Borders Wedding Venues - Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

With rolling green hills, hundreds of stately homes and the mighty River Tweed, the Scottish Borders are an ideal wedding location. You might call me biased, given I am a local in these parts and ScotlandShop HQ is based here, but I can't think of anywhere better to tie the knot. 

About the Venue

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is a splendid baronial country house hotel and wedding venue sitting in 11 acres of private wooded grounds. The hotel is perfectly situated on the banks of the River Tweed in the heart of the Scottish Borders. The core of the present building was constructed in 1845, to serve as the home and private residence of Lady Baillie. In 1875 the house was updated by Lady Baillie’s brother, Lord Jerviswoode, and remained in the family until 1929 when it was purchased by the Scottish Motor Traction Company. The company added the east wing to the house and launched it as a hotel in 1932. The hotel continues to thrive; taking home 4 awards at the 2017 Scottish Hotel Awards Regional Finals, and a nomination for Wedding Venue of the Year at the 2017 Scottish Wedding Awards, Pet Friendly Hotel of the Year in 2020 as well as Wedding Hotel of the Year for the region. What more can we say?

Adjacent to the hotel is Dryburgh Abbey. Founded on the 10th of November 1150 by Hugh de Moreville, the Abbey was established by Premonstratensian canons and construction would have been spread over at least 100 years. It survived many attempted burnings by English troops, with Richard II ordering the sacking of the Abbey in 1385 as a punishment for Scottish raids on England. However, we are glad to say the Abbey stood strong during these times and flourished in the 15th century, however the Protestant Reformation of 1560 effectively ended monastic life at Dryburgh Abbey and by 1584, just two brethren remained alive.

Historic Scotland look after the Abbey today and you can wander around in the peace and tranquility of the grounds and explore the nave, the canon's own choir area, the north and south transepts or arms, cloisters buildings, the dormitory for the resident clerics, a processional door into the south aisle, a chapter house where the canons met and a "warming house" with a large fireplace. In the 12th century, Dryburgh was part of Whithorn Priory which included six Scottish houses, with Kelso, Jedburgh and Melrose the more wealthy establishments of the group. Today you can take the Border Abbeys tour and visit all four if you are in the area, and if you are feeling energetic it also makes a challenging but very beautiful bike route.

Today the historic ruins of Dryburgh Abbey serve as the burial ground of Sir Walter Scott, antiquarian and novelist, and his tomb is in the north transept which he called ‘St Mary’s Aisle’. In the 1700s, the ivy-clad ruin attracted the attention of David Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan and chief founder of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Buchan bought Dryburgh House and set about creating a charming landscape in which the ancient abbey figured prominently. When he died in 1829, he was laid to rest in its sacristy. His close friend, Scott, joined him 3 years later on 26th September 1832.

A third great Scot, Field-Marshal Earl Haig, was interred beside Scott in 1928. Haig was commander in chief of the British army in the First World War and created first earl of Bemersyde by a nation grateful for his contribution. Whenever we start investigating these things we discover other interesting facts and this same family created the world renowned Haig Club Single Grain Whisky which remained in their family until 1919. This brand is now owned by Diageo who are of course about to become our neighbours when they open their Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience on the corner of Princes Street just 20m from our Edinburgh Shop.

The village of Bemersyde is just up the hill from Dryburgh and yet another famous Scot is celebrated here. As you take the winding road upwards, you will find a statue of William Wallace to your left with a very scenic view of the Eildon Hills. This sandstone beauty was the very first Wallace Monument erected in Scotland back in 1814. Keep driving a bit further up and you will be at Scott's View, reputedly the favourite view of Sir Walter Scott and the story goes that when Scott's funeral procession passed the stunning viewpoint on its way to Dryburgh Abbey, his horses stopped out of habit, allowing their friend to have one final look at the Borders landscape he loved so dearly.

We do love a good wedding at ScotlandShop and weddings at Dryburgh incorporate the stunning location and historic background of the hotel and surrounding area. Ceremonies can be held riverside looking out on to the River Tweed, in one of the beautifully appointed event spaces with stunning views of the Borders landscape or Dryburgh can arrange ceremonies in the Chapter House at the Abbey. Imagine strolling behind the piper as he leads you from the abbey back to the hotel for champagne and strawberries on the lawn, and photos overlooking the River Tweed.

Dryburgh have a dedicated team to help you arrange your wedding, going above and beyond to ensure your special day is perfect. With outdoor weddings all the rage this you can choose to have a really personal ceremony in this exclusive setting or invite 120 guests indoors or a marquee banquet outdoors for over 200 guests. Makes me want to get married all over again!

SCHLOSS Roxburghe

About the Venue

The SCHLOSS is nestled in the countryside of the Scottish Borders, it is a beautiful getaway and wedding venue. The original estate dates back to the 12th Century and is believed the original estate was named Sunlaws. In 1718 John Ker, 1st Duke of Roxburghe began construction of the grand house. It passed hands many times before The SCHLOSS Roxburghe Championship Golf Course opened in 1997. Since the take over it has undergone a multi-million-pound restoration and has become one of the Scottish Borders most luxurious hotels and wedding venues.

SCHLOSS Roxburghe golf course

The SCHLOSS Roxburghe not only is a hub for golf, weddings and history but you can kick back and relax in the Spa. They offer a range of treatments, from Nurture and Support to a Winter warming treatment, and not to mention their variety of Massages. Along side healing the body, their treatments heal the soul. A particularly new service they provide is Yoga Classes, which goes perfectly with a visit to a peaceful spa.

The venue has various package options that work to your budget and needs.  They offer a view different settings for your big day, The Teviot Suite is a large event space, with stunning views of the golf course from the private terrace. They also offer a smaller Victorian conservatory which is the perfect location for a small elegant wedding. The catering is truly mouth watering, from a filling five-course wedding reception to a hearty hog roast in the evening, our wedding menus can be tailored to your individual preferences.

Elegant Victorian Conservatory

Duns Castle

About the venue

Duns Castle is often referred to as the 'Gem of the Scottish Borders', and is conveniently located very near our HQ. It has been Family owned since 1696. The castle boasts a magnificent 1200 acres of woodland and gardens, which can be explored. The castle grounds are also home to clay pigeon shooting, archery, croquet and falconry. Within these historic grounds lies Duns Law, a historic site of special interest, where the famous rising against King Charles I, known as the Scottish Covenant, which took place in 1639. History dictates that General Leslie, made his quarters in the castle during the Scottish Covenant.

On the castle ground is Heron Pool- locally known as Hen Poo! Along side Mill Damn they form part of the estates nature reserve.

Duns Castle

Duns castle offers a range of wedding packages and offers, including an on hand wedding planning service and in house catering. Anna spoke with Alick and Aline Hay from Duns Castle to find out what Duns Castle can offer. Read the blog to find out more about Duns Castle

Wedding at Duns Castle

Wedderburn Castle

Designed by renowned architects Robert and William Adam, Wedderburn castle dates back to 1771. The grounds were once owned by the Wedderburn family, they were then passed to the Blackadders and were then acquired by the Home family in the 14th Century, through murder and enforced marriage. The remains of the old tower-house can be spotted in the courtyard of the more modern structure. It is believed Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed here en route to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Wedderburn remains in the Home family and is rented out as a wedding venue or grand wedding venue.

Wedderburn offers a wide range of wedding packages at various locations on the estate. There is 4 reception rooms, outdoor spaces and rustic barns. To make wedding planning even easier, their in house caters are on hand to make your guests happy and keep their glasses topped up.  The castle also has an array of elegant guest rooms to make the day flow better, and ensure your guests can stay dancing till the very last song.

Weddings at Wedderburn- Rustic Barn

Kelso Wedding Show is a popular show in the borders. The event brings over 60 wedding industry experts together and let them showcase their products and services. Talk to local florists, celebrants and of course your go to tartan providers- US! 

We will be on hand to answer any tartan wedding related questions you may have, take measurements for garments and show you swatches to match your colour theme or family tartan. The event is usually held at the Borders Event Centre in April, check out our events page for more details.

While you have nuptials on the brain, head over to our Weddings section and check out our fantastic range of products. If you have visited the area don't forget to share your photos and stories with us.