Say ‘I do’ at dusk: twilight weddings at the Trust

A bride and groom hold hands and look out to sea with a castle on a cliff behind them.

Culzean Castle & Country Park | image: Fotogenic

Twilight weddings are fast becoming a favourite for couples seeking a more romantic, relaxed and cost-effective way to tie the knot.

What is a twilight wedding?

A twilight wedding is a ceremony that typically begins in the late afternoon or early evening, after 4pm, and continues into the night. It skips the traditional all-day schedule and focuses on the most memorable parts of a wedding: the ceremony, drinks reception, and evening celebration.

This format allows for a shorter day, a more intimate guest list, and a truly atmospheric experience as daylight fades into dusk.

A bride and groom walk along a beach towards the sea with their arms around each other. A castle is on the cliffs in the distance behind them.

Culzean Castle & Country Park | image: Fotogenic

Why choose a twilight wedding?

Romantic lighting

The soft glow of golden hour, followed by candlelight (battery-operated, of course!) and fairylights, creates the ideal setting, perfect for stunning photography and unforgettable moments.

Budget-friendly

Twilight packages are often more affordable than full-day weddings, helping couples save on catering, venue hire, and entertainment without sacrificing the ‘wedding‘ experience.

Relaxed timing

With a later start, there’s less pressure on timelines. It gives couples, guests, the venue and suppliers more flexibility, making the day feel calm and enjoyable from start to finish.

Ideal for smaller guest lists

Evening ceremonies often feel more personal and are ideal for couples who want an intimate celebration with close friends and family.

A bride and groom walk away from the camera along a garden path towards a castle.

Twilight weddings at the Trust

The Trust’s portfolio of breathtaking venues offers a variety of choices, from stately homes and castles to gardens and historic sites. Here are our top 5 twilight wedding venues:

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Located near Banchory in the heart of Royal Deeside, just 35 minutes from Aberdeen, Crathes Castle is a stunning Scottish tower house surrounded by exquisite walled gardens and versatile event space in the historic Horsemill.

Haddo House

Located near Ellon in Aberdeenshire, Haddo House is a grand stately home surrounded by a beautiful terrace garden with its own private chapel. Haddo Hall is the perfect space for evening receptions and can take up to 250 guests.

Greenbank Garden

Tucked away behind a grand wall, this secret garden is a serene oasis of tranquillity and beauty, just under a mile from the vibrant southside suburbs of Glasgow. Greenbank Garden’s meticulously manicured grounds offer a stunning setting for intimate garden ceremonies or larger, festival-style weddings.

Culzean Castle & Country Park

Perched on a stunning clifftop with breathtaking views of the Isle of Arran, Culzean Castle is surrounded by a sprawling country park, featuring charming follies, vibrant gardens, and sandy beaches, all just an hour from Glasgow. Inside the castle, spiral staircases and beautifully appointed rooms enhance the sense of grandeur, offering a variety of distinctive settings for intimate weddings for up to 50 guests.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Celebrate your love story where Scotland’s greatest poet once lived and wrote. Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a mix of traditional and modern, with beautiful gardens, heritage buildings, and a stylish events suite.

As twilight falls over the Ayrshire countryside, the venue comes alive with atmosphere. Couples can say their vows in the museum’s elegant indoor space or outdoors among the poetry paths and rustic surroundings. The Burns Monument and Brig o’ Doon offer unforgettable photo backdrops.

Whether you’re a lover of literature, a fan of Burns, or simply seeking a romantic Scottish setting, RBBM provides a timeless location for a twilight wedding.