Comlongon Castle Country House Hotel Dumfries
Comlongon Castle Country House Hotel, Clarencefield, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG1 4NA

"At Comlongon Castle we believe your stay with us should be an unique and memorable experience. A privately run family concern, we offer our guests a unique blend of history and privacy in a peaceful setting of over 120 acres of secluded grounds, including ornamental ponds, sweeping lawns and woodlands"
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English Rose
Heading, 8K
Clarencefield, Dumfries, Scotland, DS1 4NA
Telephone: 01387 870283
Fax: 01387 870266



Comlongon Castle, 11K


Weddings

Why choose Comlongon for your wedding? With a host of locations now offering wedding facilities it is becoming increasingly difficult for couples to choose the ideal venue in which to celebrate their most special of days. We can assure you that we are that ideal location.

Over the past decade we have built up an unparalleled reputation and are regarded within the industry as the premier location within Scotland. Coupled with the fact we are still a family run concern we have the expertise, knowledge and vast experience to make each wedding a smoothly run unique event.

Today many couples find the prospect of organising a perfect wedding a daunting one. We are here to ease that task. All it takes is one phone call and we can begin to orchestrate your most special of days to include those little personal touches that make each event a truly individual occasion - memories of which will stay with you both always. So relax, draw on our expertise and enjoy your day!

Once you arrive at the castle you and your guests can partake in the unique atmosphere that is Comlongon. Upon arrival you can enjoy a light welcome buffet in the Adam style drawing room, before retiring to your suites to prepare for the afternoon ceremony. Shortly before the service the party assembles in the reception area, to place their individual orders from the menu drawn up for that day by our RAC award-winning chefs, to await the arrival of the Minister. The minister will then take the Groom and Best Man aside and discuss the afternoon's ceremony. The wedding party will then be escorted through the manicured gardens to the castle accompanied by the traditional skirl of the pipes. During this time the minister/registral will visit the Bride in her chamber to explain the wedding vows.

This completed the Bride will descend the grand staircase and meet with her Bridal party who will form a procession to follow the Grooms party. Upon arrival the party will be greeted and shown into the Great Hall to the rousing accompaniment of the Bridal march/piper, whence the ceremony will begin. Imagine the scene: a traditional marriage ceremony conducted by a Scottish of Religion in the 14th century Great Hall, bedecked with heraldic banners and carved "wedding stones" - reminders of weddings held within the Keep centuries before. The hand-painted ceiling depicting shields and coats of arms of prominent Border families, blazing log fire under the massive carved mantle all bathed in flickering candlelight all combine to produce a truly romantic setting.

The simple, moving ceremony lasts approximately 20 minutes and concludes with the signing of a marriage schedule in front of the altarpiece. The photographers will then guide you and your guests through many superb locations within the castle and grounds. At this time you may wish to sample the castles secret recipe for fruit punch or mulled wine. Following the photographs you have ample time to explore the castle chambers, with dungeons, mummified cats, torture equipment and maybe even catch a glimpse of our ghost- Lady Marion Carruthers

Guests then assemble in the reception hall to be escorted into the oak panelled Banquet Hall for the wedding meal. The Banquet should take around 2 ½ hours to complete leaving ample time for wedding speeches. At the conclusion of the Banquet the party again retires to the Drawing Room for coffee teas and mints before making use of our private bar to sample some of our many selected malt s.

If previously organised a evening band will begin in the function room that will commence at about 9:30pm - including a unique Sword dancing competition at the end of the event to test the your skills! For that ultimate finale to the celebrations we recommend our renowned firework displays- guests assemble on the hotel balcony to delight in a magnificent firework display: a truly spectacular way to conclude the days events.

When finally retiring to your suite you can unwind with complimentary Champagne and chocolates and relax knowing the following morning staff will provide breakfast within your room.

You can rest assured Comlongon Castle is the right choice for you - we feel proud of the fact that we continually receive a increasing number of personally recommended guests. People leave with the feeling of having shared in something seldom found these days - affordable excellence in a unique relaxed family atmosphere. Whatever your requirements, from a small private wedding for just two or a lavish affair for 86 guests there is room at this romantic hideaway for your fairy tale dream wedding.

If this information reflects the setting you wish for your special day simply telephone one of our professional wedding co-ordinators who will immediately be able to start to piece together a truly memorable celebration.Finally we would like to point out that brochures simply do not justice to our magnificent home and it is highly recommended that an appointment to view is made to capture the full atmosphere that is Comlongon Castle or visit or website which is www.comlongon.co.uk


Bride, Hallway, 13K


Wedding Package

Finding the perfect wedding location is a daunting task. Even if accomplished, gathering all various parts together at one location can prove almost impossible. Why not put the entire event in the hands of our team of experts, who every day organise perfect weddings for couples from every corner of the world. They have the experience, knowledge and skill to assemble every part of your dream day and craft a complete package that is incomparable.

