Drumtochty Castle, a 19th-century castle at Auchenblae in Aberdeenshire, is hired on an exclusive-use basis for weddings of up to 120 seated guests. Accommodation for up to 110 guests is available across the castle, its wings, lodges and stable apartments, on a 350-acre estate. The official site sells weddings only, so this page is relevant to couples and to organizers of private celebrations of similar size.
Weddings and receptions
The ceremony can take place in St Palladius, a church a short walk from the castle gates, which seats up to 120 guests and has stained-glass windows and oak pews. Inside the castle, the Gold Room or the Ballroom can host a ceremony, and outdoor ceremonies are possible in the castle gardens or by the lake.
For the drinks reception, two large interconnecting reception rooms are used. The Gold Room is decorated in soft gold and ivory tones with antique furniture and a white baby grand piano. The Blue Room follows it, with royal blue walls and crystal chandeliers. Guests can also take drinks on the lawns. A string quartet or a pianist can be arranged for the reception.
The Ballroom is the main dining space. It has an ornate ceiling, a large fireplace and Neo-Gothic floor-to-ceiling windows over the estate. It seats up to 120 guests. Smaller weddings can be held in the dining room.
Rooms and capacities
St Palladius church holds 120 for a ceremony. The Ballroom seats up to 120 for dinner. The Gold Room and the Blue Room interconnect and serve for ceremonies and drinks. The dining room suits smaller weddings. The official pages do not give capacities for the Gold Room, the Blue Room or the dining room.
Accommodation
The estate sleeps up to 110 guests in a range of rooms: the castle itself, its wings, lodges and stable apartments. The wedding party can stay for the whole event on the estate, so the group does not disperse after dinner. A guest information page and a virtual tour are available on the venue's site.
Catering
Catering is in-house, with a resident head chef and team working in a purpose-built kitchen. The estate describes an estate-to-plate approach: it farms its own venison, shoots wild game in season and buys from local suppliers where possible. Couples choose from three or four course menus, with canapes and a hot fork buffet for the evening. A one-to-one tasting with the chefs is offered before you select the menu.
History and setting
Drumtochty is a 19th-century Scottish castle in the glen of Drumtochty, in the Aberdeenshire countryside. The St Palladius church stands in the grounds, and the estate covers 350 acres with gardens and a lake.
Getting there
The castle address is Drumtochty Castle, Auchenblae, Laurencekirk, AB30 1TP, in Aberdeenshire. Confirm the best route and transfer options with the venue when you book a viewing.
