A Magical Secret Garden is One of Scotland's Best Places to Elope
COURTNEY & MARK - SECRET GARDEN AYRSHIRE
"Before the wedding I was already getting everyone I knew to look into Wee Wild Weddings but I’m going to be telling strangers on the street now! It truly couldn’t have gone any better, better than we even imagined it being and we’re both so, so happy we chose you. The whole process from start to finish, amazing. " - Courtney & Mark
Scottish elopement at the Secret Garden Ayrshire
Looking for the very coolest and best places to elope? You won’t be surprised to know that Scotland has got somewhere very unique and very special – a secret garden!
Being a secret garden is cool enough in itself, but the story and history behind this place makes it pretty darn awesome.
Marianne, the lovely lady who owns and runs the garden, gave us a tour. We wanted to know all its secrets ahead of the elopement! Her husband’s family, way back in ye olde Victorian times, used to own a big castle. The now Secret Garden was, at that time, the castle’s kitchen garden. The place where they grew their fruit and veg, kept pigs and even had a vineyard. Marianne showed us some of the old vines that had survived for decades. Eventually the family sold the castle, but kept this little parcel of land. Now couples can rent out the land and get married there. It’s super super beautiful and utterly private. Plus it’s right across the road from the Firth of Clyde which is a pretty ace spot for some photos too.
We’re not giving you any more clues about the location, it’s a Secret Garden afterall.
BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN Scotland
The fab Courtney and Mark were doing this elopement thing in style. They rented out an entire B&B nearby. The Old Nunnery, go check it out. We’re assuming it was actually an old nunnery, especially as there’s all kinds of nun paraphernalia dotted about.
Whatever it used to be, it’s now a big old B&B with incredible views out over the Firth to Bute, Arran and Cumbrae. There’s a hot tub, a sauna, cinema room, spa, BBQ log cabin…doesn’t it sound like the best place for a party?! Courtney and Mark thought so too. They’d gathered their closest family and friends, taken over the B&B and had put plans in place for a mega house party that evening. First though, they needed to get married. That’s where Wee Wild Weddings comes in.
Colourful wedding, Ayrshire
These two are super lovely and oh so stylish. Check out Courtney’s amazing leather jacket complete with personalised patches. You might spy a little clue as to why they are staying at the Old Nunnery too…
Once they were ready, and after a cute and emotional first look, we headed over to the Secret Garden. There was a wee gang of us, including Courtney and Mark’s closest family and Very Good Boy, Bjorn.
The garden looked fab. Colourful bunting was strung from the trees and Countney strolled down a winding path, accompanied by her very proud Mum. Claire the Humanist was epic, as always. We love her! Then with a cheer, a whoop and an explosion of white petals Courtney and Mark were officially married.
While their guests explored the incredible garden it was time for Courtney, Mark and Bjorn to have some photos. We went for a wander, there was SO much colour which, as you can tell, was right up their street. We found ruined walls, hidden pathways and wee nooks and crannies before going for a stroll down to the water. The views were out of this world.
Back at the Secret Garden there was time for a champagne spray (name a way to better celebrate getting married…we’ll wait…) before everyone settled down to tuck into a luxury picnic, supplied by the always wonderful Scottish Wild Picnics. The spread was fantastic.
That’s where we left them. Hanging with loved ones in their own Secret Garden before their not so wee wild party later that evening. Ah. Mazing.
