Weddings at Thirlestane

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A fairytale setting for your wedding Weddings at Thirlestane

Nestling in the gentle Scottish Borders hills, with its rose pink sandstone and majestic turrets, is a fairytale setting for weddings. Surrounded by peaceful parkland with the River Leader flowing by, Thirlestane offers you privacy and seclusion, yet is conveniently just 35 minutes south of Edinburgh. This hidden gem is one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in .

For one of the most important days of your life, you need a truly spectacular venue. Driving through the Eagle Gates, you catch your first glimpse of Thirlestane Castle at the end of the pine tree-lined driveway. Royalty and distinguished guests have been entertained here since the 16th century by the Maitland family, and now you can have exclusive use of this castle to celebrate your future with the one you love. As you walk up the Grand Staircase to the State Rooms, you feel a sense of occasion. The backdrop is grand and dramatic, but the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming in this ancient Scottish castle. Your castle for the day. Weddings at Thirlestane

The sumptuously decorated State Drawing Room overlooking the Rose Garden is perfect for ceremonies or your wedding meal. As your guests are seated, the breath-taking ceilings will be a real talking point, with ornate garlands of fruit, flowers and musical instruments gilded in gold.

Drawing Room Capacities: Ceremony 100 • Dinner 80 Weddings at Thirlestane

The elegant State Dining Room is perfect for smaller weddings or dinners. Adorning the walls are an impressive collection of Maitland family paintings by famous artists, which add to the romantic, intimate atmosphere.

DINING Room Capacities: Ceremony 70 • Dinner 60 You can relax after the formalities to savour the moment with your friends and family, knowing that everyone is well looked after. We only work with the finest caterers to ensure your first meal as a married couple tastes as spectacular as the surroundings look. “The “staffThe werestaff extremelywere extremely accommodating accommodating and madeand made us feel us special feel special as if itas were if it were our ownour castle.own castle. You onlyYou planonly onplan getting on getting marriedmarried once onceso why so notwhy do not it doright it rightand and in style.”in style.” Vivienne Vivienne & Scott & Scott Weddings at Thirlestane

Overlooking the oldest part of the castle, the Rose Garden is a stunning setting for a marquee for your reception. You can enjoy a garden party atmosphere on a summer’s afternoon, and later dance the night away under the stars.

MarqueE Capacities: 200 Weddings at Thirlestane

For wedding preparations or the wedding night itself, there is the luxurious Apartment. This elegant self- catering apartment offers a haven of calm, with private access and exceptional views of the parkland to the front of the castle.

We are always happy to help you with your wedding planning and put you in touch with the best local suppliers for everything you are looking for, from bagpipers to photographers, or wedding cars to double decker buses. Just give us a call and let us know what you are looking for. With such fine interiors and beautiful grounds, there are endless possibilities for backdrops for your photographs. A wedding at Thirlestane Castle is like no other, and you and your guests will have memories to cherish for a lifetime. , Scottish Borders, Scotland TD2 6RU T: +44 1578 722430 E: [email protected] www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk

With thanks to: Barry’s Bridal Classic Cars, Michael Wares, The Flower Room Appetite Direct and Border Brides

Photography by: Phil Wilkinson, Ewen Forsyth, Michael Boyd and Mark Bryce

Thirlestane Castle is owned and operated by The Thirlestane Castle Trust (Scottish Charity Number SC011491)