Is Balmoral Castle Opening Up for Weddings? Exploring King Charles' Plans for the Royal Estate

Speculation swirls around King Charles' intentions to host weddings at Balmoral Castle as he seeks a permit for events in a building on the estate. While the castle has long been a romantic spot for the royals, it may not be opening to the public for nuptials just yet.

King Charles may soon introduce a new chapter for Balmoral Castle, sparking interest in the possibility of hosting weddings at the royal estate. Balmoral, the Scottish retreat and beloved family getaway for generations, sits on a 50,000-acre property owned by the King and is renowned for its deep connections with royal life. Known for its beauty and family significance, it’s also where Queen Elizabeth II spent her final days in 2022.

A recent report by The Times indicated that an application had been made to Aberdeenshire Council to modify a building near the castle, known as the Queen’s Building, to host events, including weddings, dinners, and receptions. With plans to expand its capacity, the building could hold 277 guests indoors and between 40 to 144 outdoors. While no weddings have been held on the estate to date, Balmoral has long been a special place for royal family romance; Prince Philip proposed to then-Princess Elizabeth there in 1946, and King Charles and Princess Diana famously honeymooned there.

The BBC recently clarified on October 24, however, that these plans won’t necessarily open Balmoral for public weddings. Balmoral Estate reportedly confirmed that although they have maintained a license for hosting events for over 15 years, there are currently no plans to host weddings commercially.

Beyond the speculation about weddings, King Charles has increased access to the estate, with ticketed tours selling out rapidly last summer. The guided tours offered an exclusive look inside the castle, particularly for visitors drawn to the ballroom and other intimate spaces, in addition to the grounds. These tours were especially significant as Balmoral has traditionally been open only in limited areas.

While King Charles and Queen Camilla still spend their late summer months in Scotland, their preferred retreat is the neighboring Birkhall Estate, an 18th-century residence that Charles inherited from the Queen Mother in 2002. Known for its peaceful ambiance, Birkhall also served as a getaway during the pandemic in 2020, offering a private and cherished space for the royal couple.