Eilean Donan is the ideal location for many special occasions. Weddings, private celebrations, conferences, fashion shoots and film are just a few examples of the versatility of Eilean Donan as a setting for social and business events. The castle has provided the backdrop for many a film and been the memorable location for couples and families to mark the most important day of their lives. We offer flexibility in planning and guarantee exclusivity so that your occasion remains your private affair. Our team will assist you in ensuring your stay at Eilean Donan will be one to remember.
Weddings
When you think of the phrase ‘a Highland wedding’ there are certain ingredients that should always be present . . . take a beautiful bride, a nervous groom, a castle, some water, a few mountains, maybe some forests and then blend in some magnificent views to die for. For good measure, add a splash of tartan, a dram or two for celebration, the sound of pipes and merriment then douse liberally with world famous Highland hospitality and you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable day.
If this has a flavour of the type of event you would like for your big day then consider Eilean Donan Castle as the perfect venue. Situated at the point where three great sea lochs converge, and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, Eilean Donan has become one of the most iconic images of Scotland and is recognised all over the world.
As a location it is gloriously unique, but as a wedding venue, quite simply, spectacular; and although we’re quite remote, everything you might need to complete your perfect day can readily be sourced locally, so the organisation and planning needn’t be a headache, no matter how far away you live. Couples from all over the world have been married at Eilean Donan and in some instances, every single arrangement was made by telephone and internet. We’ve even included a helpful list of wedding contacts to help get you started, but if you need any other help, advice or information please just contact us or give us a call on 01599 555202.
During the main tourist season when the castle is open, weddings will take place after 6.00pm when we close to the public; with the ceremony itself starting at 6.30pm. During the closed season, it is possible to get married at any time of day by arrangement. Wedding ceremonies take place in the Banqueting Hall, the largest room in the castle, which can accommodate approximately 70 people seated. If the weather permits, it is also possible to get married outside in the courtyard, over the water, looking out on the mountains of Skye.
Following the ceremony, your wedding guests then utilise the atmospheric Billeting Room for a champagne or drinks reception, but again if the sun is shining, many people choose to take their glasses out into the private courtyard, to enjoy the stunning views across the loch, while the Bride and Groom have their photographs taken.
We offer a comprehensive list of celebratory drinks, including champagnes, sparkling wines and everything else you might need to help get your celebrations started. This drinks list and order form will be e-mailed to you once you have confirmed your booking with us, and on the big day itself, we’ll take care of serving your guests, providing glassware, and generally ensuring everyone has a great time. To guarantee supply, please confirm your drinks requirements back to us no later than six weeks prior to the big day itself.
Please note that hiring Eilean Donan for your wedding day means that you and your guests get completely exclusive access to the interior areas of the castle and the inner courtyard, however we do always permit public access to the rest of the island outside the castle walls and the bridge. People travel thousands of miles to visit us; many for a once in a lifetime experience, and as such, we seldom if ever, lock the gates to the bridge or restrict public access onto the island.
As the castle does not have catering facilities, wedding receptions take place at local hotels and restaurants, of which there are many. If you’re utilising our Eilean Donan Apartments for all your party’s accommodation needs, it is also possible to hold your reception in a marquee in the grounds of the apartments, commanding wonderful views over to the castle.
Eilean Donan Apartments, with 12 apartments of various sizes is just two minutes’ drive away from the castle. Our beautiful self-catering apartments offer the perfect accommodation for wedding parties who would like to stay near the castle. Book early to avoid disappointment!
To hire Eilean Donan Castle for a wedding costs £1650 for weddings involving more than 10 people in total and £1400 for smaller weddings of less than 10 persons. Every wedding at Eilean Donan is special and we always try to be as flexible as possible. If you have an unusual or romantic idea for your big day, don’t be afraid to ask – you might just be amazed by what’s possible!
To give you an idea of the beauty of Weddings at Eilean Donan, have a look at this video from Thistle Productions.
Eilean Donan Castle, Emily & Michael from thistleproduction.com on Vimeo.