Doubletree North Queensferry | Autumn Wedding

DoubleTree North Queensferry is a brilliant spot for a big hotel wedding by the sea with its cracking views over the Firth of Forth and the Queensferry Crossing – which twinkles at night.

I live in North Queensferry, so I’m a bit biased about this location, but I also know the village inside out – from the iconic spots to the hidden gems that most visitors never find.

(I also love to shine the light on Fife as a wonderful wedding location, click the button below to explore my Fife weddings page)

That’s why I was thrilled when Katie and Zara chose DoubleTree North Queensferry for their wedding.

It gave me the chance to take them beyond the usual photo locations and create something unique and personal. There are so many spots to explore beyond the usual pier pictures.

For Katie & Zara, we went the extra mile and got access to the 18th-century sailor’s graveyard, normally locked to the public. It added a quirky, Halloween vibe to their day, and we had such a laugh exploring.

I first met Katie years ago when I photographed her mum Gaye’s wedding to Richard, so it felt extra special to now be capturing her wedding day. We had a lot of laughs during their pre-wedding shoot with their characterful dog, Lois, who’s also had his own doggy photoshoot, where we captured his cheeky character. Unfortunately, he was perhaps too cheeky to bring along to the wedding.

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I love Katie and Zara’s outfits. Katie rocked a tailored burgundy suit, which added an extra autumnal pop of colour and perfectly complemented Zara’s sweetheart dress and red hair, which, in turn, perfectly complemented the red hues of the Forth Rail Bridge. I also love that they had matching hoodies to cosy up in later in the evening – a playful and personal touch that was so very them!

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Their wedding, held the day before Halloween, had loads of fun, seasonal details but stayed true to their personalities—laid-back and full of life. I loved the dried flowers, which looked lovely with the blue bridesmaid dresses.

If you’re looking for a big hotel wedding venue, DoubleTree North Queensferry is a fantastic choice. With its amazing view to enjoy, it’s incredibly accessible too—just a 15-minute walk from the train station or a minute’s walk from the bus stop on the bridge. But what makes it even more special is the way the village offers countless opportunities for unique photos, whether you want to stick to the classics or find something a little different.

Katie and Zara’s day was filled with laughter, love, and a lot of fun—a perfect reflection of their relationship. It was such a privilege to be a part of it all and capture these memories for them. If you’re planning a wedding here, I’d love to show you all the best spots and help you create something truly unforgettable!

Discover more Scotland guides, wedding venue inspiration and real weddings from Edinburgh wedding photographer Ali Jay.

Pratis Barns - Wedding Photography Guide

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Hi, I’m Ali, I’ve been lucky enough to photograph beautiful weddings at Pratis Barns since 2015.

My job isn’t just about taking photos—it’s about making sure you feel relaxed, enjoy every moment, and end up with photos that bring all the joy and emotion of your day flooding back.

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7 Reasons to love a Pratis Barns Wedding?

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Pratis Barns is nestled just outside Cupar in Fife, with breath-taking views over the Forth Estuary, it’s a rustic and romantic dream. It’s also wonderfully convenient—just 25 minutes from St. Andrews and an hour from Edinburgh.

Here are 7 reasons I think you may love a Pratis Barn wedding:-

1. So Much Space: With six barns spread across 30 acres, you’ve got endless room to create a day that’s completely yours.

2. All-Inclusive Convenience: Everything’s on site—guest accommodation, catering, and a “Wonder Room” packed with props for those personal DIY touches.

3. Romantic Ceremony Barn: The rustic charm of this barn, with its exposed beams and twinkling lights, reminds me of Ross & Emily’s candlelit wedding in F.R.I.E.N.D.S. It’s truly magical.

4. Perfect Flow: With separate barns for each part of your day, there’s no need to shuffle guests around while spaces are reset. Everything feels seamless and easy.

5. Incredible Backdrops: The barns, the fields, the views over the Forth—Pratis is packed with spots for gorgeous, natural photos.

6. Family Fun: Lawn games, secret hideaways, and so much space make it an amazing place for kids to run around and have a blast.

7. Something for Everyone: Whether your guests want to dance the night away in the party barn or relax by the firepits under the stars, they’ll have the best time.

