Best Castle Wedding Venues In Scotland
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Step into a world where fantasy meets reality, reminiscent of the time-travelling romance in ‘Outlander’. Scotland’s majestic castles offer couples the chance to write their own epic love story, exchanging vows within centuries-old stone walls. From highland fortresses that could rival Castle Leoch to coastal strongholds echoing with tales of clan warfare, these enchanting venues blend history, romance, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a fan of Diana Gabaldon’s beloved series or simply drawn to the timeless allure of Scottish heritage, a castle wedding in Scotland promises an unforgettable celebration in a truly magical setting.
Top Castle Wedding Venues in the Scottish Highlands
Eilean Donan Castle
Situated at the point where three great sea lochs converge, and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Eilean Donan has become one of the most iconic images of Scotland and is recognised all over the world. That’s also because it’s been used as a location for iconic movies such as Highlander and James Bond’s The World Is Not Enough.
During the main tourist season when the castle is open, weddings will take place after 6.00 pm when they close to the public; with the ceremony itself starting at 6.30 pm. During the closed season, it is possible to get married at any time of day by arrangement. Wedding ceremonies take place in the Banqueting Hall, the largest room in the castle, which can accommodate approximately 70 people seated. If the weather permits, it is also possible to get married outside in the courtyard, over the water, looking out on the mountains of Skye.
Real Wedding Feature ➡️ Intimate wedding at Eilean Donan Castle
Kilmartin Castle
Kilmartin Castle was named by the New York Times as the “Fouth best place in the world to visit” in 2023, and “Scotland’s Coolest Castle” by The Times which is reason enough for many to add it to their shortlist. But for couples who value the sustainable approach, it’s one of the castle’s core values.
The castle’s owners put sustainability into the core of everything they do. From supporting
This charming castle offers an intimate setting for small weddings and elopements. With a variety of cozy spaces both inside and out, couples can create a laid-back ceremony that keeps the focus where it belongs – on them and their closest loved ones.
The venue provides exclusive use of five guest bedrooms, accommodating up to ten adults. Pet lovers will appreciate that four-legged friends are welcome to join in the celebrations. To help create a personalized experience, the castle can connect couples with local vendors, including a florist, chef, photographer, and humanist celebrant.
Real Wedding Feature ➡️ Themed wedding at Kilmartin Castle
Exclusive-Use Castle Venues in Scotland for Ultimate Privacy
Neidpath Castle
Neidpath Castle offers an enchanting setting for weddings of all kinds. From grand celebrations with family and friends to intimate gatherings, the venue adapts beautifully to your vision. Imagine exchanging vows in the castle’s historic halls or amid its picturesque grounds, with the majestic structure serving as a stunning backdrop in any season.
The castle’s allure shines throughout the year, but it’s particularly captivating in autumn when surrounded by the vibrant hues of the Borders’ woodlands. Neidpath’s charm lies not only in its romantic atmosphere but also in its authenticity. This genuine, historic locale provides a unique and memorable experience for couples and their guests.
On your special day, the castle becomes your private domain. You’ll have exclusive use of the entire property, ensuring complete privacy and allowing you to create a truly personalized celebration. Whether you’re orchestrating your dream wedding from afar or planning a local event, Neidpath Castle offers a magical and unforgettable setting for your nuptials.
In my opinion Neidpath Castle in the Scottish Borders would be an ideal venue. Although it has the capacity for a medium size wedding, I think it would make a really good venue for elopements also. There is only one master bedroom inside the tower house which is super romantic, and the ceremony room wouldn’t feel too overwhelming for an elopement or a really small wedding.
Glenapp Castle
Imagine celebrating your love in a venue so enchanting it’s been recognized as one of the UK’s most romantic hotels by Harper’s Bazaar and hailed as a globally spectacular wedding destination by Tatler.
As you approach along the tree-lined drive, the castle’s magical silhouette emerges from its secluded 110-acre estate. Towers, turrets, and crenellations paint a picture of timeless romance, signalling the extraordinary nature of this Scottish gem.
At Glenapp, your wedding vision takes centre stage. The hotel provides a dedicated wedding organizer to ensure every aspect of your special day unfolds flawlessly. Set against the backdrop of lush woodlands and manicured grounds, Glenapp Castle offers a truly beautiful setting for intimate elopements and weddings.
Scottish Castles with On-Site Accommodation
Drumtochty Castle
Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s picturesque countryside near Aberdeen, Drumtochty Castle stands as a magnificent example of 19th-century baronial architecture. Built in 1812 and extensively renovated in 1815, this grand estate boasts a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. The castle is set within 350 acres of lush woodland, offering a perfect blend of manicured gardens and wild Scottish landscape.
