Castle Wedding Venues: A bride and groom holding hands while walking on the grounds of a palace in London.

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31 Castle Wedding Venues That’ll Make You Feel Like Royalty

Fairy Tale Fun That Totally Rules

BY BRIGITT EARLEY / 02 03 26

Photo by Pierra G Photography

If there’s any time in your life you can truly feel like royalty, it’s on your wedding day. You’re dressed to the nines and all eyes are on you as you say “I do.” So why not lean into that magical feeling and exchange those vows in a castle that looks as if it had been plucked straight out of your favorite fairy tale?

Believe it or not, you don’t have to traverse Europe looking for a castle fit you and your loved one. Those do exist for couples who have their heart set on a destination wedding, but there are also castles all over the United States, from the Southwest to the Northeast.

To get a taste of what it might feel like to tie the knot a la Prince William and Princess Kate, you can review this guide for inspiration while seeking out the fairest castle wedding venues in all the land. Here, you’ll find a sampling of some of the most swoon-worthy castle wedding venues out there.

Castle Wedding Venues: A chateau in France surrounded by trees with manicured lawns and green-shuttered windows.

Kiss Me in Paris

Castle Wedding Venues: A fountain with a clear view of a castle in Washington State in the background.

Mary Pastuh Photography

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding couple embracing as the bride's veil-like cape blows in the wind with a French chateau venue in the background.

Alain M Photography

So, what is a castle exactly?

The first image that comes to mind may be Disney’s fantastical Cinderella Castle, but by definition, a castle is a large fortified building. Traditionally, these structures held important figures, like kings and queens and other lords, and were constructed with such outstanding strength to protect against invasion.

Colloquially, castle and palace may be used interchangeably. That’s because palaces are also grand buildings that serve as the official residences of important figures. They are not, however, necessarily fortified in the same way castles are. So, you might expect to see castle wedding venues with moats or other defensive structures–but you won’t find that at a palace. Similar to palaces, manors are estates positioned on some type of farmland.

There’s another word you might hear in conversations about castles: château or the plural form of the word, châteaux. Essentially, a château is simply the French version of a castle or fortress. Today, there’s more leniency in terminology, though. As language and the way of the world in general has evolved, these three terms have become increasingly interchangeable. But if you’ve been dreaming about castle weddings for as long as you can remember, it’s important to note the distinctions.

Castle Wedding Venues: A castle wedding venue's moat leading into the property.

Shane Webber

Castle Wedding Venues: A chateau tucked away on a hillside in France, completely surrounded by trees.

Anya Kernes Photography

Castle Wedding Venues: A bride walking toward a groom under an arch with a perfectly manicured lawn with several ponds in the background.

Greg Finck

What are the benefits of castle wedding venues?

Shall we start with the obvious? Castles are downright gorgeous, and they provide a uniquely whimsical backdrop for any component of your wedding, whether it be your vows, reception, or both. The awe-inspiring scenery will not only give you an out-of-body experience as you soak it all in on the day of, but it also provides a dramatically interesting place for your wedding photos. Just imagine wedding portraits with a clear view of these historical, towering structures in the background!

The Instagram opportunities are only one of the perks, though. Castle wedding venues are also great because of the privacy they’ll provide you and your guests. Typically, they’re homes located on sprawling properties, and when you host an event at castle wedding venues, you and your guests will likely have all of this acreage to celebrate. Some even offer a full wedding weekend package, so you can stake claim to the property for an entire weekend—or more—hosting guests for various events throughout. Plus, some offer lodging for your close family members and friends. With all of this in mind, it’s no wonder so many celebrities host their own royal weddings at these establishments (more on that later!).

And while castle weddings may seem a bit grandiose, these sophisticated venues come in a variety of styles and price points. Even more, castle wedding venues can also help inform your decor choices. These spots typically come with storied statues, candelabras, artwork, and more that can narrow down your design details.

Castle Wedding Venues: Two brides kissing on a staircase surrounded by greenery and flowers.

Rebecca Yale Photography

Castle Wedding Venues: An indoor reception setup with a long table featuring red place settings and a gold chandelier hanging above.

Carly Michelle Photography

Castle Wedding Venues: An outdoor ceremony setup on a lawn with trees around it and a distant castle-like property in the background.

Perry Vaile

Where are the best castle wedding venues located?

When you envision castle wedding venues, you might think of the towering structures high in the hills of Austria, like the iconic Hohenwerfen Castle featured in The Sound of Music, or perhaps Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired the one in Sleeping Beauty. But the reality is, there are castles all around the globe–and even in your own neck of the woods.

