Couples could soon be having their very own royal weddings at Balmoral Estate as King Charles plans to open up the historic holiday home for exclusive events. The royals are seeking to transform the “Queen’s Building” into a venue for weddings, dinners, meetings, and other events, making it one of the most sought-after venues in the UK. This move comes as Balmoral Estate has been increasingly opened up to the public, with tours of the castle now available.
The licensing papers submitted to Aberdeenshire Council reveal that the hall on the north of the estate will be repurposed into an events venue suitable for hosting up to 277 guests inside and 144 on the outside patio. The estate is also seeking permission to sell alcohol and play music during events, with the possibility of live music performances and dancing until 12.30 am.
To extend their parties onto the patio, Balmoral Estate will need to convince council chiefs to waive certain rules typically applied to outdoor drinking areas, including music bans. They argue that there is little risk of disturbing neighbors with noise from outdoor events due to the remote location of the estate. Any music played outdoors will be kept at a low level through a few small speakers.
Balmoral Estate, spanning 50,000 acres, has been a part of royal life since Queen Victoria purchased it in the 19th century. Following the Queen’s passing in 2022, the estate has become more open to the public, reflecting King Charles’ plans to provide greater access to the historic property. This move marks a shift from the previous privacy the royals maintained at their Deeside retreat and represents a new chapter in the estate’s history.
The transformation of the Queen’s Building into a wedding and events venue signifies a significant step towards Balmoral becoming a hub for exclusive gatherings, further solidifying its position as a cherished destination in the UK. As the estate seeks to obtain the necessary permissions to host events, including serving alcohol and playing music, it is clear that Balmoral is evolving to embrace a new era of accessibility and engagement with the public.