at a glance guide
8 Best Castle Wedding Venues Scotland
Are you dreaming of a castle wedding fit for royalty or an intimate elopement in a fairy-tale setting filled with enchanting stories? I believe in keeping things simple, so Iāve gathered information on eight of my favourite castle wedding venues in Scotland, all conveniently located near Edinburgh.
Let me know which one captures your heart! As a photographer who specialises in capturing magical weddings at stunning castle venues, I'd be thrilled to help you create unforgettable memories at the castle of your dreams!
AT A GLANCE GUIDE
Castle Wedding Venues
Near Edinburgh
be inspired!
Barnbougle Castle
Strutting out on a rocky terrace over the water, Barnbougle is a 13th century castle with epic views, a private beach & a superb grand banqueting hall. It sits within the expansive Dalmeny Estate just outside Edinburgh & has amazing views across the Forth and out to sea
ā Exclusive Use
ā In-House Catering
ā Outdoor Ceremony Option
Guests: 140 (450 stretch tent)
Bedrooms: Prep only
Main Spaces: Hall & Library
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I love the stunning banquetting hall, the wrap round terrace & the amazing views over the river. The bride and groom can access a beautiful private beach which is a beautiful spot for golden hour photographs. The castle is just a short taxi ride from Edinburgh so itās fantastic if you want to stay near the capital.
Edinburgh Castle
The famed castle with itās grand halls and tiny chapel (St. Margaretās chapel is Edinburghās oldest building) sits atop a volcanic plug overlooking Edinburgh. If you love stories of Kings and Queens, this may be perfect for you. You can even view the crown jewels with your guests.
ā Exclusive Use
ā In-House Catering
ā Outdoor Ceremony Option
Guests: 120 (170 evening)
Bedrooms: 0
Main Spaces: Chapel & Halls
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Obviously Edinburgh Castle is very busy so you donāt get exclusive use and weddings are only available from October - May.
The tiny ancient 11th century, St. Margaretās chapel was built by King David I and is a magical little space where you can hold small religious ceremonyās. For larger weddings you can hire the Queen Anne building (120) or the Jacobite Room (100), there is also the smaller Gatehouse Suite (34).
If you donāt want to book the castle but want pictures with it, check out my ā15 Of The Best Photo Spots Edinburghā blog as you cannot get photographs at the actual castle (unless youāve booked it) but I can guide you to some of the amazing views around the city..
Megginch Castle
A 15th century castle set within an expansive country estate with movie scene worthy courtyard & tree arches. Megginch even has it's own private chapel. Your guests can play croquet on the lawns, visit the horses or snuggle round a pretty firepit.
ā Exclusive Use
ā In-House Catering
ā Outdoor Ceremony Option
Guests: 110 (150 evening)
Bedrooms: 3 (incl. bridal suite)
Main Spaces: Ballroom & Conservatory
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Megginch is a hidden gem , itās relatively new & unknown and has a huge variety of spaces to use for your wedding. I love the stunning historic courtyard (which feels like an Outlander set) and beautiful tree arches (which remind me of that tree arch walkway in Game Of Thrones). There is also a tiny private chapel and a horse called Trevor who can pull your carriage, if you wish. It is family run by the lovely Drummond family and they have Jan, who is a fabulous experienced events co-ordinator to make sure your day runs smoothly.
Traquair House
Scotland's oldest inhabited house, Traquair is full of great features including a maze & it's own brewery. Choose to get married in the yew tree circle listening to the river, in the tiny chapel, the walled garden, on the lawn or in the house. It's a venue full of amazing possibilities and great for an elopement.
ā Exclusive Use
ā In-House Catering
ā Outdoor Ceremony Option
Guests: 50 (150 in marquee)
Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms
Main Spaces: Dining & Drawing Rooms
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I love the intimacy & versatility of Traquair. Their sweetheart elopement package is always a wonderful intimate experience to be a part of. Couples enjoy exploring the unique spaces; not many venues boost a maze & brewery. Situated in their own private wing of the house, the antique-filled bedrooms are beautifully finished.