The castle’s exterior is a testament to the romantic Scottish Baronial style, featuring impressive turrets, crow-stepped gables, and a commanding presence that echoes tales of a bygone era. Inside, visitors are transported through time with elegant reception rooms adorned with period furnishings, ornate fireplaces, and crystal chandeliers. Each room tells a story of the castle’s illustrious past, from hosting nobility to serving as a girls’ school during World War II. Drumtochty’s grounds are equally impressive, featuring ancient forests, tranquil lochs, and meticulously maintained gardens.
Drumtochty Castle can accommodate up to 107 guests across the estate, from the castle, wings, stables and lodges.
Dramatic Castle Ruins in Scotland
Dunnottar Castle
Imagine exchanging vows in a place where history and natural beauty intertwine – Dunnottar Castle offers just that for your special day. Perched atop dramatic cliffs, this iconic ruined fortress provides an unparalleled backdrop for a truly enchanting wedding ceremony.
The castle grounds offer various picturesque locations for your intimate gathering. Whether you choose the elegant curve of the Smithy’s archway or the serene atmosphere of the chapel, each setting within Dunnottar’s walls promises to make your ceremony uniquely memorable.
With space for up to 25 guests, this venue allows for an intimate and personal celebration. The breathtaking coastal views and the castle’s timeless allure combine to create an atmosphere of romance and wonder, ensuring your wedding day will be etched in memory for years to come.
Royal Retreats – Castles with a Royal History
Inverlochy Castle Hotel
If it’s good enough for Queen Victoria, it’s good enough for us!
Inverlochy Castle is a beautiful 19th-century castle nestled in the foothills of Ben Nevis, near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Whether you’re looking to elope or have a larger wedding celebration, Inverlochy has a number of options for weddings and elopements.
And for couples who dream of combining a stay in a castle with the wild highlands of Scotland, why not consider spending the day in Glencoe like this couple did, and return to the castle in the afternoon for some lovely afternoon tea.
Real Wedding Feature ➡️ Inverlochy Castle & Glencoe Elopement
What to Look for in a Scottish Castle Wedding Venue
Ceremony Options
Getting legally married in Scotland is easier than most other countries in Europe. But even with it being so easy, it’s important to find out what options the castle offers for ceremonies. Things to ask include:
- Can they organize the ceremony for you, or is it something you’ll need to do yourselves?
- What types of ceremonies are possible at this location?
- What locations around the venue are suitable for a ceremony?
Location & Accessibility
When choosing your dream Scottish castle for your wedding, you may want to consider how easy the location is to reach, especially if you’ve got guests coming from further afield to celebrate with you. Whilst a super remote castle three-hours from nowhere is wild and romantic, is this going to be a problem for your guests, especially if accommodation isn’t included or available nearby?
Old castles are wonderful, but something many of them are not is easily accessible for people with disabilities, young children or older guests with restricted mobility. So this is something else you might want to consider when choosing your location (and/or your guest list).
Capacity and accommodation
If you are choosing a location that’s quite remote, you may want to find somewhere that includes accommodation. This means everyone can stay on-site and you don’t need to worry about wedding transportation. You may also want to check the capacity of the venue for your ceremony and reception, as some castles have larger spaces suitable for bigger celebrations where others may only be able to accommodate smaller, more intimate groups.
Indoor & Outdoor Options for all Weather
Having a ceremony in the castle gardens might be wonderfully romantic, but remember this is Scotland! Pick a venue that has indoor spaces that are large enough to accommodate everyone, should the Scottish weather not want to play along with your plans.
Permits
If you’re booking a venue for your wedding or elopement, this usually includes any permits you might need for a ceremony or photos, but especially if the property is owned by National Trust Scotland or another organization, it’s worth double-checking. Some venues may require an additional alcohol license, but most will arrange this for you.
Wedding packages
Depending on whether you want to only take photos at the castle, or have your whole wedding day celebrations there, it can be beneficial to enquire about wedding packages. These vary between locations but often include things like food, drinks and accommodation as well as the option for exclusive use of the location. Some venues also offer things like flowers, hair & makeup and photography as part of their wedding packages, although we know that couples prefer to choose these vendors themselves.
Sustainability Initiatives
Scotland is a wild and beautiful country with incredible nature and rich history. More and more venues are realizing that sustainability is an important part of making sure the land and the local communities are respected and protected. Some venues are even starting to prioritize sustainability in everything they do. This might include:
- Rewilding some of it’s gardens and re-introducing native plants
- Working with local suppliers and producers for food & drinks or locally grown, in-season flowers
- Having waste-reduction strategies, such as on-site composting or rain-water harvesting
- Recommending other local wedding suppliers to help benefit the local economy
- Having restrictions on noise or fireworks to respect the local community & wildlife
