Thirlestane Castle

Standing proudly as one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in Scotland, Thirlestane is nestled in the breathtaking Scottish Borders, just 25 miles south of Edinburgh.

Featuring impressive pink sandstone turrets, a range of grandly decorated rooms and rustic spaces, as well as beautiful outdoor locations, Thirlestane Castle is a spectacular setting for your wedding – be it a four-day gathering, or an intimate elopement.

Every wedding at Thirlestane Castle is different and created based on the happy couple’s vision. From grand to rustic, there is an abundance of locations across the estate to suit every style.

Spaces

The castle’s beautiful historic rooms, choice of dining locations, rustic underground evening spaces and extensive grounds allow you to stage your celebration in a variety of ways; from the grand, to the intimate and elegant, as well as everything in between.

The variety of spaces throughout the castle can comfortably host up to 100 guests for a seated ceremony. 150 can be served for dinner, split over the two state rooms. Marquee weddings can also be held for 1000+ guests. The castle’s friendly and experienced wedding coordinators will be happy to discuss the best option with you.

Ceremony

Say ‘I do’ in the mesmerising State Drawing Room with its elegant décor and majestic 17th-century ornate ceilings. Alternatively, opt for an outdoor ceremony in The Rose Garden surrounded by one of the oldest parts of the castle, or on the castle terrace with the stunning backdrop of the parklands.

Drinks Reception

Celebrate the first moments of your marriage with a glass of Champagne and views from the castle terrace. The Rose Garden is also an impressive location for cocktail hour or perhaps you’d like to keep it Scottish by raising a glass of the national drink in the Panelled Room or portrait-lined State Rooms - perfect for adding an element of grandeur to your reception.

Wedding Breakfast

For a grand setting, gather your guests in the impressive State Rooms, or for larger affairs opt for an elegant lawn marquee, to eat, drink and be merry.

Choose from a wide variety of award-winning caterers who will help design your perfect wedding menu. Whether you want an elegant fine-dining experience, a laid-back hog roast, or fish and chips from a favourite street food vendor, they’ll ensure you and your guests are kept satisfied all day long.

Evening Reception

Celebrate under the stars in the clear marquee, located in the Cobbled Courtyard. Coupled with the atmospheric Vaulted Cellar - this is the perfect spot for your evening entertainment. Imagine firepits, festoon lighting, and street food vendors.

Larger wedding parties can choose stylish stretch tents or lawn marquee. Whether you opt for a DJ, or live band – such as a local Ceilidh band – there is plenty of space for dancing too!

Stretch Tents & Marquees

If you’re dreaming of a summer, garden-party-style wedding, the stunning façade, and surrounding grounds are the perfect setting. A marquee or stretch tent can be placed on the Front Lawn, Terrace, or Rose Garden – so you can dance the night away under the stars, with all your favourite people. The capacity for an outdoor wedding is up to 1000+, but varies, depending on tent and location.

Personalise Your Wedding

There are an abundance of ways to personalise your wedding; from extending your stay, to helicopter-landing facilities and pyrotechnic displays, the possibilities are endless.

Completely Bespoke

Bring your own unique wedding to life with the Bespoke Package. Be it an intimate affair or three-day extravaganza, Thirlestane Castle can accommodate weddings for between 2 to 1000 guests. Share your vision with the talented and experienced wedding coordinators, who will work with you to create the unforgettable day you’ve imagined.

Supplier List

Thirlestane Castle works with an extensive list of the best suppliers, including caterers, musicians, florists, wedding-cake makers, photographers and make-up artists. Local and national partners have been tried, tested and rated at the highest level by the wedding coordinators and other happy couples.

Pre-Wedding Soirée

Welcome your nearest and dearest to your wedding weekend with a pre-wedding soirée. Start the celebrations with an afternoon of activities, such as falconry, archery or lawn games. Later, some musical entertainment in the Cobbled Courtyard with drinks and food courtesy of one of the recommended suppliers – perhaps a beer truck, Prosecco van or food truck. More formal rehearsal dinners can also be hosted in the elegant State Rooms.

Catering

If you’re enjoying a multi-day celebration, caterers can work with you to design a range of dining experiences, from cosy family suppers, afternoon teas and pick-me-up brunches, to alfresco lunches and picnics.

Elopements

For the most intimate of weddings, the Elopement Package is the perfect way to create magical memories with your special someone. Each couple will enjoy two nights in a five-star castle suite, with a breakfast hamper, filled with local produce, delivered to your room on your wedding morning. Dinner at one of the recommended local restaurants is also included, with return transport.

You can choose to have your ceremony in either the castle or the beautiful grounds. You’ll also be able to use the grounds to capture your picture-perfect moments.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Thirlestane Castle consists of five luxury apartments, in total offering eight luxurious double rooms and sleeping sixteen adults in total. Each room has its own private bathroom. For additional guests, lots of alternative accommodation can be recommended close-by.