Weddings in Scottish Castles

Here are some of the most amazing places to hold a wedding - in Scotland, in a fairytale castle.

If you decide to book a Scottish castle wedding, why not consider buying Scottish Celtic Wedding Bands which would complement perfectly the romance of the occasion.

If you are travelling to Scotland, why not take the time to explore this enchanting country - you can find some amazing Scottish hotels here.

A guide book in 1894 described a modern Gothic castle belonging to the Marquis if Ailsa - Culzean Castle. Overlooking the Ayrshire coast, Culzean was built in 1777 by David, 10th Earl of Cassilis and designed by renowned architect Robert Adam. At the time the book was written, Culzean Castle was not open to visitors and could only be viewed from the sea. "At the foot of the rock on which the castle stands are the coves of Culzean, three caves hewin in the rock, which were used as hiding-places during the civil wars, and afforded refuge to Sir Archibald Kennedy after the Revolution. Here, according to Burns, the fairies gather on Halloween."

Culzean was in the hands of the Kennedys, Earls of Cassilis from the 15th Century until 1945 -when the Kennedy family formally handed over Culzean Castle, its policies, gardens and Home Farm into the care of the National Trust for Scotland.

The history of Culzean Castle is inextricably linked to the Kennedy family. Their act of generosity has ensured that this remarkable property will be cared for and appreciated by generations to come.

Culzean Castle, under the stewardship of the National Trust for Scotland, is open to visitors from the end of March until the end of October. More importantly, however, it can be hired for private functions, including weddings - 70 guests can be seated in the beautiful Circular Saloon which has stunning views towards the Isle of Arran; dinner is served in the magnificent State Dining Room. For larger functions, the Home Farm Restaurant caters for up to 100 guests for a banquet and ceilidh. More intimate surroundings are available in the six-bedroomed Eisenhower Apartment on the top of the Castle, which, with roaring log fires, can accommodate up to twelve guests - and is the perfect location for a honeymoon or luxury retreat.

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the Edinburgh skyline for centuries, Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's most famous landmark and visitor attraction.

The entrance to the castle is across the moat, now dry, and through the outer gateway, erected in 1888, up to the Portcullis Gate.

The castle has played a major part in the history of Scotland, and houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and The Stone of Destiny.

There are four venues for weddings in Edinburgh castle -

1. Gatehouse Suite - accommodates 40 people for a ceremony. No reception facilities available.
2. Jacobite Room - accommodates 100 people for the ceremony and has reception facilities.
3. Queen Anne Building - can hold up to 120 guests and has reception facilities.
4. St Margaret's Chapel - 25 guests - a very intimate wedding setting with no reception facilities.

The castle has played a major part in the history of Scotland, and houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and The Stone of Destiny.

Your ceremony and reception can be held in a choice of areas throughout the castle and while the main bridal party are using the grounds for wedding photography,what could be more special than to arrange a tour of the castle, including the Crown Jewels, for your guests?

A selection of hotels in Edinburgh is available so that your guests can find a place to stay.

Doune Castle

Doune Castle is one of the grandest relics of Scottish baronial architecture. It owes its present plan and strength to Murdoch, Duke of Albany. After his execution (1424), it was forfeited to the crown and King James IV settled it upon his wife Margaret. Her third husband, Lord Methven, was a descendant of the Dukes of Albany. In the 1745 rebellion, the castle was held for Bonnie Prince Charlie by Macgregor of Glengyle. The situation of the castle is admirably chosen on a triangular piece of ground, "washed on 2 sides by the Teith and Ardoch, while the third side is protected by a deep moat". The walls of the great tower are 10 ft thick and built with cement. The most modern part is the interior tower, containing the kitchen and dining-hall. In 1883 a partial restoration of the building was carried out.

In recent times, the Castle was used as the setting for Monty Python's Holy Grail.

The castle is available for wedding parties, accommodating up to 120 guests; civil or religious ceremonies can be held in The Lord's Hall, which features 19th century panelling, period furniture and minstrels' gallery, and The Great Hall, an impressive large room with traditional stone walls and restored wooden roof featuring a replica open firebasket in the centre of the hall.

We recently attended a family wedding at Doune Castle - it was an interesting experience. Here's my quick review.

It was a cool, windy day, thankfully dry. The approach to the castle is up a cobbled walkway which is slightly awkward in fancy shoes. Either that or you risk all by walking up the carefully manicured grass.

The inner courtyard is a more sheltered space and that's where you find the access to the hall. There is a flight of stairs to the hall which are very uneven, much as you would expect for such an old building. Mind you, I don't think the original stonemasons would have left the stairs quite like that!

The Hall is very atmospheric - and the wedding itself was stunning. I loved every minute.

The reception was held in the Stirling Highland Hotel - the food was excellent and the setting is very historic.

Murthly Castle and Chapel are situated in a spectacular position that overlooks the River Tay, near the historic town of Dunkeld.

The castle, complete with walled garden, dates from the 15th century and sits amidst some of the oldest and tallest trees in the country. It is still a private family home, and has been inhabited by the same family since 1615. The chapel dates from the 17th century and is unusually large for a family chapel. Together, these make an idyllic setting for a Scottish Highland wedding.

With its 2 mile long, tree-lined avenue, the approach to the Castle is breathtaking. A double row of ancient yew trees leads you the short walk from the Castle to the Chapel. Also, because of the distance from the road and the surrounding managed woodlands, full of mature specimen trees, you will be ensured of complete privacy for your wedding. For weddings of up to 60 people, Murthly Castle makes available two interior rooms for wedding guests. These rooms overlook the walled garden. The music room mirrors the style of the Palace of Versailles in France, and the ballroom features velvet-lined walls and a hammer-beamed ceiling painted with bees.

Built in the 17th and 19th centuries, The Chapel of St Anthony the Eremite can seat up to 200 people, although it is equally suitable for a more intimate wedding of about 50. The interior features a wood-beamed ceiling, stained glass windows, a tiled floor and a fresco depicting the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine to Christianity. Situated at the heart of Murthly Estate, it offers total privacy.

For larger weddings, a marquee can be erected in the stunning walled garden whose layout originates from the 1660s. The walled garden has many original features including a fountain. Murthly Castle is a splended backdrop for weddings in the walled garden - can you just picture the amazing wedding pictures.

Although there is no accommodation at the Castle itself, a bedroom is made available to the bride and groom to change for the ceremony and, for guests, the surrounding area has a wealth of accommodation, from five star hotels to friendly bed & breakfasts, all within a 15 minute drive of the Castle.