Describe the best wedding that happened at Dalhousie Castle?
We are very fortunate at Dalhousie Castle as our grounds lend themselves to creating a spectacular backdrop and the castle itself is so awesome and atmospheric, with its rich history extending seven centuries or so. Befitting a castle – we have our own Falconry, where Guests can get up close to the most amazing birds of prey and get a ‘hands on’ experience with them. It’s even an option to have Bonnie the Barn Owl flying in to deliver their rings in the chapel.
We have organised Mini Highland Games with Tossing the Caber and Bagpipe playing, to the Castle being taken over for a Harry Potter themed Wedding, which of course was magical - that was possibly one of my favourites, though it's hard to choose one!
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Trust us and enjoy the process of planning your special day. We are here to take the stress away so you can enjoy the whole experience, as well as the wedding day itself.
And remember to take in every moment of your day, it goes past so quickly.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
There have been ‘Surprise Singers’ who look like regular waiting staff, serving canapés and drinks, then halfway through the Wedding Breakfast burst into song, that is wonderful to witness.
Recently a Bride surprised her Guests and Groom with a 16 strong Pipe Band marching up the drive at dusk to the front of the Castle, finishing the night off with Fireworks. Dalhousie was certainly the right setting for that spectacular procession!
Describe Dalhousie Castle in 5 adjectives
Magical, atmospheric, historic, welcoming, flexible.
Where’s the best photo spot at Dalhousie Castle?
On the bridge over the South River Esk is an extremely popular spot, although I have seen some fantastic Braveheart-themed photos with groomsmen running through the castle estate in their kilts! Very entertaining!
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at Dalhousie Castle?
That's not for us to divulge I'm afraid!
What’s your favourite canapé?
This is a hard one to pick! Chef does an amazing goats cheese croquette. Very moreish.
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
It's got to be the Haggis Clapshot for me, served with crusty bread.
What is Dalhousie Castle most unique feature?
Dalhousie Castle is a 13th century castle - Scotland's oldest inhabited castle - so we are fortunate to have many truly unique features. The atmospheric Dungeon Restaurant is particularly special, after all it's not every day that you get to dine surrounded by suits of armour deep within the castle vaults. Then there's the option to have your weddings rings delivered by one of the castle's owls, or to be welcomed to the castle by a skirl of bagpipes. There are lots of little extra details we can suggest to make your wedding day stand out.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our relationships with our couples. All couples are different, so we are flexible to suit their individual needs. At Dalhousie we work as a team in the Wedding Department, with each of us knowing about all our weddings and will have personally met with every bride and groom. We feel that this gives our couples peace of mind, so that whenever they contact us or visit, there is someone there 7 days a week who can answer their questions. We always strive to build a good relationship with our couples, and hope that couples feel relaxed in talking with us, so know their wedding is in good hands. However, if they want to speak to us every day, that’s ok too. Their wedding day is one of the biggest days of their life and they want it to be perfect, so do we.