Few wedding destinations can compare to the romance and splendor of a Scottish Castle Wedding. Recent years have seen a resurgence in castle renovations allowing plenty of choice in many areas of the country. Many offer bespoke services allowing you to include only the elements you want in your unique service. The upscale feel is completed by traditional Scottish country cuisine served in 12th century surroundings, providing a glimpse into the sumptuous life style of the nobles who owned these magnificent buildings in years gone by.
While most castles are wedding reception venues, some offer wedding services in the castle itself. These tend to be very intimate affairs in small, candle lit chapels with wonderful acoustics and an unbeatable backdrop. As always, do some simple research and make sure the castle you choose is licensed to perform the civil or religious service you desire.
Here are a few Scottish Castle Wedding venues in the central belt between Glasgow and Edinburgh, and here’s something to bear in mind; a wedding in a castle is made even more special if the photographer you choose knows the venue. Perfect photos with outstanding lighting don’t just happen. A well prepared photographer knows when to get you to certain parts of the castle for the best shots with the best natural light. Our photographer Tomasz Adameczek has intimate knowledge of the castles listed below; a fact you’ll be pleased you discovered every time you look at your photos in the years to come.
Dalhousie Castle
Dalhousie Castle is located on the south side of Edinburgh close to the town of Newtongrange on the A7 Edinburgh-Galashiels road. It has been a winner of the prestigious “Scottish Hotel Chef of the Year” award so you know the food for your Scottish Castle Wedding will be authentic, delicious and memorable. Photographic opportunities are extensive and the bespoke service offers a wedding chapel, guest greeting by a piper and dramatic delivery of wedding rings by owl courtesy of the Castle Falconry. The intimate chapel seats up to 100 guests and promises there won’t be a dry eye in the house.
Dalhousie Castle
Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, EH19 3JB
Airth Castle
14th century Airth Castle is nestled in the heart of beautiful Stirlingshire and was once owned by the family of Robert the Bruce. The old king wouldn’t recognize the place today however; it is a luxury spa hotel boasting awards in many national hotel categories, including Event Hotel of the Year. The castle is licensed to hold civil ceremonies in the magnificent Wallace Suite. Airth is ideal for the larger Scottish Castle Wedding with facilities for up to 300 guests, including 125 exceptional bedrooms.
Photographic opportunities abound in the driveways and grounds of this magnificent old castle and you can even book a spa the morning after the wedding to relax and unwind, or since it’s a Scottish wedding, recover!
Airth Castle
Airth, Stirlingshire FK2 8JF
Oxenfoord Castle
Oxenfoord Castle provides a wonderful location for your wedding and offers the added benefit of giving you exclusive use for the big day. Located approximately 12 miles south of Edinburgh near Pathhead it is the ultimate destination for those who want more control over catering and beverage services at a Scottish Castle Wedding. The wedding service can be performed in the castle itself, or in nearby Cranstoun Church, located in the grounds a few minutes’ walk from the castle. Parties of up to 150 guests can be accommodated at Oxenfoord, but there is no overnight accommodation in the castle. There are however many quality hotels in the area that will arrange transport to and from the wedding. Photographic opportunities are endless with spectacular vaulted ceilings and carved wood inside the castle and the very pretty walk through the gardens from Cranstoun Church.
Oxenfoord Castle
Pathhead, Midlothian, EH37 5UB
Edinburgh Castle
The daddy of all Scottish Castle Wedding locations may be Edinburgh Castle. An entire nation’s history set in an incomparable location could part of the canvas your wedding is painted on. From intimate 4 person weddings in 12th century St. Margaret’s chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, to larger affairs in the Gatehouse Suite or the Jacobite Room, Edinburgh Castle has it all. You’ll have to share the location with tourists to Scotland’s capital, but few locations compare for a perfect Scottish Castle Wedding.
Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG