List of Scottish Castles Perfect for a Wedding Day
From historic fortresses to romantically secluded glens, here’s a whistle-stop tour of some of Scotland’s best castle wedding options. This handy wee guide outlines the best of the best when it comes to Scottish castle weddings.
Castles are a winner as they work for elopements, micro weddings through to weddings bulging at the seams. If you’ve decided you want a Scottish castle wedding, the challenge will be choosing one: Scotland has an incredible variety of outstanding castles that can play host to your wedding! Also, have a gander at my other castle post: Why Scottish Castle Weddings are Incredible.
Before we get into the nooks and crannies of my castle favourites, a caveat: this isn’t an exhaustive list. We have So. Many. castles here in Scotland! That said, you’ll find this outline will be broad enough to start you off on your merry castle wedding venue hunt. Chances are, you might even find your wedding venue here!
Guests enjoying the grounds of Airlie Castle captured by Till Britze
BARCALDINE CASTLE
Barcaldine Castle is a 17th-century tower house castle located nine miles north of Oban. Ideal for smaller weddings or elopements. It’s an exclusive use venue set within the west coast of Scotland - a truly magnificent part of the country. It’s also within relatively easy reach of Glencoe which is something of a photographer’s paradise.
https://www.barcaldinecastle.co.uk
BORTHWICK CASTLE
Borthwick Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved surviving medieval Scottish fortifications. It’s located twelve miles south-east of Edinburgh. The castle can accommodate up to 85 guests, and the bed-chambers within the castle grounds welcome 28 guests. Added bonus is that it’s an exclusive hire venue.
https://www.borthwickcastle.com
BRODIE CASTLE
Dating from the 16th century, Brodie Castle is an iconic Scottish tower house surrounded by peaceful parkland. It stands between Forres and Nairn and is within easy access of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodie-castle
CARLOWRIE CASTLE
Carlowrie Castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style between 1852 and 1855 on the outskirts of Kirkliston which is a wee town approximately ten miles from Edinburgh. It’s super easy for your guests to get to if they’re arriving in the capital. There are 9 bedrooms which can sleep up to 18 guests.
DRUMTOCHTY CASTLE
Drumtochty Castle is just outside Aberdeenshire. It’s a neo-gothic style castellated mansion built back in 1812. It can be exclusively yours and hosts up to 120 guests with accommodation for up to 99 guests. It’s nestled away in 350 acres of wild woodland glen and is as impressive on the inside as outside.
https://www.drumtochtycastle.com
DUNGLASS ESTATE
If you’re looking for an exclusive use country estate, with a beautiful Gothic church, accommodation for 22 guests, and a beautiful secret garden (ideal for wedding photos); Dunglass Estate should be at the top of your list.
EILEAN DONAN
Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland’s most well-known castles. It’s truly iconic. Eilean Donan is located on its own island right next to the mighty Isle of Skye. It’s a breath-taking spot and super romantic.
https://www.eileandonancastle.com
INVERARY CASTLE
Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell but also recognisable as the summer retreat for the inhabitants of Downton Abbey! This is one of Scotland’s most picturesque castles. Choose to have your wedding in the grandeur of the Armoury Hall or have an intimate banquet in the opulence of the State Dining Room. Incredible.
http://www.inveraray-castle.com/
LOCHNELL CASTLE
Lochnell Castle is a truly private venue. It’s located on the stunning west coast of Scotland. The castle's beautiful and historic rooms and well-maintained grounds allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape from an impressive setting. It offers couples plenty of scope to inject their own personality in terms of styling and creative touches.
MELVILLE CASTLE
Melville Castle Hotel is set in a secluded 50-acre estate and is only about 20 minutes from Edinburgh. The renowned medieval Rosslyn Chapel is just 5 miles away. An all round crowd pleaser so be sure to have a gander.
NEIDPATH CASTLE
Neidpath Castle is really quite old - it’s believed to date back to around the 12th century. The Laigh Hall with its vaulted ceiling can seat up to 80 wedding guests for your wedding ceremony. The wonderful Great Hall is an ideal place for weddings of up to 80 guests: its picturesque setting with panelled walls, a roaring fire and fabulous batiks depicting the life of Mary Queen of Scots.
https://www.neidpathcastle.com
ROWALLAN CASTLE ESTATE
Rowallan gives you exclusive use of the castle with access to three main function rooms – Dining Room, Ballroom and Library giving you space for up to 100 seated guests and the freedom to choose which room you would like to use for the ceremony, meal and dancing. A definite thumbs up of a Scottish castle wedding venue.
WINTON CASTLE
Winton Castle is a romantic venue near Edinburgh that blends castle, palace and family home. It's available for exclusive use and offers a high degree of flexibility. The Scottish Renaissance castle is a hidden gem surrounded by mature gardens, deep in East Lothian countryside, just half an hour from Edinburgh and the International Airport. Winton Castle limits the number of weddings they hold each year, ensuring it’s still something of a well-kept secret. Ssh. Don’t tell anyone I told you!
Lunga House gardens captured by Melody Joy