The Carrick Castle Estate
A–Z Wedding Glossary
Planning a wedding in Scotland? From exclusive use venues to zero-carbon celebrations, here’s our A–Z guide to everything you need to know about hosting your day at Carrick Castle Estate — a luxury barn wedding venue on the shores of Loch Goil.
A – Altar (or Ceremony Arch)
While traditional church weddings take place at an altar, many couples hosting a Scottish barn wedding create a beautiful ceremony space overlooking the loch. A floral arch or styled ceremony table becomes your modern altar — with mountains as your backdrop.
B – Barn Wedding
A barn wedding combines rustic charm with elegant styling. At Carrick Castle Estate, our exclusive use barn offers flexible layouts for intimate gatherings or receptions of up to 120 guests.
C – Castle Wedding Venue
Looking for a castle wedding venue in Scotland? Carrick Castle Estate blends historic charm with a contemporary luxury lodge and rustic barn, giving you the best of both worlds, and the 14th-century Carrick Castle by your door step.
D – DIY Wedding Venue
DIY doesn’t mean do-it-yourself alone — it means creative freedom. As an exclusive use DIY wedding venue, Carrick Castle Estate allows you to design your day your way, choosing your own suppliers and styling.
E – Exclusive Use
Your wedding, your privacy. Exclusive use means the entire estate — barn, lodge, and grounds — is yours for the duration of your celebration.
F – Family & Friends
A wedding weekend venue allows your family and friends to stay together onsite, turning your celebration into a shared experience rather than just a single day.
G – Grounds
Set against the loch and hills of Argyll, the estate’s grounds are ideal for outdoor ceremonies, drinks receptions, lawn games, and golden-hour photography.
H – Highlands Setting
Though easily accessible, Carrick Castle Estate offers the atmosphere of a Scottish Highlands wedding venue — dramatic scenery without the remoteness.
I – Intimate Wedding
Prefer something smaller? Our venue is perfect for intimate weddings and elopements in Scotland.
J – Jazz (or Live Music)
From acoustic sets to full bands, the barn reception space accommodates live entertainment beautifully.
K – Kelpie Suite
Our bridal suite features a genuine 17th-century four-poster bed — ideal for the newlyweds after their barn wedding celebration.
L – Lochside Ceremony
Few things compare to exchanging vows beside a Scottish loch. Outdoor ceremonies overlooking Loch Goil are a favourite among couples.
M – Marriage Weekend
Why limit it to one day? A wedding weekend venue lets you host a welcome dinner, wedding day, and relaxed brunch the following morning.
N – Nuptials
Your nuptials deserve a setting that feels extraordinary — from castle charm to barn elegance.
O – Outdoor Reception
Scotland’s scenery becomes part of your décor when hosting an outdoor reception on the estate grounds.
P – Photos
The combination of barn interiors, castle architecture, and lochside views makes Carrick Castle Estate one of the most photogenic wedding venues in Scotland.
Q – Quality Time
Exclusive use means no queues, no shared spaces — just uninterrupted time with your guests.
R – Reception
Our barn reception space comfortably hosts up to 140 guests, with flexible layout options.
S – Sustainable Wedding
As a zero-carbon wedding venue powered by solar energy and a ground source heat pump, Carrick Castle Estate is ideal for couples seeking an eco-friendly wedding venue in Scotland.
T – Tasting
We recommend arranging a tasting with your chosen caterer to curate the perfect wedding dinner.
U – Unique Venue
No two weddings here are the same — that’s the beauty of an exclusive use DIY venue.
V – Vows
Whether indoors in the barn or outdoors overlooking the loch, your vows deserve a breathtaking setting.
W – Wedding Weekend Accommodation
Onsite accommodation for up to 22 guests makes Carrick Castle Estate ideal for destination weddings in Scotland.
X – eXceptional Setting
We might bend the alphabet slightly — but our setting truly is exceptional.
Y – Your Wedding, Your Way
Flexibility is key. From layout to suppliers, you shape the day to reflect your style.
Z – Zero Carbon Venue
Our commitment to sustainability means your luxury Scottish wedding can also be environmentally conscious.