A Three Day Destination Wedding at Thirlestane Castle in Scotland

Photographer: Claire Fleck

Venue: Thirlestane Castle

Naomi & Jamie, May 2025

Naomi and Jamie always envisioned their wedding as more than a single day. They wanted time. Space to gather their favourite people, to celebrate without rush, and to create an experience that felt thoughtful from beginning to end.

Their destination wedding in Scotland took place at Thirlestane Castle, a historic estate in the Scottish Borders, and unfolded across three beautifully considered days. Guests travelled from around the world to be part of a celebration that balanced grandeur with warmth, tradition with personality, and careful planning with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

A Thoughtful Welcome Weekend

The celebrations began with a welcome day designed to bring everyone together gently. After arriving in Scotland, guests were welcomed to the castle grounds with food trucks, drinks, and an open afternoon of Highland Games on the lawn.

Glasses of chilled Miraval Rosé were poured throughout the afternoon, alongside ice cold beers served on tap, offering an easy sense of indulgence without formality. Guests gathered on the lawn, drinks in hand, as Highland Games unfolded nearby, bringing energy, laughter, and a distinctly Scottish sense of play to the day.

This first gathering was intentionally unstructured. Conversations flowed easily, friendships formed quickly, and the afternoon set the tone for the entire weekend. It felt generous, joyful, and unforced. A true introduction to the celebration to come.

That evening, Naomi and Jamie hosted a rehearsal dinner inside the castle. Candlelight, thoughtful styling, and heartfelt speeches created a quieter moment within the weekend, offering space for reflection before the wedding day itself.

A Wedding Ceremony at Thirlestane Castle

On Saturday, guests returned to Thirlestane Castle for the wedding ceremony, held on the front terrace overlooking the surrounding landscape. The ceremony space was styled with soft, natural florals that complemented the architecture without overpowering it, allowing the setting to remain central to the experience.

Naomi and Jamie chose to include meaningful cultural traditions throughout the ceremony. A handfasting ritual and a quaich moment honoured Scottish heritage, while other elements reflected their shared values and personal story. Music played a defining role, guiding the emotional pace of the ceremony and creating a sense of continuity from arrival to recessional.

Following the ceremony, guests moved through the castle’s state rooms for a relaxed drinks reception. Live music, thoughtful styling, and carefully planned guest flow allowed the afternoon to unfold naturally, with space to linger and connect.

A Marquee Wedding Reception in the Castle Grounds

As evening approached, guests were invited into a clear span marquee set within the grounds of Thirlestane Castle. Designed to feel elegant yet inviting, the space combined long tables, layered textures, soft candlelight, and a striking hanging installation that drew the eye upward while maintaining a sense of intimacy.

Dinner was unhurried and generous. Live music accompanied the meal, speeches were woven seamlessly into the evening, and the atmosphere shifted gradually from emotional to celebratory. Every element was planned to support the guest experience, from the pacing of the courses to the lighting and sound as night fell.

Personal details played a central role in the evening. A secret sake cart appeared as a surprise for guests, reflecting Naomi and Jamie’s shared love of sake. Later, a lion dance performance brought energy and cultural significance to the celebration, honouring Naomi’s Chinese heritage and creating a moment that was both powerful and joyful.

A Celebration That Continued and a Gentle Farewell

As the evening continued, the marquee transformed into a lively dance floor. Music spilled into the gardens, fire pits glowed outside, and guests moved freely between spaces as the celebration carried on late into the night.

The following morning, Naomi and Jamie hosted a relaxed farewell brunch in the marquee. It was a final opportunity for guests to gather, share stories from the night before, and enjoy one last moment together before departures. A calm and considered close to a weekend that had been carefully curated from start to finish.

Words from the Couple

Choosing Lyndsay at Clementine & Co was the single best decision we made during our wedding planning process. From the very first conversation, she stood out immediately. She was thoughtful, empathetic, and genuinely took the time to understand us, not just the wedding we wanted, but who we are as people.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but working with Lyndsay felt grounding and reassuring. At every step, we felt supported, heard, and cared for. She didn’t just accommodate our ideas. She championed them and ensured our wedding truly reflected us.

On the day itself, we felt completely at ease knowing everything was under control. That allowed us to be fully present and enjoy every moment. We are endlessly grateful and could not recommend her more highly.

Naomi & Jamie


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