We discover a country-chic venue and spa retreat that feels a million miles away from its actual location in the central belt
The Livery is the ideal spot for cocktail hour – during which you won't be able to resist grabbing your wedding party for a gorgeous group shot in the archway (Photo: Joy Story)
Back when I was a student, there was a running joke that the uni’s enrolment team had struck some magical deal with the weather gods. Normally, the campus could look quite dreary, but every single time there was an open day for prospective students, the skies turned blue and the sun sparkled, lighting up the place in the best possible way.
I’m now convinced the Gracey family, the fabulous team behind Eden Leisure Village, have the same sort of magic, because when I arrive for my visit on a February afternoon, the winter weather suddenly turns spring-like, making the property glow and showing off its stunning surroundings.
“The transition from glamping site to established venue happened naturally, and the owners have now been hosting weddings at their 25-acre countryside property for nine years”
To immerse ourselves in the venue viewing experience, my partner Luke accompanies me as Janet Gracey gives us the tour. Somewhere between us admiring the fabulous photoshoot potential of the Livery [the outdoor space shown above] and the rustic charm of the barn, she smoothly steers the conversation to “So when are you two tying the knot?”
Since our stay coincides with Valentine’s Day, she casually suggests, wouldn’t a proposal right here be incredibly romantic? While I try not to look too keen, Luke (likely starting to question his new role in my current line of work) whispers at me not to get my hopes up.
Janet, unfazed, just murmurs, “Next year then,” with a wink. Happily married herself, she and husband Des have been hosting weddings at the 25-acre countryside property for nine years.
The idea first arose when a caterer at Des’s 50th birthday bash expressed a burning desire to have her wedding there, and from then on the transition from glamping site to established wedding venue evolved naturally, as friends and eventually the couple’s daughters all tied the knot here.
Gather your loved ones under the marquee's twinkling blanket of fairylights to savour the moment you say 'I do' (Photo: Joy Story)
To stop loud music spilling out across the fields, Eden invested in special ‘zone array’ speakers. These have the added benefit of creating a clear sound-level division between the dancefloor and the surrounding seats so guests can chat without having to yell over the music (Photo: Joy Story)
As we nudge open the sliding doors to reveal the light and airy marquee, beautifully decorated for a ceremony with a dreamy draped ceiling and a white floral arch front and centre, I can’t help but marvel at the sky of fairylights. The adjoining barn has a darker, cosy ambience but it nevertheless exhibits a similar dedication to twinkling lights.
Janet tells us that while Des ensures the pristine lawn is perfectly manicured for each event, she is always thinking about centrepieces and fairylights. And if Des ever wonders if there are too many lights, his questions are promptly shut down. “Folk love fairylights,” Janet says, and I nod, because it’s me – I am folk.
From the short time we spend in Janet’s company to our overnight stay in the new Belstane Chalet, it is evident that a wedding at Eden Leisure Village is more than just one day. It’s a full experience, tailored by the team to take you and your loved ones away from the everyday to indulge in quality time and create memories together.
Wedding weekends at the Cumbernauld venue are usually spread over two nights, and I’m already thinking of all the activities I’d be keen to pile into the time. While the Belstane Chalet is bookable as additional accommodation (sleeping six, with two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, two vanity tables, plenty of lounge seating and hanging space for w-day outfits), the rest of the huts and pods centre around the cabin-style lodge with toilets, showers and a communal kitchen/ lounge where overnight guests can convene throughout their stay.
The new Belstane chalet where Emma stayed
There are plenty of extras to excite brides and grooms at Eden. You could host a cookout in the designated barbecue hut; take a meander along the various on-site trails (you might even spot a deer or two, as I did); have a relaxing soak in the hot tub; and perhaps enjoy a sauna or book a treatment at Take Two, the on-site salon and spa.
Run by the Graceys’ daughters – beautician Becky and hairdresser Bethany – Take Two is an ideal solution for the bride’s and the bridal party’s hair and makeup, as well as more indulgent pampering options such as a Swedish massage or Dermalogica skin treatments. I decide I have to give it a go, so book a Dermalogica ProSkin 60 facial for the morning of Valentine’s Day. It’s a fantastic experience that leaves me feeling relaxed with superbly moisturised and glowing skin to boot.
So if you’re in love, and looking for a venue to celebrate in that’s easily reachable from Glasgow but which feels a million miles away, Eden could be the answer. It’s a countryside haven, straight out of a woodland fairytale, with all you could need for a weekend of celebrations. Kick off your heels, hop aboard Eden’s nifty wee golf buggy and ride off into the sunset with your love (and an Eden driver).
A stunning sunset shot overlooking the fields – this place is a photographer's dream! (Photo: Joy Story)
Like this relaxed style of venue? Check out some more brilliant wedding barns, byres and stables in Scotland here
What you need to know about a wedding at Eden Leisure Village
The marquee, utilised for both the ceremony and wedding meal, can accommodate 100 people, while the barn can host 120 people for the evening reception. Depending on the weather, the ceremony could also be held on the adjacent lawns. A total of 31 guests can stay overnight – 25 people in the package-included huts, pods and glampervan, with six more in the Belstane Chalet.
At peak times (April–December) you’ll be charged £6,300 Tuesday-Thursday and £7,980 Friday-Monday for exclusive use of Eden Leisure Village. From January to March, it costs £5,100 Tuesday-Thursday and £6,400 Friday-Monday. That includes sole access to Eden, the Livery area, the marquee (April-December only), the barn, the lodge at the glamping area and ten accommodation pods.
The team recommend local catering firm Regis Banqueting, who prioritise Eden when matching dates. Based just a mile from the venue, Regis provides bespoke arrangements to suit your preferences and budget – whether that’s a hog roast, a finger-food buffet or a formal three-course meal. Eden is open to other food suppliers, too, such as pizza vans and ice-cream carts, as long as these are agreed in advance. The same goes for any BYO alcohol; it must be served by the caterer (and a corkage charge will apply).
All spaces have been thoughtfully decorated and include lots of fairylights and flowers, and a fancy zone-array sound system. But if you’d like to expand on the existing package features, the following are available to hire for additional fees: Belstane Chalet, BBQ hut, hot tub and sauna, flower wall, golf buggy, lit firepits for the evening buffet, an ivory aisle runner plus an additional night’s stay.
