The perfect setting for your wedding photographs

Turning into our beech lined driveway, our brides and grooms can’t help but start to picture themselves here on their wedding day. Only 8 miles south of Aberdeen and surrounded by 1500 acres of grounds and farmland, Elsick House provides countless stunning backdrops for your wedding photography. 

By taking a look at some of the highlights from our 2019 weddings, here we explore some photo locations that are not to be missed…

1. The Bridge

Our top spot for the ultimate romantic snap has got to be the bridge over the pond, directly opposite the front of the house. Donna Murray Photography captured Natalie and Stewart beautifully here and her natural and creative photography style meant all the emotions of the day were perfectly recorded. 

Bride and groom kissing on the bridge following wedding at Elsick House
Donna Murray Photography

2. The Rose Pergola

Another ‘must have’ photo location is under our rose pergola. Nicola Stewart Photography effortlessly framing Annabel and Colin here and from a different perspective, in Jonathan Addie’s portrayal of Elaine and Graham’s big day.

Bride and groom with floral bouquet under the rose pergola at Elsick House.
Nicola Stewart Photography
Bride and groom under the rose pergola at Elsick House.
Jonathan Addie Photography

3. The Lawns and Walled Gardens

Our lawns and walled gardens are meticulously maintained throughout the year. We love how The Gibson’s Photography documented the wedding of Christy and Craig in these stunning shots, with an artistic and romantic vibe.

Bride and groom romantic shot on the lawn at Elsick House.
Bride and groom in the gardens following wedding at Elsick House
The Gibsons Photography

4. The House

Of course, Elsick House itself is a backdrop not to be missed from your photo album. We were lucky to have By Rhea here for two weddings last year. Libby and Alan provided the ultimate photo prop with tractors outside the house! And at Rebecca and Gregor’s summer wedding, Rhea took this smart shot of the groom and his wedding party, making their way to the ceremony in the marquee.

Bride and groom outside Elsick House with tractors and wedding party.
By Rhea
Groom and wedding party outside Elsick House.
By Rhea

Our tastefully decorated baronial country house has 11 bedrooms and 3 public rooms. We were in awe of these impressive shots taken inside the house by Photomagician. With such an atmospheric and artistic style, Emma and Al’s photos are edgy, dramatic and full of personality and we loved seeing Radek’s alternative perspective of the house.

5. The Surrounding Countryside

Finally, whether it’s a summers day for running into the fields together like Steph and Euan (photo by Sam Brill) or a crisp autumn afternoon like Kelsey and Iain’s big day (main blog image by Ceranna Photography) don’t forget to capture those first special moments as newlyweds by taking a stroll around the acres of beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside that surrounds Elsick House.

Bride and groom in fields after wedding at Elsick House
Sam Brill

Elsick House was a dream come true for Louise & James’ glamorous wedding

It was love at first sight for Louise when she saw Elsick House. Even before James had popped the big question, she had her dream venue in mind and the couple booked their wedding weekend here within 2 weeks of getting engaged. Following Louise and James’ wedding in September last year, we caught up with Louise and asked why she chose Elsick House.

How did you hear about Elsick House? I had seen Elsick House appear on social media about a year before we were even engaged, and I had kept an eye on it ever since. When James and I got back from Thailand, where he had just proposed, my Dad was shortly heading back overseas for work and I wanted us to view Elsick before he left. At our first appointment with Alison we booked the wedding date, I never looked at any other venues as I just knew this was the one.

What were your first impressions of Elsick House? We absolutely loved it. The grounds are beautiful. We first went to view the house on a miserable, cold and wet day in January and we still fell in love with it. When we returned with some family to look at the marquee it was a gorgeous spring day. We knew we had picked the right venue, whatever the weather.

Your ceremony and reception took place in our marquee at Elsick House. Did you have a theme or style for your wedding? I loved that the marquee was like a blank canvas so we could decorate it in our own style. I wanted our wedding to be glamourous and for it to stand out. I’ve been to many weddings in the past, so I tried to make ours a little different. I had     pictured in my head how I wanted the marquee to be styled and Higher Calling Flowers and Events made that vision real. On the day it looked perfect.

What were your favourite things about your wedding weekend? I really enjoyed the night before the wedding. All the bridal party came to stay at the house and Hudson’s Catering made some amazing food for us. Then we all gathered around the fire in the drawing room with a couple of drinks. One of my favourite memories of the day was seeing our dog Rudy walk down the aisle with my sister. Also, our little pageboy Rogan had a white balloon that he wouldn’t let go of all morning. When were just about to walk down the aisle he refused to let go of it so I said to my Maid of Honour Laura “just leave him with it.” It was those personal touches, even the unplanned things, that made the day special for us.

What made your day unique? I think we catered for everyone! We had a Prosecco and beer reception after the ceremony which was much to everyone’s delight! I think we’d added a lot to the marquee to give it that wow factor.

Would you recommend Elsick House? I would 100% recommend Elsick House. Alison and all the staff were absolutely amazing from that very first meeting right through all the planning stages and of course, on the day itself. The food and service from Hudson’s Catering was great. So many of our guests commented on how much they enjoyed their meal. Why wouldn’t you want to get married at Elsick? 

Bride Louise at the gate in the walled garden at Elsick House

Mr and Mrs Lawrie’s suppliers

Photographer: Iska Birnie Photography
Videographer: Brian Scott Weddings
Catering by Hudsons
Cake: Truly Scrumptious Cakes by Joanna
Venue Styling: Higher Calling Flowers & Events
Humanist: Leigh Bradley, Humanist Society Scotland
Wedding Dress: Elmar Bridal
Groom’s Attire: Gibbs Menswear
Hair: Chelsea Georgia
Makeup: Cassey Clark
Stationery: Paper & Petals
Band: Waterfront
Singer: Myke Black
Piper: Spud the Piper