TTKS Visits: historic Glasgow hotel wedding venue Crossbasket Castle

After being rescued from desolation in 2011, Crossbasket Castle was meticulously renovated into a luxurious, five-star hotel that offers a dreamy setting for a luxurious wedding.

Now, with the opening of its brand-new hotel and entertainment-led restaurant, Trocadero’s, Tie the Knot Scotland visit to find out how couples can throw the celebration of a lifetime here...

Dreaming of getting married in a fairytale castle, but don’t want to drag your family and friends all the way to some remote corner of Scotland for the day?

You’ll be pleased to know that you could find exactly what you’re looking for just south of Glasgow, and it has all the romantic turrets and towers you could wish for.

The five-star Crossbasket Castle in High Blantyre opened as a hotel nine years ago and has been one of Scotland’s most sought-after venues for weddings and events ever since.

Find out more about weddings at Crossbasket Castle

Crossbasket Castle new transformation

I went along for an overnight stay, and as I tour the exclusive-use wedding venue with events and sales manager Laura McAulay, I’m truly blown away by what I see.

“Crossbasket was restored from the brink of ruin by owners Alison and Steve Timoney,” Laura tells me.

The transformation has truly been a passion project for them, she adds; they’ve spent over £10 million on sensitive restorations and poured love into every detail.

Wedding spaces at Crossbasket Castle 

Ceremonies, says Laura, are hosted in either the gold-leaf Baillie Room, the exquisite Stewart Room overlooking the gardens, or the James Little Hall.

If the weather is on your side, however, there is also an outdoor option, overlooking the dramatic fountain and gardens in front of the castle.

A drinks reception can be hosted outside too, with exclusive access to the cute little bandstand beside the River Calder. The Grand Roosevelt Ballroom then welcomes up to 250 people for the wedding breakfast,  with a menu that’ll have been designed specifically to your tastes.

Is Crossbasket Castle exclusive use for weddings?

Once the newlyweds are ready to rest their heads, there’s a four-storey private tower containing a honeymoon suite. (Note: The spiral staircase is not for the faint-hearted, though!)

This suite is often used by the bride or groom to get ready on the morning of the wedding too.

Couples and their guests have uninterrupted access to all the public areas on their special day, and the beauty and tranquillity of the surrounding estate, waterfalls and woodland trails offer much in the way of photo opportunities too.

See some of the best exclusive use wedding venues in Scotland

Crossbasket Castle's new on-site hotel

After a break for afternoon tea (with champagne and the most delightful cakes!), Laura led me to Crossbasket’s latest ‘wing’ – its newly-built hotel that handily neighbours the existing castle on the estate, and has 40 beautifully decorated bedrooms and suites across two storeys.

This new addition allows for even more guest accommodation on top of the nine bedrooms in the 17th-century castle, and two new five-bedroom eco lodges in the grounds due to open this autumn.

Check out this fairytale wedding at Crossbasket Castle 

“Our new development marks the next chapter in Crossbasket Castle’s nearly 400-year history,” smiles Laura.

“It captures the essence of romance, indulgence and pure escapism. It sits proudly as a neighbour to the castle and brings something entirely unique to the luxury hotel market in Scotland.”

And from the moment I’m shown to my hotel room, I’m impressed – it is sleek and modern in design, with a luxurious marble bathroom.

Brides and grooms-to-be can absolutely make the most of this new space too, by turning one special day into a weekend of celebrations.

“All of the castle’s spaces and bedrooms that could be booked for weddings and events are still available, of course,” Laura explains.

“This new addition just works in harmony with them. It's been an extremely popular addition for wedding couples who have extended their celebrations into a weekend of events."

See first pictures of Crossbasket Castle's new hotel and restaurant here

Trocadero's at Crossbasket Castle

Here in the new building you’ll also find Trocadero’s, an entertainment-led restaurant overseen by Michelin- starred chef Michel Roux.

Trocadero’s, I soon find out, is the beating heart of the hotel. Designed to deliver a fresh golden age of fine dining, the room boasts dark timber panelling and plush velvet booths.

The tables in the dining area-come-dancefloor face the stage where live musicians and performers play late into the evening, and the food itself is out of this world (I had crab for starter, followed by steak, and then a tiramisu for dessert).

“Our many versatile spaces, such as Trocadero’s, allow couples to add their own touches to complete their bespoke fairytale,” says Laura.

"You can use Trocadero’s to get the party started the night before, for example. And then, the day after, have brunch in Foveran’s, our new breakfast and lunch restaurant.”

Find more castle wedding venues in Scotland

Wedding coordinator at Crossbasket Castle

And you can take her word for it – she knows the castle inside and out, and will be with you every step of the way if you decide this is your venue.

“From the moment you enter the estate, I’m on hand to provide guidance and help you create an unforgettable wedding experience,” she smiles.

“On the day itself, our general manager and his team ensure seamless service and that every detail is carefully considered.”