A charming new wedding venue at Backhouse Rossie Estate, Fife

June 21, 2021

A charming new wedding venue at Backhouse Rossie Estate, Fife

Stepping through the wooden door of Backhouse Rossie Estate’s famed walled garden feels like stepping into something truly special.

Situated in the heart of Fife, the historic estate dates back to the 11^th century and its woodlands were used as hunting grounds by Mary Queen of Scots.

More recently, visitors have travelled to this picturesque setting to enjoy the stunning gardens and National Plant Collection of daffodils.

And now, the family have opened the estate up to weddings, inviting couples to say “I do” in the beautiful surroundings.

Backhouse Rossie Estate - Tony Marsh Photography — PHOTO | Tony Marsh Photography

Blooming gorgeous

It would be hard not to fall for the charms of Backhouse Rossie Estate. We visit in early June when the gardens are in full blooms, with pretty lupins and aliums out in force.

Weddings at the estate are held between April and the end of September with the option of exclusive use the last Saturday of every month.

Couples enter through the pretty courtyard complete with a fallen tree strung with fairylights and can choose to lay out haybales and firepits.

PHOTOS | left – courtyard, and right (by Tony Marsh Photography) set-up by Craikie’s Event Hire in main hall

The old Flower Barn, comprising three delightful adjoining areas, leads off the courtyard and has been transformed for weddings with indoors ceremonies for up to 120 people held in the blank canvas Long Barn.

Whitewashed walls provide the perfect backdrop for the décor of your choice, while the adjacent Main Barn is full of character, with rustic wooden panelling from fallen oak, yew and beech trees, and saplings taken from the estate.

You can comfortably seat up to 120 guests for dinner here while the adjoining Flower Room, which opens onto the courtyard, is the perfect space for smaller numbers, or holding your dancing.

The three spaces are versatile and can be used whatever way best suits your dream wedding scenario.

Let’s go outside

However, if the weather plays ball there’s plenty of scope for outdoor celebrations.

Non-exclusive use ceremonies for up to 200 guests are typically held on the Mansion House Lawn with the impressive façade of the house serving as a suitably impressive backdrop.

Couples who choose to say their vows here will enjoy enviable uninterrupted views over the Lomond Hills.

Marquees for up to 200 guests can also be staged here while larger marqees can be accommodated on the lower field.

What’s more, there’s a delightful putting green where guests can enjoy having a go at getting a hole in one, or trying their hand at other lawn games, while you’re off having your photos taken.

Couples who opt for the exclusive-use package have the run of the gardens, free from visitors to the gardens.

You could marry by the pond with its charming water feature. We love the idea of staging a pretty moongate behind the water or even adding some lilypads.

Smaller ceremonies can be held on the labyrinth lawn or what about exchanging vows by the sculpture at the centre of the DNA walkway?

The estate owner Caroline created the sculpture, the base of which is the old rose window from Perth Cathedral.

When we visited, the blooms were just about to open on the roses which form the largest uninterrupted rose archway in Scotland – talk about having a fairytale moment for your wedding photos.

Small ceremonies and elopements can also be held in the charming Owl Wood and non-exclusive use couples are welcome to visit the Walled Garden for their wedding photos too.

Treat yourself

But it’s not just pretty flowers on display in the gardens.

The estate grows a variety of herbs as well as its own apples and pears which they use in homemade juices which you can you use in your mixers and wedding mocktails.

Jams and jellies from the estate fruit trees also make the perfect favours for your guests and why not incorporate flowers from the gardens in your bouquet?

Make it your own

Part of the charm of this stunning venue is the scope to style your day exactly how you want, whether you go down a completely DIY route or choose one of the three all-inclusive packages, which cover everything you need.

You can choose the in-house catering team or from the panel of approved suppliers, while award-winning co-ordinators All Wrapped Up will be with you all day, to ensure everything runs to plan.

Plus, you’ll have access to the huge hire list from Craikie’s Event Hire for any additional décor items you wish.

Add to this the on-site Garden View Cottage, which is perfect for the night before the wedding, your bridal prep and your wedding night, and this venue is a truly charming location for your dream day.