Ellis Lodge 5 Argyll Road Dunoon PA23 8ES
01546 605521 (option 2)
samantha.gillies@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Whether it’s a woodland elopement or lochside vows, if it’s Cowal—it’s Dunoon.Our Registrars
Samantha Gillies – Registrar of Cowal
Started in Registration – October 2007
Holds the Certificate of Proficiency in the Law and Practice of Registration (Scotland)
‘I started working in registration straight from leaving school in 2007, I absolutely love my job.
Stephanie Wright – Assistant Registrar
Started in Registration – January 2015
Holds the Certificate of Proficiency in the Practice of Law and Registration
‘I have been working in Registration for 10 years and love this part of my role.
Linda Mollins- Assistant Registrar
Started in Registration – June 2024
“I feel so lucky to have started working in Registration, and absolutely love being part of the Dunoon Registration Team.
Testimonials
We booked our intimate ceremony with Argyll and Bute Registrars. I’m Scottish, but my now Husband is from New Zealand so there was an overwhelming amount of paperwork, however the Argyll and Bute Registrars team make everything lovely and clear what is needed and when. Stephanie also reassured us when our documents were delivered and whether anything was missing. We found Stephanie wonderful leading up to the big day and appreciated that she was able to tailor the ceremony to what we wanted including readings and a hand fasting.
Stephanie has a gorgeous presence, and she told our story beautifully with smiles, sincerity and a genuine warmth. It was also incredibly special having our little one able to participate during the signing as he popped his fingerprint down on a wee certificate too. After the wedding Stephanie’s communication continued to be fantastic as she gave us a wee head’s up as to when our certificate would arrive.
I highly recommend Argyll and Bute Registrars for weddings and found their website a fantastic resource too
Seonaid and Nathan – June 2024 – Mount Stuart Rothesay
Travelling to Dunoon
By Road – 35 miles from Glasgow down M8 then by ferry – Western Ferries (Vehicle and Passenger ferry) * Buy tickets before boarding at the Co-op in Greenock or Pauls shop in Gourock for a reduced fee.
By Rail – Scot Rail then by ferry Caledonian Macbrayne (Passenger only)
By road – 75 miles from Glasgow via Loch Lomond
Cowal lies at the gateway to the Highlands and also provides the marine gateway to Scotland’s first national park, the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
If you are travelling by road from Glasgow on the M8 you should head to Gourock, where there are two ferry services across the Clyde to Dunoon – one carries vehicles and passengers (Western Ferries) and the other is passenger only (Caledonian Macbrayne). This trip gives you a wonderful introduction to the Cowal peninsula, including a different perspective on the town of Dunoon as you arrive by sea. The mountains surrounding the sea lochs provide a spectacular backdrop as the ferry docks at either Dunoon town centre or Hunters Quay, just a few minutes outside the town.
Alternatively, you can travel by road using the A8, which takes you along the ‘bonnie banks of Loch Lomond’ to join the A815 itself well worth travelling with its magnificent scenery and views of beautiful Loch Eck. Five miles north of Dunoon on the A815 is the Younger Botanic Garden at Benmore, best known for its avenue of Giant Redwood trees which were planted in 1863 and are now among the highest in Britain.
Dunoon is the second largest town in Argyll and Bute, and came to prominence in the 19th century when paddle steamers offered easy access to visitors from Glasgow. The world’s last ocean-going paddle steamer, the PS Waverley, still operates during the summer season.
The town is also home to the Cowal Highland Gathering, a world-renowned Highland games which also includes the Scottish and World Highland Dancing Championships, held annually in August attracting around 23,000 visitors and competitors from all over the world.
The Victorian-era wooden Dunoon Pier which was built in 1867 has undergone extensive repair and refurbishment and is now being used for many different events. Several other buildings within the central area of Dunoon have been refurbished in the last year and have brought many people to the town for various events.
In 2018 The World Championship Water Skiing competitions were held for a week in the town and also the Royal National Mod
Castle House Marriage Rooms
The marriage ceremony rooms in Dunoon are based on the ground floor of Castle House, an imposing building in its own grounds and enjoying panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde. Built in the 1820s as a holiday home for Lord Provost Ewing of Glasgow, it was originally more modestly named Marine Villa before it was renamed Castle House reflecting its splendour.
In later years it housed the Tulloch Library, a collection bequeathed by a local councillor, and is now home to Castle House Museum, a rich store of Victorian memorabilia on the top floor of the building.
The Castle House grounds are also home to a statue of Highland Mary, looking towards Ayrshire where her true love Robert Burns lived. The beautiful grounds are an ideal location for outdoor civil ceremonies and there are numerous spots particularly well suited to spectacular photographs in particular if you climb the stairs to the top of Castle Hill to the viewpoint which has stunning views looking over the River Clyde.
Dunoon’s ceremony rooms include private waiting facilities for the wedding party and are furnished in keeping with the character of the building.
The larger of the two ceremony rooms can accommodate the wedding party of 4 and 56 guests, while the smaller room accommodates the wedding party of 4 with a maximum of 10 guests.
Floral displays are provided in both rooms but if you prefer to have flesh flowers, you can arrange this yourself – please discuss with your registrar before your wedding.
Music can be provided, either from a selection held by the registration office or you can supply a CD of your own choice, make sure to provide it to the Registrar at least a few days before the ceremony. We also have a Bluetooth speaker available for use.
Castle House has disabled access and limited parking available. However public parking is within easy walking distance.
