If you are looking for the ultimate romantic location for your wedding, why not come along to Edinburgh Castle’s Wedding Open Day on Saturday 13th October 2013?
The event is taking place from 11:00 to 4:00 pm and will showcase the five beautiful venues on offer, from the 12th century St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, to the elegant Queen Anne Room situated in the heart of the castle in Crown Square.
Anyone interested in attending will be asked to pre-register in advance of the day by sending an email to hs.weddings[at]scotland.gsi.gov.uk with the lead name of the wedding party and how many will be attending.
Nick Finnigan, Executive Manager of Edinburgh Castle said: “Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, is one of the most romantic locations in Scotland.
“With award-winning catering, panoramic views across the city and beyond and stunning settings steeped in history, getting married at Edinburgh Castle is sure to provide the perfect day.”
When guests arrive on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle, they will be requested to cross the Drawbridge, into the main entrance area.
They will then collect their tickets from the 19th century Gatehouse Suite, which will be sign-posted and is the first location on the tour. It is accessed by entering the door immediately on the right after crossing the drawbridge, and up the spiral stairs.
Ticket are available for collection from 10:45 until 3:00 pm.
Laura Henry, the Bookings Manager, will be in attendance in the Gatehouse Suite and will issue guests with an Edinburgh Castle Map of the wedding areas.
There are five venues to visit:
The 19th century Gatehouse Suite, situated at the entrance to the castle, offers an ideal venue for small religious, civil ceremonies, civil partnerships and humanist ceremonies, whilst the adjoining Ante Room is perfect for drinks and canapés. It can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests for a ceremony and drinks reception, or up to 20 for seated lunch / dinner.
Access is also available to a private terrace which has superb views of the Royal Mile and the city of Edinburgh, which provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photographs.
The Jacobite Room - This room offers a contemporary setting within an 18th century building. Its magnificent views overlook Princes Street and the Firth of Forth, providing a stunning backdrop for wedding receptions and photography. It is available for Evening Receptions only, with a maximum seated dinner capacity of 100. It can accommodate an Evening Reception / Dancing for up to 150.
St Margaret’s Chapel – This is the oldest building in Edinburgh, dating back to the 12th century. It can only accommodate religious ceremonies with a maximum capacity of 30 guests. The cobbled area outside the Chapel offers a stunning panoramic view across Edinburgh and beyond and is a very popular place for marriage proposals.
The Argyle Tower – This is used for drinks and canapés receptions after a ceremony in St Margaret’s Chapel.
The Queen Anne Room – This is situated in the heart of Edinburgh Castle in Crown Square and is used for religious, Civil Ceremonies, Civil Partnerships & Humanist Ceremonies. It has a maximum ceremony & wedding breakfast capacity of 120 and a maximum Evening Reception / Dancing Capacity of 170.
There is also an opportunity for a private viewing of the Crown Jewels which is exclusively available for the Queen Anne Room ceremony and reception all day package.
Parking information
Please be aware that there is no parking available on site at Edinburgh Castle.
The nearest parking in on-street at Johnston Terrace or at the NCP car park on Castle Terrace.
Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government charged with ensuring that our historic environment provides a strong foundation for a successful future for Scotland. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament. For more information visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
