"For a brief 48 hours we felt like we were in our own home and that's a truly special feeling to have on your wedding weekend, I'm not sure many venues could lay claim to such a feeling."
“I wanted to pass on our huge thanks to you, Johanne in particular, but also to Lexi and to Orla and Hannah, for all the advice, help, support and quick-thinking that you all did during last weekend for Hamish and Sarah’s wedding. Thanks to you and the team, they and all guests – without exception – had a truly memorable and special weekend. It was everything that Hamish and Sarah hoped it would be and more!
From our initial meeting with you, to any contact we had with you, you were always so helpful and full of good suggestions to ease their and our way through any issues. All staff were so accommodating in every way: Orla and Hannah immediately eased our way through prepping for the Friday night “meet the families” in the Potting Shed and threw their hands in immediately to all the tasks in hand with calm, cheerful and gracious ease!
Winton Castle is a glorious venue – with its lovely paintings and furniture, not to mention the striking exterior and beautiful grounds. I know that one of the charms for Hamish and Sarah was the relaxed, warm and welcoming approach that the Ogilvy family and all staff have in opening the house up to visitors. Sarah’s family and friends were so thrilled to spend time in such a stunning setting, but so too were Hamish’s family and friends, including ourselves! Someone commented on how well the venue works as there are plenty of break-out spaces but you still feel part of whatever is going on.
Many friends have asked about the venue. We have been fulsome and unstinting in our praise and appreciation of it as everyone made it just the happiest and most perfect wedding for Hamish and Sarah.”
Parents of the Groom – September 2024
“Thank you so much for all of the work you put in to making our day so incredibly special. We absolutely loved the venue. Winton is a beautiful place and hugely appreciated the warm and welcoming environment you created. We love our Winton mugs they are such a great memento.”
Craig & Josie – October 2024
“We all want to thank you and your staff for everything you have done to make Nina and Steven’s Wedding such a memorable event. We will all look back with gratitude and pleasure for all our lifetimes. Winton is a truly special place, and so may of our guests have come to us to say this, Thank you and we will forever be grateful.”
Nina & Steven’s Parents – July 2024
“Thank you for all your care, attention and patience during our wedding weekend and the months leading to it. You all exude calm and competence and gave us so much confidence and comfort. Rae, thank you in particular for the hundreds if not thousands of emails , for all your time and patience you devoted to us. It was truly so magical and better than anything we could ever have imagined. “
Kenneth & Amanda – June 2024
“We have been trying to find the words to express our gratitude and appreciation for everything you did on our wedding day but it’s so difficult to show just how much it meant! Without doubt, it was the most perfect day of our lives. From the first time we met Fay to look around, we knew that Winton was the place we wanted to celebrate our wedding and it was the best decision we have ever made!
“I couldn’t believe how beautiful everything was. There is obviously a lot of creativity in your wonderful team. And then to top it all off, we get home and open a little bag that has the most lovely Winton mugs and card! They are absolutely gorgeous and will remind us of the most perfect day ever! I don’t know why Winton isn’t the only place anyone gets married because it is definitely the best venue by far! We’re going to have to find some unmarried friends to have a wedding there so we can come back!! This simple thank you message cannot express enough how much happiness you have brought us as we begin this new chapter.”
Mr & Mrs Shelley-Harris – July 2024
“Such a massive thank you for all your did in the lead up to our wedding, on the day and to help make it the perfect occasion. Your team were wonderful too! We have received such wonderful feedback. It has such stunning grounds, rooms, beautiful flowers, welcoming, friendly and helpful staff, the food was delicious also. It was truly magical.”
Rebecca & Roger – May 2024
“Thank you for such a wonderful job you did for our wedding, The weekend was simply extraordinary and we know how much hard work took place behind the scenes in order to make it so. Everything was so appreciated and we really felt that you went the extra mile to accommodate our weekend. We couldn’t have asked for more.”
Lola & Nick – April 2024
“Thank you so much for making our wedding day so magical and special. We had so many compliments on the venue, the food and the service from our guests. We appreciate how well you took care of us, Lexi, in the run up to the day and the day itself!”
Ruth & Billy – March 2024
“We are still on a high from our December wedding . We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect venue and the experience, largely thanks to the winton team, was exceptional. Thank you to Johanne for dealing with our many questions, being solutions driven, feeding us all with fabulous ideas, taking away the pressure and helping us create something truly magical. We feel that everyone at Winton went above and beyond.”
