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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2023

Last update: January 2026

Nestled along a private, tree-lined drive on the banks of the River Nith, Friars Carse Country House Hotel is a truly enchanting wedding venue in Dumfries, Dumfries, Galloway & Ayrshire. This high-end, baronial, castle-like hotel is steeped in history and romance, with strong literary links to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, who was a frequent visitor and is believed to have written parts of his work while staying here.

Set within 45 acres of peaceful Dumfriesshire woodland, Friars Carse offers a secluded and intimate setting surrounded by gently rustling trees, sweeping lawns and riverside views. The venue combines historic charm with elegant comfort, creating a magical backdrop for weddings of all styles and sizes.

Couples can choose from a variety of beautiful spaces. Outdoor ceremonies can take place beside the river or on the manicured lawns, while indoor celebrations are hosted in characterful rooms filled with warmth and atmosphere. The oak-panelled lounge, complete with an open fireplace and rich wood detailing, is ideal for intimate gatherings of up to 80 guests. For smaller ceremonies, the light-filled Nith Suite overlooks the lawn and river and accommodates up to 18 guests.

For larger celebrations, Friars Carse features a permanent, fully heated wedding marquee adjacent to the main hotel. Accommodating up to 140 guests, it includes its own bar, dance floor and entertainment space, allowing celebrations to continue late into the night. The flexible layout suits both formal seated dining and lively evening receptions.

The hotel offers exclusive-use weddings, allowing couples and their guests to enjoy the venue in complete privacy. On-site accommodation includes 21 en-suite bedrooms, a stunning four-poster Honeymoon Suite, and two charming self-catering cottages—perfect for pre-wedding preparations and overnight stays.

With a dedicated events team, bespoke menu options inspired by traditional Scottish flavours, and a setting rich in history, Friars Carse Country House Hotel offers a timeless and romantic location for an unforgettable wedding day.

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Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

In the country
Castle
Stately home
Historic
Landmark
Marquees and tents
Outdoor license
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Civil ceremony licence

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Corkage option
Private catering allowed
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering

Evening entertainment:

Marquee available
Dance floor
Entertainment licence
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities
Outdoor fireworks permitted

Overnight accommodation:

Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests

Venue staff assistance:

Master of ceremonies/toastmaster
Wedding coordinator

Other features:

Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Confetti permitted
Changing room for wedding guests
Pet-friendly
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Reviews for Friars Carse Country House Hotel

M
Michaela Sent on 23/11/2017
5 out of 5 rating

Thanks for making my wedding day extra special

Thanks for making my wedding day extra special we had amazing time and yous where all very helpful
- Michaela Lilly-Sue Fleming via Facebook 12th June 2017
S
Susan Sent on 23/11/2017
5 out of 5 rating

we had a fantastic time...

we had a fantastic time, the staff made my daughters engagement party so special, like we were the only folk in the world. Highly recommended
- Susan Buck via Facebook 21st August 2017
H
Helen Sent on 23/11/2017
5 out of 5 rating

...the staff were so professional and friendly....

I was here for my son's wedding yesterday and loved it. The hotel is beautiful and the staff were so professional and friendly. The wedding food was fantastic, perfectly cooked and quickly served. Thankyou to all involved in making this day so very special.
- Helen Bartlett via Facebook 12th March 2017
S
Sarah Sent on 23/11/2017
5 out of 5 rating

Friars Carse made our wedding truly unforgettable.

Friars Carse made our wedding truly unforgettable..and saying our wedding vows in front of the lake made that extra special. The staff are fantastic, the wedding breakfast was so tasty. Hopefully we'll go back for our first wedding anniversary. X
- Sarah Jones via Facebook 29th April 2017
K
Kathleen Sent on 23/11/2017
5 out of 5 rating

The ceremony was stunning in front if the lake...

We had a couple of wonderful days at Friars Carse Country hotel for my son Pauls wedding on Friday 1st September. Staff were brilliant, nothing was too much trouble. The ceremony was stunning in front if the lake and the marquee was so beautiful. Thank you for an unforgettable wedding and photos of him with his gorgeous wife Romana are sensational.
Can't wait to go back
- Kathleen Foreman via Facebook 3rd September 2017
A
Angela Sent on 23/11/2017
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutley perfect from start to finish...

