Castle & Estate Venues
Dundas Castle (South Queensferry)
Style & Capacity: 15th‑century ivy‑clad keep, exclusive-use, up to ~200 guests.
Why couples love it: Candlelit tower ceremonies, grand interiors, and a lakeside “Boathouse” cottage for an intimate retreat
What’s included: Exclusive use of the castle, self-catering boathouse on the loch, luxury five‑star service, and dedicated planning support
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Cluny Castle (Aberdeenshire)
Style & Capacity: 17th‑century stately castle with private chapel seating ~100
Why couples love it: Romantic wooded surroundings and stunning chapel architecture make it a photographer’s dream
What’s included: Exclusive access to chapel and castle, overnight accommodation for main guests, idyllic grounds for outdoor photos
Borthwick Castle (Midlothian)
Style & Capacity: 600-year-old fortress, holds around 80 guests .
Why couples love it: Exclusive‑use Great Hall, medieval ambience paired with luxury interiors
What’s included: Dedicated coordinator, overnight stays, flexibility in ceremony styles (civil, religious, humanist)
Auchen Castle (Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway)
Style & Capacity: 19th-century “fairytale” castle, 26 bedroom suites, five-star rating
Why couples love it: Romantic Gothic interiors, private lake, falconry display—earning celebrity status
What’s included: Exclusive use, full catering, luxury suites for guests, dramatic grounds for photography .
Drumtochty Castle (Aberdeenshire)
Style & Capacity: 19th-century exclusive-use castle accommodating ~180 on a 350-acre estate
Why couples love it: Majestic banquet hall, woodland settings, private church on-site
What’s included: Full weekend stay, “Estate to Plate” catering, extensive accommodation (castle, wings, lodges)
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Luxury Hotels, Palaces & Unique Venues
Cameron House (Loch Lomond)
Style & Capacity: Five-star luxury hotel on Loch Lomond with ballrooms and outdoor spaces
Why couples love it: Breathtaking loch views, spa services, and full-service resort ambience .
What’s included: Wedding coordination, accommodation packages, spa and recreational access .
Inverlochy Castle (Fort William)
Style & Capacity: Exclusive boutique castle noted for mountain and loch vistas .
Why couples love it: “Most romantic spot” per Queen Victoria, bespoke packages, adventure opportunities
What’s included: Bespoke wedding planning, dramatic backdrop photography, lodge-style accommodation .
Scone Palace (Perthshire)
Style & Capacity: Historical palace with multiple ceremony sites—the Long Gallery, Moot Hill, gardens
Why couples love it: Regal grandeur, historic crowning site, flexibility (marquees, indoor or outdoor) .
What’s included: Multiple venue choices, street-food catering options, sweeping grounds for stunning photography
Boutique & Unconventional
Teasses Estate (Fife)
Style & Capacity: 1,100-acre country estate with greenhouse/walled garden and marquees for 120
Why couples love it: Rustic elegance, wildlife-filled scenery, flexible ceremony options
What’s included: Greenhouse ceremony, outdoor cocktail lounges and tipi events, adaptable styling
Glencorse House (Edinburgh)
Style & Capacity: Private estate with a restored 17th-century kirk seating ~130
Why couples love it: Historical charm (Outlander fans!), intimate woodlands and marquee receptions
What’s included: Chapel ceremony, private marquee for dining, woodland photo opportunities .
The Caves (Edinburgh)
Style & Capacity: Underground vaulted halls beneath the city .
Why couples love it: Unique, atmospheric subterranean setting with dramatic lighting .
What’s included: In-house catering, intimate chamber options, central location
Dougarie Boathouse (Isle of Arran)
Style & Capacity: Exclusive boathouse venue on Arran’s shoreline
Why couples love it: Secluded coastal charm and intimate atmosphere .
What’s included: Full venue access, scenic island ceremony, maritime charm .
Royal & Emerging Options
Balmoral Estate: King Charles has applied to license the Queen’s Building for high-end weddings of up to 300 guests. Public ceremonies likely remain limited, but this estate adds an exclusive royal dimension
Dumfries House: Plans for a luxury wedding facility for up to 200 guests are in the works, enhancing this historic estate’s offering
Photographic Considerations
Varied Backdrops: Castles offer great interior light (chapels, halls) and dramatic exteriors (turrets, gardens).
Romantic Lighting: Candle-lit settings in Dundas and Drumtochty create mood and romantic atmospheres.
Landscape Integration: Venues like Teasses, Dougarie, and Inverlochy are outstanding for incorporating natural scenery into storytelling shots.
Final Thoughts
Scotland offers a wealth of wedding venues—from the grandeur of castles to intimate boathouses. When choosing the right venue, consider:
Guest Size & Venue Capacity
Preferred Style (castle, estate, marquee, boutique)
Accommodation Needs
Photographic Opportunities
Level of Exclusivity
And don’t forget: emerging options like Balmoral and Dumfries House promise even more regal possibilities in the near future.
Whatever your dream—whether it’s a storybook castle, a cozy underground cavern, or a romantic lochside retreat—Scotland has a venue to bring your vision to life.
Curious about my availability at any of these venues or want help capturing the magic of your day? I’d love to chat!
