun streaming in through the south-facing windows.

Within a short walk is the walled garden - immaculately kept and providing seclusion for a couple shoot, away from the bustle of the wedding party you can let your guard down in front of the camera and capture some really special moments.

There’s always texture and warm colour to be found at Argrennan and every wedding I’ve been lucky enough to photograph here has been a fond memory.

The awesome staff complete the day - a wonderful, genuine team who’ll go the extra mile.

For more - check out these Argrennan real weddings on my blog: Helen and Grant, Emma and Eric, Eilidh and John.

Location: Crichton Church, Dumfries, DG1 4ZZ

Nearby Accommodation: Netherwood Lodge, Dumfries, Mabie House Hotel

Crichton Church & Easterbrook Hall

What’s to love.. The Crichton Church has always been a beautiful place to be married - I've photographed a host of ceremony types here - from religious to humanist and the lofty, bright vaulted interior makes for an unforgettable experience.

And now you can have your reception inside the Crichton Church too.. a magical atmosphere - the rows of church pews are swapped for tables and the interior is transformed into a unique reception and evening setting.

Those warm sandstone hues always look beautiful and for variety - the lush green foliage of the Crichton Gardens within walking distance gives beautiful outdoor space for couple photographs.

My favourite highlight is to head down to the Crypt with its amazing vaulted ceiling for some atmospheric photographs at the end of the day - love it! For more - check out Rhona and Greig’s Crichton real wedding on my blog.

Location: Craigadam House by Crocketford, Castle Douglas, DG7 3HU

Nearby Accommodation: Stables Cottage, Castle Douglas, Barncailzie Lodge nr Dalbeattie, Rose Cottage, Crocketford

Craigadam House

What’s to love.. Here’s a delightful rural location with a unique twist.

Craigadam is tucked away in the green Galloway countryside - the house full of charm and homely character with family portraits on the wall and lifetimes of family history - behind the main house is a reception area - with large capacity, enclosed in a covered fabric roof.. Think marquee canopy enclosing a delightful pond, mature trees and palms, wrapped in country farmhouse atmosphere.

The outdoor space is a mix of farmhouse garden, orchard and working farm - plenty of scope for creativity.

Sweeping views over the Dumfriesshire countryside put the finishing touch to this venue with many hidden treats!

Location: Galloway Activity Centre, Loch Ken, Parton, Castle Douglas, DG7 3NQ

Nearby Accommodation: GAC Eco bothies, Mongolian Yurts, Glamping Dome, Ironmacannie Mill, Balmaclellan, Hazelnut Yurt, Skerrow Cottage, New Galloway

Galloway Activity Centre

What’s to love.. This is a venue that you can really make your own. The Galloway Activity Centre offers a host of outdoor adventures but also just happens to be in an idyllic location on the banks of Loch Ken..

Arrive for your ceremony by boat and be married on the shore of the loch, surrounded by the Larch and Douglas fir - steam rising from the far bank as the sun starts to warm the day.

Adventure along the loch side and you’ll find a carpet of purple-flowering heather and in Autumn rich russet bracken - awesome to work with for photographs.

Then - head into the converted boat shed - the coloured boat sails adorning the walls - straw bails for rustic seating and fire up the Ceilidh band!

Location: Caerlaverock Castle, Castle Road End, Dumfries DG1 4RU

Nearby Accommodation: Caerlaverock Farmhouse, Hollins Cottage, Caerlavrock

Caerlaverock Castle

What’s to love.. This is the only triangular castle in Great Britain.. (mike drop!)

Caerlaverock is surrounded by a moat which creates beautiful reflections from all sides and the contrast between intricate stonework and tumbled-down abandoned turrets is unexpectedly beautiful.

On a blue-sky day with soft light this is a breath-taking location and it offers year-round scope for really epic photography.

The castle itself is exposed and there’s no roof, so you (and your guests) need to be prepared for the weather.

This is really only an option for your ceremony and it remains open to the public throughout - but there are plenty of great locations nearby with scope for your reception. As an elopement prospect it’s a wonderful choice.

Location: Dumfries House, Cumnock, KA18 2NJ (just to be clear - not in Dumfries : )

Nearby Accommodation: One The Stables, Alloway, The Old Stables, Sorn, Windmill's End

Dumfries House

What’s to love.. I know, it’s not in Dumfries (but in Ayrshire) however, Dumfries House is well worth an honouree mention. Have a look at these wedding photographs and I hope you’ll agree.

Dumfries House is what the film set of a perfect Dumfries & Galloway wedding would look like..

Due to the Prince’s Trust apprenticeship scheme - the entire estate is festooned with amazing craftsmanship - ornate covered walkways, thatched garden houses - beautiful locations for photographs. And the gardens are an epic sight to be seen - pristine in their presentation and featuring some gorgeous geometric planting - like tree-ferns.

There is so much gorgeousness at Dumfries House that it’s just not possible to include everything in a single wedding day’s photography - but that doesn’t matter - because what you do cover is so perfect. This is one location where it’s especially wise to arrange a visit before your wedding day, with your photographer - reccy and prioritise.