WEDDING CASTLES IN EDINBURGH
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING MARRIED AT EDINBURGH CASTLES: OUR TOP 10 PICKS
Every year, hoards of happy couples flock to Scotland for its abundance of majestic castles – many of which are licensed venues that will happily host your ideal fairytale wedding.
But you don’t need to head miles out into the countryside to find the ultimate castle venue of your dreams. Those wanting to stay urban have a great selection of wedding castles in Edinburgh to choose from, which is why I’ve put together everything you need to know about getting married at Edinburgh castles.
CASTLE WEDDING VENUES: OUR TOP 10 PICKS
Edinburgh Castle
First and foremost is arguably Scotland’s most famous chateau: Edinburgh Castle. And yes, you can totally get hitched (and have your reception) here!
Located just above the city’s famous Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle is a great option for those wanting to feel like royalty on their wedding day and who desire some incredible panoramic views that overlook the whole city. Whether you favour a big multiple-guest affair, or something a little more intimate, this venue provides the ultimate fairytale setting, which includes grandiose rooms that house up to 120 guests, a tiny chapel for those wanting a religious ceremony, excellent dining options, dancefloors for the ultimate royal celebration, and even a private viewing of Britain’s oldest crown jewels.This venue cannot be hired for wedding purposes between 1 June and 30th September.
Note: Edinburgh Castle can be fairly restrictive with photography. While you’re allowed in your booked venue for your set amount of time, after that you will be moved out of the castle and are unable to walk around for photos. You can walk from your venue to the exit but may not stop anywhere with foot traffic for photos.
Dalhousie Castle
Sometimes a countryside luxury hotel and spa is exactly what the doctor ordered to celebrate your special day.
Situated atop acres of bountiful woodland in Bonnyrigg, southeast of Edinburgh, Dalhousie Castle is a 13th-century fortress that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. And if a fairytale setting is what you’re after, the castle’s arched windows, turrets, towers, and moat are exactly that.
Featuring 11 acres of parkland that overlooks the nearby River Esk, you will feel further from the hustle and bustle of the city than just the mere 8 miles that separates Edinburgh from Dalhousie Castle. As well as luxury spa services to wind down from the celebrations, you can enjoy 5-star accommodation and award-winning food. The castle itself is peppered with magical spiral staircases and four-poster beds, making your fairytale dream wedding come true.
Dundas Castle
This fabulous 15th-century castle can be found in the lovely South Queensferry, just 8 miles north of Edinburgh’s city centre, and is super practical for those flying into Edinburgh airport to attend the wedding. Despite being so close to the city, you can rest assured that peace and privacy are a given, as you will be enveloped in the rural West Lothian bubble of this serene area. And despite Dundas Castle’s size (which includes a whopping 400 acres of land!), couples are welcome to book the venue for large-scale weddings or small, intimate elopements.
Whether you desire an indoor or outdoor ceremony, Dundas Castle features an abundance of beautiful locations to say your vows, including a courtyard, a medieval tower, and acres of manicured lawns.
As for planning, you won’t be left to your own devices, as the venue offers a wedding planner to ensure your day is bespoke and quintessentially you.
Carlowrie Castle
If a Scottish Baronial castle is your cup of tea, then the 18th-century Carlowrie Castle is perfect!
Located in Kirkliston, a mere 10 miles from Edinburgh, this castle venue is bursting with history and charm in abundance – and not to mention, was voted as one of the best wedding venues in the world by Grazia Magazine.
Featuring a marquee, a walled garden, expertly maintained grounds, and luxury accommodation, Carlowrie has everything you need for the dreamiest wedding of the century!
Oh, and it even has its own vineyard! Chin-chin, everyone!
Barnbougle Castle
Located on the banks of the Firth of Forth in South Queensferry, the towers of Barnbougle Castle are situated on the Dalmeny Estate, and despite being something of a hidden treasure, the castle is one of the oldest in the region and dates back to the 13th century.
