What's so special about Doune Castle?

Where do I start? Probably by admitting that I'm totally biased because Doune Castle is in my village! It's managed by Historic Scotland whose weddings team based in Edinburgh will answer any queries and help you with your booking. Anyway, I thought that it was about time I wrote something about my nearest wedding venue, especially as it also happens to be one of my dearest! So, what does it have that makes it so special?

• It's in a lovely setting for a start, but it's also very convenient for access because it's so close to Stirling and only 5 minutes off the end of the A9.
• It's an imposing building, but not too grand and formal

• Given that it dates back to the 14th century, it is remarkably well preserved and unlike some castles, it actually has a roof!
  
• There are several different parts of the castle that are suitable for a wedding ceremony - the Great Hall, the Lord's Hall and the kitchen for example

(Doune Castle, Great Hall)

(Doune Castle, Lord's Hall - photo by Martin Pettinger)

(Doune Castle, kitchen)

• The courtyard outside is nicely sheltered and a great place for your photos afterwards

And if the weather isn't so good (as if that would ever be the case in Scotland in the summer ha ha!) there are lots of lovely spots inside the castle for photos.

(Pictures by Martin Pettinger)

(picture by Jen Owens)

• Inside the castle feels really special - it's cool, tranquil and atmospheric

• The acoustics for live music (piper, fiddle or clarsach in particular) are wonderful
  
• The wonderful Historic Scotland staff who run the castle are always obliging and helpful
• For those of you out there who are Monty Python fans, much of the film, 'The Holy Grail' was filmed at the castle! That connection just adds another element of fun to your day - you never know, you might hear the clop of horses hooves during your ceremony! Don't worry if you do because it'll just be the tourists borrowing the coconut shells from the shop to re-enact scenes from the film!

There are a few disadvantages, as there are with any venue:

• Unlike at Stirling Castle, you can't have your reception there, though you can serve drinks and nibbles
  
• There's a cobbled path up to the castle and then steps (now renovated) to get into the Great Hall, so any elderly guests or those in stilettos need to take extra care. 

• There will be other visitors wandering around the castle (though the staff always make sure that the ceremony itself is undisturbed!)
• As with other Historic Scotland properties, candles are sadly now banned, but as this will prevent damage to precious stonework and antique furnishings, you can understand why.
  

I really can't think of any other disadvantages! It's a great place to get married and a great place for me as a Marriage Celebrant to conduct ceremonies.

If you decide to book the castle for your big day, you might want to consider the following local venues for your reception afterwards:

The Roman Camp Hotel in Callander
The Dunblane Hydro
Victoria Hall Dunblane
The Dunmar in Alloa
The Royal Hotel at Bridge of Allan
The Park Lodge in Stirling
The Highland Hotel, Stirling
The Golden Lion Hotel, Stirling
The Albert Halls, Stirling

There are local pubs, hotels and halls that would be suitable for a smaller reception too. And if you're looking for accommodation for you or your guests, there are plenty of B&Bs around. Try:

Glenardoch House in Doune
The Woodside Hotel in Doune
The Stable B&B  in Doune 
Mackeanston House a couple of miles outside the village
Hillview Cottage a mile or so outside the village

There are quite a few lovely self catering cottages in the area too. For example:

Lochend Chalets at the Lake of Menteith
Kilbryde Castle near Dunblane
The Gled Cottage, near Doune
Cardross Holiday Homes near Port of Menteith

It's a lovely area to stay in and Doune is a very central location for exploring the Trossachs. Above all though, Doune Castle is a lovely and very special place to be married!


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