If you have your heart set on a destination wedding, you can find many historic castles across the pond, including castle wedding venues in Ireland, England, and other popular European countries. You could even opt for an epic palace in India or a château deep in French wine country. But if domestically located castle weddings sound more practical for you and your partner, you don’t have to give up your dreams of getting married in a palace. There are dozens of castle wedding venues in the United States too, from coast to coast and all throughout the rest of the country.

Castle Wedding Venues: Two grooms smiling at a castle property in Sedalia, Colorado.

Alison Vagnini Photography

Here, a look at some of the most captivating castle wedding venues in the world:

Castle Wedding Venues in the United States

If you have your eyes on options in the country, check out these mesmerizing castle wedding venues. From the Pacific Northwest to Northeast, there are countless domestic locales to host your royal ball–er, wedding! Below, we’ll take you across the country to explore a variety of options for castle wedding venues in California, New York, and everywhere in between.

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding couple holding hands and smiling while walking on a pathway lined with greenery, old statues, and a red brick castle behind them.

Mary Pastuh Photography

Thornewood Castle

Lakewood, Washington

This 500-year-old castle is situated right on the coast of Washington state. It boasts three separate buildings and an expansive property, all of which can be home to your wedding festivities. They even have on-site accommodations for you and your out-of-town guests.

Castle Wedding Venues: A castle wedding venue located in Pasadena California, complete with a bridge and tower connected to the structure.

Gina & Ryan Photography

Castle Green

Pasadena, California

One of the best California castle wedding venues, Castle Green hosts just one wedding per day, so you know the focus will be entirely on you. Not only that, but rates for castle weddings here are a flat fee (ergo, no surprises!), and you can even bring in your own alcohol.

Castle Wedding Venues: An outdoor ceremony arch positioned on the patio at a stone and Spanish-style castle property in Southern California.

Dear Lovers

Mt. Woodson Castle

Ramona, California

Out of all the castle wedding venues in California, this one (located just north of San Diego) has the most undeniably laid-back, yet sophisticated vibe. Their all-inclusive packages give you access to twelve acres of landscaped grounds, which come with everything you need: dressing rooms for getting ready with your favorite people, several spaces for hosting a variety of events, and even a children’s play room to keep the youngest guests entertained.

Castle Wedding Venues: A castle surrounded by greenery with mountains in the background in Colorado.

Sarah Porter Photography

Cherokee Ranch & Castle

Sedalia, Colorado

If you’re looking for castle wedding venues that make you feel like you’re in Europe, this one features a collection of antiques and art dating back hundreds of years. In reality, the Scottish-style castle overlooks something just as awe-inspiring but closer to home: Colorado’s Front Range mountains.

Castle Wedding Venues: A two-towered castle with a sprawling front lawn in Rockwall, Texas.

Kate + Co Photography

The Castle at Rockwall

Rockwall, Texas

Everything is bigger in the Lone Star state—and that includes the castle wedding venues in Texas. The Castle at Rockwall sits on 10 acres and has more than 8,000 square feet of space for you, your partner, and all of your favorite people. Choose from both indoor and outdoor spaces—or opt for a combination of the two.

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding couple kissing in front of a stone castle property in Omaha, Nebraska.

Nikki McLeay Photography

Joslyn Castle & Gardens

Omaha, Nebraska

This historic home offers the perfect backdrop for castle weddings. On your special day, you and your guests will have access to 5.5 acres of land and a 35-room, 20,00-square-foot castle in the heart of Omaha, Nebraska.

Castle Wedding Venues: A stone castle property in New Plymouth, Ohio, with trees all around it and blue skies above.

Jumping Rocks Photography

Ravenwood Castle

New Plymouth, Ohio

At Ravenwood Castle, people have storybook castle weddings of up to 50 guests. Have a small indoor ceremony in the romantic drawing room or take things outdoors at the enchanting pavilion in the woods. Either way, there’s no doubt this is one of the most special castle wedding venues in Ohio and across the country.

Castle Wedding Venues: A ceremony setup with a wooden arch overlooking the water at a castle wedding venue in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Scarlet Roots Photography

Hammond Castle

Gloucester, Massachusetts

Start your happily ever after in a tent on Hammond Castle’s ocean-facing lawn or in the spacious Great Hall. The venue can host up to 120 guests at a time, so it’s best suited for more intimate castle weddings.