Those wanting to indulge in Barnbougle Castle can take advantage of the use of the full 2000 acres of private parkland, sweeping coastal views, waterside terrace, 60ft Barrel-vaulted Banqueting Hall & Minstrels Gallery, six libraries & 10,000 historical books, access to private beaches, exquisite & exceptional cuisine, and car parking on-site.
There is no shortage of beautiful castle wedding venues in Edinburgh to choose from
Whether you’re looking to get hitched in the heart of the Edinburgh scene, or are hoping to venture to the outskirts for something a little quieter, the ultimate castle wedding venue awaits
PERFECT FOR
weddings
Borthwick Castle
Arching up into the Gorebridge skyline is the formidable Borthwick Castle in North Middleton (11 miles south of Edinburgh), and stands as one of the oldest venues in the country (Borthwick Castle has been hosting weddings since 1458!). As majestic as it is rural, Borthwick Castle combines decadence with Scottish hospitality, and allows couples to celebrate their wedding feast in the medieval banquet hall (which includes vaulted ceilings!) and then cosy up for a romantic night in one of their lavish bedchambers.
The venue offers a custom-designed approach to weddings, enabling couples to indulge in their creativity to host a wedding that embodies their own personalities and styles.
Whether you want to treat yourselves to a barbeque-style summer celebration or enjoy endless drams of whisky by a roaring fire in the dead of winter, Borthwick Castle is perfect for any seasonal wedding.
Duns Castle
Dating back to the 14th century, Duns Castle can be found in the Berwickshire area of the Lothian and Borders region (40 miles southeast of Edinburgh) and is spread across a whopping 1700 acres of forest land (which includes its very own nature reserve).
This venue features:
Forest trails for lovers of hiking
12 beautiful bedchambers
5 holiday cottages for guests
Although 40 miles may seem a fair distance for those wanting to stay to Edinburgh, it is actually only a 1-hour car journey following the A68 route.
Duntarvie Castle
This stunning East Lothian castle can be found in Pencaitland (17 miles west of Edinburgh) and boasts grandeur and lavishness coupled with cosy home comfort. Couples can enjoy the interior of this Renaissance castle, as well as the surrounding ‘mature’ gardens that are nestled in amongst the Scottish countryside.
And unlike many other castle venues/hotels, you don’t have to share! When you hire Winton Castle for your wedding day, the entire estate is exclusive to you and your guests, ensuring intimacy, familiarity, and zero interruption!
Allowing for a guestlist size that ranges between 40 to 250, Winton Castle is an elusive hidden gem brimming with regal beauty. We say ‘elusive’ because the venue only caters to a select number of weddings every year, so be mindful when booking your day.
Winton Castle
This stunning East Lothian castle can be found in Pencaitland (17 miles west of Edinburgh) and boasts grandeur and lavishness coupled with cosy home comfort. Couples can enjoy the interior of this Renaissance castle, as well as the surrounding ‘mature’ gardens that are nestled in amongst the Scottish countryside.
And unlike many other castle venues/hotels, you don’t have to share! When you hire Winton Castle for your wedding day, the entire estate is exclusive to you and your guests, ensuring intimacy, familiarity, and zero interruption!
Allowing for a guestlist size that ranges between 40 to 250, Winton Castle is an elusive hidden gem brimming with regal beauty. We say ‘elusive’ because the venue only caters to a select number of weddings every year, so be mindful when booking your day.
Wedderburn Castle
Last but not least is the Wedderburn Castle in Berwickshire, which is the epitome of royal splendour!
As a relative ‘newcomer’ to the world of castles (Wedderburn dates back to the 18th century, and therefore is rather young in comparison to its rivals), this lavish wedding venue boasts 4 elegant reception rooms, manicured lawns, and beautiful converted barns (which you can also get hitched in).
Wedderburn offers plenty of space for you and your guests to stay the night (in pure luxury, just FYI!) and a host of outdoor activities to ensure fun is had by all.
