Thirlestane Castle: 10 Reasons To Choose This Scottish Wedding Venue

With so many castle wedding venues in Scotland, we really are spoilt for choice.

What makes Thirlestane Castle unique however, is that it’s one of the oldest properties to still be inhabited.

In addition to being a family home, and only between the months of April and October, the state rooms are available to use for both ceremonies and receptions.

And if you are looking to get married out with these dates, a marquee on either the front lawn or the Rose Garden is possible all year round.

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

Thirlestane Castle Location

There are some fantastic wedding venues in the Scottish Borders, with Thirlestane Castle located just outside the village of Lauder.

Edinburgh is the closest city at 30 miles away, and can be driven from in less than 50 minutes.

On arrival you will pass through the Eagle Gates, and follow a beautiful tree lined driveway right up to the castle.

There’s plenty of onsite parking for all your guests, and although the drive is narrow large vehicle access is possible if you would like to put on coach transportation.

Thirlestane Castle Setting

Thirlestane Castle and grounds are open to the public, however you will have exclusive use of the castle interiors for the duration of your wedding.

For outdoor ceremonies and marquee weddings you may see other people enjoying the gardens, but this is not likely to affect your privacy.

They also only host one wedding per weekend, giving you that extra piece of exclusivity.

With regards to the setting, the beautiful parkland provides you with a real sense of seclusion.

And the rose pink sandstone castle with majestic turrets creates a nice fairytale atmosphere.

Thirlestane Castle

Originally built in the 16th century and home to the Duke of Lauderdale, Thirlestane Castle is still used as a family home today.

Although you will only have access to a small number of state rooms, your guests will be greeted by the fabulous Grand Staircase.

Access is granted for setting up the day before, and you don’t need to remove your personal possessions until the day after.

In addition to this a wedding coordinator will be on hand for the duration of your day, to make sure things run smoothly.

Thirlestane Castle Accommodation

Currently Thirlestane Castle only offers the 1 bedroom self contained Lauderdale Apartment.

Which could be a nice place for the Bride and Groom to retire after the celebrations.

There is also a 2 bedroom apartment being developed, which when complete will provide accommodation for a further 4 guests.

For hotels near Thirlestane Castle, you should take a look at the Black Bull Hotel.

It’s located in the village of Lauder, and is only a few minutes from the castle.

Thirlestane Castle Ceremony

Outdoor ceremonies are popular at Thirlestane Castle, with a few beautiful locations on the grounds including the Rose Garden.

Inside the castle you have the elegant State Dining Room, which is lined with family portraits and can seat up to 80 guests.

Or for a little bit more space you have the State Drawing room, with its ornately decorated ceiling and space for 120 seated guests.

For a more intimate and rustic ceremony, the Old Kitchen with its authentic Victorian range can seat 50 guests.

And if your guest numbers are as much as 200, a marquee on the lawn is also possible.

Thirlestane Castle Reception

Your drinks reception can be had either in the Panelled Drawing Room, or on the terrace overlooking the grounds.

Followed by your dinner reception in the fabulous State Drawing Room, which can comfortably seat 100 guests.

For something equally as magnificent but a little bit smaller, you have the State Dining Room which can seat 75 guests.

And the most intimate option is the Old Kitchens, which has a maximum capacity of 40 people.

The options don’t stop there either, with a Marquee in the Rose Garden or on the Front Lawn another possibility.

There’s enough space for a 500 person Marquee on the Front Lawn.

Thirlestane Castle Catering

The catering is outsourced at Thirlestane Castle, and you will have the choice of three local suppliers:

• Appetite Direct.
• The Orde Food Company.
• Ginger Snap.

Kitchen facilities are available, and all of the caterers are experienced at working at the venue.

There are no bar facilities inside the castle, however your chosen supplier will be able to provide a cash bar for approximately £240.

And you can bring your own booze, for a corkage fee of roughly £7 per person.

Thirlestane Castle Entertainment

There is no dancing allowed inside Thirlestane Castle, due to the delicate plasterwork ceilings.

So if you want to have a band and put on a ceilidh, then you are going to have to put up a marquee on the lawn.

Fireworks are permitted, which could be a fantastic way to end the evening.

And the celebrations can go on right up until midnight, giving you plenty of time for a great party.

Thirlestane Castle Wedding Photos

The beautiful gardens and grounds at Thirlestane Castle are absolutely ideal for wedding photos.

Your wedding photographer will have no problem finding stunning backdrops, with the imposing castle helping to create some unique pictures.

If the weather is unpleasant, the historic and elegant interiors are also a lovely place to shoot.

With the Grand Staircase a popular choice with wedding photographers in the past.

Thirlestane Castle Wedding Prices

For accurate Thirlestane 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 Thirlestane Castle wedding cost:

• Thirlestane Castle (ceremony & drinks reception), price £1,440.
• Thirlestane Castle (dinner reception), price £1,200.
• Marquee (seats 150+), price £7,860.
• Wedding Breakfast, prices from £78 per person (includes tables and chairs).
• Drinks Package, prices from £19.20 per person.
• Corkage, price £7 per person (from drinks reception to dinner reception).

The prices above are for a summer weekend.

Winter and midweek weddings could cost less.

Thirlestane Castle Conclusion

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

Of course everybody has different tastes and opinions.

However if you are looking for a 16th century castle, surrounded by beautiful parkland, with fabulous state rooms for ceremonies and receptions, and a lovely spot for a marquee; then Thirlestane 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 Thirlestane Castle’s website here.

Good luck with your wedding planning.