Eilean Donan Castle Weddings
As one of the most photographed castles in the world, Eilean Donan Castle makes for a beautiful backdrop for couples looking to get married, and is especially popular for those who are looking to Elope to Scotland.
Originally built in the 13th century, the castle was largely destroyed during the 17th century, before being brought back to life in the early 20th century by Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae.
Today, the castle operates as a popular tourist attraction whilst also being available to hire exclusively for couples who would like to celebrate their wedding.
Eloping at Eilean Donan Castle
What Eilean Donan can offer for your wedding
The castle offers a variety of options for couples looking to celebrate their wedding, with indoor ceremonies taking place in The Banqueting Hall or outdoor ceremonies taking place in the courtyard with views over Loch Duich.
As well as the beautiful backdrop of the castle itself, you can also capture beautiful views from the castle grounds of the surrounding landscape including the three lochs which meet at the Castle.
A short walk across the arched stone bridge takes you from the entrance point of the castle grounds to the castle, with couples often opting to have a piper accompany them for the walk over to the castle for their wedding ceremony.
It’s also possible to have a celebratory drink with your guests after the ceremony, with the castle offering a range of options.
Elopements at Eilean Donan Castle
The castle can accommodate up to 70 guests for your wedding ceremony, although most weddings that take place at the castle are much smaller.
The castle is particularly popular as a location for elopements, with couples coming from all over the world to get married at the castle. There are a range of local restaurants, hotels, pubs and coffee shops that can offer a full range of options for how you can celebrate post wedding, with many couples choosing to capture some images before or after their wedding ceremony and taking a picnic to enjoy along the way.
How do you book Eilean Donan Castle for your wedding?
You will require to make a booking in order to have your wedding ceremony held at the castle, with a full range of information available directly from the castle staff.
In the busier tourist season wedding ceremonies can take place in the early evening after the castle closes to other visitors, ensuring you have full and private access to the castle and grounds. Outwith the busier tourist season it is usually possible to arrange an alternative time with the castle to schedule your ceremony – you can contact them directly for more information.
Where can we stay for a wedding at Eilean Donan Castle?
There are a range of excellent accommodation options available in the surrounding area, including the Castle Apartments which are located a stones throw from the castle and offer a fantastic view of the castle from their well equipped comfortable accommodation.
A range of other accommodation options are also available with many local Airbnb listings and local hotels including the local Balmacara Hotel.
How can we get to Eilean Donan Castle
While Eilean Donan Castle can be reached by public transport, we would recommend hiring a car in order to provide you with the best options to explore the surrounding areas.
The castle is approximately 90 minutes drive from Inverness, and approx 20 minutes away from the south end of the Isle of Skye. The nearest train station is in Kyle of Lochalsh, with local taxis also available.
Where can we take pictures at an Eilean Donan Castle wedding?
As well as the castle itself, there are some beautiful locations in the area that allow for beautiful photography throughout the seasons. If you would like to make use of the castle grounds themselves for photography, then please note that this must be pre arranged with the castle with the relevant booking made through them.
In addition to the castle grounds itself you can get a great view of the castle and the surrounding landscape from the jetty at Dornie, just across the water from the castle. Local viewpoints also offer a great opportunity to capture the castle and the surrounding mountainous landscape from a distance – helping to capture images which show off some of the best of Scotland in your wedding photos.
To make the most of capturing images in the surrounding landscape I often have couples choosing to incorporate their wedding day celebration at Eilean Donan with a photo session often heading north to the Isle of Skye to capture images. Roadtrip style photo sessions can be undertaken on the same day as your wedding celebration at Eilean Donan, or on the following day.
However you’d like to celebrate your wedding at Eilean Donan Castle, it would be my privilege to capture it for you – please get in touch for more information on availability and costs.
