Platinum venue
Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate
Banchory, Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QJ
Aberdeenshire
2 - 80 guests
Crathes Castle is a National Trust for Scotland wedding venue near Banchory in Aberdeenshire, just 35 minutes from Aberdeen. Couples can marry in the castle’s Great Hall, its gardens, or the flexible Horsemill event space. With capacity for up to 120 guests and limited on-site accommodation, it’s suited to both large and intimate weddings.
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.
Contact venue
Venue features
External Catering Allowed
Historical
Marquees + Tents Allowed
Micro Weddings + Elopements
Outdoor Space
Venue gallery
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