Kirsty & Alex – December 2023
“Thank you for giving us the most wonderful and perfect wedding we could have ever dreamt of. And for guiding us through the maze of wedding preparations. We felt so cared for and looked after throughout the whole process, but during our stay especially. Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts for everything you, the whole team and Winton Castle has given us: our perfect wedding we will never forget.”
Nicole & Markus – June 2023
“We are slowly coming down from cloud 9, but firmly still on cloud 8 after what was the best weekend of our lives.
We wanted to say thank you once again, Lexi, for all of your efforts over the past months, an even greater thank you for making our wedding day run so smoothly.
We have been reflecting on how well everything went and the seamlessness of it all, we’ve also had quite a few thank you cards echoing the same message.
The venue was everything we hoped for and more, all of the other staff were great also It’s hard to express such a thanks to you via email but the food, the organisation, the setting were all spectacular and Winton will forever be a special place for us now.
Please pass on our thanks to Sir Francis and Lady Dorothy for sharing their home with others to create such magical weekends – for a brief 48 hours we felt like we were in our own home and that’s a truly special feeling to have on your wedding weekend and I’m not sure many venues could lay claim to such a feeling.”
Catriona & Ben – October 2023
“Winton and Rae were SO AMAZING at accommodating and helping us incorporate personal touches across the whole weekend…
“…Everyone loved our wedding, and think we might have convinced a few friends to consider Winton (we would love to come back for another wedding!!!). A few quotes we received: This was the ‘Best wedding I’ve ever been to including my own.’ ‘Such a beautiful wedding – it was the most grand setting yet felt very intimate and personal.’ (Sounds like the Winton tagline…..!)”
Harry & Christine – September 2022
“Fay and the whole team did a wonderful job looking after us from the very first visit. No request was too much, and the time spent by the team at Winton to make our weekend so special was hugely appreciated and added a lot to our celebrations. The catering firm recommended by Winton for Saturday did a fantastic job. Everyone commented on the quality of the food across the board…
“The feedback from guests was better than we could have imagined. Everyone had a wonderful time with the venue and staff played a huge part in that. The uniqueness for us looking back on the weekend was the intimacy offered by the venue, attention to detail by the team at Winton, and having such a stunning backdrop to a day we’ll never forget.”
Katie & Ali – October 2022
“‘Wedding of the year!’ It was maybe the combo of being the first get-together for many since lockdown, along with everything going so smoothly in such a beautiful venue – every guest seemed to have a wonderful time. It was a day filled with joy!
“Winton Castle is very personal and the service is very considerate. We never felt that we were dealing with people who were only concerned about the bottom line. We always felt they were excited to make our day as special as they could for us.”
David & Scarlett – September 2021
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“Thank you for making our Wedding at Winton absolutely amazing. Everyone is still speaking about how perfect the venue , staff and food were. We all had an incredible weekend and it is all down to the team who made it so special.”
Jayne & James – June 2023
“First of all I’d like to thank you and the team for giving Jenny the wedding of her dreams. It was such a happy day and we all had a wonderful time.”
Mother of the Bride – August 2019
“Once again, thank you so much for all of your team’s efforts. We had quite literally THE PERFECT day and everything was handled by all with such grace and calm. Also those napkins, Johanne!!! Absolutely perfect.”
Roisin & Fraser – September 2023
“Thank you so much – we had a fabulous experience at Winton Castle. The team at Winton is exceptional. All the staff, the food, the organisation and attention to detail were beyond our dreams, never mind our expectations. (Right to the very end, when Sir Francis helped me load my car on the Sunday afternoon!)
“Many of our family and friends commented on the efficiency and friendliness of the staff, and in particular yourself. We had numerous comments of “best wedding ever” and even a guest declaring it as one of the best days of her life.”
Father of the Groom – August 2019
“I just wanted to email to say thank you so much for the best weekend we could have asked for. Our wedding renewal went perfectly. Everybody is talking about how brilliant the staff were at Winton castle. Nothing was too much trouble and they were so helpful with the adults and the children.
“You all really made our weekend one we will never forget and for that we will be forever grateful…
“Thank you again for all your hard work.”
Brenda & Chris – April 2019
“We’re still sitting going over the day and can’t believe how perfect it was from start to finish. We’ve been visiting relatives with all the leftovers and every single one of them can’t praise Winton and you enough. They have all said it’s the best wedding they’ve ever been to! They have been going over and over all the small details of the day and are amazed at how perfect Winton is. Walking into Winton for the drinks reception with the music, smell, fires and the warmest welcome was just magical.
