Gordon Castle Estate, in Fochabers on the River Spey in Moray, hosts weddings from 40 to 250 guests and corporate or private events under exclusive hire. The castle is not open to the public and is let only for private accommodation and events. The castle sleeps up to 18 guests, and estate cottages add 36 more beds.
Seminars and company events
The estate lets the castle for corporate and private hire, with exclusive use. The Orangery takes up to 80 people in theatre style or 60 at rectangular tables, and suits plenary sessions. The Octagonal Hall takes a boardroom setup of up to 20, theatre style for up to 40, round-table dining for 36 and rectangular-table dining for 48. A stand-up buffet, including the Drawing Room, takes up to 60. For larger gatherings, marquees can be set up on the Tower lawn. The events team builds a program around the meeting, and the options it lists include salmon fishing, clay pigeon shooting, archery, a mini Highland Games, whisky tours and tastings, kayaking and helicopter tours. Evening entertainment can include casino nights, live bands, pipers, Highland dancers, comedians and magicians. Viewings of the castle, gardens and cottages are available by arrangement.
Weddings and receptions
The estate states that celebrations range from gatherings of 40 to weddings of up to 250 guests. The Tower Hall, attached to the castle's tower and topped by a glass dome, holds up to 250 guests for ceremony and reception. The Orangery is an indoor ceremony space with daylight, listed for up to 90 guests for a ceremony. The castle's Drawing Room suits ceremonies for up to 40. Outdoor ceremonies can be held on the front lawn in warmer months. Religious or belief ceremonies can take place in any location agreed with the approved celebrant, and three nearby churches are named on the site: Bellie Kirk, St Mary's Church and Gordon Chapel.
Rooms and capacities
For events, the key spaces are the Tower Hall (250), the Orangery (80 theatre, 60 at tables), the Octagonal Hall (20 to 48 depending on the layout) and the Drawing Room (ceremonies for 40). Exact dimensions are not published, so ask the events team for plans.
Accommodation
The castle sleeps up to 18 on an exclusive-use basis. Five other properties on the estate sleep 36 guests together: Kennels Lodge, Lakeside Cottage, Courtyard Cottage, Garden Cottage and Quarry Gardens Lodge. Individual cottages sleep from 2 to 14. The events team handles accommodation arrangements for groups.
Catering
For corporate events, a chef prepares a personalized menu and wine selection. In fine weather, drinks and canapés can be served in the gardens before dinner indoors. A restaurant in the Walled Garden serves locally sourced meals, and it takes inquiries for private dining and functions.
History and setting
The castle stands near the village of Fochabers, on the banks of the River Spey. The estate also runs an annual Highland Games and events in its Walled Garden.
Getting there
The address is Gordon Castle Estate Office, Fochabers, Morayshire, IV32 7PQ. The site offers a what3words location for the castle.
