Whether you’re planning an elopement for two, or an intimate gathering to include your nearest and dearest, our team will work with you to make sure that your day is everything you imagined.
Surrounded by peaceful parkland with the River Leader flowing by, Thirlestane offers you privacy and seclusion, yet is conveniently just 40 minutes south of Edinburgh. Each elopement can be treated with absolute discretion upon request.
We pride ourselves on offering an extremely flexible service and every special day is tailored to the happy couple. There are a range of spaces where you can say your vows, from our traditional Panelled Room, to the grand State Drawing Room, to the rustic Vaulted Cellars. We offer outside spaces too, including the Castle Terrace which overlooks the parklands, or why not get married under the ancient tree in the castle’s Rose Garden? You can chose to stay in one of the castle suites with beautiful views of the parkland or if nature is what you are looking for, perhaps you may be tempted by one of our luxury Woodland Lodges on the estate.
Our team would be very happy to answer any questions that you have and to discuss your wedding aspirations in detail. If you would like more information on our Elopement Package, or to arrange a private show-round, then please do contact us.
Q1. How many guests can you accommodate in the day and the evening?
A1. We have a range of spaces that can accommodate anything from two people to 1000+ people. Inside the building the maximum number of guests that we can seat for a ceremony is 100. We can serve 150 for dinner but this must be split over the two state rooms. We will suggest the best spaces for you based on your desired numbers.
Q2. How long can I provisionally hold a date for?
A2. We can hold a date provisionally for a period of 7 days.
Q3. Is the Castle licensed for Civil Ceremonies?
A3. Yes, we are licensed for all types of ceremonies.
Q4. What are your payment terms
A4. There is a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the venue hire upon confirmation of your reservation. A further 60% is due 9 months prior to the wedding and the final 20% is due 8 weeks before the wedding. All deposits are non-refundable. An additional refundable damage deposit of £500 is required 8 weeks prior to the event date.
Q5. What is the earliest we arrive?
A5. Your package will state your check in and check out times. This can be from 12 noon to 4pm and will be agreed during your booking.
Q6. What accommodation do you have available?
A6. The castle has five luxury apartments (8 bedrooms) which sleeps a total of 16 people. We also have our Sustainable Woodland Lodges within the grounds of the castle that can sleep up to 20 people. There is also other accommodation nearby which we can provide you a list of to help your planning process.
Q7. Will we have access to a wedding co-ordinator?
A7. Yes, the venue hire includes a member of staff on the day and in the lead up to your wedding, however please note that this is not a full wedding planning service. We can recommend wedding planners suited to your requirements so please let us know.
Q8. Are catering and other suppliers included?
A8. No. Upon booking we will provide you with our ‘Recommended Supplier List’ which contains lists of vetted suppliers that have worked with the castle before. You can select who you would like to work with and have individual contracts with each of them. We work with you and the supplier on logistics.
Q9. Do you allow Marquees and Stretch Tents?
A9. Yes, we have recommended suppliers for marquees and stretch tents. These can be pitched in the Rose Garden, Front Lawn, Cobbled Courtyard or Terrace area. Some packages do include the cost of the Courtyard Marquee, however Lawn Marquees and Stretch Tents are an additional fee.
Q10. Is there a curfew?
A10. Evening celebrations are to end at 12.00 midnight with carriages at 00.15am. Guests are advised to pre-arrange taxi hire. All live music must stop at 23:45.
Q11. Can we have live music at the Castle?
A.11 You can of course dance the night away in our Courtyard or in a garden marquee. We also permit live musicians inside the Castle but evening dances cannot be held within the state rooms of the castle.
Q12. Do you allow confetti?
A12. Yes, we allow bio-degradable confetti such as flower petals however this is outside only.
Q13. Can we take photos anywhere in the castle?
A13. Photography can only be taken in rooms included in your package, however photography in rooms not included in the venue hire can be arranged, and you’re welcome to use our grounds.
Q14. Is there parking at the castle?
A14. Yes. We have a car park close to the castle entrance for guests staying in the accommodation. If non-accommodation guests wish to park at the castle we have a separate car park on the castle drive.
Q15. Is there a Corkage fee?
A15. Our corkage charge is a flat rate of £750, unless the storage and service of this alcohol is managed by your caterers in which case there is no charge to from the castle.
Q16. Are dogs welcome?
A16. Yes, we love dogs here at Thirlestane. We provide dog bowls and biscuits in all our suites.
Explore the spaces
The Finishing Touches
Luxury Accommodation
Book one of our beautiful 5-star apartments to relax in the night before and the night of your wedding. Why not extend your stay to enjoy a mini-moon in the stunning Scottish Borders?
Activities & Experiences
Staying for a few days? Keep yourself entertained with exciting experiences, including a tour of the castle, spa treatments or a whisky tasting.
Trusted Suppliers
From celebrants and florists to hair and make-up we have relationships with local suppliers who can enhance your special day.
