WHY A TWILIGHT WEDDING CEREMONY IS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR LAID BACK COUPLES IN SCOTLAND 

Scotland may be renowned as the perfect place for a romantic elopement, but there is a new wedding trend emerging that is captivating couples seeking a more relaxed approach to their big day. So-called twilight wedding ceremonies are quickly becoming the go-to for to-be-weds seeking a smaller, more intimate ceremony that steers away from the more traditional formalities. Typically held later in the day at around 5:30pm, twilight weddings skip the conventional speeches and sit-down meals, with guests heading straight to an evening party shortly after the newlyweds have said “I do”. Following a surge in the number of couples seeking this laid-back approach to their big day, popular Perthshire wedding destination four-star, Dunkeld House Hotel is the latest to introduce the concept to its nuptials offering.

Lisa-Marie Finnegan, Wedding and Events Manager at Dunkeld House Hotel, said: “Twilight weddings are a huge trend at the moment, with more couples than ever seeking a hassle-free wedding ceremony. “We have had more and more enquiries about the trend so wanted to ensure our offering reflects this here at the hotel. “What’s more, there’s something very romantic about getting married towards sunset and what better place to create those magical memories than in the heart of the Perthshire countryside. “Whether it’s keeping your ceremony short and simple, to extending your celebrations over the course of a whole weekend, there really is something for every couple here at Dunkeld House Hotel. “We can’t wait to make even more dream weddings come to life.”

What happens at a Twilight Wedding Ceremony?

The exact details of every Twilight Wedding will differ; however, Dunkeld House Hotel offers an exciting timeline of events for the big day:

4pm: Guests begin to arrive at the Riverside Marquee bar for welcome drinks.

5pm: The wedding party begins to make its way to the ceremony site.

5:15pm: Guests begin to take their seats.

5:30pm: Twilight wedding ceremony begins.

6pm: The wedding party and guests make their way to the evening celebration at the Riverside Marquee for drinks and canapes.

7pm: The bride and groom cut the cake and have their first dance, before the evening party begins.

8:30pm: A hot buffet is served to the wedding party and guests.

11:45: Guests depart.

What’s included in a Twilight Wedding Ceremony package?

Each venue will provide a variety of different options in their Twilight Wedding packages, including exclusive use of facilities and food and drink offerings. For example, Dunkeld House Hotel provides couples with use of its front lawn or ceremony marquee, as well as a glass of fizz and three canapes per person as well as a hot buffet alongside a glass of house wine or beer for all guests.

The venue also provides all linens, tables and chairs and a 15% discount for the Birnam Suite for couples on their wedding night.

How much does a Twilight Wedding cost?

With a reduced number of formalities to get through on the day, twilight weddings can offer couples a more cost-effective alternative to their big day. A Twilight Wedding at Dunkeld House Hotel is priced at £75 per person for a 2024 ceremony, and £85 per person for weddings taking place in 2025 (based on a minimum of 75 guests).

How can I book a Twilight Wedding ceremony?

Dunkeld House Hotel offers Twilight Wedding ceremonies every Thursday and Friday evening.To find out more, visit: www.dunkeldhousehotel.co.uk/weddings-and-events or download the venue’s Twilight Weddings brochure here.