Description
Your Dream Scottish Castle Wedding at Dornoch Castle Hotel
Planning a wedding that blends historic charm with modern comfort? Dornoch Castle Hotel is a magical choice. This 15th-century, family-run castle hotel sits right across from the stunning 12th-century Dornoch Cathedral, offering a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. Whether you want romantic photos in the castle’s walled gardens or by the golden sands of nearby Dornoch Beach—just a five-minute walk away—you’ll find picture-perfect settings all around. Plus, the famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club is just a short stroll from the hotel. The castle itself has been carefully updated to keep its historic character while providing all the comforts you and your guests expect.
Beautiful Ceremony and Reception Spaces
Dornoch Castle Hotel offers a range of elegant spaces to suit weddings big and small. Their experienced team will help you plan every detail, whether you want a religious or non-religious ceremony.
- The Garden Room: Overlooking the charming walled gardens, this versatile room holds up to 70 guests for ceremonies and receptions, with space for dancing. In warmer months, enjoy drinks and canapés on the lawns. For larger celebrations, a marquee can be added to increase capacity up to 200 guests.
- The Walled Gardens: Perfect for an intimate outdoor ceremony, this picturesque spot accommodates up to 30 guests.
- The 15th-Century Vault: Ideal for very intimate weddings, this historic space hosts ceremonies or meals for up to 14 guests.
- The Terrace Lounge: A cozy option for smaller gatherings, suitable for ceremonies up to 30 guests or receptions up to 20.
Comfortable and Charming Accommodations
The hotel features 21 beautifully styled bedrooms, including deluxe honeymoon suites in the oldest part of the castle tower. These suites boast hand-carved four-poster beds and spa baths for a truly romantic stay. You’ll find a variety of room types across the castle and garden wing, from superior to standard rooms. If your wedding party is large, the team can help arrange extra accommodations nearby, all within easy walking distance.
Exceptional Food and Local Flavors
The Garden Restaurant is known for its exceptional cuisine, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. The chefs work closely with couples to craft a personalized menu that fits your tastes and wedding style. Adding a unique local touch, the hotel is home to the Dornoch Distillery, producing award-winning gin and whisky—perfect for toasting your new life together.
Expert Planning and Memorable Guest Experiences
Dornoch Castle Hotel offers a complimentary wedding planning service to make sure your day runs smoothly. Their trusted team can recommend local suppliers for flowers, cakes, music, and more, taking the stress off your shoulders. Your guests will love exploring the area, with options like boutique shopping, scenic walks, distillery tours, and visits to nearby castles and nature spots. Located on the famous North Coast 500 route, the hotel also makes a fantastic stop for couples and guests looking to turn their wedding into a wider Scottish adventure.
Experience
Overview of Dornoch Castle Hotel
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Reviews (2)
- VVikki H14/04/2023Ros, Colin and all their staff were amazing throughout the two days us and all our family and friends were thereRos, Colin and all their staff were amazing throughout the two days us and all our family and friends were thereRos, Colin and all their staff were amazing throughout the two days us and all our family and friends were there!!! All the staff were so friendly, efficient and professional from our arrival on the Thursday right through until checkout on the Saturday. The Bar staff was second to none as well as the Housekeeping staff. The food throughout the Wedding day was fantastic; from the canapes at the Reception right through to the evening buffet. The food and service at the meal could not of been better; everyone said how amazing the food was and the best food they had received at a Wedding (the creme brule was to die for!!!). Oh and not forgotten to mention how the staff decorated the room for the Wedding meal and evening dance; placing all the favours, table decorations and table names out for us. The room looked stunning!!!Ros, Colin and all their staff were amazing throughout the two days us and all our family and friends were there!!! All the staff were so friendly, efficient and professional from our arrival on the Thursday right through until checkout on the Saturday. The Bar staff was second to none as well as the Housekeeping staff. The food throughout the Wedding day was fantastic; from the canapes at the Reception right through to the evening buffet. The food and service at the meal could not of been better; everyone said how amazing the food was and the best food they had received at a Wedding (the creme brule was to die for!!!). Oh and not forgotten to mention how the staff decorated the room for the Wedding meal and evening dance; placing all the favours, table decorations and table names out for us. The room looked stunning!!!
