If you’re dreaming of a Scottish wedding that looks like something straight out of Outlander, Eilean Donan Castle might just be the perfect venue for you.
Nestled in the stunning Scottish Highlands, perched on its own little island where three lochs meet, it’s a setting that feels like pure magic. Whether you’re eloping with just the two of you or planning a micro-wedding with your closest people, this legendary castle offers a truly breathtaking backdrop.
In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about getting married at Eilean Donan Castle in 2025, including pricing, logistics, how to get there, and some top tips to make sure your day is absolutely unforgettable. Plus, you’ll get to see a real Eilean Donan Castle micro-wedding – Ashley & Connor’s dreamy highland wedding adventure.
So explore my Ultimate Guide to Eilean Donan Castle weddings.
Table of Contents
How much does it cost to get married at Eilean Donan Castle in 2025?
Eilean Donan Castle is surprisingly affordable compared to other Scottish castles, making it a brilliant choice for couples who are not prepared to spend thousands of pounds on a 2-hour venue access.
- Elopements and micro-weddings (up to 10 guests) – around £1,400
- Small and medium-size weddings (over 10 guests) – around £1,650
These costs cover exclusive hire of the castle for your ceremony, but don’t include catering, photography or reception arrangements. If you’re planning to celebrate after the ceremony, you’ll need to book a separate venue for food and drinks (more on that later).
For more information about current pricing, take a peak at the official Eilean Donan Castle website.
Where is Eilean Donan Castle?
Eilean Donan Castle sits on a tiny tidal island at the meeting point of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, right on the road to the Isle of Skye. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Scotland – and for good reason.
Continue your wedding adventure on the Isle of Skye
After your ceremony, why not keep the adventure going? The Isle of Skye is not too far away and offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland, from the Quiraing and Fairy Glen to the Old Man of Storr. If you’re after truly epic wedding portraits, Skye is the place to go.
How to get to Eilean Donan Castle from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness
The best way to get to Eilean Donan Castle is by car. Scotland is all about scenic road trips, and the drive to the castle is one of the most beautiful in the country.
- From Edinburgh (4.5-hour drive)
- Take the M90 to Perth, then follow the A9 towards Inverness.
- Join the A82 to Fort William, then follow the A87 west to Eilean Donan.
- From Glasgow (4-hour drive)
- Follow the A82 north past Loch Lomond and Glencoe.
- Take the A87 past Loch Cluanie to Eilean Donan.
- From Inverness (2-hour drive)
- Take the A82 south, following the shore of Loch Ness.
- At Invermoriston, turn onto the A887, which joins the A87.
- Follow the A87 west, passing through Glen Shiel, until you reach Eilean Donan Castle.
If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Inverness (2 hours away), but Glasgow (4 hours away) has more international flights.
Top tips for planning your wedding at Eilean Donan Castle
1. Evening ceremonies only (during the open season)
If you’re getting married during the main tourist season (when the castle is open to visitors), your ceremony will have to take place in the evening, after 6 pm, with the ceremony starting at 6.30 pm.
Since most weddings tend to happen earlier in the day, this is a slightly non-traditional way of marrying, so make sure you’re happy with the idea of an evening ceremony before booking. If you’re after soft natural light for your wedding photos, an evening wedding in the summer or early autumn months isn’t too bad, as Scotland gets long daylight hours, but in winter, it could mean saying your vows in near darkness.
During the off-season (when the castle is closed to tourists), you can get married at any time of day, making it a great option if you’d prefer a daytime ceremony. Off-season is great choice to avoid tourists and get a way more peaceful castle wedding experience.
2. The best time of year for a wedding at Eilean Donan Castle
If photography is important to you, choosing a date with longer daylight hours is key. If you want to capture the stunning surroundings and make the most of booking Eilean Donan Castle as your Scottish wedding venue, go for spring, summer or early autumn, when you get soft, natural light and breathtaking colours.
For the best wedding photos and experience – especially if you’re more on the introverted side – I’d recommend getting married in the off-season when the castle is closed to tourists. This gives you more flexibility with timing and means you won’t have to worry about crowds.
3. Choosing your ceremony location: courtyard or the Banqueting Hall?
Eilean Donan Castle offers two locations for your ceremony:
- The courtyard – a beautiful outdoor setting with incredible views of the lochs and mountains. If you want natural light and cinematic wedding photos, this is the best choice. You can still use the Banqueting Hall and Billeting Room afterwards for post-ceremony cocktail hour and first dance.
- The Banqueting Hall – a grand, historic indoor space, perfect for a medieval castle atmosphere. However, it has very little natural light, so your photographer may need to use flash.
If you love moody, natural photography, the courtyard ceremony is the way to go.
4. Exclusive access – but not total privacy
When you book Eilean Donan Castle for your wedding, you get exclusive access to the interior rooms and inner courtyard, but the rest of the island, including the bridge, remains open to the public.
If you want a completely private wedding, keep this in mind before booking (or consider planning your wedding in Scotland in the off-season!)
5. No on-site catering – plan your wedding meal in advance
There are no catering facilities at Eilean Donan Castle, so you’ll need to organise your wedding meal elsewhere.
Nearby options include restaurants in Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh or even on the Isle of Skye. If you’re planning a sit-down meal or reception, make sure to sort out the logistics well in advance.
My recommendations for Eilean Donan wedding reception meal are:
Red Skye Restaurant – Red Skye offers incredible choice of local food and is located only 20-minute drive from Eilean Donan Castle
The Sprig – restaurant in Broadford with fantastic cocktails and great food you can enjoy by the fireplace
6. Where to stay near Eilean Donan Castle
The castle has its own Eilean Donan apartments, which are modern and comfortable, but if you’re after a more historic or atmospheric setting for your getting ready photos, look into highland lodges, cottages or boutique hotels nearby.
My top recommendations include:
Real wedding inspiration: Ashley and Connor’s Eilean Donan micro-wedding
Curious about what an actual Eilean Donan Castle wedding looks like? Well, let me introduce you to Ashley and Connor, who pulled off the most romantic, intimate, and utterly cinematic micro-wedding here. Think lantern-lit embraces, dramatic highland scenery, and a castle backdrop so stunning it could be straight out of a fantasy film.
Their wedding is proof that Eilean Donan isn’t just a wedding venue—it’s a full-on experience. If you’re dreaming of sweeping landscapes, moody skies, and wedding photos inspired by old-time legends, this is the place to do it.
Final thoughts: is an Eilean Donan Castle wedding venue in Scotland right for you?
If you’re after a wedding that feels like something out of a Scottish legend, then Eilean Donan Castle is about as magical as it gets. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or bringing along a handful of your favourite people for a micro-wedding, this place guarantees jaw-dropping scenery, an incredibly romantic atmosphere, and wedding photos that you’ll obsess over forever.
Thinking about tying the knot at Eilean Donan Castle and you love the idea of natural, cinematic wedding photography in Scotland, I’d love to be part of your adventure. Let’s chat!
And in the meantime feel free to explore My Isle of Skye Elopement Planning Guide!
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