Cosy & Intimate Wedding at Ferniehirst Castle in the Scottish Borders

Laura and Stuart chose to get married at Ferniehirst Castle in the Scottish Borders in mid-November, and it was such a good example of how relaxed, intentional and genuinely cosy a small Scottish wedding can be.

Their day was quiet, unhurried and very much focused on just being together – no tight schedule, no long wedding supplier list, and no pressure to do anything other than what felt right for them.

Ferniehirst Castle – a perfect small wedding venue

Ferniehirst Castle is a brilliant option if you’re looking for a Scottish castle wedding venue for under 20 people. It’s large enough to feel special and historic, but still very manageable and comfortable for a small group.

The castle is around a 1.5-hour drive from Edinburgh, which makes it easy for guests while still feeling tucked away and private.

One of the things that stood out straight away is how well set up it is for hosting an intimate wedding. You can hire your own chef, use the different rooms naturally throughout the day, and settle in rather than feeling like you’re moving through a venue on a schedule.

The interior is elegant but cosy, not formal or overdone. There’s a lived-in feel to it, which makes it ideal for relaxed weddings. The library, filled with old books, was my favourite spot – especially on a November day when you want warm light, texture and somewhere comfortable to pause between moments.

November weddings in the Scottish Borders – yay or nay?

November often gets overlooked for weddings in Scotland, but it’s actually a great month for smaller celebrations. Laura and Stuart’s wedding landed right at peak autumn colour, and the grounds around the castle looked incredible – deep oranges, muted greens and that soft, overcast light that works so well for photography.

The castle grounds are perfect for wedding photos, especially if you don’t want to travel around on the day. Everything is close by, which meant we could take photos without rushing or pulling them away from their guests for long.

Why the Scottish Borders work so well for small weddings

The Scottish Borders are still a bit underrated when it comes to weddings, particularly compared to the highlands or Edinburgh – and that’s a big part of the appeal.

You still get history, beautiful landscapes and that distinctly Scottish feel, but with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.

For couples planning a small or intimate wedding, the Borders offer:

• Easy access from Edinburgh
• Historic venues without the pressure of “big wedding” expectations
• Varied scenery in a compact area
• A calm, low-key atmosphere that suits slower days

A deliberately simple, relaxed wedding day

Laura and Stuart made a very conscious decision to keep things simple. On the day, the only suppliers present were their chef and I, which meant the focus stayed exactly where they wanted it – on the bride and groom and their loved ones.

There was no formal schedule beyond what was needed, and plenty of time to just sit, chat and enjoy the space. Lunch was Greggs, which honestly worked perfectly: hot, filling, zero fuss – and I was very grateful to be included with some vegan sausage rolls too ;)

This kind of approach is becoming more common with couples who value experience over tradition, and Ferniehirst Castle is particularly well suited to it.

A genuinely personal castle wedding

Laura and Stuart’s wedding didn’t feel styled or staged — it felt like them. Ferniehirst Castle gave them the freedom to use the space naturally, take their time, and enjoy the day without distractions.

If you’re planning a small wedding at Ferniehirst Castle or elsewhere in the Scottish Borders and want photography that’s calm, honest and focused on how the day actually feels, I’d love to hear from you.

Small weddings like this are a reminder that keeping things simple often makes space for the moments that matter most. And I specialise in those – browse more Small Wedding Stories here.