Castle Wedding Venues: A ballroom reception setup with round tables, a large chandelier, and gothic arches with a balcony above.

Zev Fisher Photography

Alden Castle

Brookline, Massachusetts

This Massachusetts venue is one of the more modern castle wedding venues in the United States. Though still undeniably grand and sophisticated, the ballroom has been completely renovated for contemporary conveniences—it’s perfect for couples who love the opulence of castle weddings, but prefer the big, open spaces of the 21st century.

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding couple walking toward a castle-like mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, complete with manicured hedges and a gravel pathway.

Carly Michelle Photography

Rosecliff

Newport, Rhode Island

A historic mansion nestled along Newport, Rhode Island’s Bellevue Avenue, the Rosecliff is home to the city’s largest private ballroom—perfect for bigger castle weddings. It’s full of unique touches, like a heart-shaped staircase, that’ll make your event all the more memorable. Bachelor viewers will also appreciate that fan-favorites Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon hosted their big-day bash here in 2019.

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding couple smiling while walking away from a castle wedding venue that also functions as a marina in Connecticut.

Evermore Imaging

Saint Clements Castle & Marina

Portland, Connecticut

Few castle wedding venues double as a marina, making Saint Clements a super-special spot situated on more than 90 acres that overlook the Connecticut River. There are plenty of areas to choose from and three distinct packages for castle weddings. Couples can exchange vows with breathtaking views of the river and then host the reception in one of three grand rooms, ranging from the ballroom to the marina.

Castle Wedding Venues: A castle wedding venue with a large tree in the foreground, located in Rye, New York.

Sarah Sayeed

Whitby Castle

Rye, New York

The Whitby Castle in Westchester is the ideal place for couples looking for castle wedding venues in NY. The castle is strikingly similar to the original Whitby Abbey in England—it’s even built with some of the original Abbey stones. This is one of those castle wedding venues that seemingly has it all—manicured lawns, breathtaking water views, an elegant ballroom, and two additional private reception rooms.

Castle Wedding Venues: A couple smiling during a wedding portrait session in a courtyard at a hotel in New York City.

Kelsey Combe Photography

Lotte New York Palace

new york, New York

Feel like royalty in the heart of New York City at this historic hotel, which we are going to count as one of the U.S.'s best castle wedding venues. First commissioned in 1882 as a property with several neo-Italian Rennaissance townhouses known as The Villard Houses, it was later dubbed a palace—and we can see why. Couples have access to the hotel's private courtyard (an ideal spot for portraits and group photos!), and the Villard Ballroom provides glamorous chandeliers and plenty of room to dance with all of your friends and family.

Castle Wedding Venues: A bride walking down a petal-lined aisle with both of her parents, with guests looking on and a stone castle property in the background.

Stephanie Dolen

Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point, New York

Sands Point is so much more than a beautiful and serene nature preserve. The manicured gardens on the 216-acre property is also home to a Celtic castle and a roaring 1920s mansion that provide the most elegant backdrop for castle weddings.

Castle Wedding Venues: A castle property on Long Island with a manicured garden full of small ponds.

Greg Finck

Oheka Castle

Huntington, New York

Oheka Castle boasts some of the most stunning gardens of any castle wedding venues out there—consider it a mini, U.S. version of France’s Palace of Versailles. And with the opportunity to have you and your guests stay on the property, it’s no surprise it’s one of the most coveted castle wedding venues in NY and well beyond.

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding couple smiling at each with an ivy-covered stone castle in New Jersey.

Idalia Photography

Skylands Manor

Ringwood, New Jersey

This 1920s stone mansion is one of the only castle wedding venues in NJ and is situated on 100 acres of botanical gardens and 1,000 acres of natural woodlands. There’s also an on-site chapel that boasts lake views that makes it stand-out among other sites for castle weddings. After exchanging your vows, host your reception in the 54-room Tudor mansion. If you’re local or simply curious about castle wedding venues in NJ, Skylands is a can’t-miss option for your ultra-romantic occasion.

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding party walking toward a famous estate in North Carolina, with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond.

Perry Vaile

Biltmore

Asheville, North Carolina

While it’s not technically a castle, Biltmore will make you feel as much like royalty as any of the other castle wedding venues on this list. The beautiful stone mansion, one of the most well-known castle wedding venues in NC, sits on 8,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. It’s a fabulous option if you’re looking for on-site accommodations too, since the venue has an impressive 250 guest rooms.

