Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Crathes Castle: Scottish castle wedding venue near Aberdeen

Crathes Castle is a 16th-century Scottish tower house set within formal gardens and rolling countryside. Known for its turrets, painted ceilings and oak panelling, the castle is surrounded by topiary and yew hedges dating back over 300 years. Now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, it offers couples a heritage venue with landscaped grounds and flexible spaces for ceremonies, receptions and evening celebrations.

Ceremonies and receptions at Crathes Castle

Ceremonies

• Great Hall (castle) – up to 40 guests
• Golden Garden or Rose Garden – up to 80 guests
  

Drinks receptions

• Croquet Lawn with views of the castle and gardens
• Guests can enjoy tours of the castle or a game of croquet
  

Wedding meals

• Castle dining – up to 40 guests
• Horsemill – up to 80 guests
  

Evening receptions

• Horsemill – a converted horse mill with capacity for up to 120 guests
• Marquee hire available for larger guest lists

Catering at Crathes Castle

The castle does not offer in-house catering. Couples can choose from the venue’s recommended suppliers, including:

• Country Flavours
• Harry Fraser Catering Services
• Perfection Catering
• Wilde Thyme / Entier

On-site accommodation at Crathes Castle

Rest your head in luxe grandeur in the quaint cottage accommodation on Crathes Estate, ideal for up to four guests and offered on a self-catered basis.

External alternative accommodation is also available nearby if required.

Elopements and intimate weddings

Looking for something small for your nuptials? Consider an elopement or intimate wedding at Crathes Castle.

Garden ceremony – maximum of 80 guests

• Hire of the Golden Garden or Rose Garden for two hours
• Use of the grounds for wedding photography

Castle ceremony – maximum of 50 guests

• Hire of the Great Hall for two hours (between 2-5pm)
• Use of the castle & grounds for wedding photography

Elopement – based on the wedding couple & witnesses

• Private ceremony in the beautiful walled garden
• Use of the castle, garden & grounds for wedding photography

Wedding packages and hire costs

• Burnett wedding – £12,000 (40 day guests, 120 evening guests)
• Castle wedding – £7,500 (50 day guests, 120 evening guests)
• Garden wedding – £3,500 (80 day guests, 120 evening guests)
• Castle ceremony – £3,500 (up to 50 guests)
• Garden ceremony – £3,000 (up to 80 guests)
• Elopement – £600 (couple and witnesses)
• Marquee lawn hire – £3,500

What’s included

• Dedicated events manager
• Grounds available for wedding photography
• One-year National Trust for Scotland membership
• 120 Chiavari chairs with cream seat pads
• 8 round banquet tables

FAQs

Where is Crathes Castle?

Located near Banchory in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, it is about 35 minutes from Aberdeen city centre.

Is Crathes Castle an exclusive-use venue?

No. As the castle and grounds are open to the public, exclusive use cannot be guaranteed.

What is the capacity of Crathes Castle wedding venue?

• Castle – 40 guests
• Gardens – 80 guests
• Horsemill – 80 for dining, 120 for evening reception
• Marquee – by arrangement
  

Is wedding catering provided at Crathes Castle?
No. Couples choose from the venue’s list of recommended caterers.

Is there guest accommodation at Crathes Castle?
Yes. A self-catering cottage for up to 4 guests is available on the estate.