As a destination wedding photographer, I get asked about unique places to elope or to have intimate weddings around the world. And with my Scottish heritage, naturally I think about Scotland – and especially – of Scottish castles.
Scotland is a beautiful and historic country that has a wealth of stunning castle wedding venues to choose from. If you’re planning a high-end, fairytale wedding, a castle venue in Scotland could be the perfect choice for your special day. Below, find just a few of the stunning castle venues (yes, goals!) that are available for weddings in Scotland.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is a picturesque and historic castle located in the Scottish Highlands. It is a popular venue for weddings due to its stunning location and unique atmosphere.
The castle sits on a small island where three sea lochs meet, surrounded by beautiful landscapes that provide the perfect backdrop for a fairy tale wedding. The castle itself is a masterpiece of Scottish architecture, with its medieval appearance and ancient walls.
Couples can choose to exchange their vows in the castle’s Great Hall or in one of the castle’s gardens, with stunning views of the surrounding lochs and mountains. The castle also offers a range of wedding packages to suit different budgets and preferences.
In addition to the wedding ceremony, the castle also provides a range of reception options, including a formal sit-down dinner or a more relaxed barbecue. The castle’s team of experienced event coordinators will help couples plan every aspect of their special day, ensuring that it is a truly memorable experience.
Overall, Eilean Donan Castle is a truly unique and magical location for a wedding, offering couples the chance to tie the knot in a historic and picturesque setting.
Image From Unsplash of the Eilean Donan castle wedding venue in the Scottish Highlands
Borthwick Castle
Borthwick Castle is a stunning 15th century castle located in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. It is a popular venue for weddings, offering a unique and romantic setting for couples to exchange their vows.
The castle sits on a hilltop and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, providing a picturesque backdrop for wedding photos. The castle itself is full of history and character, with stone walls, winding staircases, and fireplaces adding to the atmosphere.
Inside, the castle boasts several grand rooms that are suitable for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Great Hall is a popular choice, with its high ceiling and fireplace, while the Long Gallery and Minstrels’ Gallery offer more intimate spaces. The castle also has a number of luxurious suites where the newlyweds can spend their first night as a married couple.
In addition to the castle, Borthwick Castle also has a number of outdoor spaces that are perfect for wedding celebrations. The castle grounds include a chapel, a walled garden, and a courtyard, all of which are lovely locations for ceremonies and receptions.
Overall, Borthwick Castle is a truly breathtaking venue for a wedding. Its historic charm, beautiful surroundings, and luxurious amenities make it a perfect choice for couples looking to celebrate their special day in style.
Inveraray Castle
This stunning castle sits on the shores of Loch Fyne and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The castle has a number of elegant function rooms that are perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions, and there are also several outdoor spaces that are ideal for hosting wedding photographs and drinks receptions. The castle’s beautiful gardens and parkland provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.
Inveraray Castle is a stunning venue for a wedding, offering a unique and historic setting for your special day. The castle, located in the picturesque town of Inveraray in Argyll, Scotland, boasts beautiful gardens and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The castle’s grand interior, featuring lavish decor and antique furnishings, provides a luxurious setting for your ceremony and reception. The experienced events team at Inveraray Castle will ensure that every detail of your wedding is taken care of, from the flowers to the catering. Whether you dream of a grand occasion or an intimate celebration, Inveraray Castle is the perfect choice for your special day.
Glamis Castle
This iconic castle is located in the heart of Angus and is one of the most famous wedding venues in Scotland. Glamis Castle has a number of beautiful function rooms that are ideal for ceremonies and receptions, including the stunning Great Hall, which features a magnificent fireplace and soaring ceilings. The castle’s gardens and parkland provide plenty of opportunities for stunning wedding photographs.
Dundas Castle
Dundas Castle in Scotland is a truly magnificent venue for a wedding. Located just outside of Edinburgh, the castle sits on over 50 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens, providing a stunning backdrop for your special day.
The castle itself is a historic property that has been meticulously restored to its former glory. It features elegant ballrooms and reception rooms, as well as a beautiful chapel for your ceremony.
One of the unique features of Dundas Castle is the option to have your wedding in the castle’s courtyard. This open-air space is surrounded by the castle walls and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
In addition to the castle itself, Dundas also offers a variety of outdoor locations for your ceremony and reception. You can choose to exchange vows in the castle’s gardens or in the picturesque parkland that surrounds the property.
Overall, Dundas Castle is a truly unforgettable setting for a wedding. Whether you envision a grand, formal affair or a more intimate celebration, the castle and its grounds provide the perfect setting to make your dreams come true.
Dunrobin Castle
This stunning castle is located in the village of Golspie, in the Scottish Highlands. Dunrobin Castle is a truly breathtaking venue, with a number of grand function rooms that are ideal for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The castle’s gardens are also a beautiful setting for photographs and drinks receptions.
Lews Castle
Lew’s Castle in Scotland is a stunning venue for a wedding. Located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, the castle boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the Atlantic Ocean. The castle itself is a beautifully preserved 19th century building, with a rich history and a grand, regal atmosphere. It offers a range of indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including the grand ballroom and the castle gardens. Whether you’re planning a traditional Scottish wedding or something more modern, Lew’s Castle is the perfect setting to celebrate your love. The castle’s experienced staff will help you plan every detail of your special day, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that you and your guests have an unforgettable experience.
And on top of it, there are 23 bedrooms available to stay there! I mean come on, how incredible and memorable would that be.
Blair Castle
Located in the heart of Perthshire, Blair Castle is a stunning venue that has a rich history and a number of beautiful function rooms that are perfect for weddings. The castle’s gardens and parkland provide plenty of opportunities for stunning wedding photographs, and there are also a number of outdoor spaces that are ideal for drinks receptions and other wedding celebrations.
Drumlanrig Castle
This stunning castle is located in Dumfries and Galloway and is set in a beautiful, peaceful location that is perfect for a relaxing and intimate wedding. The castle has a number of beautiful function rooms that are ideal for ceremonies and receptions, and the castle’s gardens and parkland provide plenty of opportunities for stunning wedding photographs.
Kilconquhar Castle
When it comes to planning your high-end castle wedding in Scotland, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, it’s important to book your venue as far in advance as possible, as popular castle venues can get booked up quickly. You’ll also need to think about your guest list and the number of people you want to invite to your wedding, as this will help you to choose the right function room and ensure that there is enough space for everyone.
Final Thoughts on Castle Wedding Venues in Scotland
You should also consider the type of wedding you want to have. Some couples choose to have a traditional, formal wedding with a sit-down meal and speeches, while others prefer a more relaxed, informal celebration. Your venue should be able to accommodate the type of wedding you have in mind, so it’s worth discussing your plans with the venue’s wedding coordinator to see what options are available.
It’s also important to think about your budget when planning your castle wedding in Scotland. High-end castle venues can be expensive, so you’ll need to set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending. You’ll also need to consider additional costs such as catering, entertainment, and transportation. Working with a wedding planner or coordinator can help you to keep your costs under control and ensure that you get the most for your money.
In conclusion, Scotland has a wealth of stunning castle wedding venues to choose from, and if you’re planning a high-end, fairytale wedding, one of these castle venues could be a perfect choice.
Scotland castle wedding venue surrounded by a moat. Image from Unsplash
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