Looking for a country style wedding – tie the knot at Atholl Palace

THE PERFECT HIGHLAND PALACE WEDDING – Atholl Palace Hotel will be in full wedding mode this June!

A Highland wedding has never been more popular with brides from all over the world wanting to marry in true Scottish splendour. No matter where they are from, bridal parties and their guests will be utterly charmed by the stunning setting of the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry.

All the ingredients for a dream Scottish wedding are here – the character and atmosphere of the Hotel, and its stunning grounds; the impressive setting overlooking the town of Pitlochry, the gardens with their duck ponds, water fountain and Japanese Zen Garden – so many opportunities for fabulous photographs – and unforgettable memories.

“Our wedding team have been looking after bridal parties and their guests for many years. We have a tight knit team and operate with utter professionalism,” said Diane Corcoran, Wedding Co-ordinator at Atholl Palace Hotel. “We will ensure that we look after everything for you, from photographs to flowers, to table decorations, to entertainment – we partner many local companies based here in Highland Perthshire which come with our personal recommendation to help you create your dream wedding,” she added.

Atholl Palace can cater for weddings large and small, and is licensed for both Civil and religious ceremonies. The stunning Circular Atholl Suite can cater for up to 250 guests whilst the original Victorian Ballroom – the Bow Lounge – can cater for eighty. Smaller more intimate weddings can be held in the charming Corrie room which holds twenty guests.

Or if you prefer a Church service first and reception afterwards at the Atholl Palace, the beautiful Cathedral of Dunkeld is only ten minutes away.

“There are so many options for your ceremony when you come to us at Atholl Palace,” said Diane. “Many brides are choosing to have an outdoor ceremony or blessing as well as the main wedding ceremony. Our forty eight acres of grounds are ideal for this with the tranquil Japanese Zen garden; water fountain and our magnificent specimen copper beech trees – you will be spoilt for choice. We also offer the traditional Highland Handfast ceremony which must be performed by running water.”

Traditionally, couples would swap piece of cloth which belonged to their families at a Highland Handfest ceremony. This would symbolise their commitment to each other. Friends and family would bind their hands together with ribbons – this is the origin of the term tying the knot. A year later the couple would return to the same spot to seal their commitment and be considered married.

The Handfast ceremony is a colourful and entertaining addition to any wedding celebration but is not a legal wedding although some Registrars will perform a similar ceremony which is legally binding.

“Many brides consider this as an extra, novel feature for their big day and we can even provide a band of authentically dressed Highlanders to add extra drama,” explained Diane. “A Falconry display is another popular add on option.”

With its 113 bedrooms, as well as self catering Lodges and apartments in the grounds, there is ample room for guests to stay. The Bride and Groom can take advantage of one of the Hotel’s romantic turret suites- Fonab and Edradour. These luxurious suites are situated in the Hotel’s round towers which face the south, and offer a superior double bedroom and bathroom on the lower floor, with a comfortable lounge above. Offering 360 degree views of Highland Perthshire, these stunning turret suites are surely one of the most romantic Honeymoon Hideways imaginable!

The Atholl Palace Hotel can even arrange bespoke Hen and Stag Nights prior to the Wedding. As well as the sumptuous Lavender Spa with its wide range of pampering packages available for the hens, partner companies nearby can provide clay pigeon shooting; off road driving and mountain 4X4 Safaris to take care of the Stags.

For further details on weddings at Atholl Palace Hotel please call direct 01796 472510, emailweddings@athollpalace.com or check out the web at www.athollpalace.com.