Brodick Castle: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
There certainly is no shortage of castle wedding venues in Scotland.
However Brodick Castle is uniquely located on the Isle of Arran.
Now under the care of the National Trust for Scotland this beautiful place is open to the public.
And is also available for use as a wedding venue.
You can get married both inside the castle, or outside in the stunning walled garden.
In addition to this you can have your dinner reception in the castle, or in a marquee on the tennis lawn.
Let’s take a closer look at what a Brodick Castle wedding would be like.
Brodick Castle Location
Wedding venues in North Ayrshire are known for their stunning scenery.
With Brodick Castle occupying a truly beautiful location on the Isle of Arran.
Getting there is time consuming, and can take up to 2 hours and 30 minutes from Glasgow.
However the ferry crossings from Ardrossan to Brodick are frequent, and the journey is a very pleasant one.
You can take your car across to the Isle of Arran, and if you are planning to do so I would book your place in advance.
There’s also a good sized carpark, should a number of your guests choose to bring their cars too.
Brodick Castle Setting

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
Brodick Castle is set against the towering peak of Goatfell, the tallest mountain on the island, right on the edge of Arran’s highlands.
Beautiful mountain scenery and glorious landscaped gardens surround the castle, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
And although the property is open to the public, the areas you will be using are sectioned off giving you a reasonable level of privacy.
It’s an idyllic place for a wedding, and because it’s an island it offers something that little bit different too.
Brodick Castle

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
The history of Brodick Castle stretches back 800 years, and it has traditionally been the seat of the Dukes of Hamilton.
The current property was constructed in 1844, with the Duke and Duchess of Montrose actually living there until 1957.
It’s the perfect example of a Victorian highland estate, with elegant interiors, formal gardens, and terraced lawns.
Providing a fantastic combination of elegance and grandeur, yet still feeling welcoming and homely.
The castle’s array of different rooms also creates a lot of versatility, whether you are looking for an intimate wedding or a grander affair.
Brodick Castle Accommodation

Image Source: The Douglas Hotel
Sadly there is no accommodation inside Brodick Castle.
And although the Shore Lodge Bunkhouse is on the estate, it’s probably not suitable for weddings.
Your best options are in Brodick village, which has a range of accommodation types to suit all budgets.
Worth considering are the Douglas Hotel and the Auchrannie Resort, both of which are very nice.
They can be driven to in less than 10 minutes from the castle.
Given how much there is to see and do on Arran, your guests may want to check in for a few nights too.
Brodick Castle Ceremony

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
Religious, civil, and humanist ceremonies are all welcome at Brodick Castle.
And you will have the option of both and indoor and an outdoor ceremony.
The south facing Drawing Room with its magnificent plasterwork ceiling is your best indoor choice.
It has a capacity for up to 40 seated guests.
You can also use the Library with its capacity for 20 seated guests, if you would prefer something more intimate.
Stepping outside you have the fabulous Walled Garden with sea views.
In addition to enabling you to tie the knot alfresco, it can also accommodate up to 150 guests.
A marquee on the Tennis Lawn is also a possibility.
Brodick Castle Reception

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
You can have your drinks reception in the Entrance Hall, which has a lovely open fireplace and stags heads mounted on the walls.
This room can accommodate up to 40 guests.
Assuming the weather is nice the Walled Garden is also a fantastic location, especially if you have had an outdoor ceremony.
Your dinner reception can then be had inside Brodick Castle, either in the Library (seats 12) or in the Servants Hall (seats 60).
For more space a marquee can be put up on the Tennis Lawn, which can comfortably seat up to 150 guests.
Brodick Castle Catering

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
When it comes to the catering, you are free to select any supplier you wish.
Brodick Castle can make recommendations, and it’s always a good idea to use someone who is familiar with the venue.
You can bring your own wine and champagne, for a corkage fee of £5 per bottle.
For this fee your drinks will be chilled and glasses will be provided, as will the staff to serve.
Brodick Castle Grounds

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
There are almost 3,000 hectares of gardens, parkland, and dramatic scenery to explore at Brodick Castle.
With the estate comprising of Britains only island country park, which extends from seashore to mountain top.
Beautiful manicured lawns complement wildflower meadows and meandering woodland trails.
With the summer months bringing a dazzling display of colours.
The walled garden is a real highlight, especially because of its sweeping views across Brodick Bay.
And when it comes to your wedding photographs, beautiful backdrops can be found around every corner.
Brodick Castle Unique Feature

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
Whilst your guests are sure to be impressed by Brodick Castle, they will only see a small fraction of the property during your wedding day.
It is possible however to arrange private tours for your friends and family, so they can explore the history and character even further.
This could be ideal for when you are away with your wedding photographer, and will give your guests something which they probably won’t have experienced at a wedding before.
Brodick Castle Wedding Prices

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
For accurate Brodick 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 Brodick Castle wedding cost:
- Drawing Room (ceremony & drinks reception), price £1,400.
- Library (ceremony & drinks reception), price £720.
- Walled Garden (ceremony & drinks reception), price £1,800.
- Brodick Castle (ceremony & reception), price £3,000.
- Lawn Hire (marquee), price £750 (marquee not included).
The prices above are for a summer weekend.
Winter and midweek weddings could cost less.
Brodick Castle Conclusion

Image Source: National Trust for Scotland
So those are my 10 reasons you should consider Brodick Castle as your wedding venue.
Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.
However if you are looking for a stunning castle, in an island setting, with a fabulous walled garden, and space for a large marquee; then Brodick 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 Brodick Castle’s website here.
Good luck with your wedding planning.