Couples could soon hold their own royal weddings as King Charles has apparently given the green light to the decision to allow people to host parties at the Balmoral estate.
The ‘Queen’s Building’ at Balmoral, just yards from the world-famous castle where the late Queen Elizabeth spent her final days, will be transformed into a destination for ‘weddings, dinners, meetings and other events’.
However, only limited dates are allowed, meaning it could become one of the most sought-after and exclusive venues in the UK, with Balmoral saying “these events will be rare all year round.”
Licensing documents submitted to Aberdeenshire Council show plans for the hall in the north of the estate.
The app says it can be used for weddings and other events that could be organized by the licensee or third parties.
Queen Camilla and King Charles in September last year after attending a church service in the village of Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral.
The application says the Queen’s Building, a hall to the north of the Balmoral estate, can be used for weddings and other events, serving alcohol until after 12.30am.
The venue could now host up to 277 guests inside the elegant space, with another 144 on the outside patio.
The building, situated between the famous castle and the estate office and stables, was built in the late 1980s as staff accommodation and relaxation room, with an adjoining dining room.
Last year it was refurbished to provide more dining space for the hordes of royal enthusiasts arriving at the estate.
At the time, estate bosses said the move would “enable us to make better use of the space for a multitude of functions and continue to cope with the mass tourism market”.
As part of the same license petition, Balmoral Estate wants permission to sell alcohol and play music.
Documents due to go before Aberdeenshire Licensing Board on Wednesday state: “These events may include live music performances and dancing, where alcohol may be sold until 12.30am,” which is later than in some pubs. from London.
But they will have to convince the council leaders to waive certain rules to extend their parties to the patio.
Outdoor drinking areas usually come with some conditions, including a ban on listening to music.
The new cafe in Balmoral that could soon host wedding receptions on limited dates throughout the year.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are photographed on a farm on the Balmoral Estate during their Silver Wedding anniversary year in 1972.
The license petition acknowledges that these rules are “sensitive when applied to urban premises.”
But they argue there is “no prospect of neighbors being disturbed” by noise from weddings and events in Balmoral’s outdoor area.
That said, any outdoor music would be “low level” and would only be played through three small speakers.
The 50,000-acre estate has been a part of royal life since Queen Victoria purchased it in the mid-19th century.
It became even better known globally in September 2022, when Queen Elizabeth II died in the retreat, which she adored all her life.
But until recently, the royals fiercely protected their privacy on their getaway to Deeside, which they usually visit during the summer.
This new venture follows King Charles’ plans to give the public greater access to the historic property.
It has introduced a series of new money-making measures. First it was a great meal for £250 per person, now the King is offering “unique” £25 Sunday lunches this winter at his Scottish home for the first time.
King Charles and Queen Camilla appear at the Highland Games held a short distance from Balmoral.
The 50,000-acre estate has been a part of royal life since Queen Victoria purchased it in the mid-19th century.
Queen Elizabeth is photographed at Balmoral Castle, believed to be her favorite royal residence, in 2002.
This new venture follows King Charles’ plans to give the public greater access to the historic property.
Balmoral Estate asks for permission to sell alcohol and play music
The opportunity to dine like the King at his Scottish castle quickly sold out and the 70 tickets, at £250 a head, sold out quickly.
For those lucky enough to get a ticket, it’s another chance to see inside Balmoral, but this time for drinks and dinner.
Now the estate has announced a cheaper option for dining at Balmoral, although it is not inside the castle.
Winter Sunday lunches are a “unique menu each week” and, again, places are limited.
Dumfries House in Ayrshire, which houses the King’s Foundation and which Charles saved for the nation, already invites weddings, as does Mey Castle, the Queen Mother’s former home in Caithness.
Dumfries House has just announced couples about to get married and a team were at The Scottish Wedding Show at The SEC in Glasgow at the weekend.
It says: ‘Are you thinking about starting to plan the wedding of your dreams?
‘As one of Scotland’s finest stately homes, Dumfries House is located less than an hour from Glasgow, in the heart of East Ayrshire.
‘Situated on a sprawling 2,000-acre estate with endless photo opportunities, the venue offers a versatile range of packages to suit all tastes and budgets, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.
“There are still very limited dates available for 2025, and the 2026 schedule is now open for bookings.”