- KKristen Mackenzie14/04/2023Highly recommend Matthew and the team at the Dornoch Castle Hotel for events- We had our small Wedding Day ceremony here, and everything was excellentHighly recommend Matthew and the team at the Dornoch Castle Hotel for events- We had our small Wedding Day ceremony here, and everything was excellentHighly recommend Matthew and the team at the Dornoch Castle Hotel for events- We had our small Wedding Day ceremony here, and everything was excellent. Matthews planning and communication on the lead up to the day, and the teams service during our Weekend stay was very professional. Our Wedding party all enjoyed their stay, and we can't wait to visit again in the future. Thank you so much to all of the team.Highly recommend Matthew and the team at the Dornoch Castle Hotel for events- We had our small Wedding Day ceremony here, and everything was excellent. Matthews planning and communication on the lead up to the day, and the teams service during our Weekend stay was very professional. Our Wedding party all enjoyed their stay, and we can't wait to visit again in the future. Thank you so much to all of the team.
Location & Contact Details for Dornoch Castle Hotel
What makes Dornoch Castle Hotel an ideal venue for a Scottish castle wedding?
Dornoch Castle Hotel combines historic 15th-century charm with modern comforts, offering a unique and magical setting for your wedding day. Its location opposite the stunning 12th-century Dornoch Cathedral and close proximity to scenic spots like the walled gardens and Dornoch Beach provide beautiful backdrops for photos and ceremonies.
What ceremony and reception spaces are available at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
The hotel offers several elegant spaces including:
- The Garden Room: Suitable for up to 70 guests, with options to expand capacity with a marquee up to 200 guests.
- The Walled Gardens: An intimate outdoor setting for up to 30 guests.
- The 15th-Century Vault: Perfect for very intimate weddings with up to 14 guests.
- The Terrace Lounge: Cozy space for ceremonies up to 30 guests or receptions up to 20.
Does Dornoch Castle Hotel offer onsite accommodations for wedding guests?
Yes, the hotel features 21 beautifully styled bedrooms including deluxe honeymoon suites with hand-carved four-poster beds and spa baths. For larger wedding parties, the team can assist with arranging additional accommodations nearby within walking distance.
Can I customize the wedding menu at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Absolutely. The Garden Restaurant focuses on fresh, local ingredients and works closely with couples to create personalized menus that suit their tastes and wedding style, ensuring a memorable dining experience for you and your guests.
Is wedding planning assistance available at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Yes, the hotel provides a complimentary wedding planning service to help every couple design their perfect day. Their experienced team also recommends trusted local suppliers for services such as flowers, cakes, and music to ensure a seamless wedding experience.
Can Dornoch Castle Hotel accommodate religious and non-religious ceremonies?
Yes, the venue is flexible and can host both religious and non-religious wedding ceremonies, helping couples tailor the event to their preferences.
Are outdoor wedding ceremonies possible at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Yes, the Walled Gardens provide an enchanting space for intimate outdoor ceremonies accommodating up to 30 guests. Additionally, during warmer months, you can enjoy drinks and canapés on the lawns adjacent to the Garden Room.
What nearby attractions can wedding guests enjoy during their stay?
Guests can explore local boutique shopping, scenic walks, the Dornoch Distillery tours, nearby castles, nature spots, and the famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club. The hotel is also located on the scenic North Coast 500 route, perfect for extending the wedding celebration into a Scottish adventure.
Is there a venue option for very small, intimate weddings at Dornoch Castle Hotel?
Yes, the 15th-Century Vault is perfectly suited for intimate ceremonies or meals with up to 14 guests, offering a historic and cozy atmosphere for your special day.
Does Dornoch Castle Hotel provide alcohol options for wedding celebrations?
Yes, the hotel is home to the Dornoch Distillery, which produces award-winning gin and whisky. These local spirits can be featured in your wedding toasts, adding a unique Scottish touch to your celebration.
