A Golden Destination Wedding in Scotland
Sarah and Patrick
- ThePlus Audio
Please click here to hear this couples wedding story.
Share this wedding day
Sarah and Patrick and their US guests fell in love with autumnal Winton Castle
From the very beginning, Sarah and Patrick from the US knew they wanted their destination wedding to feel timeless, intimate, and shared, not just a single day, but an entire weekend spent together with the people they love most. Winton Castle, the 500-year-old Scottish Renaissance castle, became the perfect setting for that vision.
With guests travelling internationally, Sarah and Patrick chose to marry in Scotland to create a destination wedding centred on togetherness and time well spent. Located just outside Edinburgh, Winton Castle in East Lothian provided the perfect backdrop for a full weekend of celebrations.
Choosing the Wedding Date
“Part of our decision was practical, Winton was available and we absolutely fell in love,” said Sarah and Patrick. “But we also wanted to catch the very end of summer in Edinburgh.”
The couple was drawn to the romance of early autumn, that fleeting moment between seasons.
“We loved the idea of an early autumn wedding, and that transition moment when everything still feels warm and golden, but with a hint of fall in the air. It felt romantic, timeless, and perfectly suited to the setting.”
Why Winton Castle Felt Like The One
After visiting several castles in one day, the decision became instant the moment they arrived at Winton.
“We toured a few castles that day, but the moment we walked into Winton Castle, we just knew,” they said. “We fell in love with the lighter tones, the authenticity of the interiors, and how thoughtfully the castle has been preserved.”
They were equally taken with the feeling of warmth and welcome.
“Everything felt true to its history while still feeling warm and welcoming. The team at Winton Castle made us feel instantly at home, and we knew we were in the best hands.”
For Sarah and Patrick, traveling from the United States meant choosing a venue that could host more than just a ceremony.
“Because we were traveling from the US, it was incredibly important for us to be able to stay together and celebrate over an entire weekend, not just one day.
“Having family and friends in the castle’s grounds made it feel like a true shared experience.”
And in a touching coincidence:
“One of our close family-friends had been married at Winton the year before. We didn’t even realize it until just a week before our visit. Hearing how much they loved their wedding here truly sealed the deal.”
The Most Memorable Moments
Being able to slow down and savour the entire weekend stood out most for Sarah.
“One of the most special parts was being on the property for the whole weekend and truly maximizing time with our family and friends,” she shared.
“Favourite memories were walking through the gardens with Patrick and our friends the morning of the wedding. Just soaking in the quiet, the beauty, and those calm, precious moments together before the day began. It set the tone for everything that followed.”
Patrick’s favourite memory unfolded in the walled garden.
“Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed hosting the ceremony followed by the cocktail hour in the walled garden,” he said. “What a scene, seeing friends and family mingling together, enjoying the best of the British weather.
“The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. We lucked out with the clouds breaking and sun shining bright 20 minutes before our nuptials.”
Even Better Than Imagined
Looking back, the couple agreed the day exceeded every expectation.
“It was even better than we ever expected, and we still think about it often,” they shared. “From the moment we arrived, the entire day was filled with love.”
From vows to late-night celebrations, every moment felt intentional.
“From stepping onto the grounds, to our vows, to after-party drinks in the library, to the final goodbyes, having our friends and family close all weekend made it feel deeply meaningful and truly magical.
“The team at Winton Castle made us feel completely at home, and the entire experience lifted any stress away and allowed us to fully be present.”
Personal Touches That Made It Theirs
Family played a central role on the day.
“Patrick’s cousin, Thomas, married us in the walled garden, which made the ceremony incredibly meaningful and personal,” they shared. “He curated the ceremony specifically for us, which made it feel intimate and emotional.”
Subtle details honoured loved ones across generations.
“Sarah also carried a pin from her late grandmother in her bouquet, and Patrick wore a tie featuring the McArthur clan tartan, honouring his mother’s side of the family.”
Support from the Winton Team
From the earliest stages of planning, the Winton team provided guidance and care.
“Rae was truly our right-hand woman throughout the entire process,” they said. “She welcomed us nearly a year before the wedding to help us choose details, experience the food, and envision the space.
“Distance never became a barrier. She kept everything organized, ensured we stayed on track, and was always incredibly responsive, whether that meant early-morning Zoom calls on Chicago time or late-night emails.
“Above all, we always felt supported, guided, and completely taken care of.”
Advice for Future Couples
Their advice is simple and heartfelt:
“Relax, you are in the best possible hands.
“The team at Winton Castle holds themselves to the highest standards and truly knows how to create something special. Trust the process, stay present, and enjoy every moment. They’ll take care of the rest.”
Winton Is A Place They’ll Always Return To
As they reflect on their destination wedding, gratitude rises above everything else.
“Above all, we’re incredibly grateful for the Winton Castle team and the care they put into every detail.
“Winton will always hold a very special place in our hearts, not just as the place we got married, but as the setting for some of our most meaningful memories with family and friends. It truly felt like a home away from home.”
Winton Castle has been popular for destination weddings for couples from the US and Europe for many years, partly because more than 50 guests can stay in the castle and nearby country houses and its convenient location near Edinburgh Airport and Scotland’s capital.
