Have you ever dreamt of tying the knot in a secluded hotel overlooking a stunning lake? Well, today we have a special treat for you. We’re looking at Taychreggan Hotel, a secluded and tranquil paradise on the shores of the magnificent Loch Awe in Scotland.
Taychreggan Hotel sits on the edge of the longest freshwater loch in Scotland, a stunningly smooth lake teeming with salmon and trout. The hotel-cum-private house is a 300-year-old drovers’ inn surrounded by mountains, the vastness of nature and matchless beauty.
Secluded in nature
Imagine spending time relaxing before your wedding on a small rowboat in the middle of this glass-like loch. Find yourself surrounded by silence, only interrupted by occasional birdsong and the odd surfacing of a fish. Sounds like heaven!
And, this is all possible. The Taychreggan Hotel is an exceptional refuge from the constant stresses of modern life. Because of this, it offers a truly special wedding venue that your friends and family will never forget. Deep in nature, the hotel can provide everything you need for your wedding – and the extra bits on the side.
A little history
Taychreggan was put on the map as far back as 1773, thanks to Samuel Johnson’s epic 83-day journey through the remotest parts of Scotland and his journal “A Journey to The Western Islands of Scotland”, in which he visits the inn for a good night’s sleep. Taychreggan is alluded to in this paragraph:
From Lochbuy we rode a very few miles to the side of Mull, which faces Scotland, where, having taken leave of our kind protector, Sir Allan, we embarked in a boat, in which the seat provided for our accommodation was a heap of rough brushwood; and on the twenty-second of October reposed at a tolerable inn on the main land.
Firstly, move over TripAdvisor! That must be one of the earliest reviews for any hotel you may ever find! Secondly, considering the technological advances in the hospitality industry, you can expect a more than “tolerable” experience at Taychreggan Hotel. Johnson was alleged to have taken a taste of Scottish whisky here. This is a habit that has remained unchanged for weary travellers to this day thanks to Taychreggan’s impressive selection of single-malt Scotch whiskies. If you love a good tipple, this might be the wedding venue for you.
Assorted accolades
From its early days as a resting place for Samuel Johnson and James Boswell, Taychreggan Hotel has become highly acclaimed. Their attention to detail has awarded them with two AA rosettes and the accolade of being named “one of Britain’s most romantic hotels”. Furthermore, the Scottish Tourist Board has given the venue four stars and countless national newspapers have sung its praises.
Wine and dine
You can expect a high standard of cuisine from the Head Chef at Taychreggan Hotel. Menus draw from various local suppliers, including dairy, meat and – most of all – very local fish!
Collaborate with the chef and choose from a selection of starters, main courses and desserts for your wedding breakfast. The chef will then conjure up some suitable appetisers and intermediaries to match your choices.
Your wedding guests may end up indulging in some very local and delectable Inverawe smoked trout, with potato salad, trout caviar and herb oil for starters. Follow this with a best-end of lamb with aubergine purée, fondant potato, Provençal vegetables and herb jus. To satiate your sweet tooth, indulge in the dark chocolate tart with Chantilly cream and Griottine cherries. Wow!
Ceremonies
Taychreggan Hotel is licensed for small civil ceremonies, so getting married in this historic building may be hard to resist! Up to 70 guests can gather around to watch you tie the knot.
For those who prefer a place of worship for their marriage, St Conan’s Kirk sits further along the loch. This well-maintained and relatively famous building was originally built towards the end of the 19th century. Being quite a modern church, it displays some really unique architectural features; its architect, Walter Campbell, wanted his design to transcend the orthodoxy of traditional churches.
In this wild and watery place, a boat may well be more useful transport than a car! Here at The Wedding Secret, we can just imagine newlyweds setting off from their marriage at St Conan’s Kirk. Weather permitting, of course, the idea of getting into a ribbon-laden boat and breaking across the perfectly still waters of Loch Awe back to Taychreggan Hotel is rather inviting.
Wedding receptions
Enjoy the remote location with 120 close friends and family in Taychreggan Hotel. The staff at the venue know how to throw a good reception. Moreover, you can make the most of the local whisky and the loch views. You can even treat yourself to a massage treatment the day before in the comfort of your own bedroom!
If you want exclusive use, you are more than welcome, and all of the hotel will be at your disposal. Have everyone staying at the same place so you can party into the wee hours of the morning.
On the other hand, if you want a quieter affair then you can elope. Staff are more than happy to act as your witnesses if the bride and groom come alone to wed.
Activities
Whether you are looking for something fun for your hen and stag do, or for the honeymoon, Taychreggan Hotel has plenty to offer. Arrange an archery tournament on the grounds with your closest friends, or hire a bike and explore the acres of gardens and woodland. You can even book a falconry display, for something a little different!
Explore the nearby Grampian mountains, Loch Awe or Loch Etive. Oban is just a short ferry ride away and the staff at the hotel will be more than willing to help you fill hours with recommendations of things to do or places to go.
To be honest, we might get married just as an excuse to go to Taychreggan Hotel and Loch Awe! On the other hand, we might just go here on holiday…If you want to have a wedding in Scotland, you would be mad not to give this place thorough consideration. Explore their website and book!
Love this article on taychreggan hotel! Is the photo of the chapel with stone arches part of the hotel grounds too? I can’t seem to find it anywhere on the website? Thanks!
Hi Laura,
The photo with stone arches is the interior of St. Conan’s Kirk, which as mentioned in the article, is just a short car or boat ride away. Their website is – http://www.stconanskirk.org.uk/church-services/weddings/ Contact details are – stconanskirkbookings@gmail.com or contact the Bookings Co-ordinator via phone on 07591740199.
Hi there! Such a wonderful post, thanks!