Schivas Steading Weddings
Schivas Steading is a gorgeous wedding venue and one of Aberdeenshires finest. I first walked into the old steading when it was just rubble. I then took images of the transformation and was lucky enough to shoot the first ceremony there in summer 2021. Now look at it! A perfect blend of historic character with contemporary styling. The venue mixes rustic features like stone walls and beams with modern glass architecture and clean interiors. Perfect for wedding photos.
The venue sits near Ellon in the Aberdeenshire countryside with wide open views across rolling hills. The grounds are beautiful and there’s an expansive lawn area perfect for drinks receptions and lawn games. You can't beat a Schivas Steading wedding on a sunny day and its been great to see the venue become a star of the local wedding scene. Part of this success lies with the wonderful staff and service and Tracy and her team are so welcoming and professional.
Newton House offers a great area for getting ready and window light portraits. Due to the flexible layout brides and grooms can both get ready without seeing each other. This onsite accommodation means family can also stay and make a weekend of it – and best of all there's a hot tub!
The ceremony room is filled with light and is a photographers dream!
One of the things I love most about photographing weddings at Schivas is the variety of backdrops all within a few minutes of each other. The steading itself has a beautifully relaxed countryside feel, while nearby Schivas House offers a completely different look — elegant, historic, and full of character.
The grounds around the house are perfect for romantic portraits, with ivy-covered stone walls, manicured lawns, and quiet garden paths that feel peaceful and tucked away from the day’s celebrations. It gives couples a chance to step away for a few minutes and soak it all in while creating something a little more timeless and intimate. The two locations gives your gallery lots of variety (and options incase of wet weather too - but its NOT going to rain!)
Swings, bridges, lochs, secret walled gardens and tucked away corners make this venue one of the best in Aberdeenshire for wedding portrait options.
Schivas House itself with its cosy fireplaces and nooks adds a timeless feel to wedding photos - and yes they let you take your dogs!
The grounds offer lots of options for group images and candid photos. I love an afternoon wandering through the ice cream trucks and pizza vans capturing the laughter and the fun.
The reception area seats 150 for a meal and 200 in the evening. There’s no need for a turnaround which means after the meal guests can move straight to the bar and dancefloor with no waiting around. It has a lovely rustic feel and the neutral interior means you’re free to decorate as you please!
I really can't think of another Aberdeenshire wedding venue that offers this level of variety for couple portraits. And the sunsets are legendary....
When it comes to party time the spacious bar and seating area is very comfortable for guests. The large dancefloor looks out on to the sweeping countryside so you can jig the night away as the sun sets behind Bennachie.....
To see more of my weddings click here - Zoe Rae Weddings
Check out more about Schivas Steading at www.theschivassteading.godaddysites.com
