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alhousie Castle is located just 8

miles from the bustling, historic

city of Edinburgh in its own leafy and

green grounds close to the South Esk River and Anna Park. The surrounding woodland that borders the castle and Anna Park is full of plants, including snowdrops and bluebells, and you might even be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife, whether that is roe deer or otters.

Now you have a picture of the beauty of the surrounding areas, couple this with an historic 13th

century fortress (stayed in by Mary Queen of Scots and Edward I) and you have the most enchanting setting for what could be the most precious day of your life. As you enter the castle you are immediately greeted with the sense of drama that surrounds the castle. Bedrooms have been individually themed (we can recommend The Cromwell Themed Four Poster Room with its quirky four poster bed) and the Dungeon Restaurant’s barrel vaulted ceiling and stone walls create an amazing atmosphere to celebrate.

The castle has its own chapel for religious weddings or, if you would prefer a civil ceremony, The Dalwolsey

Dalhousie castlE

An idyllic Scottish castle, a perfect, beautiful setting for your wedding...

D

Wedding GUIDE 2012-13GUIDE INDEXLocatIoN: scotLaND

front of the main castle keep with its quirky shade of peach sandstone.

For summer weddings you may wish to take some time to enjoy drinks on the castle’s terrace before moving to one of the spacious function rooms, with weapons and armoury that hang from the walls, to enjoy dinner with your guests. You may even want to think about a traditional Scottish Banquet. For smaller weddings you might want to consider hiring a private area of The Dungeon Restaurant and dine in a more intimate, evocative setting.

After, perhaps feeling fit to burst following your meal (wedding breakfast), you will probably want to allow your guests time to relax before the evening’s events. This could be the perfect opportunity to enjoy the castle’s Aqueous Spa or maybe you could take a walk along one of the three routes within the castle grounds that can take between 1 to 3 hours.

Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, it’s now time for the evening’s celebrations. The Sir Alexander Room and Brechin Room can accommodate 20 to 110 guests and, whether you choose to enjoy a disco or a traditional

at a GLaNcE...Capacity for weddings – 100.

Capacity for overnight guests – 29 bedrooms in the main castle + 7 in the lodge – sleeps 76.

Type of ceremony offered – Civil ceremony / civil partnership / religious.

Starting price – Exclusive use from £12,600 (midweek), room hire from £180, weekend wed-ding package from £3,150, wed-ding breakfast from £40.90 perperson.

Scottish Ceilidh Band, the castle has an option for both.

Following an evening of dancing, drinking and merriment, the castle’s 29 bedrooms (with a further 7 in the nearby lodge) mean that you or your guests do not have to go far for a well deserved rest before rising the next morning for a hearty breakfast.

www.celticcastles.com/castles/dalhousie

Room makes a perfect alternative setting.

The Chapel overlooks the castle’s parkland and River Esk; for summer weddings you might wish to consider opening the doors on to the terrace and enjoy pre-dinner drinks with your guests. The Chapel itself has stonewalls that you might expect to see in a building of this era, with benches laid out in the traditional style for a wedding. Throw in the castle’s piper and you have a truly Scottish experience.

After your service, follow the piper through to the outside of the castle and have some of the most memorable photographs taken in

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