Carberry Tower: 10 Reasons To Choose This Wedding Venue
Carberry Tower used to be the home of the Queen Mother’s sister.
And as you can imagine it played host to many a Royal visitor, including the Queen as a child.
Today it functions as a hotel, and can be used for both wedding ceremonies and receptions.
The mansion house boasts 30 luxurious bedroom suites, and a range of principal rooms including the contemporary Glass House.
Combined with its stunning parkland and beautiful gardens, Carberry Tower could be a wonderful place to get married.
Let’s take a look at 10 good reasons why.
Carberry Tower Location
Carberry Tower is located less than 10 miles from Edinburgh.
Driving from Scotlands capital should take you no more than 25 minutes, and there is plenty of parking available on site.
The driveway is a little narrow, but access for large coaches is definitely possible too.
Once you arrive you will feel a world away from the busy city.
The mansion house is surrounded by beautiful woodlands, and it’s a an excellent place to get some peace and quiet.
Your guests will definitely be impressed when they see the imposing building, and the stunning gardens.
Carberry Tower Exclusive Use
You don’t have to take Carberry Tower exclusively, but the option is there if you want to.
The Glass House (ceremony) and the Pavilion (reception) can be hired separately, as can the bedroom suites; with the rest of the hotel remaining open to the public.
Or should you desire, and if your budget can stretch that far, you can close down the entire estate and have the mansion to yourself.
Exclusive use prices are quite reasonable, especially if you choose a less popular time of year.
And it would be pretty fantastic, having your own private estate for the weekend.
Carberry Tower
The first foundation stone of Carberry Tower was laid in 1480.
Over the years it has been extended and modernised, and at times it was a gathering place for Kings and Queens.
King George VI would often visit his sister-in-law here, bringing with him Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.
In fact there are pictures of the Queen playing in the gardens.
The principal rooms are on the first floor, and they are flooded with natural light with nice views over the gardens.
As you can imagine historic decor and antique furniture are to be found everywhere, creating a lovely atmosphere.
Be sure to find the Tap Room with its barrel vaulted ceilings, and selection of beers, wines, and spirits.
Carberry Tower Accommodation
There are 30 ensuite bedrooms at Carberry Tower, which can sleep up to 55 guests.
Each of them has beautiful views over the estate and grounds.
And they are all elegantly appointed with antique furniture, some of which have four poster beds.
Just think of all the royalty that once slept in these wonderful rooms.
It’s an experience I’m sure both you and your guests will enjoy enormously.
They can be booked individually as required, unless you take the estate exclusively of course.
Carberry Tower Ceremony
Carberry Tower is considered by some, to be one of the most romantic places in Scotland to get married.
It certainly has the potential to be.
There is what has been called a Private Chapel, but is more a contemporary Glass House, which can be used for your ceremony.
It can seat up to 150 guests, and has floor to ceiling windows revealing beautiful views of the gardens.
The interior is also very neutral, and can be decorated in whatever style you want.
Carberry Tower Reception
For your drinks reception at Carberry Tower you have the Champagne Terrace, which was a gift from the Queen Mother to her sister.
It’s an elegant outdoor space, which is ideal for socialising.
Your dinner reception can then be had in the Banqueting Pavilion, which is really just a marquee accessed by a pergola walkway.
It’s a lovely space with beautiful chandeliers, and views onto the estate gardens.
With seating for 150 guests, it has a fairly large capacity too.
Finally you can welcome your evening guests in the Rose Garden Rooms, where a full buffet can be served.
These rooms look out onto the rose gardens, and can accommodate up to 180 guests plus a ceilidh band.
Carberry Tower Catering
The catering is handled internally at Carberry Tower, and they are very much a household which celebrates fabulous food and feasting.
Lead by the excellent head chef, the kitchen team work only with the best suppliers, sourcing the freshest ingredients from the UK’s finest purveyors.
They pride themselves in creating unique menus, and will work closely with you to produce the cuisine that you desire.
Carberry Tower Grounds
There are 35 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds to explore at Carberry Tower.
The private parkland has been established over 500 years, and features tree lined driveways, sweeping lawns, landscaped ponds, and nice walkways.
Wildlife can be seen around every corner, including parkland deer and pheasants.
There’s also a collection of interesting trees, which have been planted over the last 300 years.
If you are lucky enough to get some nice weather, it’s a wonderful place to go for a relaxing stroll and enjoy the outdoors.
Your guests will certainly appreciate standing in the stunning gardens, catching up with friends.
Carberry Tower Bridal Suite
The Royal Suites at Carberry Tower, are absolutely perfect for the bride and groom.
With stunning views over the estate, they are the very essence of grand luxury and style.
Personally I would go with the Mary Queen of Scots Royal Suite.
It’s arguably one of the finest and most spacious bedrooms in the Edinburgh area, complete with toiletries from Floris of London.
If you choose to stay at the mansion house the night before your wedding, the Royal Suite will make the perfect staging area.
With plenty of room for bridesmaids, hairdressers, makeup artists, and wedding photographers.
Carberry Tower Wedding Packages
For accurate pricing and availability, I would contact Carberry Tower directly.
They will be happy to tailor a specific package just for you.
However to give you a rough idea of what’s on offer:
- Glass House (ceremony), price £750 – £3,500.
- Exclusive use of hotel (55 people b&b), price £3,000 – £9,000.
- Wedding Breakfast, price £115 per person (includes Pavilion, canapes, three course meal, half bottle of wine, Prosecco for toasts).
Carberry Tower Conclusion
So those are my 10 reasons you should consider Carberry Tower as your wedding venue.
Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.
However if you are looking for an exclusive use country mansion, less than 10 miles from Scotlands capital, with beautiful grounds and parkland, and strong Royal connections; then Carberry Tower just might be the place for you.
Whilst you are here, you should take a look at some of the other wedding venues, featured on White Rose.
You can also find Carberry Tower’s website here.
Good luck with your wedding planning.