Kelburn Castle Wedding Venue
Dating back to the 13th century, Kelburn Castle, a Wedding venue, is one of my favourite places in Scotland. For me, as a Glasgow Wedding Photographer, Kelburn Estate is an easy drive, under an hour. The venue is located on the West Coast, North Ayrshire, near Largs.
The Castle itself, with its old interiors decorated with paintings and large vintage windows, is every wedding photographer’s dream. Kelburn Castle’s outdoor walls have a distinctive look that the Graffiti project adds. Diversity in Castle’s look and historic blend of styles and periods makes the castle stand out from other Castle Wedding Venues in Scotland.
Let’s break down in this article what makes Kelburn Castle Wedding Venue so special:
Kelburn Estate – The Quirky Yurts
On Chloe and Stewart’s Kelburn Castle Wedding day, the first person I paid a visit to say hello to was Stewart. The groom’s plan for the beginning of the day was to take the sauna in the morning with his pals and groomsmen, with a grand finale – a barrel filled with ice-cold water dip. What a great beginning of the wedding day, not for the faint-hearted – literally!
A way to Yurts, where Stewart and the groomsmen’s party spent the night, goes up from the car park among the old trees. It’s a lovely, peaceful part of the estate, away from the Kelburn visitors. The yurts are cool and look comfy. The view from there is great too, over the nearby marina and the Firth of Clyde and its islands on a clear day. This unusual and quirky idea of accommodation is on nice, warm days. Yurts are equipped with insulation and a wood-burning stove or gas heating for those seeking comfort on colder days.
From a wedding photography perspective, the light coming from the top of the yurt’s roof creates a great effect, and I managed to capture a few meaningful moments between the groom, his best friends, and family.
Kelburn Castle – The Heart of Estate Grounds
The castle is located up the hill, above the estate’s walled garden, 10 minutes away from the yurts. It’s easy to spot from the south side, due to the unique graffiti created by several artists that created a unique colour palette, embracing the walls of Kelburn Castle.
It was the second place I arrived. Shortly after saying hello to the groom and capturing his cold dip extravaganza. I was greeted by a lovely man in a kilt, who turned out to be the bride’s dad. The interiors of the Kelburn Castle Wedding venue were impressive. The castle’s spacious rooms were followed by a hall with stairs, decorated with old paintings. In the Victorian Style Drawing Room, there she was. I meet Chloe as she gets her makeup and hair ready, chatting with the bridesmaids.
The Castle’s South Bedroom
Chloe spent the night before the wedding in one of the Kelburn Castle rooms located in the south wing. This spacious bedroom has a vintage, Victorian-style bed and is decorated with paintings. Mint colour accents give the room a distinctive, airy look. On the bed lay Chloe’s favourite books. She is a big literature lover. Her bedroom also had a large library full of old books.
Chloe returned to the bedroom with all her bridesmaids, who helped her put on her wedding dress, pampered her, and made the final touches. Putting on the bridal veil is always done with utmost care and attention. It’s a big moment for the bride and bridal party, just right before the Kelburn Castle Wedding ceremony.
Wedding Ceremony Under Weeping Larch
The day was beautiful, with a clear sky and a few clouds. Chloe and Stewart planned their ceremony under a magnificent 180-year-old Larch. I could not imagine a better spot for the Kelburn Castle Wedding ceremony. The walled garden is rich in much older trees, a 1000-year-old yew, but the Weeping Larch is in a central spot, with its wide branches spread across the garden, giving a nice shadow for the couple.
Chloe and Stewart’s ceremony under the weeping larch was emotional, with tears and laughter. Captivating moments at the Kelburn Castle wedding ceremony, which was conducted by fantastic Evelyn May, celebrant from Humanist Society Scotland. The couple tied the knot, tasted bitter Scottish Whiskey from the Quaich cup, followed by their first kiss and ended with confetti.