Wedding celebrations can be run over two or three days with barbeques and special dinners. Entertaining activities can also be laid on, from Highland Games, clay pigeon shooting and 4 x 4 driving, to falconry displays, cocktail making and whisky tastings.
You can learn more about destination weddings at Winton Castle on their website.
Winton Castle
- 01875 340222
- Pencaitland, Tranent EH34 5AT, UK
- enquiries@wintoncastle.co.uk
- www.wintoncastle.co.uk
In The Name of Love Photography
Read about other wedding days
A Golden Destination Wedding in Scotland
Sarah and Patrick ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
BLACK VELVET suits, autumn FLORALS and their dog DAVIE by their side
William McGowan & Allan Smith ThePlus Audio Please click here ...
GEORGIE and MATT’S Scottish castle celebration was personal from start to finish.
Georgie-Lacey Solymar & Matt Withers ThePlus Audio Please click here ...
A SPRING wedding filled with personal LETTERS, global TRADITIONS and the JOY of finally bringing EVERYONE together
Danni Pearson & Sandy Vracar ThePlus Audio Please click here ...
A WARM countryside CELEBRATION filled with WILDFLOWERS, hand-crafted DETAILS and the PEOPLE who mean the MOST
Eilidh Dickson & Sandy Bendall ThePlus Audio Please click here ...
Golden Season – Lynn Connelly & Gary McGee Wedding
Lynn Connelly & Gary McGee ThePlus Audio Please click here ...
A HEARTFELT farm wedding filled with SUNFLOWERS and the most PERSONAL handmade touches, all brought to LIFE in the grounds of Jenna and Pete’s FAMILY home.
Jenna Brand & Pete Brown ThePlus Audio Please click here ...
A day of CALM, COLOUR and effortless JOY at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews
Elbina Avdich & Ross Christie ThePlus Audio Please click ...
A clifftop GREEK SUNSET where everything felt MEANT TO BE with all their FAVOURITE people
Romy Mccahill & Stewart Burt ThePlus Audio ThePlus Audio ...
Back Home Kathryn Hutchinson – Ryan Gauld
Rayn and Kathryn ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
An incredible Bridgerton-themed wedding at Fasque Castle and The Fife Arms, Aberdeenshire
Chris and Jessica ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A vibrant, fun-filled summer garden party wedding on Isle of Seil
A heartfelt wedding on the stage of Dundee Rep Theatre
A fantastic colourful twilight wedding at Queen’s Park Bowling Club, Glasgow
A pretty garden-inspired Winton Castle wedding
Alexandra and Seumas ThePlus Audio ThePlus Audio Please click ...
A beautiful summer St Andrews wedding at St Salvator’s Chapel and the University of St Andrews
Talia and Insung ThePlus Audio ThePlus Audio Please click here ...
A beautiful wedding with a green colour scheme at Cairns Farm Estate
The wedding of YouTubers Foxes Afloat at Ardross Castle, Alness
‘I do’ diary couple Vivienne and Greg’s fabulous wedding at Kingsfield Barn, Linlithgow
Vivienne and Greg ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
‘In his words’ columnist Lee marries wife Louise at a stunning Auchen Castle wedding
‘I do’ diary couple Lauren and Gavin’s island wedding at The Dougarie Boathouse, Arran
Lauren and Gavin ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A weekend-long wedding celebration at Kinmount House, Annan
A fairy tale wedding at Cluny Castle, Sauchen
Rowan and Martyn ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A Rural wedding with a subtle Harry Potter theme at Silverwood Resort, Inchcoonans
Hayley and Saul ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A relaxed and DIY-filled wedding at Roodlea Barn, Ayr
Nicolle and Lawrie ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A beautiful wedding with a celestial theme at The Signet Library, Edinburgh
Laura and Kara ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A stunning lochside wedding at Carrick Castle Estate, Cairndow
Claire and Martin ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A picture-perfect wedding at Broxmouth Courtyard, Dunbar
Lucy and Liam ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A rustic and romantic wedding at Òran Mór, Glasgow
Holly and Ryan ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A simple yet stylish summer wedding at Peebles Hydro Hotel
Pavlina and Anita ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A relaxed and intimate wedding at Loch Lomond Arms Hotel
Emily and Jason ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A windswept but picture-perfect elopement at Kilchurn Church, Loch Awe
Hannah and Ben ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A beautiful Christmas wedding at Drumtochty Castle, Auchenblae
Gemma and Nick ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A Gothic winter wedding in a romantic Scottish castle
Jamie and Andrew ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A gorgeous Christmassy wedding at Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh
Cassie and Tomo ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A gorgeous summer wedding at Backhouse Rossie, Auchtermuchty
Sarah and Euan ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A blooming gorgeous wedding at Killearn Village Hall, Killearn
Hannah and Sam ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A glamorous wedding with a pale pink theme at Lochside House Hotel, New Cumnock
Aimee and Ross ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A super-cool autumnal wedding with hints of Halloween at The Biscuit Factory, Edinburgh
Rosie and Fraser ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A stunning autumnal wedding at The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews
Emma and Andrew ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A floral delight of a wedding at Colstoun Estate, East Lothian
Erin and Callum ThePlus Audio Please click here to hear ...
A classic and romantic wedding at Drumtochty Castle, aberdeenshire
A classic and romantic wedding at Drumtochty Castle, Aberdeenshire Taylor ...