Small & Intimate Castle Weddings in Scotland - A Photographers Inside Guide
Are you dreaming of a fairy-tale castle wedding, but without the massive guest list, rigid timelines, or overwhelm?
I specialise in small, intimate castle weddings — the kind where you can truly enjoy the day, spend time with your favourite people, and soak up the atmosphere of an incredible historic place.
I’ve photographed weddings at many of Scotland’s most beautiful castles and houses, and this guide brings together real, practical insight to help you choose the right venue — and plan a day that feels relaxed, meaningful, and very you.
Let me know which one captures your heart.
Check my availability
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is especially helpful if you’re planning:
A small or intimate castle wedding (from elopements up to around 80 guests)
A destination wedding in Scotland
A wedding near Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife, or the Borders
A day that feels romantic, personal, and unhurried
A wedding where the experience and photography truly matter
How to Choose the Right Castle Wedding Venue in Scotland?
As your photographer, I don’t just turn up on the day — I help couples plan their wedding in a way that really works for their venue - If you’d like support with this, feel free to get in touch.
Before booking, it’s worth thinking about things like how many guests you can brings, is it exclusive use, what accommodation do they offer and how will the spaces flow for photography throughout the day.
Here is a quick-glance overview to easily compare venues and plan a wedding day that feels magical, relaxed, and well thought-out. I go into much more detail in each castle section below (just click the name to find out more about your chosen castle).
Coastal views and grand spaces near Edinburgh
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✓
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for 80-140
Bedrooms: Prep only
Main Spaces: Grand Hall & Library
Iconic, historic city weddings
Exclusive Use ✗
In-House Catering ✓
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for under 20 (max 140)
Bedrooms: 0
Main Spaces: Intimate Chapel & Halls
Homely countryside castle with stunning grounds
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✗
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for under 80 (max 110)
Bedrooms: 3 (incl. bridal suite)
Main Spaces: Ballroom & Conservatory
Ancient magical spaces, and lots of ceremony options
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✓
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for 2-50 (max 150)
Bedrooms: 3
Main Spaces: Cosy Historic Rooms
Luxury exclusive weddings with accommodation
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✗
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for under 60 (max 200)
Bedrooms: 19 (incl. Boathouse)
Main Spaces: Gothic Hall & Grand Rooms
Historic castle spa hotel close to the city
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✓
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for 2-100
Bedrooms: 35
Main Spaces: Chapel, Dungeon & Grand Rooms
Raw, ancient, romantic castle drama
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✗
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for under 80 (max 120)
Bedrooms: 4
Main Spaces: Medieval Castle Rooms
Luxury countryside setting, room for the whole family
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✗
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for 20 (max 150)
Bedrooms: 12
Main Spaces: Applestore and Barnquee
Artistic interiors and accommodation for everyone
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✗
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for 2-100 (max 110)
Bedrooms: 33
Main Spaces: Chapel & Castle Rooms
Quirky homely castle with accommodation for everyone
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✗
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for under 14 (max unknown)
Bedrooms: 6
Main Spaces: Quirky Castle Rooms
Ancient luxury with accommodation close to the city
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✗
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for under 80
Bedrooms: 12
Main Spaces: Medieval Castle Rooms
Grand mansion with accommodation for everyone
Exclusive Use ✓
In-House Catering ✓
Outdoor Ceremony Option ✓
Ideal for 2-75 (max 150)
Bedrooms: 33
Main Spaces: Mansion Rooms
Not Sure Which Castle Fits Your Day?
I’m happy to help you narrow it down and plan a timeline that works beautifully for photography.
Check availability or ask a question
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
⭐ Best for
Larger intimate weddings
If you love coastal views and grand spaces
Guests travelling from Edinburgh or overseas
❤️ Why couples love Barnbougle
Incredible wraparound terrace and sea views
Exclusive use of a historic castle
Easy access from Edinburgh while feeling secluded
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
The banqueting hall is one of my favourites in Scotland — full of character and light. Golden hour on the terrace is magical, and having access to a private beach gives you something truly special for relaxed, romantic portraits. It’s also a short taxi ride into Edinburgh, if you want to incorporate a city adventure.
real Barnbougle Wedding
Edinburgh Castle
Perched high above the city on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most recognisable wedding venues in the world. From the tiny St Margaret’s Chapel to the grand halls, it’s steeped in stories of kings, queens and centuries of history.
⭐ Best for
Very small weddings and elopements
Couples wanting an iconic Edinburgh setting
Religious ceremonies
❤️ Why couples love edinburgh
Deep historic significance,St. Margaret’s chapel is Edinburgh’s oldest building
The magic of marrying inside Scotland’s most famous landmark
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
You don’t get exclusive use and weddings are only available from October - May but I love the tiny ancient 11th century, it’s a magical little space where you can hold small religious ceremony’s. Photography is limited within the Castle itself — but the surrounding viewpoints across the Old Town are stunning. I often guide couples to nearby locations for castle views without the crowds.
want to talk through ideas?
