Hotels

Room at the Inn

Grampian hotels are renowned for their warm charm, inviting interiors and most of all their traditionalism. While some brides might prefer a modern venue with a more contemporary and trendy style, many long for the cosy, truly Scottish setting. One that inspires romance infused with a country’s well-kept history and customs. But before choosing a venue, there are several factors brides must consider first. Though many of the hotels in the Aberdeen area might be on the traditional side, it doesn’t necessarily mean that everything must follow suit. It’s possible to mix modern-day touches with rustic architecture and furnishings, giving a bride many options to incorporate colour schemes and decorations. Hotels are known for their ability to be extremely accommodating with their clergy of ballrooms, restaurants, hotel rooms, wedding planners and more. So it’s important that the venue lends itself to the bride’s ultimate vision of her wedding day.

Next, the number of guests attending must be taken into consideration, as well as the type of ceremony and reception the bride and groom prefer. For religious partners, ceremonies in a church are preferred, but nearly all hotels are now capable of performing religious, civil and civil partnership ceremonies on site. This can easily be confirmed with the hotel’s wedding coordinator.

A hotel should support the wedding’s theme or feel, as well as the bride and groom’s individuality. Perhaps a large, ornate ballroom suits best, or it could be a small, outdoor space. The latter is dependent on the time of year, it’s good to have a hotel that provides a backup space in case rain decides to make an unwelcome appearance.

Guest editor, Amber Bell, takes a look at three hotels worthy of consideration by a bride getting married in Grampian.

Here are all the must-know details for three of the area’s unique hotels, which each serve up a refreshing slice of tradition in their own special way. From a Victorian mansion built in 1881, to a hotel from the 1800s and an ancient estate transformed into a beautiful house hotel.

At Norwood Hall—just three miles from Aberdeen’s city centre—brides can choose to tie the knot in the garden, weather-permitting. After a recent and very extensive landscaping, the lush green flora and blooming buds provide a charming setting for spring and summer weddings. Built in 1881 on the grounds of the 15^th century Pitfodels Castle, Norwood is a prime depiction of old-world appeal meshed with contemporary updates. And they love their brides. “The unique thing about Norwood is that we only host one wedding per day,” says event organiser Liz Dinnett, emphasising the hotel’s ability to cater to every detail and ensure quality service. The vast seven-acre gardens and woodlands surround the Victorian mansion in a quiet sense of peace. A tree-laden road leading to the house guides visitors inside to dark wood panelling, baroque corniced ceilings and crackling fire places. “In the main part of the building, there is the original stylish décor, including fabric wall coverings and wood carved ceilings,” says Dinnett. “I think we have the best carved wood, double staircase in Aberdeen, which is great for photos.”

Inside the Pitfodels Suite, floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping views of the adjoining gardens, while ornate chandeliers dangle soft light from above. The 200-person space includes a private bar, a band stage and a sizeable dance floor. For smaller parties, the elegant Library can accommodate up to 20 guests in a more intimate setting. And the vast lawn on the premises—aptly called the Glades—offers an unfettered venue for large parties in the outdoors, or the Inchgarth Suite a sophisticated backdrop for 140 guests.

Brides can choose from a list of personalised options like a string quartet in the garden as guests arrive, a special in-room Champagne delivery for the bride and her maids pre-wedding, or even a supper for a small group of family and friends the evening before. If you’re on a bit of a budget, opt for a wedding at Norwood Sunday through Thursday for just £3,600 (minimum of 60 persons). In addition to the standard wedding package, you’ll also receive four complimentary bedrooms for guest use and 30-percent off special wedding accommodation rates.

Tradition continues to reign supreme at The Burnett Arms Hotel, a very community-oriented and family-run establishment type from the 1800s. Nestled in the historic Kemnay village, the property gracefully shows its age through cushy furniture and quaint facilities. “We really favour the traditional and the old-fashioned,” says owner Malcolm Edwards. The refurbished Edwards Suite, which now accommodates 120 guests, features spacious bay windows, exposed stone walls and deep burgundy accents. Crisp white linen napkins stand at attention on white linen-covered tables for a simple but classic look. The hotel also offers the Billiard Building, for groups of 50 or less.

Edwards rolls out the red carpet for all his brides, quite literally. He also offers The Burnett wedding package with all the necessities like floral arrangements, arrival drinks, overnight accommodation, a changing room, cake stand and knife, background music during dinner and even disposable cameras on each table for guests to snap away during the main event. Menu options include their acclaimed home-cooked meals, like baked honey glaze salmon or roast Grampian turkey with skirlie. As an added touch, brides can also choose to have The Burnett’s traditional tea and coffee served alongside homemade cakes and scones, making the hotel a great choice for delivering a nostalgic and cosy atmosphere.

At the Macdonald Pittodrie House Hotel....