Crieff Hydro Hotel

Nikkita & Matthew

What made you choose Crieff Hydro?
Friends of ours were married at the Crieff Hydro a few years before and I was completely blown away by the style of the venue and the service – there was really no contest! And true to our expectation, it was everything we wanted in a wedding venue: elegant and sophisticated surroundings; the coordinator, master of ceremonies and staff were so friendly and professional; and the food is to die for! All through the day my guests were coming up to tell me what a great location we had chosen for the wedding, and now, after seeing mine, another friend of mine is even looking to have her wedding here too!

What would be your one key piece of advice bride to bride & groom to groom?
Bride to Bride: I would advise a bride to work up from the bottom up. It is easy to get pulled in to picking the dresses first, or the centrepieces but try to pick out the fundamentals first. Start with the venue, the flowers, the cake, the DJ and then move on to the dresses, favours, etc., after that. Personally, I felt it helped keep control of the whole wedding and kept me organised.

Groom to Groom: Just give the bride control over the day… It is easier that way!

How did you meet, who proposed and how did they do it?
We met when we were both teenagers while we were working at Homebase. It was my first job, and Matthew was my first ever boyfriend! We hit it off right away and in the time we were apart, we kept in touch until we got back together.

Matthew proposed on his 30th birthday. He was actually planning to propose the day after while we were walking around Loch Muick, but I actually took the day off to surprise him. I pretended to get up early to go to work, while I was actually downstairs getting the house decorated and bringing out the cake and his presents. After I realised he was set on a proper lie in (he does love a lie in!) I put our fancy breakfast on a decorated tray and woke him up. I gave him his presents, then he told me he had a present for me – and popped the question!

How did you know that your partner was ‘The One’?
You never think the person you meet when you are 16 will be the one you end up marrying, but equally, I always knew that when we broke up (always amicably!) it wasn’t the end. In fact, whenever we bumped into each other we always grabbed a coffee and it was like we had never been apart! That and he always made me laugh, always made me feel safe and happy.

What was your favourite part of the day?
Our favourite part of the day had to be the ceremony – just because it was so beautiful, everything was perfect and it was amazing coming up the aisle to see Matthew waiting for me. It felt so surreal walking past all our family and friends, it was very emotional.

What song did you choose for your first dance?
For our first dance we chose “Feeling Good”, by Michael Bublé as we both wanted something a little different, romantic but not overly so. We thought that it perfectly summed up how we felt on the day.

What was the most romantic thing about the day?
The most romantic part of the day was when we were off to get the photographs at the View Point. I think this was because it was our spell of alone time during the wedding, and it was such a beautiful spot. We were all excited from having just finished our ceremony and it just felt really surreal.


Did anything funny happen/unexpected on the day?
Matthew had told me the night before the wedding that I wasn’t to worry, he would deal with everything on the day. So when the day arrived and he’d lost the marriage schedule there was a bit of a panic. His sister, also one of the bridesmaids, saw him running around (apparently he’d gone through his room, his parent’s room, and all the bags but just couldn’t find it anywhere!) Thank goodness she mentioned it to me, because the whole time I had it sitting on the dressing table. It’s one of these things that’s pretty funny in hindsight- so is the fact he thought I would let him take charge of the paperwork!!!

What was the most memorable part of the day?
The most memorable part of the day would have to be during the ceremony when we heard for the first time the three things we love most about the other. Although we live together and have been together for so many years you don’t always say these things out loud and to be honest, some of what Matthew had said surprised me (in a good way!) I know I surprised him with mine!

Nikki & Kenny

What made you choose Crieff Hydro?
My husband and I have been coming to Crieff hydro every year since 2010. We bought a deal after the really bad winter and our flat got flooded and we needed a break. We booked a deal and fell in love with the place and have returned 2 or 3 times a year ever since. It was an ideal venue as it was half way between both our families as my hubby’s family live in Paisley and my family are from Inverness. I have always dreamed of getting married in Crieff Hydro and or dreams came true.

What would be your one key piece of advice Bride to Bride & Groom to Groom?
From bride to bride: I would advise to please yourself and your hubby and do what you both want and what makes you happy. Make time for each other on the day just the two of you as it goes by in a flash
I had a groom who liked to be in control in a good way and he eventually realised that you cannot control what happens on the day and to trust everyone that you have booked as everything comes together perfectly. My hubby wishes he spent more time for himself and us and less time trying to run around after everyone. It's your day and you get one shot at it, make the most of it ?

