Wedding Castle Venues in Scotland
Getting married in a castle in Scotland can be a dream come true for many couples. The country is famous for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and historic castles that make for the perfect backdrop to a fairytale wedding.
Castles in Scotland offer a unique and unforgettable setting for your big day. The grand halls, beautiful gardens, and stunning views provide a romantic and majestic atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.
When choosing a castle wedding venue in Scotland, there are many factors to consider, such as location, guest capacity, and availability. Scotland offers a wide range of castles to choose from, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re looking for a modern, contemporary castle or a more traditional, historic venue, you’re sure to find the perfect castle in Scotland to suit your needs.
One of the benefits of having a castle wedding in Scotland is that many castles offer on-site accommodation for you and your guests. This allows you to have a full weekend of celebrations and enjoy the full castle experience. From medieval banquets and candlelit dinners to outdoor pursuits and spa treatments, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The Scottish legal system also offers a straightforward and stress-free process for getting married. With a range of licensed ceremonies available, from religious services to humanist celebrations, you can have the wedding of your dreams without any legal hurdles.
Here are 10 magical Scottish castle venues that could make your day one to remember:
10 of the best Scottish Castle wedding venues
Dunnottar Castle
Just outside the city of Aberdeen on Scotland’s east coast lies this stunning clifftop fortress. Dunnottar Castle has to be the ultimate castle wedding venue. It sits proudly atop an almost-hundred-meter high outcrop right on the North sea and was built in the early 15th century by William Keith, 3rd Earl Marischal.
Its beautiful gardens overlook the North Sea and create a fairytale setting for larger weddings, with up to 200 guests allowed at certain times during peak periods throughout summer months. Can you think of a more amazing setting for your wedding day?
Rothesay Castle
This grand 13th-century castle is nestled amongst beautifully maintained Victorian gardens on the Isle of Bute just off the west coast of Scotland.
This wedding venue accommodates receptions inside the castle walls for up to 80 people or for a smaller intimate event there is plenty of room outside in the pretty landscaped garden areas where couples can have their ceremony too!
The courtyard would also make a stunning outdoor location to say your vows whilst maintaining that medieval, gothic vibe.
Edinburgh Castle
For those seeking something extra special, Edinburgh Castle offers a truly memorable experience as part of its exclusive collection of venues available to hire. Dating back over 900 years, and hewn out of the natural rock, Edinburgh Castle has withstood misfortune and seen great joy and celebration. Few places embody longevity, strength and commitment like Scotland’s ‘defender of the nation.
The main chamber which can be used for ceremonies also doubles as an excellent space with natural light – perfect for stunning photos afterwards! Please note that weddings cannot be held at Edinburgh Castle between 1st June and 30th September.
Your options inside Edinburgh Castle include the Gatehouse Suite for smaller ceremonies, St Margaret’s chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh) for elopements and micro weddings or the Jacobite Room which can hold up 150 evening guests and 100 dinner guests.
Scone Palace
We LOVE Scone Palace. You will find Scone Palace in the picturesque heart of the Scottish countryside. Perched alongside parkland that borders the River Tay, and with expansive views north toward the Scottish Highlands, a wedding at Scone will provide the ultimate experience of the beauty of Scotland.
The possibilities for your wedding day there are endless. Here are a few of Scone Palace‘s own recommendations for a dazzling occasion:
- Ceremony in the State Drawing Room or the vaulted Long Gallery, the longest room in Scotland
- Champagne and canapés served in the opulent State Rooms
- Candlelit Breakfast in the vaulted Long Gallery, prepared by our award-winning caterers, for up to 110 guests
- Dancing with live music in the State Dining Room
- Sitting out in the candlelit State Drawing Room
- Evening buffet served from the Inner Hall, with roaring fireplaces for evening ambience
- Fireworks over the 16th century stone Archway
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic and picturesque wedding venues. Located on a small island at the point where three sea lochs meet, this 13th-century castle offers breathtaking views, enchanting surroundings, and a rich history that make it a truly unique and magical place to get married.
