Castle Wedding, like hundreds of years ago, is a popular global trend in weddings. Choose one of the most romantic castles in Europe for your wedding and make your marriage a truly unforgettable event.
It’s not a dream anymore – getting married in a royal European castle is well within the realms of reality. The perfect setting could make any marriage all the more memorable, and nothing’s better than saying ‘I do’ inside a castle that breathes splendour and style. The lengths and breadths of Europe are dotted with castles that will let you hire space for wedding ceremonies. Here are 20 such romantic castles:
1. Glenapp Castle, Scotland
Glenapp Castle can be found near the coast of South Ayrshire in Scotland. The castle was built in 1870 and has 36 acres of grounds. It is said that former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower were hosted at Glenapp for a meeting about plans for the D-Day landings.
Glenapp hosts a variety of rooms that can function as wedding and reception halls. Each room can host between 40 and 60 people. Weddings can also be hosted on the beautiful grounds that were designed by the famous Gertrude Jekyll. The grounds have an Italian garden, a walled garden, and an azalea pond, all of which add up to the romantic ambience of the castle.
2. Tarn Castle, Scotland
Tarn Castle has the reputed identity of a Highland Castle and is located on the southern shore of the famous Loch Ness. The castle and its grounds cover 500 acres and has been recorded as a “classic example of Scottish Baronial Architecture.” It is known for its warm yet opulent ambience, which makes it a prime location for weddings.
While Tarn Castle is known for its majestic interiors, its grounds are also a prime location for weddings. The grounds offer a beautiful view of Loch Ness along with a lawn that extends to shore of the same. It is also a great place to see wildlife and offers a variety of activities ranging from canoeing to archery.
3. Augill Castle, Cumbria, U.K.
Located in beautiful region of Cumbria, Augill Castle offers a beautiful wedding experience to those who want to live their fairy tale dream of getting married in a castle. Augill offers accommodation for 34 guests in all 17 of its bedrooms and free extra beds for up to 10 children.
It also offers banquet arrangements for between 46 to 60 people. Wedding and reception ceremonies can be hosted either on the beautiful lawns and grounds outside or in the luxurious and grand rooms inside. Either way, this castle is must see for wedding venues.
4. Château d’Esclimont, France
The Château d’Esclimont is located in the beautiful area of Esclimont in France. The Château has been around since the 17th century and is about an hour away from the romantic city of Paris. The Château offers exclusive wedding packages that include usage of some its beautiful rooms such as the Trianon reception room.
It also has some beautiful interiors that harken back to the French Renaissance along with serene views of the surrounding woodland, making it the perfect mise en scène for any fairy tale wedding.
5. Belvoir Castle, England
Belvoir Castle in the Vale of Belvoir and has been around since the 11th century as the ancestral home of the Duke of Rutland. The castle has been cited by experts as a perfect example of Regency architecture. The property consists of 1600 acres of parkland, trees, exotic plants, and lakes, making it a suitable place for a fairy tale wedding.
Belvoir Castle offers amazing wedding packages for those wish to get married on the estate. Some of the benefits include hire of two rooms for the ceremony and reception, rooms that can seat anywhere from 120 to 150 people, the Duke’s ceremonial sword for cake cutting, and firing of the Duke’s 7 cannons. If you prefer a garden wedding, the Rose Garden is always ready to play host to you and your guests.
6. Hluboká Castle, Czech Republic
Hluboká Castle is located in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. The castle is known for beautiful, opulent interiors and it’s sprawling, lush grounds. It is situated in Hlubokánad Vlatvou. Hluboká Castle was first built in the early 13th century but underwent various renovations and redesigns.
It’s current appearance, based on Windsor Castle in England, came about in the 19th century at the order of Johann Adolf II von Schwarzenberg. The castle has been opened to the public and has been frequently used for film shoots and for weddings. Due to the romantic style in which it is built, Hluboká Castle and it’s grounds would be an ideal locations for couples to have their fairy tale weddings come true.
7. Ashford Castle, Ireland
Ashford Castle is situated in the beautiful town of Cong in County Mayo, Ireland. The castle is more than 800 years old, dating back to 1228. It has beautiful interiors with more than 26,000 acres of grounds.
Ashford Castle offers a great wedding package for those who wish to get married in its great halls and on its lawns. You can hire the entire estate and use all the wings and grounds of the castle to accommodate up to 160 guests. The castle staff will also make arrangements for the wedding ceremony to be held in one of the chapels nearby if necessary. All in all, Ashford Castle offers an experience that will truly make your wedding a royal one.
8. Castello Il Palagio, Italy
If you have thought about Italy as a wedding destination and want the venue to be a castle, look no further! Castello IlPalagio offers a romantic wedding experience amidst the beautiful hills, vineyards, and olive groves in the Chianti countryside of Tuscany. This castle was built in the 13th century and is a medieval Tuscan castle.
Castello IlPalagio provides a luxurious wedding experience on its grounds. You can host a reception party of up to 70 people and have the ceremony in the chapel located on the property. It also has a number of halls that can be used for dancing and other fun reception activities.
9. Castello di Segalari, Italy
Castello di Segalari is located in the beautiful Tuscan countryside about 62 kilometers from Livorno. This castle is a prime example of Italian medieval architecture and has beautiful stone walls and a beautiful view of the hills stretching out towards the sea.
Castello di Segalari is perfect for large, grand weddings as the grounds can host up to 350 people. The castle staff also help you in planning every aspect of your wedding from the catering to the décor. For those who want to have a church wedding, the chapel located on the grounds is an ideal spot for the wedding ceremony.
