Top 6 fairytale castle weddings

A bride and groom kiss in the courtyard of Fyvie Castle, standing in front of a tall wooden door to the castle. The long train of the bride's dress is arranged behind her.

Fyvie Castle wedding | © Sophie Alexandra Photography

If you’ve always dreamed of being a prince or princess for the day, then the National Trust for Scotland’s collection of castles provide the ultimate fairytale setting.

What could be more romantic than an idyllic Scottish castle with winding staircases, turrets and towers, set in manicured grounds with enchanting gardens?

To help kick-start your wedding planning, we’ve listed our top six most popular fairytale castle venues to inspire you. The hard bit will be choosing which one!

Brodie Castle, Moray

Brodie Castle is an iconic Scottish tower house set in beautiful parkland. Renowned for its elegant interiors and a world-famous art collection, the castle offers a romantic location for intimate weddings for up to 60 guests, with accommodation on site for up to 22 guests. If you’re planning a larger wedding, a marquee can be erected in the grounds.

A view of Brodie Castle seen from the main drive on a sunny spring day. Yellow and cream daffodils line the edge of the drive.

A bride and groom gaze at each other in the grand drawing room of Brodie Castle. A large chandelier is lit just above them.

Castle Fraser, Inverurie

Castle Fraser is set in open woodland and boasts a colourful and secluded walled garden. The Great Hall, with its high vaulted ceiling, grand open fireplace and large south-facing windows, offers a bright and flexible space for ceremonies, receptions and dances. Venture to the top of the round tower for spectacular views of the estate!

Looking down at Castle Fraser on a sunny day from the surrounding parkland. Tall beech trees run either side of a grass avenue towards the castle.

A bride and groom embrace on a wooden platform at the top of a tall stone tower, with views of the surrounding woodland and parkland. A small bunch of flowers lies slightly to the left of the bride. It is a lovely sunny day with a blue sky.

Crathes Castle, Royal Deeside

Crathes Castle, just 15 miles from Aberdeen, is steeped in history, with strong ties to Robert the Bruce. Exchange your vows in the Great Hall or world-famous walled garden, before dining and dancing in the refurbished Horsemill.

A bride and groom stand on stone garden steps, with Crathes Castle in the background. The groom wears a red kilt. The bride wears a long white dress and is carrying a beautiful bouquet of red and orange flowers.

A bride and groom embrace under a mushroom-shaped laurel tree in a walled garden. The bride's veil is billowing straight out behind her.

Culzean Castle, South Ayrshire

Perched on a clifftop on the Ayrshire coast, Culzean Castle is set in a vast country park with decorative follies and colourful gardens. Inside, spiral staircases and elegant interiors add to the flexible options for intimate weddings for up to 50 guests. Within the estate there are 8 self-catering cottages, sleeping up to 30 guests.

A bride and groom kiss, standing beside a stone wall that overlooks the gardens in front of Culzean Castle.

A bride and groom sit on a low stone wall, with the Ayrshire coast behind them. The man is leaning back a little and laughing.

Drum Castle, near Banchory

One of the oldest castles in Scotland, Drum’s medieval tower, Jacobean mansion house and opulent Victorian interiors combine to offer a dramatic setting. The 16th-century chapel, nestled in the grounds amongst a copse of yew and holly trees, can hold religious ceremonies for up to 45. For civil or humanist ceremonies the castle’s Library or spectacular rose garden are perfect in the summer months.

A bride and groom stand on the lawn outside the courtyard of Drum Castle, gazing at each other. The bride wears a long white dress and holds of bouquet of peach and white flowers. The groom wears a kilt.

A view inside a small chapel with exposed stone walls. Kneeling pads are laid out in front of the altar, which is covered in a white and gold cloth with a row of lit candles on top. Two large candelabras stand either side of the altar. A stained glass window is just above the altar.

Fyvie Castle, Turriff

Steeped in history, myth and legend, Fyvie Castle is renowned for its lavish interiors; in fact, it’s considered one of the National Trust for Scotland’s most opulent venues – so no need to use up budget on flowers or decorations! The Preston Tower Apartment offers luxury self-catering accommodation within the castle for up to 16 guests.

Rows of seats are set up in the Gallery of Fyvie Castle, facing the large pipe organ on the wall. The chairs closest to the aisle have a pink rose tied to them.

A bride sits on a sofa in the middle of a grand drawing room. The large train of her wedding dress is arranged around her. She holds a bouquet of white and pink flowers, and a vase of lilies stands behind her.

By choosing our venues for your wedding, you’re also supporting our vital conservation work across the country. Make your wedding a truly unique experience and help our charity to protect these treasured places for generations to come.

To discuss your wedding plans in more detail and help plan your perfect day, please contact us.

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