DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
WHY HERE? With a colourful history featuring the likes of William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots, this spectacular cliff-top castle ruin makes for some magical memories – and photographs! The wedding ceremony can be held anywhere in the castle grounds – from the ancient chapel to the characterful curved archway of the Smithy.
WHAT’S THE CAPACITY? The castle can accommodate up to 80 guests.
WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE? There are no accommodation or formal dining options here, but wedding parties can avail of the drawing room for a champagne and canapé reception. Many local hotels can serve as your reception venue (and Aberdeen is a 15-mile drive away).
WHAT DOES IT COST? Hire costs for a 2017 wedding (between 1 April and 31 October, including the use of the drawing room) are £895.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01569 762173 or visit dunnottarcastle.co.uk.
Photo: Visit Aberdeenshire
HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE
Highcliffe, Dorset
WHY HERE? This 19th-century cliff-top castle is the stuff of real fairytale weddings. A sandy path leads directly to the beach. The couple can tie the knot in the opulent Wintergarden then feast on a wedding breakfast in the State Dining Room before dancing the night away.
WHAT’S THE CAPACITY? Up to 110 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with an additional 80 people for evening celebrations.
WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE? Choose from four caterers who can whip up anything from hog roasts and Dorset lamb to handmade profiteroles.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices for a 2017 package start from £9,995.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01425 278807 or visit highcliffecastle.co.uk.
Photo: Halo Aerial Imaging
KINGSHILL BARN
Isle of Sheppey, Kent
WHY HERE? This traditional Kentish barn is on a 3,200-acre island nature reserve. Say ‘I do’ under a vaulted wooden ceiling in front of light-flooded windows from which you can gaze on to miles of wilderness – and out to sea.
WHAT’S THE CAPACITY? The barn can hold 200 guests – 80 can stay between a self-catering cottage, shepherd’s huts and a village of bell tents.
WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE? Go your own way – from formal sit-down meal to festival-style street food on bales of hay.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices start from £5,200 for three-day hire.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 07582 414585 or visit elmleynaturereserve.co.uk.
Photo: Julia and You Photography
PENTILLIE CASTLE
St Mellion, Cornwall
WHY HERE? Set on the banks of the River Tamar and five minutes from the sea, arrive by boat for a waterside ceremony. With exclusive use of the grounds and the castle’s boutique B&B, couples can marry indoors or within the estate’s spectacular gardens, including at the stone Bathing Hut.
WHAT’S THE CAPACITY? The castle sleeps 18 guests and an indoor wedding can accommodate up to 60. For a larger crowd, marquees can hold 300 guests.
WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE? An expert chef can work up a bespoke menu.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices for a one-night package up to April 2017 start from £4,950, excluding accommodation.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01579 350044 or visit pentillie.co.uk.
Photo: Harrera Images
CLARE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
County Mayo, Ireland
WHY HERE? For those with a tiny, remote wedding in mind, this 200-year-old lighthouse offers bespoke, boutique accommodation. Couples can make their vows in the Lantern Tower, with its breathtaking views over the Atlantic.
WHAT’S THE CAPACITY? Twelve guests in six bedrooms.
WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE? Dinner – featuring Mayo lamb cutlets, homemade desserts and artisan cheese boards – is served in the elegant dining room.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices for a two-night stay start from €400pp which includes collection from Clare Island harbour by Jeep or taxi, breakfast, dinner and welcome refreshments.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call +353 (0)87 668 9758 or visit clareislandlighthouse.com.
Looking for honeymoon destinations in the UK or Ireland? Take a look at our coastal guides for inspiration or pick up a copy of the magazine.
Looking for honeymoon destinations in the UK or Ireland? Take a look at our coastal guides for inspiration or pick up a copy of the magazine.