“Balled my eyes out! You’ve captured our day perfectly”

Claire & Ross

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Layout of Pratis Barns

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No matter the weather or the time of year, there are endless places at Pratis for stunning photos.

I’ve created a map to help you visualise the space, I hope it helps with your planning, perhaps Pin It for later!

View fullsize

• The Ceremony Barn: Romantic and rustic with twinkly fairy lights, exposed beams and pretty stonework, it’s a perfect setting to say “I do” and the paved walkway outside is fantastic for fun confetti shots and links to ceremony barn to the other spaces.

• The Day Barn: Bright and airy, it’s a lovely spot for guests to relax and soak in the views across the Forth. During the evening party, it’s the ideal breakout area with cozy seating and fire pits just outside, perfect for laughter and drinks as the sun sets.

• The Party Barn: Linked to the day barn, the party barn is big and ready for meals, ceilidhs, first dances, and epic parties—it’s where the magic happens after dark.

• The Grounds: The walled garden, the fire pits or the driveway surrounded by fields. I love exploring the outside spaces around Pratis.

Ceremony Barn.

Ceremony Barn.

Day Barn.

Party Barn.

Party Barn.

Grounds.

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Flexible, Tailored Photography Packages

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Your wedding is as unique as you are, so I’ve designed my photography packages to fit around you. Whether you need just a couple of hours of coverage or a full day of storytelling, I’ve got you covered.

What makes my packages different?

• You Choose What You Need: Add just the hours you need with hourly rate pricing from 2-10 hours.

• Personal Planning: I’ll help you create a photography plan that suits your day perfectly.

• Next-Day Previews: Because I know you’ll be desperate to see those first photos right away.

• Little Extras: Like a free mini shoot with 8+ hours of coverage or 10% off albums when booked in advance.

For all the details, head over to my weddings info page.

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Favourite Pratis Barns Memories

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Every wedding at Pratis Barns has its own magic, and I’ve been lucky to capture some incredible moments:

• Claire & Ross stealing a quiet moment in their campervan to enjoy wedding treats.

• Mairi & Joe bringing along Mairi’s horse, Cuddles, for some unforgettable photos.

• Claire & Sam getting everyone on the dancefloor for a massive Strip the Willow ceilidh.

• Krissa & Gordon nailing an incredible jive that had their guests cheering.

Every couple makes their day their own, and it’s such a joy to be part of it.

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Pratis Barns Accommodation

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Pratis Barns now offers Pratis House, a stunning farmhouse that’s been beautifully renovated. With space for 15 people, it’s perfect for getting ready in the morning or relaxing with your nearest and dearest.

There are also some brilliant options nearby, including:

• Montrave House: The closest accommodation to Pratis this characterful converted stable accommodation for 7 people, also includes 8 luxury wigwams with hot tubs. Although next door, both venues have long driveways so it’s a long walk.

• Dairsie Castle: A quirky 12th-century castle, full of character from it’s modern renovation, it sleeps 14 people and is just 16 minutes away.

• The Old Manor Hotel: A classic, cozy option just a 10-minute drive from Pratis.

Or, why not look for a holiday cottage in one of Fife’s picturesque East Neuk fishing villages?

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Let’s Chat About Your Wedding!

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If you’re planning your wedding at Pratis Barns, I’d love to hear all about your ideas. Pratis is one of my favorite places to work, and I’d love to help you create beautiful memories of your day. Get in touch or head over to my weddings info page to find out more about how I can help.

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Low Light Wedding Photography

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When you’re shooting in a dark space you could whack on an obtrusive flash and use it in every shot but I love the challenge of using the natural light at Pratis.

With the limited light, you have to plan the light in every shot to perfectly capture the atmosphere but the result is beautiful!

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Get In Touch

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Pratis Team

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Nicola, Patrick & Louise are fantastic, contact them at:

Pratis Barns, Leven, Fife, KY8 5NX

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Discover more Scotland guides, wedding venue inspiration and real weddings from Edinburgh wedding photographer Ali Jay.

Balmule House - Country House Wedding Venue Fife

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Balmule House

Balmule House is a 500yr old mansion house which is now a country boutique hotel. It is tucked away in the beautiful countryside just 3 miles north of Dunfermline. It’s small size makes it perfect to book out for an exclusive wedding.

