18 of the Most Magical Castle Wedding Venues in Scotland
Dreaming of hosting an enchanting castle wedding in Scotland? Your wishes are about to come true with our edit of the most magical castle wedding venues that Scotland has to offer...
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On your wedding day it's only right that you and your partner feel like royalty, and what better way to do so than by getting married in a regal castle wedding venue?
Since Scotland is home to some of the best castle wedding venues around, if you’ve got your heart set on saying ‘I do’ here, you’re in luck. Not only will a castle wedding in Scotland guarantee a romantic setting that's rich in history, they're typically incredibly spacious with ample grounds for you and your guests to enjoy.
What’s more, Scotland boasts both a vibrant cultural scene and spectacular landscapes aplenty, so there’s lots to explore either side of your big day.
From Edinburgh to Galloway, Aberdeen and beyond, here are the best castle weddings venues in Scotland.
1. Dundas Castle – Edinburgh
We’re utterly obsessed with Dundas Castle, a romantic and elegant medieval property located close to Edinburgh.
Whether you’re after a religious, civil or humanist wedding ceremony, there are a range of spaces to consider. We love The Great Hall, the property’s most popular room for wedding ceremonies. You approach it via a spiral staircase and will be wowed by its vaulted ceiling and ancient stonework.
Once your wedding ceremony is over, you can celebrate your marriage in a number of different ways. You could choose an intimate candlelit feast for close friends and family or a more formal wedding breakfast in the elegant Croquet Room. Or how about cocktails and dancing with up to 200 guests in the Pavilion?
End your wedding day with a grand finale of fireworks and a marching Scottish pipe band in the castle grounds before retiring to one of 17 bedrooms.
2. Drumtochty Castle – Aberdeenshire
Welcome to Drumtochty Castle in Aberdeenshire, a 19th century property hidden away in a wild woodland glen.
From the moment you arrive at Drumtochty you’ll be transported to an era of opulence and romance. From balmy summer outdoor ceremonies to drinks in front of the open fire, this castle wedding venue is perfect in every season.
There’s a church just a short carriage ride away from the castle gates if you’re dreaming of a religious ceremony, but if not, your vows can be held in one of the reception rooms, in the grounds or by the loch. Afterwards, enjoy a Champagne reception and a banquet feast accompanied by exceptional service.
There’s also accommodation on offer at Drumtochty Castle, allowing you to extend your celebrations for an entire weekend.
3. Cluny Castle – Sauchen Inverurie
Secluded, majestic and enchanting, Cluny Castle dates back to the 14th century and would be the perfect spot for your Scottish wedding.
It boasts immaculately manicured grounds, its very own chapel (complete with stained glass windows, no less) and plenty of space for a reception marquee.
We love the idea of hosting drinks on the sweeping lawn against a backdrop of the stunning castle. It’d look especially gorgeous at sunset!
The service at Cluny Castle is second-to-none, and you’ll benefit from a dedicated wedding planner who will guide you through every aspect of your planning.
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READ MORE: Our Favourite Outdoor Wedding Venues to Say ‘I Do’
4. Borthwick Castle – Gorebridge
Any wedding at Borthwick Castle is guaranteed to be elegant and romantic. This castle wedding venue is steeped in 600 years of Scottish history just waiting to be explored.
When you get married here, you’ll have exclusive use of the entire venue – from the majestic principal rooms to the elegant bedrooms and spiralling staircases.
The surrounding castle grounds set an ideal scene for summer drinks, barbecues and garden games as well as providing numerous photo opportunities. Whether you want to erect a marquee in the grounds or host something more traditional inside the castle itself, the team will be able to accommodate.
The private Gatehouse is the perfect retreat for you and your new husband or wife to relax at the end of your unforgettable day.
5. Lews Castle – Stornoway
Combine dreams of a castle wedding with wishes of getting married near the coast by choosing to say ‘I do’ at Lews Castle in Stornoway.
Overlooking Stornoway harbour on the Isle of Lewis, this impressive property dates back to the mid-1800s and is just a stone’s throw from many beautiful beaches.
There are 23 bedrooms available for wedding guests plus a ballroom, a library and far-reaching, luscious grounds.
The team will help you to create a stunning celebration that is totally tailored to you. They offer a range of catering options to suit all budgets and tastes as well as dedicated wedding planners.
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6. Carrick Castle Estate – Argyll
Okay, this isn’t technically a castle wedding venue, but it does sit within castle grounds, so it kind of counts – right?
Set on the west shore of Loch Goil and in the grounds of Carrick Castle is a beautiful lodge and barn complex, available for exclusive use on your wedding day.
