Castle Wedding Guide

Traquair Castle Outside

Dating back to 1107, Traquair was originally a hunting lodge for the kings and queens of Scotland. Later a refuge for Catholic priests in times of terror the Stuarts of Traquair supported Mary Queen of Scots and the Jacobite cause without counting the cost.

Today Traquair is a unique piece of living history welcoming visitors from all over the world, providing a magical and romantic setting for weddings, hosting a wide range of summer events and a superb venue for corporate groups. You can even stay here in the luxurious Bed & Breakfast accommodation.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the house, extensive grounds, maze, craft workshops, 1745 Cottage Restaurant and the famous Traquair House Brewery housed in the eighteenth century wing and producing the world famous Traquair House Ales.

Getting married at Traquair

Traquair is one of Scotland’s most romantic castles and a perfect venue for your wedding…

If you are looking for a unique setting for your wedding in an authentic castle steeped in history with personal service and attention to detail, Traquair is the ideal setting for the most important day of your life.

With our own Catholic chapel and a license for civil ceremonies you can be married in the house or in some of the magical areas of the grounds.

Smaller more intimate receptions can be held in the main house or we can erect a marquee in front of the house or in the old walled garden for larger weddings.

Traquair Castle Wedding

Your Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony is the most important part of your day and whether you would like a religious or civil marriage we have a wide choice of unique settings in which you can be married.

Religious Ceremonies

The Catholic chapel is situated in the 18th century wing and was created in 1829 following the Catholic Emancipation Act. It is a small intimate chapel which can seat up to 50 people but you will also feel comfortable with fewer than 10. There is also a harmonium which can be played. Any religious denomination can be married in the chapel.

Traquair Castle Ceremony

Civil Ceremonies

Please see below all rooms in Traquair House which are licensed for civil weddings.

The Dining Room sideboard

18th century Dining Room which can seat up to 50 people.

The Lower Drawing Room.
Perfect for small ceremonies of 8 people or less

Traquair Castle Room

The High Drawing Room

The High Drawing Room is the largest room in the house and is suitable for ceremonies of up to 50 people. The room dates back to the 16th century and has wonderful views of the main avenue and Bear Gates.

Outdoor Ceremonies

You can choose anywhere in the Traquair grounds for your marriage ceremony but please see below some of the most popular locations. Suitable for religious or civil ceremonies:

Cupid’s Garden

A delightful enclosed garden at the side of the house where there is a white theme and a small stone statue of cupid with his bow.

The Traquair Maze

A unique and popular venue for those who want a ceremony with a difference. Be married in the centre of the maze or follow the example of one gallant individual who proposed to his fiancé here, having arranged for a firework display to take place at the very moment of her acceptance.

Your Reception

Receptions can be arranged in the house or in a marquee for larger weddings. Receptions taking place in the house are suited for smaller weddings and dinners.

Receptions in Traquair House

We are happy to accept weddings throughout the year however please note that due to the House being open to visitors in the Summer months the rooms stated below only become available for your exclusive use reception after the house has closed at 17.00.

Traquair Castle Reception

High Drawing Room

The stunning 17th century Drawing Room on the first floor of the house can take up to 50 people for a stand up drinks reception and if your party is under 30 guests dancing can be arranged on a small scale. A perfect room to have drinks before and after dinner.

The Dining Room

The 18th century Dining Room is situated on the ground floor in one of the wings of the house. Decorated with French hand blocked wallpaper bought in 1856 and family portraits dating back to the 1600’s. The room is warm and human in scale. Suitable for small dinners as well as larger parties.

Up to 25 guests can be seated around the main table.
Up to 34 on 3- 4 separate tables.
Up to 40 guests can be accommodated with a table in the adjoining Lower Drawing Room.
The table is laid with silver candelabras, crystal glassware and white and gold china.

The Lower Drawing Room

Adjoining the Dining Room is the Lower Drawing Room which is suitable for very small receptions of up to 10 people. Like the Dining Room the wallpaper dates to the 1850’s and there is an open fire which can be lit.

The Still Room

On the Ground floor the Still Room is bright and friendly room which is perfect for very small wedding meals of up to 8 people.

Marquees

Marquees are advised for weddings over 50 people or if you wish to have music and dance into the night. There are two main areas we would recommend siting your marquee. These are on the wine glass lawn in front of the house or in the old walled garden near the 1745 Cottage Restaurant.

Marquees can be luxurious or as simple as you like. We work with our preferred marquee specialist and we would advise you to contact us at the earliest opportunity to discuss your exact requirements.

1745 Cottage Restaurant

The Cottage Restaurant may also be used for a more informal gathering in the evening. Up to 50 guests can be accommodated here and there is some limited space for dancing. A Bar and refreshments can also be arranged.

Traquair Castle Contact information / Location

Traquair House
Innerleithen
Peeblesshire EH44 6PW
Scotland.

Tel: 44 (0)1896 830323
Email: enquiries@traquair.co.uk