Eilean Donan Castle provides a stunning backdrop for your special day, with its grand halls, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Highlands and over to the Isle of Skye. Whether you choose to exchange your vows in the castle’s historic chapel or in the castle’s Great Hall, you and your guests are sure to be enchanted by the castle’s timeless charm and beauty.
For those looking for a more intimate and private affair, Eilean Donan Castle also offers a range of smaller, more intimate spaces that are perfect for a more relaxed and personal celebration. From the castle’s dining room, with its roaring fire and warm ambiance, to the castle’s cozy library, with its shelves filled with books and fine furnishings, you’ll find plenty of charming spaces to choose from.
Finally, Eilean Donan Castle offers a range of wedding packages that have been designed to meet the needs of each individual couple. Whether you’re looking for a simple, intimate ceremony or a grand, formal celebration, you’ll find the perfect package to suit your needs and budget. With its rich history, stunning location, and breathtaking views, Eilean Donan Castle is the ultimate setting for a truly unforgettable wedding in Scotland.
Of all the castles on this list, Eilean Donan is probably the one that is best set up for weddings.
Glamis Castle
This historic seat has been home to many generations including one royals – Queen Elizabeth II spent part much time here as a child growing up alongside her sister Margaret. This enchanting location situated near Dundee in rural Angus region of eastern Scotland .
When it comes to wedding venues, Glamis Castle is the stuff dreams are made of. More specifically, fairy-tales. With soaring turrets, regal reception rooms, stunning vistas both inside the castle and within the spectacular gardens, the atmosphere and sense of occasion created here is perfect for a wedding.
In their own words “Just about every location throughout our grounds and gardens offers some sort of beautiful and unique backdrop for wedding photographs.
With the castle as a dramatic backdrop, we are able to offer beautiful bespoke marquee packages for those looking to invite a larger number of guests to their wedding party.
With a capacity of up to 200 guests, our wedding marquee will enable anyone who dreams of being married at a castle to have the best of both worlds – a large wedding at the home of a historic castle.”
Thirlestane Castle
For those who prefer something less formal but still rich in history just south east from Edinburgh stands Thirlestane Castle.
Imagine having a 16th Century Castle on the Scottish Borders all to yourself! The castle can ensure that you have exclusive use of the State Rooms, accommodation and the castle’s grounds for you and up to 100 guests to enjoy your wedding ceremony and reception in private.
Thirlestane also offer an elopement package – perfect for those who are looking for a more intimate wedding ceremony.
Inverlochy Castle
Located near Fort William lies this majestic 19th-century building complete with turrets and towers set amidst some breathtaking views over Loch Linnhe – perfect for elopements or smaller weddings alike due to its more intimate size offering seating up to 80 guests comfortably indoors or 30 outdoors if you choose so!
And the great thing about choosing this castle wedding venue for you wedding ceremony is that you can have your post-ceremony photographs in the nearby Glen Nevis – truly one of the most stunning places in Scotland.
Morton Castle
This is a personal favourite of ours as it was where we walked our dogs most days for 6 years when we lived nearby.
Morton Castle, located in the picturesque region of Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland, is a historic and romantic venue for a fairy tale wedding. This stunning castle, surrounded by rolling hills and a man made loch offers a perfect blend of history, charm, and natural beauty.
This castle is no more than a ruins these days but we would suggest having your ceremony within the great hall and then having your post ceremony images in the fields surrounding the castle.
For the more adventurous, why not have an outdoor meal following your ceremony? A picnic for a smaller wedding could be a delightful end to a summer wedding day.
Scottish Castle Wedding Photography
So why wait any longer? If you want something unique yet unforgettable that will be cherished forever then why not tie knot one these magnificent Scottish castles?!
Whether you are planning on eloping or having a large celebration, let us help you make your special day come alive among nature’s finest offerings…
We offer elopement photography in Scotland as well as a limited number of traditional weddings per year. Please not we are fully booked for traditional wedding photography until 2025.
Looking for something a bit different but just as historic? Why not consider an Elopement in Edinburgh? All of the history but with more freedom to explore.
As always, thanks for reading.
Matt and Jodie. The Sassenachs, Elopement Photographers
