Castle weddings

Throughout history man has built defences to protect himself from a hostile world. Mighty fortresses and fortified tower houses depict an unfolding story of endeavour and protection, castles emerging tall and proud amongst thick forests, high on hills overlooking coasts and in mystical heather clad glens. Infused with fairytale romance, surviving castles dot the Scottish landscape with tales of intrigue, the magic of the past alive in every stone. Taking their place in history through stories of lives shaped and destinies formed, each castle whispers of family feuds, battles and scandals - as well as heroism, merriment and joy. Today, legends colour the air that settles within their stalwart shells.

Girls imagine weddings unfolding as ultimate tales of romance, to which setting is all-important; sometimes nothing but the seduction of a castle will do. While once only the Laird or Clan Chief enjoyed the pleasures of castle life it's an alluring possibility to borrow such 'exclusivity' for the best day of your life. The very grandness of the notion does, however, deter some couples from enquiring further, many wrongly assuming that a castle is 'out of their league'. Yet as aspiring individuals purchase (intact and crumbling) legacies across the country, restoring them for contemporary use, they look for ways to make them pay. Options grow accordingly wider, many 'packages' accessible to a range of budgets.

Now, while lots of castles - from Highland treasures to Lowland gems and all the gorgeous surprises in between - are privately owned, others are in possession of historical bodies. Some are ruins, and while the absence of a roof means you'll have to find a reception venue nearby, a ceremony immersed in 'raw' history will be remarkable.

But romance aside, there are important considerations to be made - not least what castle you'll choose, and why. The choice will be more meaningful if you have, or feel, a connection with it: you may favour a castle associated with clan names, or in an area that has captivated your heart over the years. It may simply be a case of love at first sight, and certainly there are many character-laden castles for which to fall.

In terms of size, castles are sometimes smaller inside than exteriors suggest but don't be deterred without investigating; marquees can often be placed in grounds to hold larger parties, the castle falling magically into the backdrop. On the other hand, venues that appear too large for intimate groups can often provide smaller rooms (perhaps even dungeons!) for a cosy affair.