Venue Guide

Friars Carse Wedding Guide – Everything you should know in 2023.

Here are our fantastic Friars Carse Wedding Guide, which covers everything you need to know when planning your wedding at this magnificent country house hotel in South Scotland. 

I've had the honour of photographing numerous weddings here.

This guide will help you find all the fantastic local service providers who can help make your special day even more memorable, as well as my insider tips for the ultimate Friars Carse experience. 

Where is Friars Carse?

sunset outside friars carse wedding venue

Friars Carse is a country house hotel and restaurant is located in Dumfries, Scotland. It is situated on the banks of the River Nith and is known for its picturesque gardens and peaceful setting. The hotel is located near many attractions in Dumfries and the surrounding area, including the Ellisland Farm Museum and the Dumfries Museum. 

The closest cities are Carlisle and Dumfries in Scotland. Dumfries is around 10 minutes away, and Carlisle is an hour. 

The closest airports to the venue are Glasgow and Newcastle. The closest rail connections are Dumfries and Lockerbie. I recommend driving or hiring a car to get around the rural area.

Why choose Friars Carse for your wedding ceremony? 

If you love the idea of having a beautiful outdoor ceremony overlooking a beautiful river scene, then Friars Carse should be a contender for your wedding. The venue can offer exclusive hire, so you have the whole place for yourself.

People may choose to get married at Friars Carse for a variety of reasons. However, most couples are drawn to the hotel's beautiful gardens and peaceful setting, which provide a romantic and picturesque backdrop for a wedding. The hotel also offers many wedding services and amenities, such as event planning, catering, and accommodations for guests. Additionally, the location in Dumfries provides easy access to other attractions and activities in the area for guests to enjoy.

How many guests can the venue hold?

Friars Carse can hold up to 100 guests during the day, with a further 50 guests being able to join you for the evening reception. 

Spaces inside the wedding venue.

The House

The beautiful country house has a very traditional and historic feel inside. You can choose to get married inside if the weather isn't great or down by the river if the weather allows. The house is where your after-wedding reception will take place until the wedding breakfast starts. 

Marquee

When you are ready for your speeches and meal, you and your guests will head on to the hotel's purpose-built marquee. The marquee is lovely and spacious, with lots of natural light coming in. After the meal, you'll be invited back to the hotel whilst the team turns the room around for your evening reception.

wedding marquee at friars carse

Accommodation at Friars Carse

Friars Carse has 21 guest rooms within the hotel, including a beautiful honeymoon suite complete with a jacuzzi bath. The honeymoon suite has views overlooking the river and is where most couples get ready on the morning of the wedding.

If any guests need a little more space, there are also two beautiful cottages on the estates' grounds where you can stay. The hotel has a lift and is wheelchair-friendly, and pets can also stay.

If extra accommodation is needed, there are lots of hotels in Dumfries less than 15 minutes away.

Best timing for your wedding.

The best time for a wedding at Friars Carse would depend on individual preferences and priorities. For example, if you love those sunnier days, you may prefer a summer wedding to take advantage of the long daylight hours and warmer weather.

The venue also looks fantastic in the Autumn & Winter if you love the beauty of a winter wedding with cosy fireplaces and festive decorations. Snowy weddings at the hotel are some of my favourites. 

And for a few select weeks of the year in the middle of Summer, if the weather is just right, you can get a sunset over the river Nith.

Unique Locations for your couple's photos.

couples down of river bank during their wedding at friars carse

My favourite part of weddings are the couple's photos after the ceremony. Knowing the best places to go allows us to spend your time wisely and return you to your guests as quickly as possible. ! 

The grounds of Friars Carse make for some of the best photo opportunities. The venue has some fantastic views overlooking the River Nith. You can access the river banks by steps located behind the venue. These steps let you go down to the water's edge for photos if the river level allows. 

There are lots of woodlands down by the river, which makes for beautiful photos when the light is streaming through.

Why should you consider booking Friars Carse for your wedding?

guests minging outside hotel

There are many great reasons why you should have your wedding at Friars Carse.

  • Beautiful country house hotel, steeped in lots of history, including Famous Scottish Poet Robert Burns.
  • Hosts up to 150 guests, perfect for any size wedding. 
  • Lots of excellent on-site accommodation in the hotel and surrounding cottages on site.
  • A fifteen-minute drive back towards the large town of Dumfries.
  • Looks fantastic in any season! 
  • Exclusive use is available with weddings at any point during the week.

Do you want to get married at Friars Carse?

Here is a gallery of a recent Friars Carse Wedding

If you are interested in booking the venue for your big day, here's a link to the website, and if you'd like to know more about my photography, click here to get in touch.

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