Forbes of Kingennie Winter Wedding – Steven & Lisa

Steven & Lisa’s February wedding at Forbes of Kingennie, just outside Dundee in Angus, was a great example of how well this venue works for a winter wedding in Scotland. With preparations in the on-site lodges, an indoor ceremony, lakeside portraits and a full evening celebration all in one place, their day showed exactly what couples can expect when planning a Forbes of Kingennie winter wedding.

Getting Ready in the Lodges at Forbes of Kingennie

One of the big advantages of a wedding at Forbes of Kingennie is having accommodation on site.

Lisa got ready in one lodge with her mum and the girls, while Steven was in the next lodge with the boys. Everything was close enough to feel connected, but separate enough to keep the morning relaxed.

Lisa was incredibly organised. Even surrounded by kids, everyone was dressed and ready ahead of time, which meant no rushing and no stress before heading over to the ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony at Forbes of Kingennie

For couples planning a Forbes of Kingennie wedding, it’s worth knowing that ceremonies here take place indoors. Steven & Lisa’s ceremony began at 1:30pm, which is a very typical time for weddings in Scotland. The room felt bright and comfortable, and once the ceremony finished, guests moved straight outside for congratulations and confetti before the weather turned.

Forbes of Kingennie Wedding Photography – Confetti and Portraits

After the ceremony, everyone gathered outside for confetti and group photos before we headed down towards the loch for couple portraits.

All of Steven & Lisa’s portraits were taken along the lochside. Even in February, the setting still works beautifully - open views across the water, natural surroundings and enough space to move without feeling watched. The rain started right at the end of portraits. Timing wise, we’d already created everything we needed, so it didn’t change the flow of the day at all, it just meant the rest of the celebrations continued indoors.

Drinks Reception and Entertainment at a Forbes of Kingennie Wedding

From 2pm onwards, guests settled into the drinks reception. This part of the day had a great atmosphere, helped massively by the magician who moved between groups keeping everyone entertained. It’s always interesting to watch how quickly a room relaxes when something interactive is happening.

Meanwhile, the kids had started their own quiet game - clipping pegs onto guests’ jackets without them noticing. Completely subtle, completely self-organised. By the time some people realised, they had three or four attached. Those are the kinds of moments that make a wedding feel real.

Dinner was served at 4pm, the evening party began at 8pm, buffet at 9:30pm, and celebrations carried on right through until midnight.

Why Forbes of Kingennie Works Well for a Winter Wedding

Having photographed multiple weddings at Forbes of Kingennie in different seasons, a few things stand out for winter:

• Everything is in one location - lodges, ceremony and reception.

• The lochside still works well for portraits, even in February.

• Indoor spaces comfortably hold guests once the weather changes.

• There’s no need to travel between venues, which simplifies winter timelines.

  
  

It’s a straightforward venue to plan around, which makes a big difference at this time of year.

What It’s Like to Get Married at Forbes of Kingennie

Planning a Forbes of Kingennie winter wedding isn’t complicated, but there are a few venue-specific details that make a real difference on the day.

1. Lodge logistics in the morning - The on-site lodges are a huge advantage, but they’re separate from the main ceremony space. Build in realistic walking time (especially with dresses, kids and guests moving at the same time). It keeps everything calm rather than rushed.

2. Portrait locations around the loch - Most couple portraits here naturally happen around the loch on the grounds. In winter, paths can be damp, so suitable footwear (even just for the short walk) makes things easier and quicker.

3. Light inside the reception room - In February, by the time dinner is served (often around 4pm like Steven & Lisa’s day), it’s already getting darker outside. If you love bright, airy reception photos, consider table candles or subtle lighting that enhances the space without overpowering it.

4. Keeping guests entertained during drinks reception - If the weather turns, everyone will stay indoors. Having something interactive (like Steven & Lisa’s magician) completely changes the energy of the room and keeps that part of the day lively.

FAQ – Planning a Wedding at Forbes of Kingennie

How many guests can Forbes of Kingennie accommodate? - Capacity depends on your layout and setup. It’s best to speak directly with the venue team for current numbers.

Can you get ready on site at Forbes of Kingennie? - Yes. The on-site lodges allow both partners to get ready at the venue, often in neighbouring lodges.

What is the best time of year for a Forbes of Kingennie wedding? - The venue hosts weddings throughout the year. Summer offers longer evenings, while winter weddings tend to keep everything more concentrated into the main spaces.

Is Forbes of Kingennie suitable for a winter wedding? - Yes. With indoor ceremony space, on-site accommodation and reception rooms in the same building, it’s easy to manage in colder months.

Are there good photo locations at Forbes of Kingennie? The lochside is the main portrait area and works in all seasons.

What happens if it rains at Forbes of Kingennie? - If there’s a break in the rain, even 10–20 minutes that’s usually enough time to step outside for portraits around the loch. If the rain is constant throughout the day, portraits can be done inside the ceremony space instead. The key is staying flexible rather than relying on one fixed plan.

How far is Forbes of Kingennie from Dundee city centre? - It’s only a short drive from Dundee, making it convenient for local and travelling guests.

Planning Your Own Forbes of Kingennie Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding at Forbes of Kingennie and want a Dundee wedding photographer who knows the venue inside out and has photographed multiple weddings there, I’d love to hear about your plans. Being local to Dundee and Angus, I’m familiar with how the light and spaces work at different times of year, including winter conditions.

You can explore more of my real weddings in my portfolio, see my pricing and packages, or get in touch to chat about your wedding.

You can also see another wedding from this venue here

And more information about working together here