International Castle Wedding Venues

Ready to hop on a plane and jet to an international destination for a true fairy tale wedding in one of the world’s most coveted castle wedding venues? The following castles, palaces, and châteaux are perfect for the occasion:

Castle Wedding Venues: A ceremony setup with white chairs on a lawn with a clear view of the Irish castle in the background.

Craig & Eva Sanders

Ashford Castle

Galway, Ireland

For the full wedding weekend experience, consider Ashford Castle in Galway—one of the premier castle wedding venues in Ireland. The idyllic estate boasts an impressively expansive stone castle and acres of manicured lawns and gardens adjacent to a running river.

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding couple smiling on a staircase at a castle covered in ivy in Ireland.

Kenzie Victory

Luttrellstown Castle

Dublin, Ireland

At one of the best castle wedding venues in Ireland, where David and Victoria Beckham got married more than 20 years ago, you’ll have tons of options. If you love more opulent castle weddings, opt for the 15th century castle; if you like a cozier vibe, choose the luxurious alpine-lodge-style clubhouse. Either way, there’s plenty of flexibility for castle weddings of all kinds here—and you can host anywhere between 20 and 180 guests. The sprawling 567-acre private estate even has 20 on-site bedrooms for the wedding party, family, or close friends.

Castle Wedding Venues: A couple holding hands while walking on a lawn toward a Scottish stone castle in the background.

Ceranna

Culzean Castle & Country Park

Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

Overlooking the west coastline of Scotland, you’ll find this incredible medieval castle. It’s home to gardens, beaches, woods, and trails, but can also serve as the spot for your celebration. The sky’s the limit here—you can have intimate indoor castle weddings for about 40 people, or head outdoors for a grand affair that accommodates up to 1,000.

Castle Wedding Venues: A castle wedding venue in Northern Ireland with manicured lawns and a bench in front of it.

c/o Visit Belfast

Belfast Castle

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

This castle wedding venue in Northern Ireland is set 400 feet above sea level, so you’ll wow guests with unobstructed views of the city of Belfast. Get married on the manicured lawns and then celebrate in one of the charming, historic ballrooms.

Castle Wedding Venues: An English castle's interior with an elegant ceremony setup, with wooden chairs and a candle-lit aisle, tall floral arrangements and a green and white arch at the end.

Shane Webber

Peckforton Castle

Tarporley, England, United Kingdom

Originally the home of Lord Tollemache, this early 19th century castle in the heart of Cheshire is where singer Ciara and NFL quarterback Russell Wilson got married. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to secure one of the top castle wedding venues—they offer a variety of wedding packages to choose from, so you can easily customize your special day.

Castle Wedding Venues: An old fashioned car driving up to a stone castle in Warwick, England.

Leigh Mcara Photography

Warwick Castle

Warwick, England, United Kingdom

Your wedding at Warwick Castle can be fully tailored to however you envision your happily ever after. From an intimate wedding breakfast or a nighttime reception complete with a sparkler sendoff, this approximately-1,000-year-old castle wedding venue will serve as a constant conversation topic among your guests (for years to come!).

Castle Wedding Venues: The inside of a palace in London, with a long rectangular table and historic paintings on the ceiling.

Pierra G Photography

Banqueting House (through Historic Royal Palaces)

London, England, United Kingdom

In the center of London, you can get the feel of countryside castle weddings without leaving the hustle and bustle behind. The Banqueting House offers plenty of flexibility too. The property, the last remaining portion of the Palace of Whitehall, recently turned 400 years old. There, you can host a full-blown reception for up to 400 with theater-style seating, or opt for a slightly smaller cabaret organization for up to 280.

Castle Wedding Venues: Round tables with gold chairs and a gold chandelier for a reception at a castle in England.

Butler Madden via Addington Palace

Addington Palace

Surrey, England, United Kingdom

At Addington Palace, you have your choice of two exquisite castle wedding venues, all in one—the palace itself and the Royal Marquee. The Great Hall, adorned with a traditional French chandelier and a striking Italian marble fireplace, can accommodate up to 150 guests. And for a larger affair, couples can opt for the latter setting, complete with ivory wall linings and drapes and crystal chandeliers. This venue can house up to a whopping 850, earning its title for the largest venue in South East England.

Castle Wedding Venues: An English castle with a vibrant green lawn and blue skies overhead.