After hugs, greetings, best wishes from the guests and family session portraits. After a bit long Chloe and Stewart needed a little break, overwhelmed by emotions and a hot full sun in the sky. I grabbed them and we left a wedding guests to meet them later before speeches.
We came back to the colder, castle’s interiors where couple could rest. I can’t praise enough Kelburn’s staff, two lovely ladies seen us and gave Chloe and Stewart’s champagne drinks. I let them be alone for a while, cherish the moment. I come back with portrait lenses kit and I’ve had one of the coolest, most beautiful wedding photography sessions inside the Kelburn Castle.
The Pavilion – Kelburn Castle Wedding Venue’s Blank Canvas for Reception
Kelburn Estate’s wedding reception – a large pavilion that can comfortably accommodate 100 wedding guests, located at the entrance to Kelburn Estate. This blank canvas space turned into a relaxed, barn wedding day vibe with fresh food outdoor catering.
Chloe and Stewart tailored their day to their needs and expectations. And they nailed it. Their wedding was a nice blend of two styles. Starting from an elegant Victorian-style morning and wedding ceremony, to a laid-back, relaxed day when everyone had a good time. A perfect, warm, sunny day was just an extra benefit for this perfect wedding day in my book.
The couple came back from Kelburn Castle when the wedding guests were seated in the pavilion. It was time for the speeches, full of another emotional rollercoaster for all. I love these kinds of wedding days.
First Dance and Party Extravaganza at Kelburn Estate
The day continued with good food, laughter, and good vibes till the late sunset. And then, the first dance. It was pure magic. You know that 90’s song “Love is all around”? “By Wet Wet Wet” band from Scotland.
The 154, another Scottish band, didn’t play that. Although that song would fit. Love was in the air. Not only the couple but the whole crowd of close family and friends. It’s been like a good vibe festival, where everyone is fiends and high on love. Like watching a good play, like reading a good book. Observe all those good, happy humans.
Later at night, fireplace, capturing the bridesmaids crazy, fun moments, whisky shots and crazy, happy night. A true mad house wedding from the start till the end. I remember, was saying goodbye to Chloe And Stewart couple of times and then, I was keep coming back. Capturing all that fun back again. I just could not leave. The night was just too good to leave. Kelburn Castle Wedding Photography at its best.
Kelburn Castle Wedding Venue – Let’s Wrap It Up
Kelburn Estate is a great venue. There’s so much to discover, even the full wedding day is too short. I’m glad I did with Chloe and Stewart’s pre-wedding session a couple of weeks before the wedding, as we had no time to make a wedding session under the stunning waterfall or in the woodland, for example. But sometimes less is more.
That’s the nature of the wedding day, there’s so much happening you can’t have it all. The couple had a cool, relaxed photography session in the stunning Kelburn Castle’s interiors. Sunset photos were a nice addition to the gallery, too. I’m sure Chloe and Stewart have great memories of their wedding day and smile whenever they look at the photos.
Another highlight of Kelburn Castle Wedding Venue is the catering and staff. As mentioned earlier in this article, I can’t praise enough all the nice and helpful people working behind the scenes, who also have fun with the guests.
And last but not least. I really like Kelburn Estate. But not the place that is only important, but the couple and all the wedding guests and how they make you feel. Chloe and Stewart are just lovely humans, both family and friends. Those three ingredients make a perfect wedding day. And that’s another beautiful wedding that will be in my mind for a long time, and I’ll be smiling too when I look back at the photos.
Stars and Magic Makers from Kelburn Castle Wedding Day
- Couple – Chloe and Stewart
- Venue – Kelburn Estate
- Hair and Makeup – No.53 Hair & Beauty Prestwick
- Celebrant – Evelyn May, Humanist Society Scotland
- Music – 154 Band
- Food – Food Braveheart Catering
Kelburn Castle Wedding Venue is one of my favourites. Do you like my work? I could be your wedding photographer. Get in touch. Let’s create your wedding day memories together!
