There are two types of bride – the one who has just been proposed to and doesn’t know where to start…and the one who has been planning her wedding from the age of 12 and upwards. If you are the latter, one of these dream fairytale castles may be everything you dreamed of and more!
Scotland is home to stunning natural beauty, filled with lochs hidden in valleys behind mountains and rolling hills. It’s no wonder then that the kings, queens and nobility of centuries gone by chose it as their home and built glorious castles and palaces in secluded corners.
It’s also a blessing that they have been restored and preserved for our generation and for the grand banquets and balls of the 21st century – weddings! If you’ve always dreamed of marrying in a castle, read on…
1. Carberry Tower Mansion House & Estate
This incredible estate can be found in East Lothian and has quite the history. Queen Elizabeth II has stayed the night here and we’re not surprised – Carberry Tower boasts 30 luxury bedrooms equipped the most modern facilities while retaining traditional furnishings. They can cater for the wedding of your dreams. Just click this link for more info!
2. Trump MacLeod House & Lodge
If you’re in Aberdeen, you may have heard of this incredible castle. It’s a historic five star baronial mansion with a championship golf course, plenty of leisure facilities and of course, exceptional wedding provisions. It really is a fairytale castle with secret stairways, traditional log fires, mature woodland and a whisky bar. Discover more by clicking here.
3. Atholl Palace Hotel
In Pitlochry in Perth and Kinross, you may just be able to see the turrets of this phenomenal wedding venue tucked away behind its woodland. It offers turret suites for couples and guests, manicured gardens, a lavish spa and a fabulous reception facility. Discover more here.
4. Mount Stuart Trust
If you’re looking for something with grandeur and size, this is the castle for you. In Rothesay in Argyll and Bute, Mount Stuart can be exclusively yours for grand celebrations, you can hire marquees on the lawn or you can have an intimate ceremony. There are 22 authentic Victorian bedrooms for guests and 300 acres of glorious gardens for photos. Click here for more.
5. Cameron House Loch Lomond
What’s better than getting married in a Scottish castle? Getting married in a Scottish castle that overlooks a loch. Cameron House enjoys panoramic views of Loch Lomond, has 136 bedrooms and suites (and lodges), a marina, golf course, four restaurants (including Michelin-starred Martin Wishart) and basically everything you could think a venue could have. It’s an incredible castle with recent refurbishments so definitely check it out!
6. Cluny Castle
The castles of Scotland are all very beautiful, but it takes thousands if not millions of pounds to restore some areas and it’s a constant job. That’s why some rooms are outdated or behind the times. Rarely do you find a castle with modern facilities throughout, retaining that castle-like feeling and yet feeling like a five star modern venue too. Cluny Castle in Aberdeen is exactly that. It even has its own chapel and can accommodate 300 people!
7. Blairquhan Castle
Now we head to South Ayrshire where you will find Blairquhan Castle, one of the finest Regency castles in Scotland. It’s set within 200 acres of parkland and can seat up to 100 people in the drawing rooms. There are 15 rooms and eight self-catering cottages. It has been rated one of the top 15 places to get married in the world by the Independent. Definitely check it out if you’re considering a castle venue!
8. Ardaneiseig Hotel
Assuredly a little hard to pronounce, but that’s this Argyll and Bute venue’s only downside! Situated on the shore of Loch Awe under the mighty Ben Cruachan, if you’re looking for a castle that fully embraces Scotland scenery, you’ve found it. Your food will be fresh and locally sourced and you can have exclusive use of the dramatic estate. Click here for more.
9. Barcaldine Castle
Go to Oban to visit this beauty. It’s on the shores of Loch Creran on the west coast of Scotland. It was built in the 16th century making it one of only a few ancient castles on the Scottish mainland you can stay in. It’s the perfect castle if you want an intimate, secluded venue that’s just for you and your nearest and dearest. There are breathtaking views too for amazing wedding photos. Check it out here.
10. Kelburn Estate
For originality and uniqueness, definitely go for the Kelburn Estate and Country Centre. It’s unlike any other castle you’ve ever visited. It’s the longest inhabited castle by the same family in Scotland and can host 250 guests on your big day. The gardens are home to Scotland’s most important heritage tree and there are over four different locations to have your wedding. We particularly love its facelift! So unique! Find out more here.
There are many more castles and wedding venues in Scotland for you to browse. Just click the button below!
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