For many brides, getting married in a castle fulfils a childhood dream; it's the perfect opportunity to feel like a princess for the day. Castles offer stunning landscapes, sweeping staircases and stunning architecture - whilst offering couples the opportunity to create unforgettable memories in a unique and luxurious venue. If we haven't already convinced you, check out our 8 reasons to get married in a castle.
1. The Grounds
From moats to drawbridges to acres of countryside, you just can’t beat the grounds of a castle for your wedding day. Your guests can roam around feeling like Kings and Queens, and you’ll be able to take advantage of the beautiful surroundings for drinks and canapés.
We love the grounds at Hensol Castle; a peerless venue located in South Wales within a breath-taking estate, accompanied by a fifteen acre serpentine lake.
Photo: Kate Adams
2. The Full Package
Most castle venues offer the full wedding package, meaning you can exchange your vows, have your wedding breakfast, party the night away at your evening reception, and then retire to the bridal suite.. All in the same location! This takes away all the stress of transport and accommodation wedmin, and will make your day absolutely seamless.
17th century Pentillie Castle offers some beautiful locations for your ceremony. We love the idea of getting married in their wisteria covered pavilion or in the romantic bathing hut on the banks of the Tamar River, which meanders through the grounds of the castle.
3. The Heritage
Getting married in a castle not only exudes glamour, but there is also something special about getting married somewhere with such a rich history. You and your guests will lose yourselves imagining everything that once happened on the site.
The stunning Hedingham Castle is steeped in rich history and is the best preserved Norman Castle in England. We love the beautiful reception rooms which are packed with original features and period charm.
4. Exclusivity
Your wedding day is the most important day of your life, and we’ll forgive you for not wanting to share it with anyone else! Getting married in a castle means that the only people you will see are your guests, as you’ll have the whole venue to yourself for the duration of your celebrations.
We love Kenilworth Castle's glamorous feel. Your close friends and family will witness your vows in a beautiful gatehouse with cosy charm and elegant oak panelled rooms. The dramatic and atmospheric ruins of the grand castle will provide a stunning setting for your day, where you can enjoy exclusive use of their impressive grounds.
5. The Reception Rooms
If you love grand entrances and impressive reception rooms, you can’t beat a castle. They boast many different rooms to chose from, and since you’ll have the whole place to yourselves, you can move around to really take advantage of such an amazing venue.
Hensol Castle offers beautiful reception rooms which combine heritage with contemporary design; dine in the Courtyard Hall which offers a lavish setting, enclosed within the Castle walls and overlooking the landscaped inner courtyard.
6. The Glamour
There is something so exclusive about getting married in the same place that Kings and Queens and Lords and Ladies once frequented… If you’re looking for a super glamorous wedding day, nothing exudes more elegance than a castle.
16th century Portland Castle is set beside the shimmering sea with wonderful harbour views. We love the Tudor Kitchen with its stunning medieval fireplace and the lovely contemporary garden.
7. The Photos
With beautiful grounds and grand interiors, you won’t be short of photo opportunities if you choose to celebrate your marriage at a castle. There are countless backdrops and views that will really make your photos unique and special.
There are so many unique photo opportunities at Old Wardour Castle. This French chateau-inspired venue was damaged beyond repair during the English Civil War; today, the immense ruined walls, gothic stairways and arched doorways make for the perfect dramatic backdrop.
8. The Feeling
For many brides, getting married is fulfilling that childhood dream of being a princess for a day, and what better way to do it than getting married in a castle? If you’ve got your heart set on feeling like you’re in a fairytale on your wedding day, a castle wedding is the perfect option for you.
Nestled on the Cornish Coast, St Mawes Castle is the most perfectly preserved and elaborate of all the Tudor forts. Wander around the picturesque grounds to take full advantage of the sea views, taking part in your very own fairytale.
Check out some more of our favourite UK castle wedding venues.