We chose Friars Carse as our wedding venue for 7th July 2017 and it was absolutely perfect from start to finish. From the planning of the day to the actual wedding celebration everything flowed so well, the staff at the hotel were super and always on hand to deal with our requests and queries to ensure we were at ease on our special day. We had the best day ever and our guests have had so many fab things to say about the venue too. Special thanks to Nick and Xavier for all their help and to both Wedding Planners x
- Angela Dalgleish via Facebook 19th August 2017
D
Debbie Sent on 20/04/2016
5 out of 5 rating

We just wanted to say a huge thank you

Everyone really looked after us and we can't thank you enough. The staff are amazing! Friendly, welcoming, helpful, pleasant and always professional - a really fantastic team.
Our sincere thanks and best wishes.
J
Jr. Sent on 26/11/2015
5 out of 5 rating

a stroke of genius

Just to say everything was a huge success. The staff were tremendously efficient in a very friendly way and very flexible. Thanks go to your Chef: many of our guests said the food was delicious. The Whisky tasting was a ‘stroke of genius’! We are truly grateful to all concerned
January 2012
L
Lizzie Sent on 26/11/2015
5 out of 5 rating

Most memorable day of our lives

Thank you so much for making our dreams come true. We couldn’t have asked for a better setting, better service, better personal touches – you made it the best and ! Over the years Friars Carse has become very special to us and we would like to thank you all for contributing to our special memories.”
May 2012
A
A Sent on 26/11/2015
5 out of 5 rating

Nothing was too much trouble

Thank you for making my daughter’s wedding day extra special. . The care and service you all provided was second to none.
July 2012
N
Nathan Sent on 26/11/2015
5 out of 5 rating

most amazing food

Thank you for helping to make our special day so fantastic and thanks to the Chef for the most amazing food!
July 2012
A
Amanda Sent on 26/11/2015
5 out of 5 rating

All outstanding

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone at Friars Carse for a most wonderful wedding. The day, location, meal, rooms and service were all outstanding.
July 2012
A
Anonymous Sent on 26/11/2015
5 out of 5 rating

Thank you

I would just like to and all the staff at Friars Carse for all your hard work to make our wedding day extra special. The food was amazing and the venue so accommodating that my wedding day was everything I had hoped and wished for. I would recommend you to anyone looking to get married as it was a fairy tale location and the service was perfect. Thank you.”
July 2012
H
Helen Sent on 26/11/2015
5 out of 5 rating

We couldn’t have asked for more.

Thank you for all your hardwork and effort that made our special day go perfectly!
August 2012
S
S Sent on 26/11/2015
5 out of 5 rating

Sincere thanks

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff for making our daughter’s wedding day so special. All the arrangements ran superbly and the wedding breakfast and meal the night before were both excellent. The the staff worked so hard and efficiently.
September 2012
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15 Feb
Open Door

💍 Friars Carse Country House Hotel Wedding Fair – 15th February 💍

Whether you’re newly engaged or putting the finishing touches on your plans, our Wedding Fair is the perfect place to bring your wedding vision to life.

Join us on 15th February for a day filled with inspiration, expert advice, and the very best wedding suppliers — all under one roof. From beautiful dresses to florists, cake makers, photographers, entertainment, and styling ideas, Friars Carse connects you with everything you need for your perfect day.

✨ Meet trusted wedding professionals
✨ Discover new trends & ideas
✨ Enjoy exclusive fair-only offers

Your wedding journey starts here!

Date: From 15/02/2026 to 15/02/2026 Schedule 13:00 - 15:30
Place: Auldgirth, Dumfries, Dumfries Galloway & Ayrshire

Meet the team

Heather Carman
Heather Carman
Weddings & Events Coordinator

Hello and welcome!


My name is Heather, and I’m the Wedding Coordinator here at Friars Carse Country House Hotel.

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life — but it can also feel overwhelming. My role is to make the journey enjoyable, stress-free, and truly personal, so you can focus on what matters most: celebrating your love.

From your very first visit to Friars Carse right through to the moment you say “I do,” I’ll be by your side every step of the way. I take the time to really get to know you as a couple, understand your vision, and help bring it to life in a way that feels effortless and authentic to you.

Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate, romantic gathering or a larger celebration surrounded by family and friends, Friars Carse offers a beautiful, relaxed setting — and I’ll be there to guide you through every detail, from timelines and suppliers to those all-important finishing touches.

I’m passionate about creating weddings that feel warm, meaningful, and unforgettable, and nothing makes me happier than seeing couples relax and enjoy their day knowing everything is taken care of.

I’d love to welcome you to Friars Carse and help create a wedding day that you’ll cherish forever.

Preferred suppliers

Jingles Disco
Music and DJs
The Wedding Room
Decor Hire and Styling
Light Up Your Venue
Decor Hire and Styling

Map

Auldgirth DG2 0SA Dumfries (Dumfries Galloway & Ayrshire)
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