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2024 is a busy year for Wildling Weddings, and we have the privilege of photographing several upcoming weddings and vow renewals at the fabulous and historical Edinburgh Castle.
Yes, you read that correctly – Edinburgh’s most famous landmark is available for hire for your wedding ceremony – and your reception!
But be mindful that the country’s most famous castle is a popular wedding venue, as well as a tourist hot spot, so bookings can get snapped up pretty pronto. But fear not, we will divulge everything you need to know about securing your Edinburgh Castle wedding….
Edinburgh Castle Wedding
An Edinburgh Castle wedding can be a truly magical affair, which guarantees some of the most incredible skyline views and fairytale wedding photos.
Here’s the tea for getting married at Edinburgh Castle….
Edinburgh Castle Wedding Suites
The castle offers a handful of suites available for bookings. Or if you so choose, you can hire the entire chateau to truly feel like a king and queen for the day!
Let’s look at each suite option in more depth.
Queen Anne Building
Ceremony capacity: 120 guests
Reception capacity: 170 guests
This stunning suite can be found inside the majestic by name and majestic by nature Crown Square.
Featuring a quaint courtyard to enjoy some pre-dinner drinks and mingling, or the option to go all out and hire the entire Square to host the cocktail party of the century – the choice is yours.
Also, when you hire this suite, a private viewing of the Scottish crown jewels can be arranged!
More information can be found here.
Jacobite Room
Dinner capacity: 100 guests
Reception capacity: 190 guests
For a more contemporary style of venue (not to mention, some killer views of the city), we recommend the fabulous Jacobite Room. Adjacent to this suite is the Redcoat Room, where guests can enjoy a little pre-dinner aperitif.
Conversely, the two rooms can be joined together for a buffet area and cocktail room or the overall reception venue – with both being ideal for dancing the night away!
Guests can revel in the incredible views of the Edinburgh skyline, as well as enjoy an exclusive viewing of the Scottish crown jewels.
More information can be found here.
Gatehouse Suite
Ceremony capacity: 34 guests
Reception capacity: 40 guests
These gorgeous 19th-century rooms are perfect for smaller-scale or intimate events, such as humanist elopements and microweddings.
Located close to the entrance of the castle (making it super practical for nipping outside for some al fresco photography!), the Gatehouse Suite features a main ‘meeting’ room and access to a private terrace that boasts some pretty spectacular views of the city and the nearby Pentland Hills.
More information can be found here.
St. Margaret’s Chapel
Ceremony capacity: 20 guests
For those favouring a traditional religious ceremony, the castle features its very own chapel. However, be warned that the church is tiny and can only house a maximum of 20 guests.
Built circa 1130 by David I, the chapel was designed exclusively for royal usage, and stands as the city’s oldest (and perfectly preserved) building, with the addition of stained glass windows and ornate original arches added in 1920.
After the ceremony, drinks and canapés can be enjoyed in the Queen Anne Anteroom.
More information can be found here.
The Whole Castle
Ceremony capacity (drinks reception): 250 – 500 guests
If you’re gonna do something, do it right… right?!
The best way to encompass the ultimate fairytale wedding is to enjoy every corridor and bedchamber of a historical castle all to yourselves, and the great news is that’s totally doable at Edinburgh Castle.
You and your guests will receive full access to the castle’s ‘highlights’, including the Great Hall, the Royal Apartments, the castle vaults, and the Scottish crown jewels.
More information can be found here.
Types of Ceremonies at Edinburgh Castle
All civil, religious, and humanist ceremonies can be held in the Queen Anne Building and the Gatehouse Suite. However, only religious ceremonies are permitted within St. Margaret’s Chapel.
Edinburgh Castle Wedding Prices
For venue prices, including drinks and canapé packages, please contact the castle for more information (details below).
Bear in mind that summer weddings are not permitted at the castle and the suites are only available for booking between the months of October and May.
Hiring Edinburgh Castle
The weddings team can be contacted via the following options:
- Telephone: +44 (0)131 668 8686
- Email: weddings@hes.scot
Edinburgh Castle’s wedding brochure can be found here.
Edinburgh Castle Wedding Photos
I recently had the absolute pleasure of photographing [NAME] and [NAME]’s Edinburgh Castle wedding, and let me tell you – it was a gas! Not only is the venue super accommodating and regal, but it made for such a fantastic place for a wedding shoot.
If you like what you see, you can check out my photography and make an inquiry here!
The Witchery by the Castle
Arguably one of Edinburgh’s most spellbinding and decadent options, The Witchery by the Castle isn’t just renowned for its incredible (and award-winning) food – it also offers a range of stunning suites kitted out in sheer gothic opulence!
You’d be hard-pushed to find accommodation as romantic and atmospheric for your first night as newlyweds, and you can enjoy the large oak 4-poster beds, velvet-lined walls, and flamboyant red and gold décor, indicative of the style.
There are also scrumptious large bathrooms with free-standing silver tubs for a bubble bath of the gods!
The Witchery is located in Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, just below Edinburgh Castle, so the pilgrimage from wedding to hotel is quick and easy!
The Edinburgh Rooftop Terrace
Not only does The Edinburgh Rooftop Terrace boast some exceptional – you guessed it – rooftop views, but these balcony vistas overlook none other than Edinburgh Castle, serving as the perfect reminder of your magical wedding.
The spacious apartment comes with 2 bedrooms and is designed for self-catering purposes. Towels and bed linen are included and there is a fireplace to snuggle up in front of while enjoying a romantic drink.
Grassmarket Old Town Boutique Apartment
A boujee boutique that happens to be super cosy, you say?! Well, colour us intrigued!
This plush apartment dates back to 1634 but is completely restored and modernised for your comfort. It is located in the heart of the city’s beloved Old Town (which is a mere stone’s throw away from Edinburgh Castle), making it ideal for those wanting to enjoy the cocktail scene of the area.
As for the apartment itself, there is a lounge and dining area, along with a fully equipped kitchen. The peaceful bedroom overlooks a tranquil garden and there are views up to Edinburgh Castle that can be enjoyed indoors or outside.
Rose Apartment
If you’d prefer to avoid the tourist hustle and bustle of Old Town, you can head on over to New Town to enjoy a night or two in this delightful little spot that is less than 500 metres from Edinburgh Castle.
Boasting not one but two floor’s worth of space, Rose Apartment is the ideal option for a self-catered stay and is conveniently located for those wanting to explore the city’s best-loved spots, such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Camera Obscura.
The Rutland Hotel & Apartments
If glamour and luxury are what you require, then The Rutland Hotel delivers.
Featuring stylish rooms, a luxurious late lounge, and a unique restaurant with a glass wine cellar, this accommodation guarantees comfort and lavishness in abundance. The hotel is situated on the West End of Princes Street, with views of Edinburgh Castle.
FAQs
Yup, Edinburgh Castle can host both your marriage ceremony and your reception. Couples have the choice of several on-site locations, including the castle’s chapel (which also happens to be the city’s oldest building) or the Queen Anne Building (among others).
Please be mindful, however, that weddings cannot take place at the castle during the city’s peak tourist season (between June and September).
You most certainly can. Many of the country’s chateaus are available for wedding and reception hire, and Wildling Weddings has covered the topic extensively here, here, and here!
Hire cost is subject to the particular castle area in which you wish to hire, as well as other factors. More information can be found here.
The castle is not inhabited by anyone and hasn’t been since the 16th century. From the 17th century onwards, the purpose of the castle was as a military base. Some parts of the castle are still run by the British army, but the villa now predominantly serves as a tourist attraction.
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