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One of the most atmosheric and romantic wedding venues in Scotland, only twenty minutes from Gretna Green. Considered one of the country's strongest castles, Caerlaverock is built as a triangle with huge towers on each corner, surrounded by a moat. It is one of Scotlands finest historical ruins and could prove to be the spectacular backdrop to your wedding. Arriving at the castle you and your party can be piped over the drawbridge and through into the great hall for your open air ceremony. The freedom of the Castle and it's grounds are then yours to enjoy and offer fantastic locations for wedding photography.
History of Caerlaverock Castle
The castle's turbulent history owes much to its proximity to England which brought it into many border conflicts. The Maxwell family, who built Caerlaverock, enjoyed peaceful prosperity there until it was besieged in 1300 by Edward I. The castle was partly destroyed in 1357, but repaired by the 1370s.
During the 16th century Caerlaverock featured in Anglo-Saxon conflict until James VI's accession to the English throne brought peace to the Borders for the first time in centuries. The truce collapsed with the 1640 Civil War and the final siege at Caerlaverock came when the Royalists surrendered to the Covenanters after a siege of 13 weeks.
It was demolished by crumbling the south wall and tower, which remain destroyed to this day. The castle fell into ruins but it still remains one of Scotland's finest.
- Caerlaverock is a ruin and has limited covered areas in the event of rain. This is not too much of a problem, but one to be aware of with larger parties.
- Ceremonies at the castle can only be performed by a minister. We can arrange an informal minister who performs a shorter, relaxed service, similar to a registrars ceremony, if you prefer.
- The castle is a heritage site and as such is open to the public, so there may be tourists in the vacinity during the wedding.
Wouldn't have changed a thing.
Melissa Forster (31/12/2011)
We decided to have our wedding ceremony here after seeing pictures of the venue on the web. We knew that it was beautiful, but nothing could have prepared us for seeing it for ourselves. We travelled up the day before just to check where the castle was and the man at the ticket desk (Stanley) was very helpful and made us feel incredibly welcome. We were very lucky on the day as it was very mild for December and it didn't rain. The pastor was excellent and the venue allowed people the freedom to stand wherever they wanted during the ceremony. Everyone commented how beautiful a setting it was. I would recommend it for anyone wanting a truly romantic day.
11/11/11 BEST DAY OF OUR LIVES,CAERLAVEROCK CASTLE 4 EVA
Heidi Maker-Forbes (12/11/2011)
11/11/11 The best day of our lives,Caerlaverock is stunning what more can i say...the scenery is so beautiful i really did feel like a princess,the weather was cold but it did not rain otherwise this might have been a problem? we had a horse and carriage,a piper,and we had some doves all these little touches made a big difference and was perfect for my small wedding.There was not a dry eye in carlaverock castle my husband,my self,our 10 yr old son and my guests were crying,and the locals came by the castle to wish us luck and waved good bye as we were leaving the castle in our horse and carriage.I would really recommend Caerlaverock Catle it will always hold a special place in my heart,and me and my husband plan to come back for a visit for our anniversary next year. (Heidi & Ben Maker-Forbes,from Llandudno North Wales)
Beautiful Wedding Venue,Different From All Others.
Gemma & Paul McCredie (07/11/2011)
We had the most amazing wedding,this is a beautiful venue.We got married on the 5th november 2011 and it was really sunny which made it even better.Family commented how different the wedding was compared to the other weddings they have been to.We would recommend this venue to anyone who doesnt want a traditional wedding.We would like to thank the minister david baston the bagpiper gilly and the driver and photographer who were all amazing and made the day extra special.And if anyone needs a place to stay i would recommend the Hetland Hall Hotel which suites the venue.We couldn't of asked for a better day.Thankyou all.
Perfect wedding location whatever the weather
Julie Riding (17/09/2011)
Absolutely stunning location, we married here on 11th September 2011, the weather was dreadful, rain and very windy, but that did not detract from the beauty of the place or our wedding. We would highly recommend this venue it truly is a magical place and perfect for that extra special wedding location.
Amazing! Fairy Tale wedding perfect in every way.
claire smeaton (27/07/2011)
Absolutely stunning!!! We had our wedding here on 23rd July 2011, the sun was shining and the venue is magical. We had the horse and carridge too which made it even more special. Everyone can't stop talking about our day which is lovely. We was lucky enough to be married right at the back against the moat, fantastic photo's by Alister and Lynn can't wait for the album. We highly reccomed this venue it's amazing and in my oppinion one of Scotlands best!Perfect wedding location i wouldn't change a thing!
Romantic and cosy wedding for two
rachael townsend (22/03/2011)
Married here in September 2010, was just me, hubby to be and my two westie dogs! Weather was mixed and did rain but this didn't spoil our day! Although the caslte doesn't have a roof there are some sheltered bits which turned out to be lovely photo opportunities! Had some lovely photos taken by the photographer Alister and Lynn and our family and friends commented on how unique and romantic the venue looked on the photos when we arrived home and annouced our secret wedding! Would highly recommend the venue, we had been before the wedding and are definately going to go back next yr !
A Fairy Tale Setting
Heather Bjergfelt (09/02/2011)
We got married here in November 2010 (that's me with the tartan shawl!) and it was fabulous. Everyone was helpful and friendly. Our wedding was very small but beautifully done and the photographer was outstanding. We are so pleased with the finished album. We couldn't have asked for a better day or a more beautiful venue.
time of our lives!!!
tonya harrison (27/01/2011)
We had a humanist wedding here in June 2010. The day was fantastic. The weather a treat with all guests being sunburnt and the photos are like no other. Truly amazing wedding made all the more so by such a fantastic venue. I would recommend it to anyone. We had a PA system set up, singers and champagne served within the castle grounds after the wedding whilst the formal photos were being completed and couldnt have wished for anything better.
Brilliant venue
Rebecca Kerr (03/12/2009)
Married here in September 2009. Weather was wonderful and the venue very romantic. Photos came out brilliant even with the tourists around. Highly recommended.
Beautiful Venue
Vicki and John Archer (23/11/2009)
Married in June 2009, We had a fantastic day the weather was perfect to marry outside! better for the small intimate wedding we had around 25 which was perfect, you will have tourist wandering around but we thought that added to the memories. Try and visit the castle before or after the wedding because the ceremony goes very quick, a revisit shows how stunning the venue actually is!
Great Venue if weather is goof
T (19/11/2009)
We married here in August 2009 was beautiful & stunning on photo's although was very cold & hardly any shelter so please keep in mind with UK weather. Would recommend but if it had of rained would of defiantly ruined the day
Very romantic and intimate venue
Dianne and Joseph (12/10/2009)
We married at Caelaverock Castle in August 2009..in the kitchen no less!!
Lovely venue, with lots of beautiful photo opportunties in the grounds, really picturesque..probably more appropriate for the smaller wedding party.
Lovely venue, with lots of beautiful photo opportunties in the grounds, really picturesque..probably more appropriate for the smaller wedding party.