Carrick Castle Estate is licensed to host your ceremony in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations – we love the idea of saying your vows loch-side. With the sweeping terrain, bountiful wildlife and Scottish mountains, your photographer will be spoilt for choice when it comes to photo opportunities.
The luxury lodge has spa facilities and a large viewing balcony while the rustic barn has seating for up to 120 for your wedding breakfast. You can host reception drinks outside, spill out to the courtyard when the dance floor gets a little hot and even stay in beautiful on-site accommodation. What’s not to love?
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READ MORE: 82 Wedding Photo Ideas You Definitely Need to Capture
7. Thirlestane Castle – Berwickshire
Surrounded by the parkland of the tranquil Scottish borders, Thirlestane Castle is a fairy tale setting for weddings. It has majestic turrets aplenty and is one of the oldest inhabited castles in Scotland.
There are a range of romantic state rooms for your ceremony, but our favourite has got to be the State Dining Room. It’s decorated in rich colours and boasts portrait-lined walls.
For smaller weddings, the Panelled Room in the oldest part of the castle would be lovely. It gives you a private space to exchange vows in front of just a few close friends and family.
If you’re after something a little different, celebrate your marriage in the beautiful cobbled courtyard or the atmospheric Vaulted Cellar. Or how about taking to the garden for a marquee reception under the stars? The possibilities are endless!
8. Neidpath Castle – Peebles
If you’re after a castle wedding venue which is exceptionally secluded and private, then choose Neidpath Castle. Located in Peebles, it can only be accessed by the public via appointment.
In the past, it has welcomed Mary Queen of Scots and Sir Walter Scot. Wordsworth wrote a poem about it, and it’s been used as a film set and hosted numerous medieval fairs. If you get married here, you’ll be in good company.
From Neidpath you can expect rough stone walls, roaring log fires, sumptuous tapestries and candles aplenty. There are a range of function rooms as well as beautiful grounds and space for 250 guests.
Once your big day draws to a close, there’s a range of overnight accommodation options for the wedding couple and their guests. What better excuse to extend your stay?
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9. Fingask Castle – Perthshire
Nestled in a beautiful wooden valley, this historic Scottish estate is a wonderful place to hold your special day.
Fingask Castle is conveniently located just an hour from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, making it easily accessible for your guests travelling from afar.
There’s fully-equipped, self-catered accommodation for up to 70 people (yes, really!) in charming cottages as well as a games room, tennis court and heated pool. You won’t have any reason to leave!
For the wedding itself, there is space for large or small ceremonies both religious and non-religious. There’s also beautiful grounds for your wedding photographs, and the chance to get married outside.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Themes
10. Dalhousie Castle – Edinburgh
Set on the outskirts of Edinburgh is Dalhousie Castle, an enchanting 13th century castle surrounded by beautiful forest and parkland.
The interiors of this property are something truly special. The bedrooms are individually (and beautifully) styled, the restaurants are award-winning, and the Aqueous Spa is the perfect place to unwind before or after your wedding.
When you get married at Dalhousie, you can hire the venue exclusively. Say your vows in a variety of different locations before enjoying reception drinks on the lawn.
As you have your photographs taken, your guests will be able to wander to the South Esk River or enjoy one of many garden walks. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s an award-winning catering team on-site who will be on hand to provide delicious food for the entirety of your celebrations.
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11. Machermore Castle – Galloway
Rich with history and steeped in Scottish tradition, Machermore Castle offers a breathtaking setting for your wedding day. Set amidst some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, the private estate enjoys an unrivalled location on the banks of the River Cree.
The castle is licensed to hold both civil and Humanist wedding ceremonies, so you can spend your entire day at the property.
It can accommodate up to 100 guests in the large ballroom or 300 in a lawn marquee. There’s also accommodation for up to 14 guests in the castle, and a further 26 guests can spend the night in the estate’s private lodges.
From the offering of a dedicated wedding planner to the spectacular catering and attentive staff, there’s so much to love about Machermore Castle.
12. Dunskey Estate – Stranraer
Nestled in the Dunskey Estate lies an Edwardian castle that'll make a truly spectacular place for your wedding day. There's such a variation of spaces where you can exchange your vows and celebrate with friends and family making this versatile wedding venue ideal no matter theme or style of event you're dreaming of.
Whether you're looking for a whimsical woodland, breathtaking beach, the tranquil bank of a loch, a gorgeous walled garden or even a boat at dawn, you'll find it all at Dunskey Estate.
Once the day has come to an end there is space for up to 46 guests to stay overnight in the castle and up to 16 in their lodges. Each room has its own individual design making them completely bespoke.
Did we mention they have a maze? We reckon this feature will be a big hit if you're having children at your reception!
