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If a fairytale wedding or elopement is your absolute dream, what better way to do that than in a castle?
Those looking to tie the knot in the beautiful country of Scotland are spoilt for choice when it comes to castles to get married in.
Whether you opt for a quiet rural affair, or something a little more urban, we have compiled a list of our top 10 venues for castle weddings in Scotland.
Read More: 13 BEST locations for your castle wedding in Scotland
Castle Weddings in Scotland: Our Top 10 Picks
Owing to Scotland’s strong medieval history and its association with all things royal, there is an abundance of castles dotted across the country, and many of them are up for grabs as a wedding venue option.
Scotland holds much appeal as the ultimate place to get hitched, owing to its scenic offerings, relaxed laws on outdoor ceremonies, and yes – its castles. So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the best castle offerings for a romantic and unique Scottish wedding.
Dundas Castle, South Queensferry
Owing to its formidable and opulent size and structure, it’s no surprise that Dundas Castle is a popular wedding hotspot, and those wanting to feel like Lord/Lady of the Manor on their big day will experience all that and more with this incredible 15th-century venue.
The castle’s Great Hall is one of the most sought-after rooms for ceremonies, as it features incredible vaulted ceilings and can be found behind a beautiful spiral staircase, which is just one of many epic locations for your wedding photography, just FYI.
The castle’s incredible team is very welcoming of weddings and offers special additions to make your day that much more magical.
One of the many benefits of this castle is it is located close to Edinburgh City, so couples with guests flying in are within close proximity to the airport.
The castle is also home to 17 incredible bedrooms for you and your nearest and dearest to stay over.
Borthwick Castle, Gorebridge
Boasting 600 years of quintessential Scottish history, Borthwick Castle has a unique attribute for happy couples that most other castle wedding venues don’t: you get exclusive use of the entire castle.
Whether you’re opting for an indoor or outdoor ceremony – the whole venue is yours. And speaking of the outdoors, Borthwick Castle is set amongst some seriously beautiful scenery that guarantees peace and serenity on your big day.
Borthwick is no stranger to weddings; in fact, it’s been hosting them since 1458 – so that’s a lot of happy couples!
As for the wedding itself, you get the option to take advantage of one of the many rooms the castle has to offer, or, if the weather permits, enjoy a marquee wedding/reception in the beautiful garden.
Once the evening draws to a close, you and your new hubby/wife get to spend your first night together as newlyweds in the beautiful private Gatehouse.
Drumtochty Castle, Aberdeenshire
Next up is the fabulous 19th-century Drumtochty Castle. Those wanting to opt for a rural wedding retreat will love the secluded woodland in which the castle is tucked away.
Irrespective of what time of year you tie the knot, Drumtochty Castle will ensure it’s every bit as magical as it should be.
The castle features opulent neo-gothic decor, including pointed stain-glass windows, and even has its own church (which can seat 120 guests), for those wanting a traditional religious wedding.
Having a humanist ceremony? No problem. There are plenty of other beautiful rooms to say your vows, and afterwards, you’ll head to the Great Hall for a banquet-style dinner and as much champagne as you can handle!
Read More: Neidpath Castle Wedding: J & A
Photography by Wildling Weddings
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Cluny Castle, Sauchen Inverurie
Dating all the way back to the 14th century, Cluny Castle offers majestic beauty, secluded scenery, and enchanting gardens – and its own chapel.
Those looking for a five-star full-service venue that even features a wedding planner, look no further.
Cluny Castle is super secluded too, for those looking for a quiet place to tie the knot, as it is nestled in amongst wooded parkland. And even though the castle can be found from its tree-lined drive, it is completely hidden from view.
We can’t get enough of the sweeping lawns and the sheer romance that Cluny Castle embodies – it really is the ultimate fairytale wedding venue.
Thirlestane Castle, Berwickshire
Many flock to the beautiful Scottish Borders to enjoy a stunning countryside wedding – and Thirlestane Castle provides just that.
Featuring stately rooms, Thirlestane Castle is the ultimate castle option – whatever size wedding you’re aiming for. Not only that, it’s bursting at the seams with its fabulous personality (which gives major Hogwarts vibes) and even features a vaulted cellar.
