Barcaldine Castle: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

Barcaldine Castle is a traditional 16th century tower house, located right on the shores of Loch Creran.

It primarily functions as a fabulous bed and breakfast, but it’s also one of the best intimate wedding venues in Scotland.

Weather permitting you can have your ceremony outside in the beautiful gardens, followed by a cosy reception in the Great Hall.

In addition to this there are 6 ensuite bedrooms, and you can take the entire castle exclusively.

Let’s take a closer look at what a Barcaldine Castle wedding would be like.

Barcaldine Castle Location

Wedding venues in Argyll and Bute are well known for their fantastic scenery.

With Barcaldine Castle occupying a beautiful location, right on the banks of Loch Creran.

Oban is the closest major town, approximately 10 miles to the south.

However the closest city is Stirling, which is over 80 miles away.

Glasgow, Inverness, Perth, and Stirling can all be driven from in roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes.

And despite the journey being long, the spectacular scenery will more than justify the effort.

On arrival you will find plenty of parking for your guests.

And although the access road and estate gates are narrow, a small coach should have no problem getting right up to the castle.

Barcaldine Castle Setting

Although it’s not compulsory, Barcaldine Castle can be taken as an exclusive use wedding venue.

Which means you will have complete privacy for the duration of your stay.

The scenery surrounding the estate is without equal, with breathtaking views across Loch Creran and on to the mountains of Glencoe.

If you are looking for a relaxed and romantic atmosphere, then you’ve come to the right place.

This secluded tower house really is a magical setting for a wedding.

Barcaldine Castle

Originally built in the 16th century Barcaldine Castle, or The Black Castle as it’s sometimes known, has recently been given a thorough makeover.

In addition to the bedrooms, there are two fabulous reception rooms, the Great Hall and the Lairds Parlour, where you can relax with friends and family.

And as you can imagine it’s an exciting place to explore.

If you choose to take the estate exclusively then it’s a two night minimum stay, giving you plenty of time to get organised.

There’s also an in house wedding coordinator, who can recommend local suppliers and help you with any preparation.

Barcaldine Castle Accommodation

The 6 double bedrooms at Barcaldine Castle are exquisite, sleeping 12 people in complete luxury.

Each of the bedrooms has an ensuite bathroom, king size bed, an either views over the loch or the open countryside.

The rich and opulent fabrics are complemented by luxurious Arran Aromatic toiletries.

And you will wake up to a locally sourced full Scottish breakfast.

The Breadalbane Room is the largest, and most suitable as a Bridal Suite.

It has a spacious bathroom with roll top bath and walk in shower, and a four poster bed commissioned by Andrew Carnegie for Skibo castle.

Barcaldine Castle Ceremony

You will have the choice of both and indoor and an outdoor ceremony at Barcaldine Castle.

Weather permitting you can get married in the garden beside the sundial, and make the most of the beautiful west coast scenery.

Or you can go for the Great Hall right in front of the log fire.

Either way this is very much a wedding venue for intimate gatherings, with a maximum capacity of 36 people.

In fact they often host ceremonies with just the couple, and can provide witnesses if required.

Barcaldine Castle Reception

Assuming you’ve been lucky enough to enjoy some nice weather, your drinks reception can be had outside in the gardens.

Followed by your dinner reception in the Great Hall.

This genuinely unique room has beautiful wooden beams, and an enormous stone fireplace.

And despite being a cosy space, you can seat up to 36 people reasonably comfortably.

Sadly there is no option to put up a marquee and expand the capacity.

So Barcaldine Castle is really only suitable if you are considering small wedding venues.

Barcaldine Castle Catering

The catering at Barcaldine Castle is outsourced to Wined & Dined, who have in the past cooked for the Royal Family.

They will create a custom menu to suit your budget and dietary requirements, using only the freshest locally sourced produce.

You will also be invited along to a complimentary tasting session.

The castle itself is not actually licensed to sell alcohol, however you can bring your own drinks and there is no corkage fee.

Barcaldine Castle Entertainment

After your wedding breakfast, the tables and chairs can be moved around to create a small dance floor.

And there’s just about enough room to fit in a band and put on a little ceilidh.

Most people however choose to have a quiet evening relaxing in front of the fire.

As you can imagine Barcaldine Castle is more a place to enjoy the tranquility and seclusion, rather than hosting a wild party.

Barcaldine Castle Wedding Photographs

This is another unique selling point for Barcaldine Castle; the potential for fantastic wedding photographs.

Although lacking a little in natural light, the medieval interiors make for some wonderfully interesting shots.

And the scenery outside is quite literarily a wedding photographers dream.

Just imagine your pictures being taken, with Loch Creran and the mountains of Glencoe in the background.

It’s a fabulous place for capturing those special memories.

Barcaldine Castle Wedding Prices

For accurate Barcaldine Castle wedding prices, you should contact the venue directly.

Their wedding packages can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

However to give you an approximate Barcaldine Castle wedding cost.

• Exclusive use of Barcaldine Castle (sleeps 12), price £2,400 for 2 nights.
• Wedding Breakfast, prices from £59.50 per person.
• Corkage, price free.

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost less.

Barcaldine Castle Conclusion

So those are my 10 reasons you should consider Barcaldine Castle as your wedding venue.

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for an exclusive use castle, overlooking a stunning loch, with accommodation for 12 people, and an intimate reception space; then Barcaldine Castle just might be the place for you.

Whilst you are here, you should take a look at some of the other wedding venues in Scotland, featured on White Rose.

You can also find Barcaldine Castle’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.