Top 5 fairytale castle weddings

A black and white photograph of a bride and groom standing on a lawn, with Castle Fraser in the background. Tall woodland trees frame the shot. The bride wears a veil and her long white train is arranged around her. The groom wears a kilt. Both hold a bouquet of flowers between them.

Castle Fraser wedding | © Janie Barclay 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. Or, for added flexibility, the converted Stable Block can be used for receptions and dances.

A bride and groom walk along a gravel path towards Brodie Castle on a sunny day. A group of people wait beside the castle in the distance. The groom is carrying the train of the bride's dress.

A converted stables is set up for a wedding meal, with lots of round tables covered in cream fabric. The ceiling has wooden rafters and beams, decorated with silk bows. Bowls of flowers and bottles of wine are arranged on the tables.

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!

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.

A grand hall, with white walls and a barrel-vaulted ceiling, is set up for a large wedding meal. Long rectangular tables run the length of the hall, covered with white linen.

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 kiss on a gravel path in a colourful walled garden, with Crathes Castle standing in the background. The flowering borders have purple and pinks flowers, with lots of lush green foliage.

Two wedding cars, one black and the other white, are parked on the gravel area in front of Crathes Castle. Both have white ribbon tied across their bonnets.

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 view of Drum Castle on a sunny day, seen from the edge of the woodland and looking across the lush green lawns. A large, square stone tower stands to the left, with a Jacobean section to the front, and a more modern Victorian wing to the rear.

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.

A view of the main facade of Fyvie Castle, taken from across the front lawn. A bride and groom stand arm in arm in the front doorway.

A wedding ceremony taking place in an extremely decorative room, with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and elaborate plasterwork. The wedding couple stand at the far end, with the officiant in front of them. A number of people are seated on the rows of chairs, watching them.

By choosing a Trust venue for your wedding, you’ll be supporting our vital conservation work to help us protect Scotland’s heritage for current and future generations to enjoy.

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

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