Winton Castle’s first wedding of 2025 set the tone for a year of celebrations, as Katherine and Niall’s January day combined the castle’s historic charm, warm hospitality, and Scottish traditions to create an unforgettable day.
Just four days into the New Year, Winton Castle welcomed its very first wedding of the 2025 season – the beautiful celebration for Katherine and Niall. Returning to her home village, and to a venue close to her heart where she once worked as part of the waiting team, Katherine entrusted us with hosting her and Niall’s special day.
Surrounded by over 80 guests who travelled from near and far, with another 40 joining the evening party, the couple filled the castle with love, laughter, and true Scottish charm.
From the warm welcome of a familiar piper to a heartfelt ceremony in the Drawing Room, a delicious wedding breakfast, gospel music filling the halls, and an energetic ceilidh to finish the night, their wedding was a joyful start to the year. With crisp winter air outside and roaring fires inside, it was a day full of warmth, happiness, and memories never to be forgotten.
But don’t take our word for it – hear from Katherine and Niall themselves about their magical wedding day at Winton Castle.
What made you choose January for your wedding date?
“When we were first planning wedding dates, we didn’t have any specific in mind, but a winter wedding felt most “us”. We loved that a cold, crisp day at Winton Castle would be warmed up by candle light, open fires and a touch of whisky.
“It was just luck that January 4th 2025 was available. Niall proposed on the January 5th 2023 and it was the most special way to start the year – so it just felt so natural that we would do exactly the same 2 years later! Our bright, sunny January day was just perfect.”
Why did you choose Winton Castle as your wedding venue?
“So many reasons, but to name a few…
“Not that we wanted to follow every wedding tradition, but the idea that we would be married in the village that Katherine grew up in felt really special. I had worked weddings at Winton Castle after I left university and saw how personal and effortlessly grand they were – which is exactly what ours was!
“We would have chosen Winton for the wedding team alone – they really are THE best. Our coordinator, Johanne, made the whole wedding planning process so easy yet exciting for us. She and the rest of the lovely team seamlessly coordinated the entire day – a very early start and into the small hours. The detail – down to the silver service at dinner – never fails to impress.
“The castle itself has such a homely feel to it, which puts everyone at ease so quickly. We loved that our wedding day could be spread throughout the main rooms as well, which meant that in the evening our guests could be in the main hall dancing, having a dram and a chat in the library or drawing room, or getting some air out by the fire pits.
“We did visit other wedding venues, but nowhere felt like Winton. And of course – our full wedding party and family could stay in the castle itself or in the country houses on the estate. Having a beautiful breakfast (complete with wedding bouquets as able centre pieces) on the first day as a married couple with our nearest and dearest was the perfect end.”
What were the most memorable moments of your wedding day?
“The whole day! But to pick a few… we were determined to get a post-ceremony picture on the jetty because the lake was frozen over, but there was no way my nice satin heels were making it across the grass, so Niall fireman-carried me over – definitely fuelled by a few glasses of champagne!
“I think our first dance being so intimate in the drawing room was another moment to mention. I will never forget that feeling (…little shout out to the Geo Gospel choir for singing our first dance and making it so memorable!).”
How did your experience as a staff member at Winton influence your wedding planning or day?
“It just made the whole planning process and wedding day all the more special. Winton is a really lovely place to work – everyone looks after each other so well and there’s always moments for fun – but there’s also a sense that you’re hosting one of the most meaningful days in someone’s life and you want to work hard to make it special. The quality of the service and the detail is so high. I always had my hopes set on Winton and luckily Niall loved it too.”
What did your guests think of Winton Castle?
“We had so many compliments on the venue – some people enjoyed the history of the castle, everyone had a drink in hand and were just generally so well looking after, we had some younger family who could spend time in the cellar where the team set up movies and bean bags too which was great!”
Did you incorporate any personal or unique touches into the day that made it feel “you”?
“Yes… we had pictures to remember loved ones in the entrance hallway, scented candles like the one we always have in our home, my maid of honour and one of my bridesmaids made our own bouquets, we had a quaich gifted at our engagement that we filled with whisky and our celebrant brought this into our ceremony, we also used tartan from my mum’s side and Niall’s kilt to ’tie the knot’.”
How did the Winton team help bring your vision to life?
“Johanne was so ’on it’ throughout the planning process. She really understood us and what we valued which meant that she could make suggestions or ideas that we loved, but would probably never had thought of ourselves!
“I also can’t stress enough how nice it is to have someone making sure you have had a chance to get some food – paired with your favourite wine for your wedding dinner party.”
Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently—or anything you’re especially glad you did?
“We are so glad that we had our cocktail hour after the dinner. it meant that we could have our night guests join us in the early evening and made the reception longer! We also chose to make use of the cottages the night before – it was ideal to wake up on the Estate on the wedding morning, and we could have a dinner with friends and family at The Winton the night before. We are so glad that we got to incorporate all the class Scottish aspects of a good party, including a huge ceilidh!!
“We genuinely wouldn’t change a thing. We agreed on our non-negotiables (lots of amazing food and a beautiful wedding), everything else just fell into place around it and we have no regrets.
“We loved our choices of photographer, our beautiful celebrant, piper, choice, band, caterer, make up and hair – everyone was fantastic!”
Do you have any advice for future couples getting married at Winton Castle?
“Enjoy every moment – take a moment to sit back with your new wife/husband and take it all in. Oh, and if you’re having a winter wedding in particular – you will not regret adding the fire pits at the front door. They were another hit with guests!”
Weddings at Winton Castle
If you’re dreaming of a romantic winter wedding in a Scottish castle, why not celebrate your special day at Winton? Visit our wedding page to find our more and make an enquiry today!