Dundas Castle
Gather your loved ones for a wedding mini-break near the city. Dundas Castle, just 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre, offers the ideal blend of exclusivity and luxury for a larger group. The castle beautifully combines fascinating ancient spaces with elegant Regency-era rooms
ā Exclusive Use
ā In-House Catering
ā Outdoor Ceremony Option
Guests: 60 (200 marquee)
Bedrooms: 19 (incl. Boathouse)
Main Spaces: Castle Rooms
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I love the blend of spaces at Dundas Castle and its close proximity to Edinburgh. Originally built in the 15th century, the Auld Keep has all the character you'd expect from an ancient castle, while the 1800s additions offer modern comfort in beautiful, elegant spaces.
For a post-wedding retreat, the stunning boathouse is the perfect spot to stay and explore more of Scotland.
Walking the grounds around Dundas is a joyāyouāll even spot horses and llamas! I find the venue works best for slightly smaller weddings, as the marquee doesnāt quite match the charm of the other spaces.
Dalhousie Castle
Get your rings delivered by the castle owl, enjoy their spa and get married in a pretty chapel which is within the hotel building. Dalhousie is a hotel so it has plenty accommodation for your guests and it's a great place to stay for a few nights. Your guests can enjoy the spa & explore the dungeon restaurant.
ā Exclusive Use (option)
ā In-House Catering
ā Outdoor Ceremony Option
Guests: 100
Bedrooms: 35 Bedrooms
Main Spaces: Chapel & Function Rooms
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For a large wedding, you can book out the whole hotel & if your guests are travelling from afar they will love exploring Edinburgh (the city centre is a 30 minute drive). You can use the two large suites (the Ramsay Suite & Sir Alexander Suite) along with the other amazing spaces
I love the dramatic entrance stairwell & the arched chapel space (set within the hotel).
For intimate gatherings you can use the cosy lounge with itās pretty fireplace & comfy sofaās & the Dungeon restaurant.
Myres Castle
Just outside the historic town of Falkland, Myres castle with it's turrets & beautiful gardens can be booked for the whole weekend. The whole bridal party can stay in the castle & enjoy delicious food & castle living. I love their creative āBarnqueeā event space & pretty āApplestoreā ceremony space.
ā Exclusive Use (option)
ā In-House Catering
ā Outdoor Ceremony Option
Guests: 150 (200 evening)
Bedrooms: 12 Bedrooms
Main Spaces: Applestore & Barnquee
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I love the way the larch clad Barnquee & Applestore nestle within the castle's beautifully cared for gardens & frame a relaxed space to enjoy the pizza oven & firepits with your guests.
The castle is set amongst hills & open countryside & near the cute town of Falkland. Falkland is just 1 hr from Edinburgh. The beautiful town is famous for it's historic palace, as a filming location for Outlander and because Jonny Cash loved visiting the town after he discovered it was his ancestral home.
Fingask Castle
This Perthshire castle strikes the perfect balanceāelegant without being overly formal or too posh, with surrealist gardens reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, a pool, tennis court, and beds for whopping 70 guests. Perfect for a big party or a cosy mid-week elopement in its family chapel.
ā Exclusive Use
ā In-House Catering
ā Outdoor Ceremony Option
Guests: 110 (250 evening)
Bedrooms: 33 (incl. bridal suite)
Main Spaces: Chapel, Castle & Pavillion
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I love the fun gardens at Fingask and the fact that you can host a wedding with everyone staying on-site, enjoying both the castle and the swimming pool. Itās a more family-friendly space than other castles, making it ideal for a relaxed wedding. With its old-world charm, Fingask has been home to a prominent Scottish family for hundreds of years, even hosting Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite Risings. The castle is a fantastic venue, and while the pavilion may not be as pretty, it's perfect for larger weddings and just a short walk from the castle
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