They offer an option to put a marquee in the garden for larger weddings (up to 500 guests) but having an intimate wedding in the house makes the most of the beautiful characterful spaces.

Wedding Photography Prices

Country House Wedding

The house sits up on a hill surrounded by 30 acres of woodland and looks down over the countryside.

It has pretty spaces outside including a lawn, a long tree lined driveway, a walled garden and woodshed.

These spaces were brilliant to explore for photos but the inside spaces are equally as beautiful which would make it a brilliant venue for an autumn or winter wedding.

Relaxed Venue

Matt & Hannah hired the entire house for their wedding and everyone seemed so relaxed and really enjoyed just having fun all day.

It’s beautifully renovated with lots of period features which make the space feel homely.

I imagine in the winter it is super cosy as each room has a nice fireplace.

Beautiful Light Rooms

Matt & Hannah used 3 spaces within the house for their wedding.

The main reception room can accommodate up to 40 people for a wedding ceremony.

The dining room also accommodates 40 guests for a meal and the space hosts larger number for the evening reception.

For larger weddings there is the marquee option which can take up to 500 guests.

Dining Room

The south facing dining room overlooks the walled garden to the west and the fields to the south.

The bay window is a beautiful feature and brings in lots lovely light which is great for your photographs.

Normally this space is furnished with lovely sofas but it is very versatile and the management just seamlessly change the spaces to suit the required function.

I used this space for a family shoot a few years back so if you’d like to see it as a cosy seated area, click the button below.

Boutique Hotel

The house has 8 bedrooms which all have their own unique character which was a really fun feature of the hotel.

Hannah had this massive bridal suite to get ready in which was a fabulous space and had a vast impressive bathroom to match.

Pretty Spaces

I love the staircase in the house, it was a great place to capture some pictures of Hannah on her way to the ceremony.

Well Looked After!

What makes a brilliant wedding venue? It’s not just the location, space and the pretty features of the venue but the management.

Franc, the owner, seems to sincerely want the couples who choose Balmule to have an amazing time which is my main aim to.

The exclusive use means the management are just looking after you on the day and bride and grooms love this.

I’ve heard great things about how well they are treated and how lovely an experience it was.

I have seen plenty couples stressed on their wedding day because they are not so well looked after and I truly believe being able to trust your suppliers is essential. I always want my couples to feel completely comfortable and trust that I know exactly what they want and Balmule seem to be the same.

Main Hall

When you first enter the house you enter via an arched entrance porch which is a lovely place to have a welcome sign for the wedding party.

You then enter an entrance hallway which leads into the main hall. The comfy seating in the hall was a great waiting area for guests who arrived early for the ceremony, it then became a good place for mingling during the drinks reception and then Matt & Hannah used the area for their cake cutting and then dancing.

I really loved how versatile the spaces all were.

Walled Garden

The walled garden is full of cute pathways lined by box hedging. It’s a lovely place to go for a walk and enjoy a bit of time together and get some photos taken.

It’s also a nice space for your guests to enjoy or for some family photos.

The main car park sits behind the walled garden so guests can walk through the garden when they arrive which is a nice welcoming approach.

Golden Light

Matt & Hannah were married in May when the evenings are long and we went out during the golden hour to explore the grounds and get some photos as the sun was going down.

Whatever the time of year it is nice to get out the hour before sunset to catch some of the golden light.

In the winter the daylight hours are so short but when it is sunny you get low light much of the day and it is beautiful for photos.

Planning a wedding in Dunfermline?

I live in North Queensferry which is perfectly located for weddings in Fife & Edinburgh and it’s only 10 minutes from Dunfermline (I also cover weddings further afield).

If you’d like to know more, check out my weddings page and get in touch, I’m happy to answer any questions and help you with your wedding.

Find out more:-

- Wedding Information (to find out more)

- Pricing Brochure (if you’d like to get an idea of cost)

- Edinburgh Wedding Blog (for more wedding inspiration)

Contact Ali

Read More?

I have some other guides for venues nearby, click the name if you’d like to read more:-

- Pratis Barns, Cupar

- The Old Course Hotel, St. Andrews

- Dunfermline Weddings & Photo Shoots

- South Queesferry Weddings

Discover more Scotland guides, wedding venue inspiration and real weddings from Edinburgh wedding photographer Ali Jay.