Thirlestane Castle’s in-house team aims to make your wedding as authentic and bespoke as possible, so they will work with you and your partner to make sure every modicum of your day is tailored to you both.
Oh, and the best part? You get to enjoy this 16th-century castle all to yourselves!
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Neidpath Castle, Peebles
This medieval castle has welcomed many well-known guests over the years, including Sir Walter Scott and Mary Queen of Scots – the former being so bewitched with the castle, he even wrote a poem about it!
Neidpath Castle can hold up to 250 guests and is just as beautiful outside as it is inside. If you opt for a wedding during the colder months, you can enjoy the blazing log fires that make the castle wedding experience all the more authentic.
Located on the banks of the River Tweed, Neidpath Castle boasts countryside views across the Scottish Borders for as far as the eye can see, which makes for the ideal backdrop for your wedding photoshoot.
Fingast Castle, Perthshire
Did somebody say countryside manor?
Fingast Castle can be found an hour away from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it super practical for those coming from out of town.
For those wanting to stay overnight, Fingast Castle has adjacent accommodation in the form of gorgeous countryside cottages that can house up to 70 guests, and those looking to stick
around for a couple of days can take advantage of the castle’s heated pool, tennis courts, and games room.
As a wedding venue, Fingast Castle also offers many free necessities, including chairs, tables, napery, cutlery, lighting, speakers, a sweetie cart, and a red letter box for cards and written well-wishes.
Dalhousie Castle, Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s rich beauty and culture draw visitors in droves every year, and it is also one of the most sought-after cities to tie the knot in.
Dalhousie Castle isn’t exactly central – on the contrary, it can be found on the outskirts of the city nestled into forest and parkland, making it both quiet and scenic, as well as practical.
Wedding parties are welcome to have this venue to themselves to enjoy all it has to offer (which includes award-winning restaurants and even a spa) in peace and in style.
As for the venue itself, Dalhousie Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland that offers every aspect of a fairytale wedding, including a moat, towers, turrets, 11 acres of parkland, award-winning cuisine, and so much more – all from the banks of the River Esk.
Edinburgh’s rich beauty and culture draw visitors in droves every year, and it is also one of the most sought-after cities to tie the knot in.
Dalhousie Castle isn’t exactly central – on the contrary, it can be found on the outskirts of the city nestled into forest and parkland, making it both quiet and scenic, as well as practical.
Wedding parties are welcome to have this venue to themselves to enjoy all it has to offer (which includes award-winning restaurants and even a spa) in peace and in style.
As for the venue itself, Dalhousie Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland that offers every aspect of a fairytale wedding, including a moat, towers, turrets, 11 acres of parkland, award-winning cuisine, and so much more – all from the banks of the River Esk.
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Dalhousie Castle
Dunskey Estate, Stranraer
This Edwardian Castle is beautifully shrouded in trees for the ultimate rural wedding, and past this peaceful forest lies a serene loch, a beach, and even a maze, giving you so much opportunity for some gorgeous outdoor photography.
Speaking of the loch – happy couples can even take a little rowing boat out for some much-needed timeout during the hustle and bustle of the wedding day.
Dunskey Estate is nothing if not grandiose and spacious, and guests looking to spend the night at the castle can enjoy one of the 23 bedchambers.
Winton Castle, East Lothian
Last but not least is the beautiful Winton Castle, which can be found just outside of Edinburgh, and is laden with history.
Not only does it have royal ties, but it even suffered a devastating fire during the Tudor era (having since been rebuilt better than ever), and is now one of the most picturesque places to tie the knot in Scotland.
The venue caters to between 80 – 120 guests (indoors), but for those wanting a bigger affair, a marquee on the crocket lawn will do just the trick.
Castle Weddings in Scotland: FAQs
As well as the ones listed above, some of the other options include:
● Lews Castle
● Edinburgh Castle
● Carrick Castle Estate
● Blairquhan Castle
● Barcaldine Castle
You most certainly can. Highclere Castle opens its doors for couples to indulge in their dream castle wedding. However, owing to its busy public event schedule, wedding availability is often limited.
Yes, but please note that there are religious restrictions in place. Couples wishing to wed in the cathedral must have been baptised/prepared for communion within the parish.
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