Dundas Castle: 10 Reasons To Choose This Wedding Venue
Dundas Castle has just celebrated its 600th birthday; the Auld Keep having been built in 1416.
It has of course been extended and upgraded many times since the 15th century, and is now one of Scotlands top five star exclusive use venues.
There are 17 wonderful bedrooms available in the castle, plus a pavilion marquee providing a large entertaining space.
Combine this with acres of stunning gardens and grounds, and a licence for outdoor ceremonies, and the result is a potentially spectacular place to get married.
Let’s take a closer look.
Dundas Castle Location
If you and your guests are coming from Scotlands capital, then Dundas Castle has the perfect location not too far from the Forth Road Bridge.
Being on this side of Edinburgh also means that Glasgow, Stirling, Dundee, and Perth can all be driven from in less than an hour.
On arrival you will find the most beautiful estate with parkland, manicured lawns, and even its own loch.
It’s a world away from the cities, and a great place for some relaxation and tranquility.
Parking is more than sufficient, and you will manage to get large coaches up the drive.
Dundas Castle Exclusive Use
If you are looking for a wedding venue which functions as a hotel, then Dundas Castle is not for you.
Getting married on the estate means you have to take the entire place exclusively.
Of course this does come at a cost, however you and your guests will be guaranteed complete privacy.
And not just of the castle, but also the grounds too.
Imagine having all of this to yourself for the weekend.
For many that would be an absolute fairytale.
Dundas Castle
Dundas Castle is actually made up of three main buildings.
The Auld Keep which was built as a private home, but also as a fortress to withstand attack.
The Main House which was designed by William Burn and built in 1818.
And the Classic Pavilion on the lawn behind the castle.
Combined this trio of properties will act as the perfect backdrop to your celebrations.
You could have your ceremony in the Auld Keep, your dinner reception in the Pavilion, and finally you and your guests could retire to the luxury bedrooms in the Main House.
Dundas Castle Accommodation
There are 17 luxury bedrooms at Dundas Castle, meaning you can sleep 34 of your closest family and friends on site.
Most of the rooms are in the Main House, however a few are in the Courtyard Cottage.
They have each been individually designed, some with roll top baths and four poster beds, creating the ultimate in relaxation.
If you do require more space, there is also the one bedroom Boathouse.
This is a cosy and romantic retreat situated by the loch.
It could make a potentially nice mini moon location too.
Dundas Castle Ceremony
There are a number of potential locations for your wedding at Dundas Castle.
And they are licensed for religious, humanist, and civil ceremonies.
The Great Hall in the medieval Auld Keep, with its vaulted ceiling and original brickwork, is a romantic setting which seats up to 100 guests.
Or you could go for the Croquet Room, with its elegant Georgian decor and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the gardens.
Up to 80 guests can watch you tie the knot under the chandelier in this space.
An outdoor ceremony could also be beautiful, if you are willing to brave the elements.
And if none of these options feel right or if you require more space, the Pavilion Marquee can be used with its capacity for 180 seated guests.
Dundas Castle Reception
For summer weddings, and providing it’s not raining, your drinks reception can be had outside on the lawn.
During the colder months, Dundas Castle can offer open log fires and cozy furniture indoors.
Your dinner reception can be had in the Stag Chamber (capacity 24) or in the Croquet Room (capacity 60), with dancing in the Main Hall (capacity 75) afterwards.
For larger parties, the Pavilion Marque can accommodate as many as 200 guests seated comfortably.
This is where most wedding breakfasts are served, and its a light and airy space with nice views over the grounds.
Dundas Castle Catering
Prestige Venues and Events are the caterers of choice at Dundas Castle.
Head Chef Tom will work closely with you to create menus which delight and excite.
His cuisine ethos is simple, natural, and beautiful food which is influenced by the quality and variety of Scotlands impressive larder.
You can meet with Tom three months before your wedding, to do some tasting and make your final decisions.
Kosher-style and Halal menus are both available.
Dundas Castle Grounds
The grounds at Dundas Castle are extensive, with 400 acres to explore and enjoy.
Beautiful walks will take you through the manicured lawns and parkland, and the castle’s own loch is a great place to spot ducks, swans, and herons.
There is a nine hole golf course which you can make use of, plus an outdoor tennis court and an indoor squash court.
Archery, croquet, and falconry are some of the other fun things to do too.
If you are feeling really adventurous, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, or even speed boating can be arranged for you and your guests.
Just another reason to spend a few days celebrating on the estate.
Dundas Castle Bridal Suite
There are no disappointments when it comes to bedrooms at Dundas Castle.
And of course it’s totally up to you, which one you call the Bridal Suite.
My choice would be the Winter Bedroom though.
Like all of the rooms in the Main House it has been styled by Lady Lydia (castle owner), and includes White Company linens and Penhaligon’s toiletries.
You will also find some complimentary whisky.
Should you choose to stay at Dundas Castle the night before your wedding, the Winter Bedroom will make the perfect staging area and a great place to enjoy your first glass of champagne.
Dundas Castle Wedding Packages
For accurate pricing and availability, I would contact Dundas Castle 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:
- Bedrooms (includes breakfast), price £270 each.
Dundas Castle Conclusion
So those are my 10 reasons you should consider Dundas Castle as your wedding venue.
Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.
However if you are looking for an exclusive use medieval castle, located in 400 acres of beautiful Scottish parkland, with 17 luxury bedrooms, and multiple options for both your ceremony and reception; then Dundas Castle 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 Dundas Castle’s website here.
Good luck with your wedding planning.