Shane Webber

Leeds Castle

Kent, England, United Kingdom

Built on islands in a lake formed by the River Len, this is one of the only castle wedding venues that’s fully surrounded by water. There’s over 900 years of history at this medieval locale, so it’s perfect for history buffs who also love the coastal vibe.

Castle Wedding Venues: A bride posing with her four bridesmaids, who are all wearing blue dresses, with a white French chateau in the background.

Alain M Photography

Château le Roncemay

Burgundy, France

For wine lovers looking for castle wedding venues, you can’t go wrong with Château le Roncemay in Burgundy, France. The expansive French mansion is complete with ornate rooms and expansive manicured gardens, all of which will be yours for the day. You and your guests can also explore this historic wine region, and even check out its capital: Dijon (yes, like the mustard).

Castle Wedding Venues: An outdoor reception setup with long tables and white floral arrangements outside of a castle in France with green shutters.

Jérémy Ferrero

Château de Tourreau

Sarrians, France

You may know this French château—it played host to the semi-secret second wedding of Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas back in 2019. But the charming 20-acre grounds and chic private spaces can be yours to start your own fairy tale in. And since it doubles as a nine-bedroom vacation home, there are even a few rooms for family and close friends to stay in during what’s sure to be one of the best castle weddings they’ve ever attended.

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding couple smiling with a view of a French chateau's tower in the background.

Anya Kernes Photography

Château Saint Georges

Grasse, France

Like the hallmark of other great French castle wedding venues, Château Saint Georges boasts gorgeous manicured gardens that provide the most enchanting place to exchange your vows while looking out onto the medieval town of Grasse. Just note: The 10 acres of Mediterranean park is most suitable for smaller, more intimate affairs—it caps at 40 guests.

Castle Wedding Venues: A wedding couple in a portrait near the castle ruins of a property in Munzenberg, Germany.

Minna Emilie

Münzenberg Castle

Münzenberg, Germany

These castle ruins, which date back to the 12th century, are part of one of the best preserved castles from the High Middle Ages in Germany. It sits on a hilltop, and the only way to access it is via a long, winding stone bridge that provides the most jaw-dropping landscape for a first look.

Castle Wedding Venues: A palace surrounded by trees in Jodphur, India.

c/o Taj Hotels

Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace

Jodhpur, India

When it comes to castle wedding venues, you can find some superstar options outside of Europe too. True globetrotters will love the options the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace provides. And there’s nothing that’ll make you feel like more of a celebrity for the night than tying the knot in the same spot as Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a castle, palace, château, and manor?

A castle is a large fortified building historically built to protect against invasion — some even feature moats. A palace is a grand official residence that isn't necessarily fortified. A château is the French equivalent of a castle or fortress. A manor is an estate set on farmland. Today, these terms are often used interchangeably when referring to wedding venues.

Where are the best castle wedding venues in the United States?

Castle wedding venues exist coast to coast — from the Pacific Northwest and California to New York, New England, and everywhere in between. You'll also find stunning options in the Southwest, Midwest, and South, meaning you don't have to travel abroad to have a truly royal wedding experience.

Can you get married in a castle in Europe?

Yes. Ireland, England, and Scotland are home to some of the most iconic castle wedding venues in the world, many of which offer exclusive-use packages for the full wedding weekend. France's châteaux — particularly in wine country — are another popular destination, with some properties doubling as private vacation homes for the wedding party.

What are the benefits of choosing a castle wedding venue?

Beyond the visual drama, castle venues typically offer sprawling private grounds, built-in décor like statues and candelabras, and on-site accommodations for guests. Many offer full wedding weekend packages, giving you exclusive access to the property for multiple days and events — making them ideal for couples who want an immersive, celebration-filled experience.

How many guests can castle wedding venues accommodate?

Capacity varies widely depending on the property. Some castles specialize in intimate gatherings of 40 to 50 guests, while larger estates and palaces can accommodate several hundred — and in some cases, up to 1,000 for outdoor celebrations. Most castle venues offer a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, giving you flexibility to scale the event to your guest list.

Are you ready for your very own coronation? Even if you only get to be royalty for the day, the experience of getting married at one of the many California castle wedding venues, European palaces, and more, there is sure to be one for the storybooks.

So whether you’re planning to hop on a plane or scouting out stateside castle wedding venues, make sure to bookmark this list, narrow it down to a handful of your favorites, and then browse through our directory of real weddings to get lost in a sea of inspiring images from your preliminary selections. From there, you can crown—or, pick!—the one for you and your betrothed.

Long live love!