Duns Castle: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

Duns Castle, dating back to the 14th century, is one of the most historic wedding venues in Scotland.

The estate can sleep up to 49 guests spread across the castle and cottages.

And because this is an exclusive use wedding venue, your privacy is guaranteed.

There’s a range of medieval public rooms for hosting your ceremony and reception.

Or if you would prefer, two wonderful spots in the parkland for putting up a marquee.

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

Duns Castle Location

There are some fantastic wedding venues in the Scottish Borders.

Perhaps due to Scotlands more relaxed marriage laws.

And Duns Castle is certainly amongst the best of them.

Edinburgh is roughly 50 miles away, and although the journey time is approximately 75 minutes, the coastal route is very scenic.

Access for large coaches is possible, despite a couple of height restrictions on one of the drives.

You will also find ample parking for you and your guests, right outside the castle.

Duns Castle Setting

Duns Castle is an exclusive use wedding venue, which means you get the house and immediate grounds all to yourself.

The setting is one of tranquility, with beautiful parkland stretching in all directions.

And the medieval castle creates a historic and romantic atmosphere perfect for a wedding.

If you are looking for seclusion, where you and your guests can relax and celebrate in complete privacy, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.

Duns Castle

Duns Castle can trace its origins back to the 14th century, when King Robert the Bruce granted lands to the Earl of Murray after the Battle of Bannockburn.

The current family bought the estate in 1696, and over the years transformed it into a larger Gothic residence.

It is a fantastic looking building.

In addition to the striking exterior, you will find a series of superb interconnecting public rooms ideal for entertaining.

Ornate Georgian plasterwork sits alongside antique furnishings and wonderful artwork.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with the surroundings really adding to the sense of occasion.

Be sure to find the full sized billiards table on the top floor.

Duns Castle Accommodation

You can sleep up to 23 guests in 12 bedrooms at Duns Castle.

The rooms are made up of eight doubles, three twins, and one single.

Four of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms.

As you can imagine the style is very traditional, and the rooms are bright and spacious which is unusual for a castle.

The Pink Four Poster Room is the largest, and it has wonderful views across the lake.

However the Blue Four Poster Room would make a better Bridal Suite, as it has a Gothic tower ensuite bathroom.

Furthermore if you require additional accommodation the estate has 6 self catering cottages:

• Cedar Cottage, sleeps 8.
• Carriage Mews, sleeps 5.
• North Lodge, sleeps 4.
• Azalea Cottage, sleeps 4.
• Coach House, sleeps 3.
• Pavilion Lodge, sleeps 2.

So at full capacity you can sleep up to 49 people within the castle and grounds.

Duns Castle Ceremony

Duns Castle is licensed for religious, civil, and humanist ceremonies.

The most popular location is the Gothic Drawing Room, with its capacity for 60 guests.

It has a very large bay window, letting in lots of natural light and framing beautiful views over the lake.

In addition to this, the open fireplace and period features really give this room fantastic character.

If your guest numbers are 40 or less, the 14th century Dining Room or the Great Hall can be used for more intimate ceremonies.

And for guest numbers over 60, a marquee in the grounds is probably your best option.

Duns Castle Reception

For your drinks reception, the Great Hall with its impressive vaulted ceiling is a nice choice.

Or perhaps if the sun is shining, your guests can spill out onto the manicured lawns.

Your wedding breakfast can be served in the 14th century Dining Room, which has a capacity for 60 guests.

This room has 10ft thick window recesses, revealing views over the parkland.

And the most incredible wood panelling, surrounding a stunning open fireplace.

Downstairs you will find the Servants Hall, which makes the ideal dance area for DJs, bands, and ceilidhs.

Failing all this a marquee on the front or back lawn would provide you with more space, should your guest numbers require it.

Duns Castle Catering

The catering at Duns Castle is outsourced to one of their preferred suppliers:

• Wilde Thyme.
• Regis Catering.
• Georgie Harding-Newman.

Menus have been created for you to choose from, or you can work with the chefs to create something bespoke.

Should you prefer to select your own supplier this is possible.

However they will need to be approved, and there is a facility fee.

When it comes to the drinks, an extensive wine list is available with a real emphasis on value.

And the fully licensed bar can be setup as you wish: cash; account; or corkage.

Duns Castle Grounds

As with many of these country estates, the grounds at Duns Castle are really lovely.

And there are 1,200 acres of them to explore.

The mile long loch is an excellent feature, and the beautiful parkland is perfect for a gentle stroll.

If you enjoy wildlife then you’re going to love this place.

Numerous activities can be arranged such as: archery; falconry; clay pigeon shooting; and even tree climbing.

Most importantly though, the spectacular views create perfect backdrops for your wedding photos.

Duns Castle Unique Feature

Duns Castle actually has its own nature reserve.

It was developed during the 18th century, as the Hay family conducted extensive landscaping.

Contained within a glacial drainage channel, created by the last ice age, it includes the Hen Poo and the Mill Dam.

Today it is home to a number of swans, various species of duck, and of course a vast range of birds.

Could be a fun area for you and your guests to take a look around.

Duns Castle Wedding Prices

For accurate Duns 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 Duns Castle wedding cost:

• Exclusive use of Duns Castle (sleeps 23), price £7,950 for 2 nights.
• Marquee (seats 150+), prices from £5,000.
• Wedding Breakfast, prices from £37 per person.

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost 30% less.

Duns Castle Conclusion

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

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for an exclusive use medieval castle, set in a beautifully secluded parkland, with accommodation for up to 49 guests, and its own private nature reserve; then Duns 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 Duns Castle’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.