Neidpath Castle Wedding in Scotland
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Marc is from Hamburg, and Daniella is South African. They met 10 years ago while studying in Dundee. Daniella had strong ties to Scotland, having attended school there, with her family based in Edinburgh. They also lived in Glasgow for a year while Marc completed his master’s degree. With her half-Scottish heritage, it was deeply important to them to celebrate their marriage in Scotland.
Why did you choose Neidpath Castle for your wedding?
We got engaged while on holiday in Scotland and visited Neidpath Castle the following week. The moment we saw it, we knew it was perfect.
We loved Neidpath Castle for its idyllic setting on a hill overlooking the River Tweed. The combination of its rustic, historic charm and the breathtaking views made it a truly magical place for our wedding.
The castle’s rustic, old-fashioned beauty held a special charm, particularly coming from Germany, where castles aren’t an everyday occurrence. We chose Neidpath Castle for its unique, historic charm and the freedom it offered. We were given access to the entire castle, from the rooms to the roof, and even stayed there the night before and on the night of the wedding. This flexibility made it an ideal venue for our small family, allowing me to take breaks with our son during the festivities. The castle’s proximity to Edinburgh, about 60 minutes away, made it convenient for our guests, many of whom travelled from Germany, South Africa, and other parts of the world.
How did you personalise your wedding day?
To personalise our day, we had a traditional Scottish piper welcome our guests and accompany me down the aisle, adding to the authentic Scottish charm. We also had a live band, which created an incredible atmosphere and made the celebration even more memorable. We aimed for a relaxed, free-flowing atmosphere where everyone could explore the castle and its surroundings.
Did you opt for a legal or a symbolic ceremony?
Our wedding was a symbolic ceremony and celebration since we had already had our civil marriage in Germany the previous year. We personalised our day in every way—from writing our own vows to including our families in the humanist ceremony. It was a celebration of our love and family, made even more special by the presence of our 9-month-old son.
Getting Married at Neidpath Castle
Do you need any permits to get married at Neidpath Castle?
The only permit we required was an alcohol licence, which our caterer and the venue arranged together. In Germany, it’s common to party until the early morning, whereas in the UK, the licence usually ends at 12 am. We managed to extend it by an hour, but it was still earlier than we’re used to. However, this worked out well, as our guests needed to start leaving by 12:30 am so that the castle was empty by 1 am.
How Accessible is Neidpath Castle?
The castle is easy to access, with a room inside the castle, a cottage right outside, and additional accommodation nearby.
The castle itself, being a historic building, has some uneven terrain and staircases that may be challenging for guests with mobility issues. However, there is one large room on the ground floor within the castle, and the adjacent cottage is fully accessible, providing convenient options for those who may have difficulty navigating stairs.
Parking is available close to the castle, making it easier for guests with limited mobility to reach the venue. While the castle’s historic nature means that not all areas are fully wheelchair accessible, the main event spaces are manageable with some assistance. The venue staff are also very accommodating and can help arrange any necessary provisions to ensure all guests can enjoy the day comfortably.
The charming town of Peebles, just a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive away, offers modern accommodations with full accessibility features, including ramps and lifts.
The castle’s location, just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, was a significant factor in our choice, convenient for our international guests with ample accommodation options.
Neidpath Castle Wedding Planning Tips
- Make the most of the castle’s flexibility.
You have the freedom to set up the venue as you like, and the staff at Neidpath are incredibly helpful and accommodating. - Consider adding traditional Scottish elements;
such as a piper and live music, which greatly enhanced the atmosphere of our day. - Be prepared for unpredictable weather—it’s Scotland, after all!
We were incredibly fortunate to have nearly 30°C on our wedding day, which made the cool interior of the castle a perfect retreat for our guests.
What’s the best time of year to get married at Neidpath Castle?
Late spring to early autumn is ideal for both the weather and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The area is lush and vibrant during these months, which enhances the castle’s rustic charm. I’m sure a winter wedding would be breathtaking, especially with the fires lit and candles spread around the cosy rooms.
Important things to know about getting married here?
Be mindful of local customs and regulations, particularly regarding event timings and permits. It’s also essential to coordinate closely with the venue’s planners, as they can help navigate these details and ensure everything runs smoothly. The castle event team provided us with a list of trusted vendors early on, particularly catering companies that can work in their small kitchen.
Any other advice or tips you would like to share based on your experience?
One of the best decisions we made was booking nearby accommodation for our close family, which made the experience more intimate. Having a planning team included with the venue was invaluable—they handled everything from coordinating with the caterers to managing the day itself, allowing us to enjoy our wedding without stress.
It’s important to book the venue and the catering early on, then there’s a lull before the planning gets hectic again in the two months prior to the day. The day was stress-free due to the catering and venue teams being so hands-on. Lastly, if you’re considering a symbolic ceremony like we did, take the opportunity to personalise it as much as possible—it made our day truly memorable.
Vendor Credits
Photographer – Martin Venherm
Location – Neidpath Castle
Makeup & Hair – Bonny’s Wonderland
Wedding Dress – Halfpenny London
Kilt Hire – Cameron Ross Formal Hire
Cake – Suki Bakes
Stationary – Rosemood
