Hotels

Hotels Head-overheels for hotels!

VENUES

74 HOTELS 92 ACCOMMODATION 94 CASTLES & STATELY HOMES 102 VENUES & MARQUEES 112 MOOD BOARD

You’ve said “Yes” now it’s time to say: “I do”! And what better place to tie the knot than at one of the northeast’s magnificent and welcoming hotels? Personally, we don’t need to be asked twice but if you’re still trying to decide, here’s everything you need to know about the joy of a hotel wedding!

When deciding on your hotel, food and beverage could play a huge part in your choice. Do some research on the different cuisines offered and ask whether you’ll get a choice of set menus or may be able to request

something specific. www.elitephotographics.co.uk

The research stage

So, you’re looking at your options of amazing local hotels and feeling overwhelmed by all the different choices? Don’t fret, help is on the way. First, you need to decide what you want from your venue and which parts of the wedding you want where. Perhaps you’d like to have a church for your ceremony and the reception in a superglam hotel ballroom? Or to avoid travelling between locations (not just a time-saver, it’s a costsaver too!) maybe having the full celebration in one place would be better? That’s the beauty of a hotel!

One of the best things about having a hotel wedding is getting access to the little white book of contacts they’ve compiled over the years.

But that’s not all – there may be more than one option for where to hold your ceremony depending on the size of your guest list… and the weather! Outdoor nuptials, anyone? So, first things first, a draft guest list and start looking at which local hospitality options will suit your wedding size. Those featured on the pages of GWD are, of course, a great place to start!

Decisions, decisions

www.byrhea.co.uk

Are you thinking vintage glam or are you a lover of modern design? Looking for a sophisticated city hotel or a hidden gem in the countryside? Whatever your preference, the northeast’s truly varied hotel selection has you covered! You’ll find some offer picture-perfect staircases (your ‘tog will be delighted!), others offer the dreamiest outdoor areas and then there are those with luxurious bridal suites to die for. We feel some pros and cons lists coming on here…

www.banchorylodge.com

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

The perfect choice for your special day

T: 01330 822625 E: events@banchorylodge.com www.banchorylodge.com

Photography courtesy of: aberdeenphoto.com, Angus Porteous, archibaldphotography.co.uk, billbaillie.com, calumriddell.com, Carolo Paloni, danirosephotography.com, Deeside Photographics, janiebarclay.com, Jonathan Addie, Rubislaw Studio

Elegant west end weddings

Booking

Have you found the place for you? Amazing and exciting times coming up! But before you sign the dotted line and pop the champagne, you need to finalise some details. Ask about the deposit required and request the booking conditions for if you (hopefully don’t!) need to reschedule. Make sure you know which services are included in the price (think suppliers, catering, etc.) – is there anything you may want to account for adding on? Make sure everything is clear so you can focus on planning your dream wedding without any uncomfortable surprises.

The suppliers

One of the best things about having a hotel wedding is getting access to the (often huge) little white book of contacts they’ve compiled over the years.

THE CHESTER HOTEL

ABERDEEN

Queen’s Rd, Aberdeen events@chester-hotel.com www.chester-hotel.com

Talk to your coordinator about who they’d recommend because knowing which suppliers are perfect for that particular venue is a great advantage. Is there a photographer who knows the grand building and gorgeous grounds like the back of his/her hand, for example? For you, knowing the hotel has had positive experiences with a specific stylist or florist will give you peace of mind while planning.

www.deesidephoto.co.uk

www.byrhea.co.uk

Only Privately Owned 5 Star Hotel in Aberdeen

Your Perfect Day at The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

11 acres of beautiful surroundings for stunning photographs and gardens for Drinks Reception (weather permitting)

Only 1 wedding per day

Please call to request a brochure. t: 01224 861000 e: enquiries@marcliffe.com www.marcliffe.com North Deeside Road, Pitfodels, Aberdeen AB15 9YA

www.meldrumhouse.com by www.jonathanaddie.com

Accommodation – and more!

Not just a great venue for a memorable celebration of your love, a hotel also boasts on-site accommodation for you and your guests after a night of dancing and merriment. Giving your nearest and dearest the gift of easy access to a good night’s sleep after your wedding is great – especially if they’ve come from further afield. When booking, ask how many rooms can be earmarked for your wedding and when guests need to have booked by to avoid them being opened up to the general public. Remember that some hotels, such as The Copthorne Hotel in Aberdeen, will treat you to reduced accommodation rates if you’re marrying there, whilst others offer a little more than a bed for the night – dip in the pool or treatment in the spa, perhaps?

A few tips and tricks…

• Make use of the wedding coordinator if your hotel venue has one. They’re experts on both weddings and the location, which gives invaluable insight for you when planning your celebration. Picking their brain about your big day is highly recommended and remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question! • Whether you want a grand celebration or a minimalist get-together, most hotels can cater to your specific needs – you just need to discuss them. Perhaps a board on Pinterest can help you show your vision to the coordinator and ensure that your dream venue becomes even more magical? • Knowing your budget is important and while money isn’t the most exciting thing to talk about when wedding planning, it’s essential. Ensure you and your partner have a clear, agreed-upon limit in mind and don’t be afraid to share it with potential venues.

www.simonesmithphotography.com

www.byrhea.co.uk

• Deciding on décor? Keep a relatively open mind as you may be inspired by the hotel itself when deciding on your styling! For example, The Marcliffe boasts statement wall panelling – beige with white accents – that pairs perfectly with pink peonies…

We’re obsessed!

• When deciding on your hotel venue, food and beverage could play a huge part in your choice. Most offer great dining and the northeast’s chefs are ready to cook up some amazing treats for you and your hungry guests. Do some research on the different cuisines offered and ask whether you’ll get a choice of set menus or may be able to request something specific. Finally, be sure to arrange a tasting. Yum! ♥

www.jonathanaddie.com

www.byrhea.co.uk

www.meldrumhouse.com by www.jonathanaddie.com

© Andrea Wiseman Photography Make your wedding day a day to remember at the Ban-Car Hotel

Set in the rural countryside of Aberdeenshire, Ban-Car is a family run country hotel on the main Peterhead to Fraserburgh road. Catering for all sizes, and types of weddings, we have a wide range of services and years of experience.

www.ban-carhotel.co.uk t 01346 532578 e tina@ban-carhotel.co.uk LONMAY - FRASERBURGH