10. Schloss Igls, Austria
Schloss Igls is located in the village of Igls, a few miles away from Innsbruck city. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding plateau and mountain ranges, making it an ideal venue for a wedding.
The interiors and grounds of Schloss Igls are classic examples of romantic architecture and landscaping. If a winter wedding is what you want, Schloss Igls can deliver it in style and opulence.
11. Palacio da Pena, Sintra, Portugal
Palacio da Pena can be found on top of a hill in Sintra municipality of the Sintra Mountains in Portugal. The castle was initially built as a monastery but subsequently underwent renovations in various styles that were similar to Romanticism. Palacio da Pena has luxurious, romantic interiors that were designed to for the summer as the castle served as the summer palace for the royal family.
Aside from the beautiful interiors, the Pena Park surrounding the castle offers over 200 hectares of splendid views of diverse trees imported from different countries. Palacio da Pena is a great destination for a summer wedding and an extremely romantic experience is guaranteed.
12. Château de Challain, France
Château de Challain is located in Challain-la-Potherie in the south of France. The castle was built in the year 1050 and covers an area of 7,600 square meters. The castle’s interiors consist of hand-painted ceilings, Gothic sculptures and panelling, and beautifully detailed wood carvings. The Château de Challain also has gardens that span 72 acres.
The castle has special wedding packages that include perks such as full use of the château and its gardens, arrangements for 120+ guests, and an onsite chapel. This castle and its beautiful gardens are truly a fairy tale setting for a dream wedding.
13. Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle has been described by many as “the castle of the fairy-tale king.” It is located above the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria and was built in the year 1869. Neuschwanstein Castle is known for being a fine example of Romanticism.
The castle’s interiors were designed in a grand fashion and were overseen by King Ludwig II himself. Beautiful views of Alpine foothills can be seen from it, making it an ideal location for a fairy tale wedding.
14. The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland
The Dolder Grand is located in the beautiful town of Zurich in Switzerland. It was built in 1899 and offers rich, luxurious interiors along with a lovely view of Zurich. Many famous celebrities from Winston Churchill to Michael Jackson have stayed in this hotel.
The Dolder Grand offers an amazing wedding package that includes full use of its lawns and ballroom, accommodation in 175 rooms and suites, and spacious banquet facilities. Combine these with views of the Alps and the lake and you will have yourself a fairy tale wedding destination.
15. Bled Castle, Slovenia
Bled Castle was built in 1011 and is known as the oldest castle in Slovenia. It offers a beautiful view of a lake and an island as well as the Karavanke and Julian Alps mountain ranges. The castle has combined the Romanesque and Renaissance styles of architecture.
Bled Castle offers wedding packages that include hire of the wedding hall, a medieval welcome by the lord of the castle, use of the castle and its grounds, and so on. With all these features, you and your beloved are guaranteed a wedding of royal grandeur in Slovenia.
16. Forchtenstein Castle, Austria
Forchtenstein Castle was built in the later part of the Middle Ages in Austria. The castle is located at the foothills of the Rosaliengebirge mountain range. Its current owners are the House of Esterházy.
Forchtenstein Castle’s interiors are built in the Baroque style and the décor is opulent and luxurious. The view of the mountains and the nearby forests also add to the beauty of the castle.
17. Borthwick Castle, North Middleton, Scotland
Borthwick Castle was built in the 15th century in North Middleton and has played host to historical figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, and Oliver Cromwell, to name a few. The castle is surrounded by a small river called the Gore, which adds to the romantic ambience.
Borthwick Castle offers amazing wedding packages to those who are looking for a grand Scottish wedding. Weddings can be held in some of the halls in the castle or on its lawns. Borthwick Castle will be the perfect place for your fairy tale wedding to come true.
18. Castello di Vincigliata, Fiesole, Italy
Castello di Vincigliata traces its origins back to the year 1031 and is one of the most beautiful castles in Fiesole. It offers amazing views of Florence and the Italian countryside.
Castello di Vincigliata has a romantic courtyard where many weddings take place today. The halls of the castle are used in case of bad weather. Regardless of the situation, getting married in the Tuscan hills surrounding Castello di Vincigliata is truly a dream come true for all lovers.
19. Château de Mercuès, France
The Château de Mercuès is located in the small town of Mercuès in France. It was built in the 13th century and offers beautiful views of the French countryside. Today, the château is used as a hotel for tourists to experience the beauty of the countryside.
The Château de Mercuès offers beautiful wedding packages for couples, including seating for more than 100 people and a special wine tasting from their in-house winery. A wedding in the French countryside at the Château de Mercuès will be a truly amazing experience for those who want a fairy tale wedding.
20. Tjolöholm Castle, Sweden
Tjolöholm Castle was built in the 13th century in Fjäråsand has very detailed interiors and exteriors with strong influences from Elizabethan and Art Nouveau styles. The interiors are extremely opulent and the gardens are designed to make the castle estate appear larger than it actually is.
Tjolöholm Castle has hosted many weddings in its luxurious halls and gardens that extend all the way to the sea. More than 90 guests can be hosted here and the Scottish-influenced chapel nearby is the perfect venue for a religious ceremony. You can expect a grand, opulent fairy tale wedding in the grounds of Tjolöholm Castle.
These are among the top 20 romantic castles in Europe to get married at. If any of these castles catch your fancy, book them and make your fairy tale wedding come true today!
