Spooky wedding at Bothwell Castle

Nov 15 2012 by Julie Gilbert, Hamilton Advertiser

Bothwell Castle - with its imposing towers and ancient dungeons - was the ideal location for one couple’s spooky-themed wedding.

Gary Duggan (34), and Sharon Duggan (32), both wanted something a little different for their big day.

So the couple set the wedding date to take place on Hallowe’en, October 31.

And as if that wasn’t enough, the pair both dressed up in spine-tingling spooky outfits, with Gary sporting a red demon’s mask.

Then the couple also decided the rest of the wedding party and all the guests should wear fancy dress too.

Gary said: “The Hallowe’en theme was chosen three years ago. We felt that the average wedding gets boring so decided to spice ours up a bit.”

The wedding ceremony was held underground in a dungeon/cellar area of the 13th century castle.

However, despite informing the registry office of their plans well in advance, the registrar conducting the ceremony had only found out about the fancy dress plans one week before the ceremony.

Gary said: “We informed the registrar’s office in advance but they didn’t tell the person who was actually going to be conducting the wedding ceremony.

“About a week before the wedding we met the registrar and that was the first time she had heard it was going to be fancy dress.

“However, luckily, she was really good about it.”

Gary went on to say the castle setting was extremely picturesque and their friends and family really warmed to the theme.

He continued: “The atmosphere was fantastic.

“The fact we got married in a dungeon/cellar place was pretty cool.

“Every single person was in fancy dress – that was the dress code.

“They could dress up as whatever they wanted – whether they wanted to be a cowboy or a demon, that was up to them.

“It was just a bit of fun.

“Nobody really seemed too shocked.

“Sharon’s dad was a bit concerned at first about dressing up, but on the day he had a blast.”

Gary concluded: “Everybody just let their hair down and had a really good time which we appreciated.”