Eilean Donan Castle, located in the western Highlands of Scotland, is a stunning and historic Scottish castle venue for a wedding. Nestled on an island at the point where three sea lochs meet, the castle is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and offers a truly unique and romantic setting for your big day.
The castle has a long and rich history dating back to the 13th century, and it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years. Today, it stands as a beautifully preserved and well-maintained example of medieval Scottish architecture.
One of the most appealing aspects of getting married at Eilean Donan Castle is the opportunity to hold your ceremony in one of the castle’s historic chambers or in the castle grounds. The Great Hall, with its grand fireplace and original 17th-century plasterwork, is a particularly popular choice for ceremonies. Alternatively, you could exchange vows in the intimate setting of the castle’s chapel, or outside in the castle grounds with the breathtaking Scottish landscape as your backdrop.
Scotland castle wedding venue surrounded by a moat
If you choose to have your reception at the castle, you and your guests can enjoy a meal in the castle’s banqueting hall, which can seat up to 100 guests. The castle also has a variety of other function rooms available for hire, including the Drawing Room and the Library, which are perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings.
In terms of accommodation, the castle has a number of luxurious guest rooms available for you and your wedding party to stay in. Each room is individually decorated and equipped with modern amenities, and you’ll have the added convenience of being able to get ready for the big day on-site.
When it comes to planning your wedding at Eilean Donan Castle, the castle’s dedicated wedding team will be on hand to help you every step of the way. From finding the perfect vendors to assisting with the logistics of your big day, the team will ensure that everything runs smoothly and that your wedding is truly unforgettable.
If you are considering getting married at Eilean Donan Castle, here is what you need to know:
- How to book the castle for your wedding: The castle is a popular venue for weddings and events, so it’s best to book well in advance to secure your desired date. You can book the castle for your wedding ceremony and reception through the Eilean Donan Castle website or by contacting the castle directly.
- Legal requirements for getting married in Scotland: To get married in Scotland, you will need to give notice to the registrar in the area where you plan to marry. This must be done at least 29 days before the wedding. You will also need to provide proof of identity, age, and nationality. If either of you has been married before, you will need to provide proof of the divorce or death of your previous spouse.
- Types of wedding ceremonies at Eilean Donan Castle: The castle offers several options for wedding ceremonies, including a traditional Scottish ceremony, a civil ceremony, and a religious ceremony. The castle has a beautiful chapel on site, which is perfect for a traditional or religious ceremony. Alternatively, you can have a civil ceremony in the castle’s Great Hall or in one of the castle’s outdoor spaces, with stunning views of the surrounding lochs and mountains.
- Wedding reception options: Eilean Donan Castle offers several options for your wedding reception, including a sit-down dinner in the castle’s Great Hall, a cocktail reception in the castle’s Drawing Room, or a reception in a tent on the castle’s lawn. The castle’s catering team can provide a range of menu options to suit your tastes and budget.
- Accommodation for you and your guests: The castle has a limited number of guest rooms available for wedding parties, so it’s a good idea to book these in advance. Alternatively, there are several hotels and bed and breakfast options in the surrounding area.
- Transportation: The castle is located on an island, so you will need to arrange transportation for you and your guests. The castle can provide a shuttle service from the mainland, or you can hire a boat to take you to the castle.
- Things to do in the area: The western Highlands of Scotland are a beautiful and rugged region, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and golfing. The castle is also a short drive from the charming town of Kyle of Lochalsh, which has a number of shops and restaurants.
- Tips for planning your wedding at Eilean Donan Castle:
- Book well in advance to secure your desired date
- Consider hiring a wedding planner to help with the logistics
- Consider who to invite to your wedding
- Take advantage of the castle’s catering team to create a menu that suits your tastes and budget
- Consider hiring a photographer or videographer to capture the beauty of the castle and the surrounding area
Image from Unsplash
Getting married at Eilean Donan Castle is a truly unique and memorable experience.
The castle’s stunning location, historic charm, and range of wedding ceremony and reception options make it the perfect venue for a fairy-tale wedding. With a little planning and attention to detail, you can create a wedding day that you and your guests will never forget.
So, if you’re looking for a unique and romantic setting for your wedding, consider getting married at Eilean Donan Castle. Whether you’re looking to host an intimate ceremony or a grand reception, the castle has everything you need to make your dream wedding a reality.
Looking around for more castle wedding venues in Scotland? Check out that article.
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With my heritage being Scottish, it’s my absolute dream to photograph a Scottish castle wedding. And although I have been a wedding photographer for over a decade now, I still haven’t photographed a Scottish castle! Let’s make it happen, shall we?
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