Comlongon Castle can now offer a complete wedding package for those couples who wish to celebrate at the castle with as little stress as possible. During 2008 it will be possible to organise a wedding within 3 weeks with a single telephone call. We will provide the wedding, the Minister, witnesses, photographer, caterers and hotel- all in one location, for one price from one call. All you need do is fill in the correct forms organise the dress and then get to the Castle. After establishing close links over the last 2 decades with all the leading suppliers in the region we can offer an unparalleled offer to include,

Private use of Comlongon Castle Great hall for your wedding**
Minister to perform the ceremony/cival registra
Witnesses as required
Piper to escort you to the ceremony
Unique photography and video package *
Champagne and canapé reception for 2
6 course banquet for 2 including wine
Luxury honeymoon suite for one night
Limited edition signed and framed print of the castle

* Photography package consists of a choice of one of the following, from our recommended award winning photographers of 16 years association with the castle.

**Extra Guests £110 (£40 Children) and accomadation( 20 guests maximum)

Package 1:A hand bound leather album exclusively designed for Comlongon Castle, in ivory or burgundy with a line drawing of the castle embossed in gold on the cover. The album will contain 20 8 x 6 colour photographs, mounted on traditional style pages with attractive complimentary overlays. Also a video package consisting of: the wedding ceremony, the photocall and celebrations until the departure of the photographers. The tape is edited and titled, and is a necessity for showing those who cannot attend the special day.

Package 2: A hand bound album as in package 1 but containing 30 8 x 6 colour photographs

Package 3: As package 2 but containing 20 colour 8 x 6 photographs and 10 8 x 6 black and white photographs

You arrive at the castle at 12.30 when you will be met by your personal wedding co-ordinator who will guide you through every aspect of the day. The minister will arrive at the castle shortly before the start of the afternoon's ceremony and explain the vows. Then you will be escorted to the Great Hall of the castle by a piper to be joined by the uniformed witnesses. Following the simple relaxed ceremony our in-house photographers will guide you through several stunning locations at the castle before you partake of a light champagne buffet. You then have ample time to relax in the bar or tour the castle before being served a lavish 6 course banquet in the oak panelled dining room. At the conclusion of the day's events you can retire to your luxury honeymoon suite to unwind in your Jacuzzi with complimentary champagne. The following morning after enjoying breakfast in the privacy of your suite you will be presented with a framed print of the castle, signed and dated by the artist.

This unique and unforgettable package is available only at Comlongon Castle for the all-inclusive price of £2100, and is limited to couples on weekdays only.

If you wish more information on this offer or to make a booking for 2009 please call one of our co-ordinators on 01387 870283 or reception@comlongon.co.uk





Accomodation

Once you arrive at the Castle at 12.30 you will be met by your wedding co-ordinator who will show you to your Honeymoon suite to change for the afternoons ceremony. Upon arrival your guests can enjoy a light buffet and champagne reception in the Adam style Drawingroom before making their selections from the 5 or 6 course menu.If previously organised a beauty therapist or hairdresser will accompany the Bride to her suite. Shortly before the wedding the Minister/Registrar will arrive to discuss the content of the ceremony with the couple, explaining the vows in detail.

The Grooms party and wedding guests are escorted from the hotel through the gardens by a piper to the Castle. The Bride will then leave her chamber, to be met by her party and photographers then guided to the Castle to begin the ceremony.The simple relaxed ceremony lasts about ½ an hour and concludes with both parties signing the marriage schedule in front of the Minister and witnesses. Following the ceremony the photographers will guide you through the numerous superb locations in the castle and grounds whilst enjoying the chance to sample our chefs secret recipe for champagne punch. Guests can use this time to explore the castles many chambers and dungeons, with heraldic displays, torture equipment, mummified cats and maybe catch a glimpse of our ghost Lady Marion Carruthers.

At about 6 p.m. guests will be announced into the Jacobean oak panelled dining hall for the evenings banquet. Guests will be treated to a sumptuous RAC award winning experience, supervised by our banquet manager who will also act as toastmaster if required. After speeches the party will be served coffees before sampling drinks from our private bar. For the larger groups we can organise our own in-house evening band, a band guaranteed to create a successful party in the evening. For that ultimate addition we can arrange for one of our acclaimed firework displays to thrill your guests during the evening. We can guarantee each of your guests will leave Comlongon delighted to have been part of one of the best celebrations they have attended during the year.

What ever your requirements, from a small private wedding for just the 2 of you or a more lavish affair of up to 86 there is room at this romantic hideaway for your fairy tale dream wedding.

