Thomas & Kayla’s Thirlestane Castle Wedding

Thirlestane Castle provided the perfect location for them and 150 of their guests for two days of fun and frivolity, from a pre-wedding evening filled with falconry and Scottish feasts to a heartfelt ceremony in the Rose Garden with the castle as the backdrop, followed by a grand reception in the castle’s opulent rooms.

Can we also take a moment for Kayla’s wedding gown, the fairytale princess wedding dress of dreams… she really couldn’t have picked a more perfect bridal look! Today’s love story really is a captivating blend of style, elegance, and tradition.

Thomas and Kayla journeyed to Scotland from New York, USA, for their dream wedding day. Joined by 150 guests, they celebrated their union with exclusive use of Thirlestane over two days. Their closest friends and family stayed in the Castle suites, and all other guests were accommodated nearby.

Their vision was to tie the knot at a Scottish castle and make the most of every space to create an unforgettable experience for their guests. Their vision was brought to life with the help of their planner, Timeless White, and the Thirlestane Castle team.

The Pre-Wedding Evening Soiree

To kick start the celebrations, Thomas and Kayla welcomed their guests for an evening of highland games, falconry, and archery at the Castle. They then enjoyed speeches in the Castle’s Courtyard followed by live music and authentic Scottish food, including fish and chip van and sharing platters of locally sourced produce. The pre-wedding celebrations continued in the Vaulted Cellar and in front of the castle, with the band paying into the evening and guests enjoying the summer evening around the firepits.

The Wedding Day

Staying at Thirlestane Castle allowed the bridal party and groomsmen time to relax and prepare for the big day ahead.

Thomas and Kayla chose to be married in the Rose Garden with the Castle as their backdrop. Their ceremony was unique and included some nods to Scottish tradition, such as sharing a drink from a quaich and handfasting, symbolising the bond created through marriage. The celebrant also played the guitar, an extraordinary and unforgettable moment.

Following the ceremony, Thomas and Kayla were welcomed as the new Mr and Mrs Smyth down the Castle steps, complete with a beautiful confetti toss from their guests. They then popped some champagne, poured it into a magnificent tower, and shared speeches on the terrace. They were shaded from the summer heat under a beautiful stretch tent.

The wedding breakfast was enjoyed over two spaces, The State Drawing Room and The State Dining Room. This was to hold their 150 quests comfortably and use every space, as Thomas and Kayla had envisioned.

A mixture of round and refectory tables were decorated with ivory cloths, statement charger plates, and low floral arrangements surrounded by many candles. The party was served a three-course meal by a renowned Scottish caterer who ensured every dish was delicious and beautifully presented.

Evening Party

Once the wedding breakfast was complete, it was time for the celebrations to truly begin. Thomas and Kayla chose a beautiful Sperry tent to be erected in the Rose Garden, decorated with stings of festoon lighting and statement foliage arrangements. Musicians flew in for the night, provided the entertainment for the evening, and brought an unbeatable energy which had every guest on the dance floor.

Once the time had come to draw the night to a close, the new Mr and Mrs Smyth had one final magical moment. Their guests created an archway of sparklers, and Thomas and Kayla danced their way through. It was a genuinely joyous end to an incredible celebration and a beautiful send-off for the newlyweds.

Best part of the day

“That first drive up the gravel lane where you get to see the front of the castle is unmatched. We remember it fondly from the first time we visited, and watching our guests experience it was so fun.

From day one, Sarah, Monica and the team were excited about our vision and encouraged us to get creative using the various available spaces. During the two days we spent at the castle, the team went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, that the spaces and parts of the grounds we used were pristine and that everything was going smoothly.”

Kayla and Thomas