Where did you get your dress and how did you choose it?
My dress was the first one had seen online... I tried it on and fell in love with it. My bridesmaids and mum could not believe it as I have spent more time picking dresses and being indecisive for friends’ weddings than in did for my own. Apparently, I made it very easy and stress free for them. My wee mum bought my beautiful dress from Bibbidi Bibbidi boo in East Kilbride. My dress was beautiful and I wish I could wear it again.

How did you meet, who proposed and how did they do it?
Kenny and I both work in the police and worked together on the shift as neighbours for a year before we started dating. That was over 10 years ago now and it has flown by.
Kenny loves Crieff hydro as much as me and it is our hideaway and place to chill and relax away from the stresses of everyday life so it was even more special when he chose to propose to me near the tennis courts on the 8th June 2016 and I said yes. Needless to say, it didn't go as planned and we had such a laugh but it worked out perfectly in the end. Our engagement story formed part of the highlight of our ceremony.

How did you know that your partner was ‘The One’?
We just clicked and were amazing friends before anything actually happened and I just knew when we started dating that he was the one. He looks after and protects me and also drives me crazy. I know I drive him nuts too and that's how we have lasted so long. We bicker and argue like any other couple but we both know we couldn't live without each other.

What was your favourite part of the day?
Everything about the day was just perfect. I cannot thank Dawn and Clare enough for everything they did as not a thing went wrong. I loved getting ready in the beautiful bridal suite with my mum and girls to walking down the aisle with my wee dad and then marrying my soul mate. Having all our friends and family there who travelled so far and the majority spent the whole weekend with us. The wedding lasted for days and it has been great memories for us.

What song did you choose for your first dance?
Ed Sheeran – Perfect - Chris Suckle played the song for us and his band were amazing.
What was the most romantic thing about the day?
Marrying Kenny and saying our vows to sneaking off with the photographer to have some time together and take it all in. We went up to the Knock for some time on our own and have the most beautiful photos of just the two of us. I am so grateful to our photographer for stealing us away for half an hour to have that time alone with my new hubby. We both loved it and enjoyed a wee fizz and took a deep breath taking it all in

Did anything funny happen on the day?
The best man's speech was the most hilarious part of the day. Chris, Kenny’s brother did him proud and got him a belter. He had no idea and Chris made such an effort with a slide show and everything. We were taken aback and it was just so funny... we had tears running down our faces and the photos say it all.

What was the most memorable part of the day?
The most memorable part of the day was our ceremony. John Foley our celebrant helped write our script perfectly and everything about it was about us. That's what we wanted and for everyone to know our story and we also said things about each other that we both didn't know until the day which made it even more special to hear what each other felt about one another.

Lynsey & Shane

What made you choose Crieff Hydro?
I (Lynsey) knew I wanted to get married at Crieff Hydro from the first time I stayed here with my family, when I was just 5 years old. I absolutely loved the drawing room and have so many happy memories with my family at Crieff. Shane & I first came to stay for our 5 year anniversary, and I'm so pleased to say that he fell in love with it too. We have stayed so many times since then it's impossible to count, but a lot of our best days have taken place at Crieff Hydro and it really is our "happy place". It's a place we can enjoy some time for ourselves, whether it be walking in the beautiful grounds, relaxing in the Victorian Spa or enjoying a strawberry daiquiri in the brasserie!

What would be your one key piece of advice Bride to Bride & Groom to Groom?
Bride to bride: take in as much of the day as possible because it really does go in so fast. One minute you're sipping champagne in your room getting ready and the next you're having your first dance!

Since I was a girl I've always loved the shooting star on the way to the brasserie and every time I pass it I have to stop and watch it. It's a tradition I still hold to this day. When we first came to Crieff Shane observed this tradition and decided that this is where he wanted to propose to me one day. So, a couple of years after that 5th anniversary trip, on the 2nd July 2015, that's exactly what he did.

We were walking downstairs and heading for the brasserie. Shane was very particular about the route he wanted to walk in while I was trying to take him different ways. Shane got his way, though and as we both looked up at the shooting star Shane got down on one knee. The proposal was very romantic and came from the heart, and once I realised what was actually happening I couldn’t say yes fast enough.