Although brochures and websites provide many photographs of Comlongon these simply do not do justice to our magnificent home, we strongly suggest to visit us in person when you can begin to appreciate the unique atmosphere that is Comlongon.

Please note however that Comlongon is a private hotel, we do not offer facilities to non-residents or those arriving without an invitation, ensuring our staff can concentrate all their efforts on you whilst you are here. As such we can only take appointments to view by prior arrangement, when you will be guaranteed the attention of one of our co-ordinators.





Bedroom, 11K


Hotel Rooms

Room Allocations: At Comlongon we have 5 honeymoon suites (all with en-suite Jacuzzi), 3 twin suites, 2 family suite (sleeps 4) and 4 double suites. All rooms are en-suite. Only 2 of the 4 doubles are capable of accepting one extra bed each (£40 extra cots £10). Extra beds cannot be placed in the Bridal Suites or the twin rooms. We recommend that the Bride/Groom allocate rooms to their guests themselves to control whom books into individual rooms. If guests contact the castle direct to book their own rooms we will refer them to the Bride/Groom. It is advisable to allocate as many rooms within the castle as guests attending the wedding; another wedding party will invariably book any vacant rooms.At the time of booking it is acceptable to block book the rooms in your name, secure them with deposits and then 1 month before arrival supply individual names.

Guests Accommodation: A wide variety of alternative accommodation is available locally for any of your guests who cannot be allocated within the castle, ranging from small bed and breakfasts to large guest houses and hotels. It is advisable to book these as soon as the castle confirms your wedding date.Once these are booked the question of transportation should be addressed. It must be remembered we are in a rural location and at certain times taxis are difficult to obtain unless previously arranged. Transport should be booked to deliver your guests at the castle at 1:30-2:00 p.m. and to return them at the conclusion of the days celebrations at 12:30 a.m. If your group is sufficiently large a bus can be booked to transport them in one single journey.There is a separate list of recommended suppliers including accommodation and transport to aid this aspect of the day. If you are considering booking any supplier not previously recommended by the castle please contact one of our wedding co-ordinators who will be glad to offer an independent appraisal.

Transport: It must be remembered that we are in an isolated location so taxis are not as readily available as in a city, especially later in the evening. However we have arrangements with a local bus and taxi firm who will by prior arrangement supply any transport needs your group may require.If your group has guests staying outside the hotel it is well worth the time to organise a bus to collect this group at their respective hotels and deliver them to the castle in time to order their meals at 2:00p.m. Also organise transport to take them back at the conclusion of the celebrations at 12:30a.m. These sub contractors need separate payment, as we cannot accept payment for any third party. Guests are reminded that if transport is not previously organised they may face difficulty in returning to their hotels. It is recommended that all taxis be organised by our receptionists to guarantee their arrival.





Rooms

Prices-all rooms are non smoking

Double Room with 4-poster bed and en-suite bathroom, with views of the gardens and grounds, with traditional Scottish breakfast: £160 per room for 2 persons.
Comlongon has 3 of these suites.

Double Room with large canopy bed and en-suite bathroom, with views of the grounds, with traditional Scottish breakfast: £160 per room for 2 persons.
Comlongon has 1 of these suites.

Twin Room with 2 single beds, en-suite bathroom, with restricted views of the castle and grounds, with traditional Scottish breakfast: £110 per room for 2 persons.
Comlongon has 3 of these suites

Royal Bridal Suitewith large ornate 4 poster medieval style bed, en-suite Jacuzzi, views of the gardens, complimentary champagne chocolates and flowers, traditional Scottish breakfast served within the suite: £225 per room for 2 persons.Please note this is a no smoking room.

Royal Stuart Suite with large 4 poster Jacobean style bed, en-suite Jacuzzi, views of the gardens, complimentary champagne chocolates and flowers, traditional Scottish breakfast served within the suite: £225 per room for 2 persons.

Countess Suite with large carved 4 poster bed, en suite Jacuzzi, views of the gardens, complimentary champagne chocolates and flowers, traditional Scottish breakfast served within the suite: £225 per room for 2 persons.

Family suite, consisting of two adjoining rooms. The first a large room with 4 poster bed, whilst the second room contains 2 single beds, en-suite bathroom, views across the grounds and gardens, with traditional Scottish breakfast for 4 persons: £225 for 4 persons.
Comlongon has 2 of these suites.

In total Comlongon has 14 suites.





