Winton Castle

Set in the East Lothian countryside, Winton Castle blends the grandeur of a 500-year-old Castle with the intimacy of a family home, described as ‘intimacy on a grand scale’. Winton is highly rated and has consistently scored 4.8 out of 5 in Google Reviews (280+ reviews).

Five interconnecting reception rooms allow wedding days to flow through the castle, while larger celebrations can take place in a marquee on the croquet lawn. Outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions can also be held in the colourful Walled and Terraced Gardens. On-site accommodation and a dedicated Wedding Coordinator allow couples to shape the celebration around their plans, with entertaining experiences including whisky tastings, mini Highland Games and clay pigeon shooting.

By limiting the number of weddings held at Winton each year, they ensure that Winton Castle is still a well-kept secret. It also ensures that wedding guests receive the very best attention from start to finish. Winton has a rich, romantic history, today Winton Castle is still the family home of Sir Francis and Lady Ogilvy, which means that, despite its grandeur, it has a warm, welcoming, relaxed ambience.

At a glance

•    Location: East Lothian, Scotland
•    Venue style: Historic Scottish Renaissance castle
•    Exclusive use: Yes
•    Accommodation: Up to 50 guests across 24 rooms
•    Wedding packages: From £9,500 (2028 pricing)
•    Ceremony settings: Castle interiors and gardens

Wedding spaces at Winton Castle

Winton Castle has space for wedding parties of 20 to 130 guests. Alternatively, a beautiful wedding marquee can be set up for 150 to 250 guests on the croquet lawn next to the castle. 

The Drawing Room

With intricate ceilings and masterpieces, the Drawing Room provides an intimate ceremony setting within the castle.

•    Capacity: Up to 110 guests
•    Use: Wedding ceremonies

The Dining Room

The Dining Room is one of the castle’s larger indoor spaces and can be used for dining and dancing.

•    Capacity: Up to 120 guests
•    Use: Wedding ceremonies, dining and dancing

The Marquee

For larger weddings, a marquee with wonderful views can be positioned on the croquet lawn beside the castle.

It provides a dedicated space for dining and evening entertainment while allowing couples and guests to continue making use of the castle and grounds.

•    Capacity: 120–250 guests
•    Location: Croquet lawn beside the castle
•    Use: Wedding receptions and larger celebrations

Walled and Terraced Gardens

The Walled and Terraced Garden offers an outdoor setting surrounded by the castle grounds and East Lothian countryside.

•    Capacity: Up to 250 guests
•    Use: Outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions

Wedding ceremonies

Winton Castle welcomes civil, humanist and religious wedding ceremonies.

Ceremonies can take place inside the castle or outdoors in the gardens, giving couples flexibility around guest numbers and the atmosphere they want to create.

Several historic churches are also located nearby for couples planning a religious ceremony away from the castle.

Exclusive use weddings

Winton Castle is available for exclusive use weddings, giving couples and their guests private use of the castle and gardens for the duration of their hire.

Unlike a hotel, no other events take place alongside the wedding, allowing the celebration to move between the ceremony, drinks reception, meal and evening entertainment.

Wedding packages and pricing

Wedding hire at Winton Castle varies according to the season and whether couples choose a one- or two-night celebration.

2028 wedding hire prices:

•    Low season: From £9,500 for one night, including bedrooms in Winton Castle
•    High season: Up to £19,000 for two nights, including bedrooms in Winton Castle

Couples should discuss their preferred date, length of stay and accommodation requirements with the venue when requesting a quotation.

On-site wedding accommodation

Winton offers overnight accommodation across the Castle and three country houses, giving couples the option to stay with family and friends before and after their wedding.

The Castle – Sleeps 18 across nine individually designed ensuite bedrooms. Includes a dedicated host and full Scottish breakfast.

Wintonhill Farmhouse – Sleeps 14 across six bedrooms, with Georgian rooms and a large garden.

Winton Cottage – Sleeps 12 across five bedrooms, with an enclosed garden.

Broomrigg Farmhouse – Sleeps eight across four bedrooms, with a private garden and wood-fired hot tub.

All accommodation is subject to availability.

Wedding catering

Winton Castle works with local chefs and trusted caterers to offer several styles of wedding food.

Options include:

•    Pre-wedding food and wine tastings
•    Wedding banquets
•    BBQs
•    Buffets

BBQ or buffet: from £95 per guest
Wedding banquet: from £105 per guest

A complimentary menu tasting is available ahead of the wedding.

Wedding planning and coordination

Every couple has a dedicated Wedding Coordinator, supported by a team with more than 20 years of experience hosting weddings at Winton Castle.

Support includes:

•    Pre-wedding food and wine tastings
•    Wedding schedules and activity planning
•    Ceremony rehearsals
•    Personalised printed table plans and menu cards
•    Freshly cut flower bouquets
•    Classic table settings with candelabra

Wedding activities and experiences

Couples can add activities to the wider wedding celebrations, giving guests another way to spend time together during their stay.

Options include:

•    Whisky tastings
•    Mini Highland Games
•    Clay pigeon shooting with Scotland’s 24-time champion

These can be incorporated into the wider wedding plans. Activities are a wonderful way for guests to get to know each other.

Sustainability & Eco Credentials

Winton Castle has award-winning sustainability credentials, with its countryside, gardens and wildlife forming an important part of Winton Estate.

The natural surroundings are incorporated into the wedding experience, from outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions to photography and guest activities.

History of Winton Castle

Winton Castle has more than 500 years of history and connections to the Seton family, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The castle was burnt to the ground during Henry VIII’s Rough Wooing campaign before being rebuilt in the Scottish Renaissance style.

Newlywed testimonial

“Our words cannot properly express our gratitude to your staff, who exceeded all of our expectations. 

“Your entire team were so professional, attentive and friendly. They were unobtrusive yet ready to assist at any minute with even the smallest request. Consequently, the whole event passed flawlessly.” – Alan E, June 2026

FAQs

Where is Winton Castle?

Winton Castle is located in East Lothian, about 40 minutes from Edinburgh and the international airport, and just over an hour from Glasgow.

Do couples have exclusive use of the castle?

Yes, the castle and gardens are exclusively yours for the duration of your wedding hire, with no other events taking place alongside your celebration.

What catering is available?

Winton Castle works with local chefs and trusted caterers to offer a range of dining options, including wedding banquets, BBQs and buffets. 

Couples can also enjoy a complimentary menu tasting ahead of their wedding.

Is Winton Castle accessible?

The castle’s main reception rooms are located on the ground floor, with wide doorways, a ramp at the entrance and an accessible toilet.

The castle bedrooms are located upstairs and are not accessible by lift. Couples with specific accessibility or accommodation requirements are encouraged to contact the venue directly to discuss the available options.

Is there a dedicated wedding coordinator?

Yes, every couple has a dedicated Wedding Coordinator to support them throughout the planning process, ensuring every detail is taken care of.

What kind of ceremonies can be held at Winton Castle?

Winton Castle welcomes religious, civil and humanist ceremonies, which can be held either inside the castle or in the gardens. There are also historic churches nearby for couples considering a church ceremony.