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Last December, the world's eyes focused on the exclusive Skibo Estate in the dramatic Scottish Highlands as the Queen of Pop married Guy Ritchie. Although the ceremony itself was shrouded in secrecy, everyone knew that the privileged guests were enjoying the finest Scottish hospitality in this millionaire's playground. The Carnegie Club at Skibo is a private residential golf and sporting club set in 7500 acres of grounds. Membership is international and by invitation, and has attracted the likes of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones to its list. This exclusivity does come at a cost, and with a price tag of £3000 just to get in the front door—before you even start to discuss rooms, food and entertainment—it is well beyond the scope of most wedding budgets!

However, tying the knot in your own private castle surrounded by the majestic Scottish Highlands is a dream reserved not only for celebrities. There are some splendid castles available for all budgets with traditional pipers, glorious food and the world famous ceilidh experience all as part of the package.

At the luxury end is the five-star Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Nesting in the foothills of Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, this beautiful castle was built in 1863 by the first Lord Abinger and was in use as a private residence until 1969, when it was converted into one of Scotland's finest hotels. The interior of the castle is as impressive as the outside, with all 17 bedrooms decorated to the highest quality, each with its own individual character.

Weddings are a very special experience at Inverlochy. You can have your romantic ceremony in The Great Hall or The Drawing Room—with the private Loch providing a backdrop through the magnificent bay window. There are also plenty of places to have your photos taken, and whether you choose the elegance of the public rooms inside or the splendid scenery outside, they will certainly be memorable. Dinner is marvelous, and food is sourced from local ingredients where possible. Just imagine scallops from the Isle of Skye, hand-picked wild mushrooms, and local game all on the menu at your wedding.

Now, all good Scottish parties need music and there's no better sound than the pipes. Bagpipes are traditional at the Scottish wedding and their music certainly adds that unique touch to any special occasion. Although the subject of many jokes, when played properly, the pipes are truly atmospheric. Whether it's a formal march as you make your grand entrance or a jaunty jig after dinner, the hotel can book a top piper on your behalf. And talking of dancing, a ceilidh is an essential feature of any Scottish knees-up, and one you certainly will not want to leave out. Kick up your heels to Strip the Willow if you are feeling really energetic or enjoy the more leisurely pace of The Gay Gordon and then, for the ultimate social extravaganza, end the night with an authentic Auld Lang Syne. Everyone joins in this riotous dancing, and it's really impossible not to have fun!

If five star is not within your budget or you fancy something a bit different, another option is the splendid Carbisdale Castle. Only a short drive from the Skibo estate, this real Highland castle is the flagship of the Scottish Youth Hostel Association. Well known as one of the most opulent hostels in the world, it was built in 1917 for the Duchess of Sutherland and is set in some of Scotland's finest scenery. The castle is available for romantic weddings in winter when the 20,000 summer backpackers that visit each year have gone home. After a £600,000 refurbishment programme last year it is in beautiful condition complete with marble statues, impressive art collection, secret passageways and resident ghost!

Carbisdale Castle can accommodate up to 200 people in single and family rooms with en-suite facilities as well as dormitories sleeping up to ten. At a cost of only £1200 a night for full use of the castle including everyone's accommodation it won't break the bank.

It is possible to have your ceremony in the castle itself with ministers or celebrants widely available and there is no shortage of romantic spots where you can exchange your vows. The same can be said for your photographs—the stunning Kyles of Sutherland make an impressive background. As far as food is concerned, local companies provide excellent catering, perhaps haggis, neeps and tatties for everyone if you want to be truly Scottish! Classic ceilidh entertainment can then follow in the upper gallery, which is regularly used for dances.

And if you hear things going bump in the night it will just be the castle ghost or maybe you've had a little too much whisky…

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Skibo Castle and Estate
Inverlochy Castle
Casrbisdale Castle

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