“Chris and I are so grateful and want to thank you again for your hard work – it didn’t go unnoticed. We were so impressed when we approached you with a query or problem to find you already had it in hand. A true professional!
“From the very first phone call to arrange ‘a simple dinner’, the service you provided was impeccable and nothing ever too much trouble. We’re so thankful for the small touches like knowing to only put the favours out for the adults, waiting till late for the cake to finally arrive, hiding the damaged cake and not letting us know to avoid worrying us, arranging the cake/cheese table exactly as we hoped and for persuading us to do the formal cake cutting so now we have lovely photos! It’s all appreciated.
“Please pass our heartfelt thanks onto Fay for making our midnight snack, taking photos after everyone had left which we really love and for giving us the perfect end to the day, Lexi for such a warm welcome at the drinks reception and for popping in at night just to say hello – it was such a lovely gesture and they both went above what we ever expected.
“Please thank all the other staff and waiting team at Winton who impressed everyone and made our wedding perfect. Despite being so young, the waiting team were so professional and very very friendly. My constant requests for tea were never too much trouble and were always met with a smile. Our families and guests were amazed. You are all wonderful!
“The whole experience was first class and we wish we could do it all again! We both would describe Winton as a 5 star venue run by family because you put so much love and genuine care into everything you do, it’s clear it’s more than just a wedding venue. You really spoiled us.
“We’re so proud to be part of the Winton family and can’t wait to visit in April!
“With all our thanks and best wishes.”
Jennifer & Chris – October 2018
“We had a fantastic time!! We really can’t overstate enough how welcome and comfortable not only the two of us but also all our guests felt at Winton Castle. You, Lexi, and the rest of the staff members were so helpful and accommodating to all our requests, and you, Rae, especially made the day of the wedding itself go off without a hitch. Thank you so much for everything!
“Thanks so much once again and best wishes.”
Dr & Mrs Rae – December 2018
“…I am probably biased in saying it was the very best wedding I have attended.
“Your staff were courteous, helpful and the attention to detail was perfect.
“I know my son and his wife, Catherine, really enjoyed themselves and to see the smiles on everyone’s faces was a delight.
“Again many thanks, and I would not hesitate to recommend Winton Castle as a venue to all and sundry.”
Father of the Groom – December 2018
“The venue for our wedding was absolutely stunning. You and your team did all that we could have asked for to make our wedding day a complete success.
“…. The room we had [the ceremony] in was superb and we were lucky enough to get outside for the photo`s, the BBQ ( spot on food ) and the speeches. The band were first class and Alan & Gemma were excellent during the day with the background music.
“I would, and will, recommend you and the venue to anyone who wants advise from us.
“Please also thank Sir Francis for turning up at breakfast time to make sure everything went well, and to congratulate Val and I. That was much appreciated.
“Finally, to the whole Winton Team, Big THANKS from us both and our families.”
Val & Kenny – August 2017
“We not only had the time of our lives but many of our wedding guests said that it was the best wedding they had ever attended! It appears we have set the bar high!…… The food on the day was outstanding from the canapes and wedding meal, to breakfast the next morning… The house and grounds were immaculate and were a stunning backdrop for our photos.
“For all the efforts mentioned, and more, we couldn’t have picked a more perfect venue for our wedding day.”
Jenny & Nick – July 2016
“First of all, congratulations for organizing and delivering a 5 Star Wedding for Zitlali and David. Winton is an exceptional place to hold a wedding and is unique within the 17 South of Edinburgh properties we looked at before choosing Winton. We had so many compliments from our guests that the beautiful gardens, freedom of the use of the main public rooms of the house, as well as your excellent organisation make Winton very special and homely. The bedrooms and breakfast were of a 5 star standard.
“The day, 23rd May, being very sunny allowed us to use the facilities of Winton to the maximum. Well done!”
Parents of the Bride – May 2015
“Since meeting you at the venue with Lindsey and Rob way back in November 2013, we were very impressed by the venue and your welcome. I have to say that even our high expectations of a great event were surpassed.
“All of the staff were very professional and courteous; we hardly noticed them until we needed something, then it was taken care of immediately. …Everything ran like clockwork, leaving us to the important task of celebrating the wedding!
“You took care of us all beautifully and we wouldn’t change a thing except possibly wind the clock back and do it all again! We would not hesitate to recommend Winton to anyone that may be looking for a venue to celebrate a special event.”
Mrs Hazel Carr (bride’s mother)
“It was the level of the organisation and the quality of the people in the Winton team that made the wedding such a happy occasion for us. From the beginning we had total faith in Rae McGonigle and her staff. The arrangements went exceptionally smoothly.
