Dalhousie Castle wedding, from California to Scotland

Mel and Kev leaving Dalhousie Castle for confetti throw.

Dalhousie Castle Wedding | Melanie & Kevin’s Scottish Celebrations

If you’ve ever dreamed of saying wedding vows in a Scottish castle, this wedding at Dalhousie Castle will give you all the inspiration you need. Melanie & Kevin travelled all the way from California to celebrate their love in one of Scotland’s most romantic wedding venues. Their day was filled with heartfelt details, handmade touches, and the timeless beauty of wedding photos that tell their story.

Dalhousie Castle, a dream wedding venue in Scotland

The Castle, located just outside Edinburgh, is a breathtaking 13th-century fortress surrounded by lush grounds and ancient stone walls with ivy. It’s no wonder that couples from around the world choose it for their destination wedding in Scotland. From the castle chapel to the dungeon, every corner of Dalhousie offers the perfect backdrop for timeless wedding photography.

Melanie & Kevin crossed the Atlantic with family and friends to celebrate their love in Scotland. Their wedding at Dalhousie Castle was intimate yet filled with character, bringing together old world elegance with their own personal flair.

Handmade Wedding Details

One of the most special parts of their day was the incredible effort the couple put into personalising the celebration. They designed their wedding invitations, the signs and table names, and even made scarves as gifts for every single guest. These handmade touches not only looked beautiful but also made the entire day feel uniquely theirs.

Wedding Suppliers

Wedding stationery, signs and gifts for the guests : Melanie Erin Designs; Flowers : Ochre Botanicals ;Bridal dress : Sarah Seven; Video-content creation : Venus Content Creator ; Catering : Dalhousie Castle; Wedding photography Scotland : Anna Urban

Wedding invitations made by the bride.
Blue bridal shoes by Stuart Weitzman..
Melanie getting ready for a wedding at the Scottish Castle.
Ochre Botanical Flowers wedding bouquets.
Bride's friend doing wedding video on Super 8.
Black and white photo of the bride and the bridesmaids.
Bride's Dad seeing the bride for a first time.
Bridal portrait taken on 35mm film camera.
Groom and his groomsmen posing for a photo at Dalhousie.

The Ceremony at Dalhousie Castle

Their ceremony took place within the castle’s historic setting. From Kevin’s smile as he saw Melanie walk down the aisle to their heartfelt vows and handfasting , every moment was emotional. Following the ceremony, guests gathered in the castle for a reception that was filled with warmth and joy. The elegant interiors of the castle provided the perfect backdrop for speeches and dancing late into the night. Melanie’s handmade décor carried through to the reception, tying every element together in a way that felt personal and heartfelt.

Bride walking down the aisle with her parents.
Wedding ceremony at the Dalhousie Castle near Edinburgh.
Kevin exchanging the ring with his bride in Dalhousie's wedding chapel.
Just married at the Dalhousie Castle, wedding photos on digital and film.
Wedding couple having their toast after saying I do.
Couple outside Dalhousie castle after confetti throw.
Melanie & Kev kissing outside Dalhousie Castle in Scotland.
Melanie & Kevin with the bird of prey after getting married.
Bridesmaids wearing black dresses captured on 35mm film.
Family wedding photos at the Dalhousie Castle in Scotland.
Bride with bridesmaids group photo at the Dalhousie castle in Edinburgh.
Dalhousie Castle wedding photos taken by Scotland wedding photographer.
Analogue wedding photos taken by Scotland wedding photographer.
Melanie posing outside the Scottish Castle for film wedding photographer in Scotland.
35mm film wedding photos taken by wedding photographer in the UK.
Bridal party outside the Dalhousie Castle, group photo taken by Edinburgh photographer.
Dalhousie Castle wedding photo in black and white

Dalhousie Wedding Photos – Romantic Couple Portraits

When it comes to Dalhousie Castle wedding photos, the castle itself provides endless inspiration. The couple’s portraits were taken against the backdrop of Dalhousie’s historic stonework and elegant interiors, resulting in images that are both striking and emotional. Some images were taken on 35mm film though most of the day was captured digitally.

Stylish and timeless wedding photos at the Dalhousie Castle wedding.
Wedding couple behind the Dalhousie Castle with the view of the trees.
Mel and Kev preparing for the bride's father's speech at Dalhousie.

Dalhousie Castle Wedding – FAQs

How many guests can Dalhousie Castle host?
The Castle is perfect for both intimate weddings and larger celebrations. It can host up to around 100 guests for a ceremony or wedding breakfast, and even more for evening receptions. It’s flexible enough to feel cosy with a small group, yet grand enough for a big party.

Is Dalhousie Castle good for destination weddings?
Absolutely! Melanie & Kevin travelled all the way from California, and the castle couldn’t have been a better choice. Being just a short drive from Edinburgh Airport makes it easy for guests flying in. The castle itself feels like a once in a lifetime experience for anyone attending.

Where can guests stay near Dalhousie Castle?
The castle has 35 bedrooms on-site, which are perfect for family and wedding party members. Beyond that, there are hotels and guesthouses in Bonnyrigg and Midlothian, plus plenty of accommodation options in Edinburgh if guests want to turn your wedding into a Scottish city break.

When is the best time of year for a wedding at Dalhousie ?
It depends on the vibe you’re after. The ivy is lush green in summer, fiery red in autumn, and in winter the bare stone looks dramatic and moody so you really can’t go wrong. Each season creates a different atmosphere ( and amazing wedding photos ) .

Why Choose a Scottish Castle Wedding?

There’s something undeniably romantic about saying your vows inside the walls of a historic castle. A Scottish castle wedding offers not just a venue, but an experience where history, architecture, and breathtaking landscapes come together to create a fairytale atmosphere. Castles like Dalhousie give couples the chance to celebrate in a setting that feels both timeless and grand, while still offering modern comforts for guests. Whether it’s the sense of history, the stunning photo opportunities, or simply the magic of celebrating in such a unique location, a castle wedding is truly unforgettable. If you’re planning a wedding in Scotland – or dreaming of your own destination celebration – Dalhousie Castle is a magical venue that creates unforgettable memories and stunning photographs. If you’d like to see more of my work or chat about your own wedding at the Dalhousie, please get in touch.