Host a wedding that is anything but ordinary at Castle Volt, near Castle Douglas

ThePlus Audio

Please click here to listen to this article

Sitting proud amongst woodland at the end of a long driveway, you could be forgiven for mistaking Castle Volt for your typical Scottish Baronial castle.

as you gaze upon the building, which dates back to the 1880s with a surrounding estate that enjoys a colourful history spanning 500 years, you’ll find the familiar turrets and crenelations you’d expect.

But stepping through the doors of Castle Volt there’s none of the oak panelling and wall to wall tartan carpet that so often sits with the typical Scottish castle look.

Instead, it’s been lovingly and unapologetically renovated with rich and colourful interiors any rockstar couple would approve of.

Owner Louise Tomlinson describes the boutique wedding venue near Castle Douglas in the south west of Scotland as, “historic but with a quirky modern twist” – and the twists are certainly there in abundance.

Louise purchased the castle back in 2022 and has transformed it into this unforgettable new venue, overlooking Orchardton Bay and the Solway Firth with views over to Cumbria and Hestan Island.

Inside you’ll find a life-size Egyptian Anubis and a purpose-built bar with a suspended airplane wing providing the lighting from above.

There is, of course, the requisite stuffed stag’s head, but it’s accompanied by a zebra head, while light-up stars adorn the walls of the stairwell, and a traditional grandfather clock is juxtaposed by a standard lamp made of a skeleton thorax.

And the scatter cushions which bear images of 18^th century women, are rendered quirky by the fact these women are blowing bubble gum bubbles.

The trend for living walls and neon signs has also been embraced with “Castle Volt” electric blue signage backed onto greenery planted in a gilt frame.

These images from a recent styled photoshoot conceived by Makeup by Hania and captured by Anna Frances Photography celebrate the castle’s eccentric and eclectic styling in all its glory.

The opulence on show in the reception rooms continues throughout the bedrooms with each one boasting a super king-size four-poster and en-suite copper bath with walk-in waterfall shower.

There are a total of 14 bedrooms, meaning the castle can happily sleep 28 people for your wedding or the days surrounding the celebration.

Should you choose to marry at Castle Volt you can hire the entire venue for a minimum of just one night, but we reckon you and your loved ones should extend your stay and make the most of having the run of your very own castle for a few nights.

Host a Castle Volt wedding

Exchanging vows at Castle Volt means you’ll have the venue’s in-house catering team and go-to list of suppliers at your disposal, making wedding planning so much simpler.

However, you are free to use wedding suppliers of your choice, apart from the in-house catering which is mandatory.

And you’ll be delighted by the castle’s offering, with its combination of five-star butler service and delicious meals created by the experienced private chef.

Just imagine kicking off the festivities in the relaxing bar. You can truly treat your guests here, and while they’re sipping on cocktails, they can enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains or beach from every window, setting the scene for your special day.

On your wedding day Cast Volt can accommodate 60 guests for seated meals, 100 for the evening reception and up to 250 in a marquee, giving you plenty of options whatever size your guest list is!

And don’t worry about booking your wedding “in season.”

You can say ‘I do’ here at any time of the year, with availability to marry at Castle Volt from July 2025.

Beyond the wedding

While Castle Volt is a stunning, and unique, setting for your wedding day we would encourage you should stay on for at least an extra day with your nearest and dearest.

Enjoy the outdoor table tennis and indoor table football or take advantage of the activities the owners can help organise like clay pigeon shooting, archery, or horse riding.

But if that all sounds a bit too strenuous after dancing into the wee small hours, how about kicking back with a hog roast or barbecue for a post-celebration debrief?

We’re sold!