St Margaret’s Chapel in Edinburgh Castle is a one-of-a-kind venue for couples seeking an intimate and historic setting for their wedding ceremony. Built around 1130 and named after King David I’s mother, Queen Margaret, this chapel offers a glimpse into Scotland’s rich past while providing a picturesque backdrop for your special day.
Capacity and Types of Ceremonies
- Capacity: St Margaret’s Chapel can accommodate up to 20 guests for a wedding ceremony.
- Types of Ceremonies: The chapel can only host religious ceremonies, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a traditional, faith-based celebration.
History and Features
- Built by King David I: The chapel was constructed around 1130 and named after King David I’s mother, Queen Margaret.
- Original Features: The chapel retains its original ornate arches, while other features like the stained glass windows were added later.
- Fresh Flowers: The St Margaret’s Chapel Guild ensures that the chapel is always adorned with beautiful, fresh flowers.
Wedding Logistics
- Availability: Weddings are not permitted at St Margaret’s Chapel from June to September.
- Contact: To inquire about booking a wedding at the chapel, couples can contact the Weddings Team at Historic Environment Scotland by phone at 0131 668 8686 or by email at weddings@hes.scot.
- Cost: The cost of marrying in the chapel is not explicitly stated, but it was reportedly £100 seven years ago.
Additional Options
- Reception Venues: Edinburgh Castle offers several other venues for wedding receptions, including the Queen Anne Room, Gatehouse Suite, and Jacobite Room, each with varying capacities and amenities.
- Private Viewing of Crown Jewels: Couples can arrange for a private viewing of the Honours of Scotland, Britain’s oldest crown jewels, for their wedding guests.
Real-Life Experience
- Elopement: One couple from upstate New York chose to elope to Edinburgh and had an intimate ceremony at St Margaret’s Chapel, with just their parents in attendance.
St Margaret’s Chapel in Edinburgh Castle is a truly unique and historic venue for couples seeking an intimate, faith-based wedding ceremony. With its rich history, original architectural features, and the option to incorporate additional castle experiences, this chapel offers a one-of-a-kind setting for your special day.
References
- https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/venue-hire/weddings/find-a-venue/edinburgh-castle/
- https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3208934/wedding-in-edinburgh-castle-st-margarets-castle
- https://ceranna.com/edinburgh-castle-elopement/
- https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/see-and-do/highlights/st-margarets-chapel
- https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/venue-hire/weddings