Multi Award-Winning Alternative Wedding Venue in South-West Scotland
So, you’ve found the perfect off-grid wedding venue in Scotland, now what?
Planning an alternative wedding is about more than ditching the hotel ballroom. It’s about crafting a celebration that feels true to you, surrounded by people (and scenery) you love.
At Marthrown of Mabie, we’ve hosted everything from micro weddings by the loch to festival-style forest parties with 120 guests. Whether you’re barefoot under the trees or dancing all night in a fairy-lit marquee, here’s how to make the most of your big day in the wild.
The Venue: 3 Unique Wedding Ceremony Locations at Marthrown
🛖The Celtic Roundhouse
Our most iconic venue, the Celtic Roundhouse, is like stepping into another world. With supporting wooden columns, thatched roof, and room for guests, this space surrounds you in natural warmth and ancient energy.
🌅 Overlooking the Solway Firth
Get married with the Lake District on the horizon. Our outdoor ceremony platform offers sweeping views across the Solway and the kind of photo backdrop most wedding venues only dream of.
It’s serene, open, and undeniably romantic.
🪵 Beside Dalshinnie Loch
Hidden within a nature reserve, Dalshinnie Loch is home to rare dragonflies and stunning scenery. Your guests stand on the shore as you cross the wooden boardwalk to a circular ceremony plinth, pure magic. Night weddings here are next-level atmospheric. And yes, it’s legal!
Transport: Getting You and Your Guests Here
We’re tucked away in Mabie Forest, just outside Dumfries, easy to reach, but wonderfully secluded. Here’s how to get everyone here smoothly:
By car: We’re just 15 minutes from Dumfries, 50 mins from Carlisle and 2 hours from Glasgow. Limited parking is available on site. Please arrange that with us beforehand.
By train: Dumfries Station is nearby, and we can recommend local taxis or minibus hire for group transport.
Group arrivals/departures: Planning a big bash? Coach access is available with a bit of notice and helps limit any parking issues.
Top tip: Coordinate guest transport in advance and create a welcome info pack with maps, dress code, and local info.
Where to Stay: Yurts, Cottages, Tipis & More
Marthrown sleeps up to 28 people on-site (plus more if camping) across:
Need space for more guests? Dumfries town has additional accommodation options, or encourage friends to bring a tent and embrace the festival vibe.
Pro tip: Book the Wych Elm Yurt for the night before and after your wedding. It’s the perfect space for a relaxed morning, quiet prep time, or a little pre-ceremony meditation.
Local Suppliers: Food, Drink, Flowers & Cake
Keeping it local not only supports small businesses, it also reduces emissions and stress.
We’ve worked with fantastic local caterers, florists, bakers, and drinks suppliers. Here’s what we can help with:
You’re welcome to bring your own suppliers too, just chat with us early.
Styling the Site: Marquee, Forest, & Fairy Lights
Think of Marthrown as your blank (green) canvas. Popular styling ideas include:
We’ve seen everything from full festival staging to romantic minimalism. You dream it, we’ll help you make it happen.
Preparing for All Weather (It’s Scotland, After All)
The beauty of an outdoor wedding in Scotland is that you get to embrace nature… rain or shine.
We recommend planning:
And remember, our Celtic Roundhouse is fully covered and ready for ceremonies no matter the forecast.
👰How Many Guests Can We Host?
We can comfortably accommodate:
You’ll never feel like just another booking here. Every wedding is different, and that’s exactly how we like it.
📜 The Legal Bits: How to Get Married in Scotland
Outdoor weddings in Scotland are legal—but you’ll need to follow a few simple steps:
- Choose a registered celebrant and discuss your ceremony with them
- Submit registration forms from the Dumfries Registration Office 1-3 months in advance of the wedding.
- Receive your marriage schedule – The document you’ll sign on the day with two witnesses and your celebrant.
- Return the marriage schedule to the Dumfries Registration Office after the wedding
We can help guide you through this, and yes, you can legally marry outdoors, under a tree, beside a loch, or on a platform overlooking the Solway. Just make sure the spot is safe and dignified and your celebrant is registered.
🎁 Start Planning with a Complimentary Stay
We offer a free overnight stay in one of our Yurts once your deposit is paid, so you can visit, plan, meet local suppliers, or simply soak up the magic.
Book a private tour with us and start imagining your alternative wedding at Marthrown, surrounded by forest, freedom, and your favourite people.
Marthrown of Mabie – Unique Forest Accommodation
Glamping in Scotland is becoming more and more popular, and Marthrown of Mabie is ideally located in the heart of Mabie Forest, Dumfries and Galloway. We offer an exciting mix of unique and unusual accommodation. From an authentic Iron Age Celtic Roundhouse and cosy yurts to our charming cottages, bell tent, and rustic camping area.
Whether you’re planning a group retreat, a family holiday, or a romantic escape, you’ll find “Simply Something Different” here in this beautiful corner of Southern Scotland.
We can comfortably accommodate groups of all sizes with a variety of unique options.