The Hotel

Comlongon castle specialises in providing wedding ceremonies receptions and celebrations. Our clients describe our style as "house party" we are not open to the general public, do not accept corporate or conference clients. Our bar is also private does not have a jukebox, television or slot machines. We provide traditional service in an informal relaxed atmosphere with a highly skilled and enthusiastic small team of staff. We take time and effort to ensure every aspect of your stay is the best we can provide, and because we are privately owned and run we avoid all the associated clichés of properties run by managers or accountants





The Castle

Comlongon Castle was constructed in 1400 by the Murrays, descendants of the Earls of Moray to guard the approaches from England across the Solway Firth, a regular route of incursion at the time. Its massive 14-ft thick walls contain numerous chambers and rooms, notably the Great hall (link to great hall photo)-a large open plan room containing leaded glass windows, banners, painted ceiling and armour displays is dominated by a huge fireplace. Considered by the Royal Scottish Architectural Society as one of the most impressive castles of its age surviving today, it gradually lapsed into disuse during the 17th century. The castle was re roofed in the 19th century ensuring the preservation of many of its unique features. The present mansion was built in 1880 at the height of the Scottish baronial style offers a careful blend of history and modern luxury.

During the Second World War the property was donated to Dr. Barnados, housing orphans for over a decade. In 1984 the Ptolomey family purchased the castle and set about an ambitious restoration project encompassing the entire complex. Now complete Comlongon can offer 14 superbly and individually designed en-suite rooms (link to room photos) most with 4 posters whilst 3 have Jacuzzis. (Link to photo)Every modern luxury has been attended to whilst still retaining the historical charm of the building.





New Year

Following the tremendous success of our New Year package Comlongon Castle is again offering discerning clients the chance to partake in a unique opportunity to celebrate the New Year in style. The whole Castle and estate is available for exclusive hire on an all-inclusive basis. From the moment of arrival your group of clients will find every need catered for by our experienced staff.

This event starts at 12.30 p.m. on 30th Dec. and concludes at 11.00 on 1st Jan..



Many thanks for your recent enquiry for our facilities over the New Year period 2008. We now have firm prices from our sub-contractors and are in a position to offer a total price. This will be a 2-day package over 30th and 31sr December 2008. Departing New Years Day at 11.00 amWe can offer accommodation for 34 people within the castle, with check-in at 12:30, on Friday 30th Dec 2008. A welcome champagne buffet will be served at 6.00p.m. Following dinner a Ceiligh has been organized from 9.15P.M till 12:15 A.M. Breakfast will be served the following morning between 8.15 am and 10.00 a.m.

Following the late breakfast guests will be invited to participate in a clay pigeon shoot from 11.00a.m until 2.00p.m then a late lunch. At 6.00 everyone will be assemble in the dining room for a 6-course banquet, served with wine and concluded with speeches and champagne. Following teas, coffees cheese and biscuits with liquors in the Drawing room you will be escorted to the function room for the evenings Entertainment, a Celtic Blessing and traditional Celtic music. This will start at around 9.30 concluding at 12.30. The band will take a break whilst your guests assemble on the balcony for a spectacular fireworks display. The New Year will be ushered in with a piper at midnight, whilst the bar will remain open late for those who wish.Also included in this unique package all accommodation costs, all foods, wines, champagnes, Evening Band, Blessing, fireworks, bar drinks and service charges for 34 people. You and your guests will require no money whilst at the castle.

It is possible to add extra people to your guest list to a total of 86 (an extra 52) at a cost of £350 per person for both days (this does not included alternative accommodation or transport)

We would recommend that you employ the services of a professional videographer to record the events as this will be a truly unique occasion. We can provide you with contact numbers for all local suppliers (kilt hires etc)If you wish to gain more information on this event or to discuss arrangements please contact one of our co-coordinators






Tariff
Wedding ceremony Monday to Thursday
Wedding ceremony Friday and Sunday
Wedding ceremony Saturday only
Honeymoon suite room rate
Double room rate
Twin room rate
5 course banquet
6 course banquet
Welcome buffet and finger buffet
Punch and mulled wine
Murray suite private hire for dining
Standard fireworks display
Premier fireworks display
Celtic blessing
Evening band
House wine
House champagne
£600
£900
£1200
£225 per night for 2 including breakfast
£160 per night for 2 including breakfast
£110 per night for 2 including breakfast
£37 per person
£42 per person
£14 per person
£6 per person
£150
£600
£900
£500
£700
from £14 per bottle
from £29.00 per bottle





Map

Comlongon Castle is situated down a mile long private tree-lined drive in the village of Clarencefield just 13 miles west from Gretna and 9 miles east of Dumfries on the B724, whilst the vast unspoiled region of Galloway is but a short drive.

Mainline railway connections are at Lockerbie, Annan, Dumfries and Carlisle, with frequent services to Glasgow, Edinburgh and London (Euston).


Map, 9K





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