Duns Castle, dating from 1320, is an award-winning Scottish venue and an idyllic setting for fairytale weddings, whether intimate or grand. Possibly the best value of all castle properties in the UK, and blessed with its own private nature reserve, forest trails, extensive lawns and bespoke activities, Duns Castle comes with exclusive use and the estate can accommodate up to 56 guests.
What makes Duns Castle a unique wedding venue?
Where else can one find a 14th century Scottish Castle with stunning fairytale features inside and out that offers exclusive use, a homely atmosphere, plenty of accommodation, dining for up to 60, extensive lawns for larger events, catered or self-catered options, bespoke activities, a private nature reserve, forest trails, historic sites, 1,200 acres to explore, tree-planting ceremonies and no sound or light pollution so that guests can enjoy starry skies? It's no wonder the property recently starred in a global campaign linked to Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Duns Castle is also a hugely symbolic wedding venue, for it was here that the Covenanters successfully defended Scotland's freedom of worship in 1639. That's pretty unique!
What is a typical wedding like at Duns Castle?
Duns Castle doesn't do typical weddings. Every wedding is different, thanks to the bespoke nature of the service and the venue's ability to adapt to special requests, especially with the outdoor spaces. A few examples drawn from different weddings include bird's-eye view videography with GoPros on the back of eagles, a golf tournament on the neighbouring course, archery on the lawn, mini-Highland Games, treasure hunts, musical fireworks, video-projections onto the walls of the castle, floodlighting the castle, horse-drawn carriages, hog-roasts, open-air ceremonies, tree-planting ceremonies and even an owl delivering the rings. With stunning backdrops everywhere one turns, Duns Castle is also a photographer's paradise. Clearly, “typical” is not a typical word at Duns Castle!
What Wedding Packages does Duns Castle offer?
Duns Castle recognises that every wedding is, and should be, unique and therefore offers a bespoke service, not packages. The only standardised elements are that each booking is given exclusive-use of the castle and the gardens, as well as the ability to accommodate up to 23 in the castle (+ a further 33 in the holiday cottages), the provision of some silverware and up to 80 chairs for the ceremony, and the dedicated support of an internal coordinator to help with the planning of the wedding. The property has a panel of preferred caterers, as well as a long list of other service providers for the wedding couple to choose from.
What Extra facilities does Duns Castle have to assist couples to have the perfect day?
Duns Castle is an exclusive-use venue. It is not a hotel, nor is it open to the public. Instead, it is a family home where guests can enjoy their privacy and relax in the timeless yet homely ambience. The castle is fully licensed and is open to all faiths. Most ceremonies take place in the castle, but some take place on the lawn, by the lakeside or in any of the local churches. A 24-hour booking includes accommodation in the castle's 12 guest rooms (for up to 23 guests) and further accommodation (for up to 33 guests) is available in the 7 holiday cottages on site. All can dine and breakfast together in the castle. Arrivals by helicopter are also permitted.
Where is Duns Castle located?
Duns Castle is located in the Scottish Borders, just one hour south-east of Edinburgh. The castle is within easy reach of 3 international airports (Edinburgh, Newcastle and Glasgow) and just 20 minutes from Berwick-upon-Tweed (3.5 hours by train from London Kings Cross). The property is situated on the edge of the picturesque market town of Duns, within 10 minutes walk of the castle. Local amenities include a supermarket, swimming pool, medical clinic, restaurants, pubs, golf course, petrol stations, play parks and child-care, as well as hairdressers, beauty parlours, and a pharmacy. There are even sandy beaches within 30 minutes and plenty of other local attractions, including Abbotsford House and weaving mills. Horse riding and salmon fishing are also available nearby.
Other Information
Duns Castle is an award-winning property. These include “Venue of the Year” and “Customer Experience of the Year” at the 2017 Scottish Events Awards, “Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year” at the 2017 Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards and “Rural Hospitality Business of the Year” (Highly Commended) at the 2018 Scottish Rural Awards.