13. Blairquhan Castle – South Ayrshire
Set in the charming Ayrshire countryside, it's not hard to see why Blairquhan Castle has previously been voted in the top 15 places in the world to get married by the Independent.
The impressive setting boasts incredible views from the outside and once you step inside you'll be amazed at the charming interiors. The saloon is the perfect space to say 'I do' with up to 70 guests seated on the ground level and 20 more overlooking from the balcony.
Blairquhan offers 15 bedrooms in the castle, as well as eight self-catering cottages on the estate if you have a larger party. With lavish four-poster beds, opulent wallpapers and ornate décor, you and your guests will be resting your heads in luxury.
14. Winton Castle – East Lothian
A perfect castle wedding venue should be steeped in history and wonderfully romantic, and Winton Castle just outside of Edinburgh ticks both those boxes.
This 500-year-old Scottish Renaissance castle has links to the Seton family, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Plus, it was even burnt down during Henry VII's 'rough wooing' of Mary Queen of Scots and rebuilt again. If that's not rich history, we don't know what is!
Today it's home to Sir Francis and Lady Ogilvy, making it a warm and homely place to host your special day.
Designed for entertaining in the 17th century, the castle has five exceptional, inter-connecting reception rooms which are ideal for wedding celebrations of 80 to 120 indoors. Should you want an outside wedding reception there's ample space on the croquet lawn for a marquee. Winton can also lay on a range of entertaining activities for guests in its beautiful gardens, from a mini highland games to clay pigeon shooting with Scotland's 24 times champion.
READ MORE: 37 Magical Winter Wedding Venues
15. Barcaldine Castle – Argyll
After being built in 1609 and restored in 1897, Barcaldine Castle is now a beautiful castle wedding venue surrounded by Loch Creran and the snow-capped peaks of Glencoe.
Ideal for small celebrations of up to 30 people, the décor and backdrop might be grand but Barcaldine Castle has a lovely, intimate feel and atmosphere.
Weddings are hosted in the Great Hall, where you will exchange your vows next to a large stone fireplace and below an intricate chandelier. Or, you and your guests can head outdoors to enjoy the spectacular views on the manicured lawn.
As well as caters and florists, the venue is also able to organise a bagpiper to perform, so if you're getting hitched Scottish-style Barcaldine Castle could be the one.
16. Barnbougle Castle – South Queensferry
Dating back to the 13th century, Barnbougle Castle is hidden within the grounds of Dalmeny Estate making for a tranquil and peaceful wedding venue.
As well as the castle itself being a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding day, it's also set right on the coast of the Firth of Forth so you'll enjoy breathtaking coastal views and have private access to a beach.
You and your guests can dine in the 60ft barrel-vaulted Banqueting Hall, where you'll feast on seasonal Scottish ingredients and delicious produce sourced straight from the Estate.
Whether you opt for 140 seated guests, 200 standing or even 450 guests in an outside marquee, Barnbougle can accommodate for all your friends and family so no-one gets left off the guest list.
17. Dunans Castle – Argyll
Hosting an intimate wedding with up to 50 of your closest friends and family? We reckon the ruin of Dunans Castle will make an idyllic outdoor spot to say 'I do'. This Baronial mansion is set in a rustic and romantic setting that relaxed couples will adore. We're talking wildflower meadows bursting with orchids and bluebells, waterfalls and whimsical woodlands. You might even spot wild deer and golden eagles too!
A teepee marquee can be set up for you and your guests to celebrate, dine in and dance the night away in under lanterns and fairy lights. From picnics, barbeques, afternoon teas and formal dining, there's something to suit all tastes.
Your first night as newlyweds can be spent in a restored romantic bothy for two, complete with underfloor heating, a cosy sofa, mezzanine sleeping platform and a skylight. In addition, there are 2 bell tents available for on-site glamping.
And if that's not enough to keep you entertained, you can take part in wild swimming, guided walks, archery and cookery!
18. Barony Castle Hotel – Peebles-shire
The Barony Castle Hotel is a rustic and romantic castle wedding venue, yet still has a luxurious and modern edge.
Situated on 25 acres of gardens and woodlands on the Scottish borders, if you're after an outside space you can marry in The Courtyard and The Woodland Altar. Imagine exchanging your vows under a tranquil canopy of trees while listening to the sweet sound of birdsong?
Contemporary couples might want to celebrate in Barony Castle Hotel's modern spaces including The Elibank Suite with its floor to ceiling windows and chic interiors, or the grand Meldons Suite which has a ballroom.
This wedding venue also offers an array of amazing packages giving you access to bridal suites, photographers, a cake and more.
If a castle wedding venue isn’t quite your cup of tea but you can’t cut down your guest list, take a look at our roundup of the best wedding venues with large capacity.
