YSW on tour | Ballintaggart Perfect for couples keen to make memories with honest and delicious food, Ballintaggart is designed for a proper get-away-from-it-all wedding. Claire Muir tests it out…
Let’s plan a wedding!
A hidden gem in Highland Perthshire, Ballintaggart is the ultimate setting for those who want to say ‘I do’ in a rustic, informal, exclusive use venue whilst treating themselves and their guests to an ultra-high-quality experience… Especially when it comes to the wedding breakfast! Originally a destination for food lovers (owners Rachel and Chris Rowley, founders of Edinburgh’s first supper club, created waves with their cook school and atmospheric feast nights), demand from engaged couples saw the space evolve from boutique B&B to beautiful wedding venue. And now, it feels like it was always meant to be this way. Ballintaggart will be exclusively yours and comes with stunning accommodation options, views for days and Michelin-starworthy cuisine. There are no package deals or set menus here. Instead, the team thrives on getting to know couples and working with them to design unique feasts that make the most of Scotland’s local and seasonal ingredients. And on the day, the kitchen is fully open – guests can wander in and see what the chefs are up to.
The flexible space oozes a relaxed and refined rustic vibe but beyond that, it’s a blank canvas to create an intimate homefrom-home wedding, whether that’s an elopement or something a little larger with up to 38 guests. You can pretty much get married anywhere but owner Rachel says they are starting to see patterns. The girls tend to get ready in the stylish lounge with yummy food platters while the gents take advantage of the tennis court. Then vows take place on the terrace or the Western Field with lots of entrance options for the happy couple.
fruitful Kitchen Garden and romantic tree swing, they’ll be spoiled for choice. When it comes to the star of the show – the food – the feast room can be arranged trestle or restaurant-style, and you can really make it your own. Some couples go big with birch trees, flower hoops and foliage hanging from the beams; others go for simple garden posies in milk bottles. In the evening, al fresco fun continues in the sheltered courtyard (just add lanterns and light the fire pits for toasting marshmallows!) whilst the elegant library makes a great whisky or gin den.
And there’s more…
Décor-wise, you can go all out with delightful details or let the surroundings do the talking because the valley really is your vista. In summer, expect high, swishy, grasses and September onwards you’ll find the barley field turns gold and the haybales arrive. Photographers love the natural colour of the stone buildings as a backdrop, too. Talking of which, this really is a photographer’s paradise. From the 11-acre meadow to the tranquil orchard,
This venue may seem like it’s made for garden party-style weddings but, actually, it’s beautiful in winter, too. The feast room makes a magnificent ceremony spot, the lounge is perfect for speeches and the library is a cosy night-time hideaway. One last thing… Ballintaggart’s offering doesn’t stop here. Food fanatics looking for an intimate, idyllic hen party will love The Cook School by Ballintaggart whilst couples planning a post-wedding getaway need look no further for a romantic retreat. And don’t forget The Grandtully Hotel by Ballintaggart! Set just five minutes down the road, it’s got you covered for minimoons with a foodie twist and incredible night-before-thewedding private dining. ballintaggart.com
If this sounds like the venue for you, Ballintaggart has limited 2022 winter wedding availability and some spots for spring 2023. Bookings are also now open for 2024. 198 | YOUR Scottish WEDDING.CO.UK
