Colstoun Estate — Weddings & Events: Frequently Asked Questions

Capacity & Space

What is the maximum capacity for a wedding ceremony at Colstoun?

Colstoun can accommodate wedding ceremonies of up to 200 people in the poly tunnel and virtually limitless on the West Lawn, however that number drops to 152 guests for receptions. Whether you are planning an intimate gathering of close family or a full celebration with all those who matter most, the estate offers the space and atmosphere to do justice to the occasion. Our team will work with you to ensure the layout and flow of the day feel entirely natural — nothing regimented, nothing generic.

What is the maximum capacity for a wedding reception in the Coach House?

The Coach House comfortably seats up to 152 guests for a wedding reception on long banquet tables — a format that lends itself beautifully to convivial, unhurried dining. If you prefer a round-table arrangement, the space seats up to 130 guests with a separate head table of 12, allowing for a more traditional reception layout without sacrificing the warm, characterful atmosphere that makes Colstoun so distinctive.

Can the Coach House be configured differently for smaller weddings or more intimate receptions?

Yes. For couples planning a smaller celebration, the Coach House can be arranged to feel perfectly proportioned rather than cavernously large. Using the internal dividing curtains, the central room can be set aside for the ceremony itself, with the larger adjoining section prepared for dining — creating a sense of occasion and transition within the same beautiful space. It is a quietly elegant solution that works particularly well for weddings of 40 to 80 guests.

Are there outdoor ceremony spaces at Colstoun, and are they sheltered?

Colstoun offers two outdoor ceremony settings, each with its own character. The West Lawn is shaded by a magnificent canopy of ancient oak trees — a truly spectacular natural setting that provides considerable shelter from light rain whilst remaining beautifully open to the Scottish countryside. The Poly Tunnel within the Walled Garden offers a fully covered alternative, combining the charm of a working kitchen garden with protection from the elements. Neither requires a marquee or temporary structure, and both photograph exceptionally well at any time of year.

Is the Walled Garden available for exclusive hire?

Yes. The Walled Garden is available for exclusive hire and forms one of the most sought-after settings on the estate. Enclosed, private, and quietly beautiful across every season, it provides a wonderful backdrop for ceremonies, drinks receptions, and informal gatherings. It can be used as a standalone space or as part of a wider exclusive hire arrangement. We are happy to discuss how the garden fits into your plans during an initial conversation.

photograph by Christine McNally

Logistics & Facilities

Is there on-site parking at Colstoun?

Yes. Colstoun has on-site parking for approximately 50 vehicles, accessed directly from the estate driveway. For larger weddings, we are happy to advise on overflow arrangements and local taxi or transfer options for guests travelling from Edinburgh or further afield. The estate is straightforward to reach and well-signposted from Haddington.

Is the venue accessible for guests with mobility requirements?

Yes. Colstoun has ramps in place to assist guests with mobility requirements, and we are committed to ensuring every guest can move through the estate with ease and dignity. If you have specific accessibility requirements for your wedding party or guests, we encourage you to raise these with us early in the planning process so that we can make appropriate arrangements. Nothing should stand in the way of everyone being able to enjoy the day fully.

Are there toilet facilities on-site, or do we need to hire in portable loos?

There is no need to hire in external toilet facilities. Colstoun has two ladies' and two gentlemen's guest lavatories on-site, along with additional facilities within the cottages. This is one of the practical details that couples often find reassuring — there are no temporary structures cluttering the estate, and guests can move between spaces without any of the compromises associated with marquee or field venues.

Is there a bridal suite or private space for getting ready on the day?

Yes. There is a dedicated private space available for the wedding party to use on the morning of the ceremony. We understand that the hours before a wedding are precious and often require a calm, unhurried environment, and we ensure that this space is set aside entirely for your use. For couples who take on exclusive hire of the estate accommodation, additional private space is available across the cottages.

What audio-visual and technology facilities are available in the Coach House?

The Coach House has reliable Wi-Fi throughout. For couples wishing to incorporate a sound system, microphones, projection, or lighting — whether for speeches, a live band, or a DJ — these can be arranged through a specialist AV supplier of your choice or via our recommended suppliers list. We are experienced in working alongside a wide variety of technical crews and can advise on access, power, and rigging requirements to make the process as smooth as possible.

photo from Nikki Leadbetter

Catering & Drinks

Do you have a list of approved caterers, or can we bring in our own?

We have three recommended caterers who know Colstoun well, understand how the kitchen operates, and have a proven track record of delivering exceptional food in this setting. That said, we are open to working with your own caterer, subject to prior agreement with Colstoun. If you have a chef or catering team whose food you love and trust, we would rather find a way to make that work than see you compromise on something as central to the day as what your guests eat and drink.

Is there an in-house bar, or do we need to arrange drinks ourselves?

In most cases, the catering team manages the bar as well as the food — this tends to create a more seamless experience for guests and simplifies logistics considerably. An occasional licence is required from East Lothian Council for the sale of alcohol, additionally we require that the bar be managed by a licensed bar manager regardless of whether or not it is a cash bar and your caterer will typically handle this as part of their service. If you have a particular vision for the bar — a bespoke cocktail menu, a specialist drinks supplier, or a whisky selection — we are happy to discuss what is possible with Colstoun's agreement.

Is there a corkage policy if we supply our own wine or spirits?

Corkage is a matter for your chosen catering team to advise on directly, as it forms part of their overall bar and drinks offer. We recommend raising this early in your conversations with your caterer, particularly if you are planning to supply specific bottles — for example, wine from a family estate, or a whisky with personal significance. These things matter, and a good caterer will accommodate them thoughtfully.

Can you cater for dietary requirements and allergens?

