Who can be married in Scotland?
Any two persons, regardless of where they live, may marry in Scotland provided that they are: Both at least 16 years of age. Not related to one another. Not married to anyone else. Both capable of understanding the marriage ceremony and of consenting to marriage. Neither is a citizen of a country in which the marriage would not be regarded as valid. [Back]

If you are divorced, widowed or a previous marriage has been annulled, you will need the relevant documents to prove your current legal status. 

How long does one have to live in Scotland before being permitted to marry?
There is no residency requirement of any nature. [Back]

Can anyone be married at Culcreuch Castle?
Yes, provided they meet the criteria listed above. [Back]

Can a registrar marry us at Culcreuch?
Yes. In Scotland a civil marriage ceremony can be conducted by a registrar or an assistant registrar in any licenced location, including Culcreuch Castle. This is similar, for example, to being married by a justice of the peace in the United States. [Back] 

A religious wedding ceremony may be conducted at any suitable location by a minister, clergyman, pastor, priest or other person entitled to do so under the marriage (scotland) act 1977. The Castle holds a list of local ministers for all the main religious faiths, christian and non-christian.

Can the castle help us with the legalities of getting married in Scotland?
Yes. The Castle's weddings office looks after the preparation of all necessary wedding documents and advises couples on matters of a legal nature. [Back]

Can couples be married in a local kirk, returning to the Castle for the reception?
Yes. The list of ministers includes a number from local kirks (churches). Out of courtesy to the minister, it is up to the couples themselves to make any direct approach. [Back]

How long before the wedding date do we have to register the wedding?
To register a wedding, each party to the proposed marriage must complete a marriage notice and submit both to the local registration office at Balfron, six miles from Culcreuch Castle. These notices must be submitted early enough to enable the registrar to satisfy him/herself that the couple are free to marry one another. Normally notices should be in the Registrar's hands about four weeks before the marriage but if either party has been married before, the notices should be with the registrar six weeks beforehand. The minimum period is 15 days before the date of the proposed marriage, but if you leave things as late as this you risk having to postpone the marriage. [Back]

Can the Castle organise the whole wedding ceremony and reception?
Yes. The weddings office will organise the entire event for a fee based on the work involved. [Back]

Can the couple organise the whole event themselves?
Yes. For your convenience, we will supply our wedding planner booklet, which covers:
recommended local wedding suppliers, the registrar/minister list, detailed notes on the legal requirements, blank marriage notice forms, a programme planner with advice on how to construct your wedding day programme. [Back]

How long does a wedding take at Culcreuch?
For a wedding ceremony and reception, please allow nine hours (3pm until
Midnight). This covers time for the wedding, cake cutting, drinks, photographs, wedding dinner and evening ceilidh. Where the ceremony is held away from the castle, then arrival should be timed for 3.30pm at the latest, for reception drinks. [Back]

How much does a wedding cost at Culcreuch Castle?
A schedule of costs is available on request, but the minimum obligatory cost is £295, our facility fee. The facility fee covers (where appropriate):

On Fridays and Saturdays increased facility fees apply. In addition there is a minimum number requirement for the wedding meal. Weddings are not normally held on a Sunday unless exceptional circumstances apply.[Back]

Where are wedding ceremonies held in the Castle?
There are a number of elegant rooms where ceremonies are held according to the numbers attending. The favourite room is the Laird's Hall, the former Great Hall of the Castle, which seats 80. Weddings may also be held outside in the grounds if the weather is suitable.[Back]

The dining and public rooms in the Castle itself can be adapted to accommodate seated dinner parties of up to 40, with capacity rising by about 40% for informal buffet-style catering or cocktail parties. For larger formal banquets the Galbraith Hall seats up to 110. And, of course, various rooms can be used in conjunction with others for greater flexibility. For example, you might have a dinner with close friends and family in the Laird's Hall, inviting more guests to join you later for a ceilidh in the Galbraith Hall. 

In addition to weddings, Culcreuch Castle can host private parties for all occasions, including anniversary or birthday celebrations. Arrangements include music and entertainment as well as your choice of function menus. [Top]