Set just outside Edinburgh, Dalhousie Castle offers one of the most distinctive wedding settings in Scotland: a genuine medieval fortress that now operates as a refined and welcoming country house hotel. Surrounded by woodland and overlooking the River Esk, it combines a strong sense of history with the comfort and polish expected of a modern luxury venue. For couples who want atmosphere, character, and visual drama without sacrificing warmth or flexibility, it is an exceptional place to get married.

From a photographer’s point of view, Dalhousie Castle rewards careful observation. The building itself provides layers of texture: thick stone walls, vaulted ceilings, narrow staircases, candlelit corridors, and grand fireplaces that all add depth and mood to wedding photographs. Light behaves differently here than in a modern venue, filtering through small windows and reflecting off ancient surfaces, which creates images that feel cinematic rather than staged. Over the years, I have learned how to work with that light, using it to enhance the story of the day rather than overpower it.

One of the castle’s great strengths is its variety of spaces. With a choice of function rooms, couples can shape their wedding to suit their numbers and their style, whether that means an intimate gathering or a larger, more formal celebration. The historic chapel is a particular highlight for ceremonies, offering an atmosphere that feels both solemn and deeply romantic. Civil ceremonies and partnerships can also take place throughout the castle and its grounds, giving couples freedom to choose a location that feels personal rather than prescribed.

The grounds themselves are another important part of the experience. Woodland paths, riverside views, and open lawns provide opportunities for relaxed, natural portraits away from the bustle of the main celebrations. These outdoor moments often become favourites in a final gallery: quieter images that balance the grandeur of the castle interiors with a sense of calm and connection. Because everything is close at hand, stepping outside for photographs never feels disruptive to the flow of the day.

As a working hotel with thirty-five bedrooms, most of them within the castle walls, Dalhousie also allows weddings to unfold at an unhurried pace. Preparations, ceremony, reception, and evening celebrations can all happen on site, which helps the day feel coherent and immersive rather than fragmented. Having photographed many weddings here over the years, I understand how the venue operates and how to work discreetly within it, capturing the character of the castle while keeping the focus firmly on the people at the heart of the day.