How did you know that your partner was ‘The One’?
We realised quite early on into our relationship that we had found "the one" in the the other person. We went to different schools and only saw each other at the weekends at first. We would get so excited knowing that we were going to see each other and we both just remember never wanting that feeling to ever go away.

What was your favourite part of the day?
The walk from the Loggia to the Winter Garden to get our photos taken, when it was just the two of us, and we both realised "this is it, we're married!"

What song did you choose for your first dance?
Perfect by Ed Sheeran. We thought the words really sum up our story!

What was the most romantic thing about the day?
We had to give our humanist ten things we love about each other to be read out at the ceremony. Neither of us knew what the other had written until this point, so it was so romantic that this formed part of our ceremony.

Did anything funny happen on the day?
I forgot to ask my maid of honour to do a reading during the ceremony and it wasn't until we were getting ready that my auntie (who was also doing a reading) was asking her about it and we realised I'd never actually asked her! She was so worried about it, I felt so bad but she aced it when the time came!

What was the most memorable part of the day?
Just seeing everyone so happy and having a good boogie at the reception.

Ruth & Luc

What made you choose Crieff Hydro?
Growing up, Crieff was a regular family holiday every year, sometimes more. It felt like home. So what better way than to celebrate my marriage in Crieff to top off all my memories I've had.
Luc was convinced once we had our first wedding meeting with Dawn/Hannah - they were super helpful and full of Joy. We both agreed that Crieff would be a great venue as guests could make a lovely weekend of it by staying for a few nights. (Which is what a lot of the guests did; it was great to spend time with family for a couple of days).

What would be your one key piece of advice Bride to Bride & Groom to Groom?
Groom to Groom - At some point during the day (I would recommend prior to the first dance/evening reception) take your wife away and go for a walk around the grounds - talk, laugh, make memories - take it all in. The day goes past so fast and it’s easy to get caught up in it all and forget you have married your best friend. So yes, take 10mins and go for a walk.
Bride to Bride - I was told so many times how fast the day goes by, but I never actually thought it would go past as fast as it did. So, remember to take a step back regularly and take it all in. It's the best day of your life so make sure you make memories to remember.

Where did you get your dress and how did you choose it?
Elganza were brilliant. They ask lots of questions and work out your style. The personal advisor then picks out dresses they think you will love based on your answers. One of the dresses that my advisor chose, I didn't like at first, (probably because of the big bow on the front) but I tried it anyway. I instantly fell in love with it, (as long as the bow was removed). Elganza spoke with the designers who agreed to remove the bow and let me design my own belt. So not only did I get my perfect dress, the dress was personal and unique to me. (The belt even had my name on it).

How did you meet, who proposed and how did they do it?
I met Ruth at a church lunch and the rest is history. I proposed to Ruth on a beach in Ness, Isle of Lewis. (Homeland). I chose Ness as that was the place I fell in love with Ruth, on a weekend visiting her family.
I knew Ruth had always wanted a candy floss machine and had a strange taste in RAP music. So, on the beach, I set up a candy floss maker... it didn't work. I forgot about the Lewis winds… Onto my main event. I wrote Ruth a RAP to her favourite song and rapped it to her. The proposal followed on from the RAP - I got a long eeeeehhhhhhh and then a big YES!! Followed by a statement you can't RAP. Overjoyed was an understatement. I didn’t need to RAP every again.

How did you know that your partner was ‘The One’?
There wasn’t really a defining moment, but it slowly became apparent that I was lost when I wasn't with Ruth. I needed Ruth. She completes me. I can't help but smile when I am with her, see her and hear her. That’s when I knew I had to spend the rest of my life with her.
Like Luc, there wasn't a defining moment of "the one." Over time I Luc's true character and the fact that he puts me first in every single way imaginable melted my heart. His character made me want to not let him go.

What was your favourite part of the day?
Luc - Seeing Ruth for the first time as she walked down the aisle (After a cheeky look back
Ruth - Apart from the obvious, the morning time. it was lovely just to chill and spend some time with my family and closes friends.

What song did you choose for your first dance?
Far side of the world - Tidelines

What was the most romantic thing about the day?
The photos in the grounds of Crieff. The photographers were amazing and we were just able to be ourselves.

Did anything funny happen on the day?
Ruth during the vows said "I Luc" - that created a lot of laughs.

What was the most memorable part of the day?
Saying I do
Speaking to all the guests and all saying how much fun they are having.