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Scottish
Castle Weddings
by Paris Permenter & John Bigley
He's your Prince Charming.
Your knight in shining armor. When you're with him, you feel like
a princess.
And fantasies about your wedding are just as regal. You picture
a day in a setting as special as your relationship, a location
whose rich history will be an anchor from which to begin your
life as husband and wife. A setting that could only be described
as magical.
It doesn't take a magic wand to make your wishes come true--only
a trip to Scotland. With its numerous castles and marriage laws
that make it easy for foreigners to say I do, you'll find that
Scotland just might be your fairy godmother, making your wedding
dreams a reality.
Castle weddings range from small to large, from traditional to
those in Celtic wear and Renaissance costumes. You'll find a full
range of options available, from numerous castles (not to mention
historic abbeys) to wedding extras such as bagpipers, reception
dinners, and more. If you'd like to see your guy in a kilt, that's
an easy order as well; numerous outfitters can tailor a tartan
or even rent the necessary wear.
The only difficult part of a Scottish castle wedding might be
selecting the castle of your dreams. Here are two of the best
known choices:
EDINBURGH CASTLE
 Overlooking
the city of Edinburgh, this castle commands attention. Perched
atop an ancient volcano, the castle is the top tourist attraction
in Scotland and one of its most recognized sights. With a chapel
dating back to the Norman period, Edinburgh Castle is considered
one of the world's most famous castles and is home to Scotland's
Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Wedding ceremonies with up to 25 guests are conducted in the Gatehouse
Suite, located just inside the entrance to the castle. With its
round turrets, the suite makes the perfect private setting for
your ceremony, quiet even when the public is touring the castle
grounds. Edinburgh Castle is available for weddings from October
through May.
An adjoining apartment is used for drinks and appetizers following
the ceremony. And the two of you can have your first photos as
husband and wife taken out on the balcony, complete with a backdrop
of Edinburgh and the Royal Mile, the one-mile road that leads
to Holyrood Palace, the summer royal residence.
The perfect place
to spend your wedding night after an Edinburgh Castle wedding?
The Caledonian
Hilton Edinburgh. Castle view rooms look directly onto the
castle, the perfect way to end the perfect day.
STIRLING
CASTLE
 Located
between Edinburgh and Glasgow in the midst of what is termed Braveheart
country thanks to its links with William Wallace, Stirling Castle
may not be as well known as its Edinburgh cousin but many consider
this castle to be Scotland's finest. The childhood home of Mary,
Queen of Scots and also the grand structure where the monarch
was crowned, the regal fortress is an elegant setting for any
wedding.
Like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle is also perched atop a
volcanic outcropping, standing like a topper crowning an immense
wedding cake. You'll find several venues for your memorable day.
Many brides select the Chapel Royal, available for groups of up
to 150. With its barreled ceiling, the regal room makes an excellent
site for wedding ceremonies as well as for dinners and dancing.
Weddings at the Chapel Royal are scheduled from October to March.
(Couples who wish to hold the wedding ceremony and reception can
opt for an all-inclusive package available year around.)
Nearby, the 16th century Great Hall is another favorite for wedding
receptions. The Great Hall is considered one of the most prestigious
venues in Scotland. An event for author J.K. Rowling was held
here to celebrate the launch of the latest Harry Potter movie.
 And
when it's time to take your wedding photos, the Queen Anne Gardens
lend a magnificent backdrop with views of the castle or of the
Royal Gardens. Some speculate that the earthworks seen in the
Gardens were the base for King Arthur's round table.
Brides can opt for many special touches to their weddings, from
trumpeters in the Great Hall to bagpipers to beat the retreat
when everyone makes their exit.
For more on booking either Edinburgh Castle of Stirling Castle,
call 0131 668 8973 or see Historic
Scotland.
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