Mary, Queen of Scots, married Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, on July 29, 1565, at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland, in a grand Catholic ceremony. This marriage was politically significant as both Mary and Darnley were descendants of the Tudor family, which provided them with legitimate claims to the English throne. The event was attended by various nobles and key figures of the Scottish court, creating an atmosphere of celebration and solidarity among the Scottish nobility. The marriage was seen as a strategic alliance designed to strengthen both Mary's rule over Scotland and her claim to England. Mary, who had been widowed after the death of her first husband, was determined to secure a strong partnership that would fortify her political influence against her rivals, including Protestant factions within Scotland. Darnley, who was charismatic and ambitious, represented a potential support base for Mary in her reign.

In the lavish ceremony, Catholic rites were prominently featured, reaffirming Mary's commitment to her faith in a period marked by religious division throughout Europe. The event was notable for the opulence of the palace decor and the splendor of the attire worn by both the bride and groom, showcasing the wealth and power of the Scottish monarchy. Celebrations continued with feasting and festivities that echoed the hopes of a fruitful union. The couple’s marriage signified a moment of unity that many in Scotland hoped would heal religious rifts, albeit briefly, as the kingdom dealt with internal and external pressures.