Yes, absolutely. We expect all caterers working at Colstoun to be fully briefed on dietary requirements and allergen information for every guest. This is a non-negotiable part of any event we host, and your catering team will be responsible for gathering this information in advance and ensuring it is communicated clearly through to service on the day. Please do not hesitate to flag any specific requirements to us as well — we will ensure nothing falls between the cracks.

What does the Coach House kitchen include?

The Coach House has a dedicated kitchen with ample space and preparation surfaces for a professional catering team to work efficiently. It includes trestle tables for service and a scullery area for washing up and equipment storage. Most caterers bring in their own specialist equipment — induction hobs, chafing dishes, refrigeration — as part of their quoted service, and this has consistently worked well at Colstoun. The kitchen is sized and positioned to support smooth service throughout a seated dinner without any of the chaos that can undermine even the best-planned reception.

photo by Nikki Leadbetter

Accommodation

Is there on-site accommodation at Colstoun, and how many guests can it sleep?

Yes. Colstoun has three self-contained estate cottages available for exclusive hire as part of a wedding booking. The Doocote sleeps four guests across two bedrooms; the Stables sleeps eight across four bedrooms; and Wellwood, the largest of the three, sleeps ten across five bedrooms. Between them, the cottages provide 14 bedrooms and accommodation for 28 guests — enough for the immediate wedding party, close family, and those travelling from furthest afield. Waking up on the estate the morning after is an experience in itself.

What accommodation is available nearby for guests who cannot stay on-site?

Colstoun is situated just outside Haddington, which offers a selection of comfortable guesthouses and small hotels. The wider East Lothian area has a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences, from characterful country house hotels to self-catering cottages. Edinburgh, with its full range of hotels, is approximately 45 minutes away by car or taxi. We are happy to share a list of nearby options we have found to work well for wedding guests if that would be helpful.

Booking & Pricing

When is Colstoun available for weddings, and how far in advance should we book?

Colstoun hosts weddings between mid-April and the end of October. This season takes advantage of the estate at its finest — the ancient woodland and parkland are at their most dramatic, the walled garden is productive and beautiful, and the long Scottish evenings lend themselves perfectly to unhurried outdoor celebrations. We recommend making an initial enquiry as early as possible, as popular dates — particularly Saturdays between May and August — are typically secured well in advance. We are always happy to have an early conversation to discuss availability before you commit to anything.

What does exclusive hire of the estate include?

Exclusive hire of the managed estate gives you sole and private use of the West Lawn, the Walled Garden, the Coach House and its courtyard, and the cottage areas. It is the option most couples choose for their wedding day, and for good reason — there are no other visitors, no shared spaces, and no compromises. The estate is yours from arrival to departure, and our staff will be present throughout to ensure everything runs smoothly, whilst remaining discreet and unobtrusive in the background.

What is the deposit and cancellation policy?

A deposit of £1,000 is required upon signing the contract to secure your date. In the event of a cancellation, the deposit is retained by Colstoun unless we are able to re-let the date to another couple — in which case it will be returned in full. We understand that circumstances can change, and we always seek to handle these conversations with sensitivity and fairness. We recommend that all couples take out appropriate wedding insurance to protect their investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Do you offer weekday or off-peak pricing?

Colstoun operates a single pricing structure and does not offer off-peak or weekday discounts. The experience we offer — the estate, the team, the attention to detail — remains consistent across every booking, and our pricing reflects that. Couples who choose a midweek date often find that it comes with other advantages: greater flexibility on catering and supplier availability, a more relaxed pace on the day itself, and a sense that the celebration belongs entirely to them.

photo by Nikki Leadbetter

Corporate Events

What types of corporate events work particularly well at Colstoun?

Colstoun has hosted a wide range of corporate events over more than 15 years, and certain formats suit the estate exceptionally well. Away days and team-building days on the West Lawn — with a barbecue lunch in the Coach House courtyard — have become something of a signature offering. We also regularly host falconry experiences, Highland Games, whisky tastings, product launches, and corporate responsibility days. For smaller groups, the estate provides a genuinely private and focused setting for board meetings and senior strategy sessions — particularly popular with clients in the whisky industry and professional services, where discretion and calm are valued as much as comfort.

Is there reliable Wi-Fi suitable for presentations and video calls?

Yes. The Coach House has dependable, fast Wi-Fi throughout, suitable for video conferencing, presentations, and day-to-day business use. For events with more intensive technical requirements — large-screen projection, professional sound, or hybrid conferencing — we recommend discussing your needs with us in advance so that we can ensure the right infrastructure is in place.

Can you arrange team-building activities for corporate groups?

Yes. We work closely with Team Challenge Company, a specialist events provider who has attended Colstoun on numerous occasions and knows the estate and its possibilities extremely well. They are able to design and deliver a bespoke programme tailored precisely to your group's size, energy, and objectives — from Highland Games and archery to more structured leadership and team development formats. We encourage you to speak with them directly about your requirements, and we are happy to make an introduction.

What Makes Colstoun Different

What makes Colstoun different from other Scottish country house and estate venues?

Colstoun is genuinely private. It is a working family estate that has been home to the same family for over 950 years, and that sense of history and continuity is felt throughout — in the ancient oaks on the West Lawn, in the texture of the Coach House walls, in the unhurried pace of the place. Unlike many event venues, there is no sense of a factory operation running behind the scenes. Guests arrive, settle in, and quickly feel that they are somewhere entirely their own.

All support staff are present throughout any event but deliberately unobtrusive — on hand when needed, invisible when not. This balance between attentive service and genuine privacy is something guests remark upon consistently, and it is something we take considerable care to maintain. Colstoun is not a venue that shouts about itself. It does not need to.