Megginch Castle
Megginch is set within an expansive country estate, with a truly cinematic courtyard — it has actually been used as a film set — and beautiful tree arches. The castle even has its own private chapel. Your guests can play croquet on the lawns, visit the horses, or snuggle up together around a pretty firepit.
⭐ Best for
Medium-sized intimate weddings
Couples who love countryside and character
Outlander and Game of Thrones vibes
❤️ Why couples love megginch
Good variety of spaces and pretty gardens
Private chapel and outdoor ceremony options
The warm, homely feel
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
This is a dream venue to photograph. The courtyard, tree arches, and lawns give endless variety — and yes, there’s even a horse called Trevor who can pull a carriage if you wish.
real megginch Wedding
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.
⭐ Best for
Elopements & tiny weddings
Couples who love storytelling and history
Relaxed, unhurried wedding days
❤️ Why couples love traquair
You can marry almost anywhere
The magical ancient yew trees and river walk
The antique filled rooms and private wing
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
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.
real traquair Wedding
Dundas Castle
Gather your loved ones for a luxury 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.
⭐ Best for
Luxury small-to-medium weddings
Couples wanting accommodation on site
Guests travelling from abroad
❤️ Why couples love dundas
Exclusive use and beautiful grounds
Mix of medieval and Regency spaces
Stunning boathouse for extended stays
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
I love the dark, moody Auld Keep for ceremonies, paired with the cosy, elegant rooms of the main house. The grounds have some really lovely tucked-away spots, including the boathouse, which is perfect for relaxed portraits. And if you fancy venturing a little further, it’s easy to hop in the car and head to the coast at South Queensferry or into Edinburgh for a few extra city or seaside photos.
Dalhousie Castle
Dalhousie is a full castle hotel experience, complete with spa, dungeon restaurant and on-site chapel — ideal if you want comfort, history and guest accommodation all in one place. They even have an owl to deliver the rings at the altar!
⭐ Best for
Spa and falconry experiences
Multi-day weddings with a visit to the city
Guests travelling from afar
❤️ Why couples love dalhousie
Plenty of bedrooms
Beautiful large capacity chapel within the castle
Countryside setting but close to Edinburgh
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
The dramatic stairwell and arched chapel photograph beautifully. For smaller gatherings, the cosy lounge spaces feel warm and intimate. The owl ring delivery adds a fun moment to your photographs.
Neidpath Castle
Beautifully ancient and beautifully romantic - Neidpath is dark and moody with it’s vaulted hall, atmospheric bar and dungeon space. It’s a favourite for it’s beautifully photo backdrop, candlelit spaces and gothic feels. It’s perfect for a small wedding.
⭐ Best for
Small weddings with gothic flair
Couples who love ancient history
Candlelit ceremonies
❤️ Why couples love Neidpath
Feels untouched and authentic
Incredible atmosphere
Beautifully intimate
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
This castle is full of medieval character. Low ceilings, carved doors, dramatic light, dark moody spaces — it’s fun to photograph. It’s defensive location above the river provides epic views down the river valley especially in the autumn.
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 ‘Barnquee’ event space & pretty ‘Applestore’ ceremony space.
⭐ Best for
Family-focused weddings
Woodland vibes
Relaxed weekend-long celebrations
❤️ Why couples love myres
Accommodation for the wedding party
Firepits, pizza ovens, relaxed vibe
Beautiful gardens and countryside
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
I love how the Barnquee and Applestore sit within the gardens — it feels informal but intentional. Scenic Falkland nearby is also a joy to explore for some ‘Outlander’ inspired photos.
Fingask Castle
This Perthshire castle strikes the perfect balance—elegant 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.
⭐ Best for
Lower budget creative couples
Laid-back celebrations
Family and friends staying on site
❤️ Why couples love Fingask
Quirky gardens
Informal, welcoming atmosphere
Family friendly space
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
I love to explore the fun gardens and the grand indoor spaces.
Dairsie Castle
⭐ Best for
Small DIY weddings
A family weekend away wedding vibe
Informal, personal celebrations
Dairsie can be hired through AirBNB, it’s a warm, relaxed and wonderfully unpretentious but quirky venue — ideal if you want everyone under one roof and a day that feels like a big family gathering.
❤️ Why couples love dairsie
Accommodation all included
Quirky rather than historic features
Cost effective option
📸 Photography notes (Ali’s insight)
I love the light filled gallery space and the great hall with it’s quirky totem poles and high ceilings. Outside the grounds are very pretty and perfect for an outdoor ceremony or adventure.
request a call about dairsie photography
Your Questions, Answered
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Yes — many castles offer outdoor ceremonies, gardens or woodland options. I always recommend having a Plan B indoors.
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Absolutely. Many castles are actually better suited to intimate weddings.
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Some do, some don’t. I help couples plan timelines around where everyone is staying.
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Castle venues — especially smaller ones — book up quickly. 12–18 months ahead is common.
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