“We were so impressed by the attention to detail, the effective communication with the outside agencies involved, and the efforts made by all staff… The feedback …has been universally very positive. Everyone had a marvelous time. The day will be one of the great family memories for all of us.
“It was an exceptional venue in all respects, managed by people who are very professional and so highly committed to the estate.”
Father of the Bride – May 2015
“We would like to thank the staff sincerely for all the work done to make Charles & Bronwyn’s Wedding so special (even arranging the weather!). The garden setting was just perfect and we did enjoy the privilege of being there. It was a wonderful day, so thank you to everyone behind the scenes who worked so hard.”
Mother of the Groom – June 2014
“We cannot thank you all enough for all you did last weekend to make it the best day of our lives. It truly was the happiest we have ever felt, and we owe so much of that to you, Rae, and all the hard work you put in on the day, thank you.
It was so special for us to be married at Winton. I is a stunning venue and despite its grand appearance, you made it feel like home for us and our guests.
In the months leading up to our wedding, you were just so wonderful, professional and supportive and we really are so grateful. You really went above and beyond.
Thank you all for making our dreams come true!”
Chris & Nikki – November 2013
“We want to send a huge thank you to everyone at Winton for an amazing service at our wedding in July.
The place is absolutely stunning, the staff are excellent and the food was superb. We felt we were in the best hands from when we sat down for team in the beautiful library on Friday – to the last piece of Elizabeth’s delicious carrot cake on Sunday.
We could not thave been happier, we have so many wonderful memeories from our big day and we will treasure them forever.”
Susan & Torgeir – July 2013
“We would like to thank the Winton Team for all your help and assistance over the last 12 months and on the wedding day itself. You all did an amazing job and all our family and friends have commented on how helpful everyone was at Winton during the wedding.
We are so glad that we chose Winton as our wedding venue, it is a truly beautiful place and we know that no other establishment would have been so accommodating; you really made us feel at home.
We cannot thank you all enough, we had a truly amazing time and hopefully one day we can return.”
Fiona & Neil – June 2013
“Our wedding day, and the night before, were utterly incredible, absolutely everything surpassed expectation! Every guest commented on the homeliness of the house and the friendliness and warmth of you all.”
Mr & Mrs Harvey – April 2012
“We had such a wonderful day and without all your hard work and attention to detail we would not have been able to have the best day of our lives.”
Mr & Mrs Thomson – April 2012
“Now we’re back we’re getting lots of wedding feedback and one constant remains throughout – how truly wonderful Winton and all the staff were. I’m not exaggerating, I think you guys might have even taken the focus off us!
“Our wedding would not have been the day it was without you and the team there so again, thank you, thank you, thank you for all being wonderful. Particular praise went to how much you guys were actually a part of the reception and chatted to everyone….”
Nick & Debbie – April 2011
“I can’t thank you and your staff enough for the wonderful wedding day we had for Rebecca and Sean. Even the sun shone for the 3 day event!!! We were discussing the celebrations at length with guests and decided that the whole occasion had ‘FLOWED SEEMLESSLY’ due to all the staff. Nobody had to ask for anything to be done as they had thought of every little detail to make Rebecca and Sean’s wedding weekend a time they will never forget…”
Parents of the Bride – July 2011
“Every detail of our time at Winton was perfectly executed by you and your team, from the welcoming drinks and line-up through to Francis’s insistence on a game of blow-billiards after hours!
“We had a professional chef who is the private cook for one of Ireland’s leading families amongst our guests and she declared herself very impressed with both the quality of food and the service. …Even before a request had formulated in our minds, you and your team had seen to it. Thank you for making our day so happy and memorable.”
James & Tania – October 2011
“The overwhelming response we had was how relaxed, fun and friendly it was and how well they were all looked after. Lots of people didn’t want to go home! The hospitality was absolutely second to none. I can’t put into words how comfortable we felt being at Winton House. Everyone from Harry (the man who can!) to Sir Francis, was so welcoming.
“I felt that the staff struck the perfect balance between professional and friendly so at no times did things feel stuffy or too formal despite being in such grand surroundings.
“The food was superb. Our friends who had been to 8 weddings in 8 weeks before ours said that it was the best that they’d experienced. Our wedding weekend exceeded all of our (at times rather demanding) expectations. I smile every time I think of Winton and my Mum still wants to pop in and have a look at the house whenever she’s in the neighbourhood!”
Fiona & Russell – 2010