Dalhousie Castle Weddings
A Dalhousie Castle wedding places your celebration in a thirteenth-century castle near Bonnyrigg, around eight miles from Edinburgh. With a private chapel, hotel accommodation and parkland beside the River Esk, it offers a historic setting for couples who want their ceremony, celebration and stay closely connected.
We can help you compare the wedding options, plan the guest experience and coordinate the suppliers who will make the day yours.
Dalhousie Castle at a glance
| Location | Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, EH19 3JB |
| Nearest city | Edinburgh |
| Style | Historic castle hotel |
| Setting | Eleven acres of parkland and woodland beside the River Esk |
| Exclusive use | Available as a separate wedding option |
| Ceremony | Private chapel |
| Chapel capacity | 75 for a ceremony; 40 for dining |
| Ramsay Room capacity | 85 seated; 100 standing |
| Accommodation | 35 bedrooms advertised within the castle’s exclusive-use offering |
Why couples choose Dalhousie Castle
A chapel within the castle. If you want a ceremony with a distinct sense of occasion, Dalhousie’s chapel gives you a dedicated setting without a journey between separate venues.
The option to stay together. Rooms in the castle and lodge accommodation give you choices when organising where your wedding party will stay. Begin with the people who need to be close to you on the wedding morning, then consider the wider guest list.
A private celebration if that is your priority. Dalhousie offers exclusive use of the castle and grounds. Ask to compare that proposal with the other wedding options so you understand the difference in privacy, accommodation and overall cost.
Edinburgh within reach. The location allows you to consider time in the city alongside the wedding. A separate sightseeing day may suit guests who are extending their trip, while keeping the wedding schedule relaxed.
The right package should fit the people coming with you, as well as the photographs you imagine.
Ceremonies and receptions
Start with your ceremony guest list, then review dinner and evening arrangements separately. Ask the venue to show you the actual seating plans rather than relying on one headline capacity.
The exclusive-use package advertises 90 seated and 120 evening guests, differing from the individual room limits above. Ask for a confirmed layout if your numbers approach those limits.
The Orangery is another reception option, published at 40 seated or 60 standing. When comparing spaces, consider the route between the ceremony, drinks and dinner, and where guests can sit comfortably during photographs.
Useful questions for your viewing include:
- Which spaces will be private to your party, and for how long?
- How will the ceremony seating work for your confirmed numbers?
- Will any room need to be reset during the day?
- Where can musicians and a photographer work without interrupting service?
- What happens if guests need an indoor alternative to time on the terrace?
We can help turn the answers into a schedule that gives the venue and each supplier a clear role.
Accommodation and accessibility
Ask for a rooming list that distinguishes castle bedrooms from lodge rooms, together with the booking and payment arrangements. A total bedroom count does not tell you how many rooms suit families, couples or guests with particular access needs.
Dalhousie’s accessibility information states that the castle has no lift and no accessible bedroom or easy wheelchair access. Ground-floor rooms are available at Castle Rocks in the grounds. Those rooms should not be treated as confirmation that the whole wedding route is accessible. Discuss each guest’s requirements directly with the venue before choosing spaces.
For guests arriving after a long journey, avoid making attendance at an early welcome meal essential. A flexible arrival plan can give everyone time to settle in.
Planning a Dalhousie Castle wedding from abroad
Louize Hollywood Weddings works with couples planning destination weddings from overseas. For Dalhousie Castle weddings, our starting point would be your preferred date, guest count and the level of privacy you want.
Once those are clear, we can discuss support with supplier selection, planning decisions and the wedding-day timetable. Agreeing responsibilities with the castle’s own team helps everyone work from the same plan.
For travel, choose the actual arrival route before setting transfer times. Dalhousie states that it does not run a hotel airport shuttle. Pre-arranged transport is therefore worth discussing alongside accommodation, particularly if several guests are landing together.
Before invitations go out, have a clear answer for guests on where to stay, how to reserve their room and how they will travel between their accommodation and the celebration.
Dalhousie Castle wedding costs
The official brochure lists the 2027 Intimate Package from £4,300 for the couple, with up to 18 additional guests at £120 each. This is a package starting price, not a complete wedding budget. Exclusive-use pricing is by quotation.
Your full budget may also need to cover photography, flowers, entertainment, clothing, travel and planning support. Request the current inclusions for your chosen year before comparing packages.
| Decision | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Wedding format | Which package fits our numbers and privacy requirements? |
| Accommodation | What room commitment is required and who pays for unused rooms? |
| Food and drinks | What is included for the couple, day guests and evening guests? |
| Suppliers | What access, setup and collection arrangements apply? |
| Contract total | What does the final figure include, and when are payments due? |
Compare complete proposals for the same date and guest list.
See our Scottish castle wedding work
Our Auchen Castle feature includes a real summer wedding with an outdoor ceremony, live strings and a reception styled with flowers and candlelight. It shows how personal choices can shape the day within a historic setting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dalhousie Castle near Edinburgh?
Yes. The castle is in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, approximately eight miles from Edinburgh.
Can we book Dalhousie Castle exclusively?
Yes. Exclusive hire is available. Confirm the dates, rooms, grounds and accommodation covered by your proposal.
Can we have a small Dalhousie Castle wedding?
Yes. The brochure includes an Intimate Package for the couple with up to 18 additional guests.
Can guests stay overnight?
Yes. Dalhousie offers castle and lodge accommodation. Ask for the room allocation and booking conditions that apply to your wedding.
Is there a lift in the castle?
No. The venue confirms that there is no lift. Discuss mobility requirements before committing to accommodation or the wedding layout.
Can Louize help us organise the wedding from overseas?
Yes. We can discuss the planning support you need, whether you are comparing venues or have already booked your date.
Begin planning your Dalhousie Castle wedding
Tell us your preferred year, approximate guest numbers and overall budget. Let us know whether you want exclusive use, a smaller celebration or help comparing the options. Include any accommodation or access requirements that could affect your choice.
Sources
- Dalhousie Castle weddings • Location, historic setting, chapel and advertised bedroom count.
- Dalhousie Castle exclusive use • Grounds and private-hire option.
- Dalhousie Castle wedding brochure • PDF pages 6, 7 and 13 for room capacities; pages 18 and 21 for Intimate and Exclusive Use packages. Brochure labelled 2026, with future-year prices. Confirm the current proposal before booking.
- Dalhousie Castle accommodation • Castle and lodge room options.
- Dalhousie Castle FAQs • Accessibility and transport information.
- Louize Hollywood Weddings • International wedding planning services.
- Auchen Castle weddings • Real summer wedding feature.
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