15 Castle Wedding Venues for a Fairy-Tale Affair

The famous Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany nestled among fall foliage with mountains in the background. — Getty Images

When you picture your wedding day, do you envision tying the knot in a manicured garden, framed by old-age architecture, before celebrating in an expansive ballroom with soaring ceilings? Or have you been dreaming about saying “I do” at the top of an ivory-clad tower that overlooks acres of rolling hills? While these big-day setups may seem like distant fantasies, luckily, they aren’t just reserved for fairy-tale princesses or members of the royal family: There are real-life castles around the world that you can actually get married in, transforming your nuptials into an enchanting, regal affair that rivals a royal wedding. And you don’t necessarily need to jet off to Europe to wed in a sumptuous palace; many of the castle wedding venues on the market are located in the United States.

If you’re looking for a wedding straight out of a storybook, whether it’s a stateside or destination affair, there are so many sites that are available to book. For instance, a viable option for East Coast couples is Boldt Castle, a New York-based, 19th-century locale with exquisite stonework, flower-filled grounds, and historic halls. But for those who prefer traveling across the pond, consider booking the Gothic-style Hluboka Castle in Czech Republic, which was inspired by Windsor Castle, or the centuries-old, lakefront Ashford Castle in Ireland. Whatever you choose, your big day is sure to radiate romance and opulence.

Want to have your own royal nuptials? Keep scrolling to discover 15 royal wedding venues at which you can actually get married.

01 of 15

Belvoir Castle in Grantham, United Kingdom

Exterior view of the lawn and Belvoir Castle in England — Getty Images

For a true royal wedding experience, Belvoir Castle is a sure bet: The stately palace is the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, so just walking around the enchanting grounds will make you feel like a princess. Accommodating up to 120 guests, the locale is set on 16,000 acres of rural landscape, with serene lakes, a rose garden, and dense trees in the foreground. The venue also includes a chapel for religious ceremonies.

02 of 15

Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, New York

View of Boldt Castle on Heart Island in Canada. — Getty Images

Sitting right at the border between the United States and Canada and situated on the St. Lawrence River lies Boldt Castle, a 120-room property on picturesque Heart Island. In addition to its romantic design, including stone structures and lush gardens, the history of the building has a love story of its own: George Boldt, former owner of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, built the lavish home as a tribute to his wife, Louise.

03 of 15

Rosecliff in Newport, Rhode Island

If you're looking for a French château without touching down in Europe, you'll want to have Rosecliff on your radar. This breathtaking mansion was originally modeled after the baroque Grand Trianon of Versailles, a getaway for King Louis XIV, but it's much more conveniently located in Rhode Island. Since construction on the castle was finalized in 1902, the venue has hosted countless weddings and social gatherings for A-listers; it's even appeared in several films, like The Great Gatsby and 27 Dresses. From the heart-shaped staircase to the French-style ballroom and oceanfront terrace, this New England venue is boasting with romance and whimsy.

04 of 15

Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany

Once the home of Bavarian royalty, Neuschwanstein Castle was open to the public in 1886. Now, it attracts over one million visitors a year, thanks to its majestic views of the German countryside and the Bavarian Alps. The design is the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, but it totally beats tying the knot amongst thousands of amusement park goers. While you cannot exchange vows in the castle, there are plenty of options for a castle-front ceremony.

05 of 15

Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii

Castle in Honolulu, Hawaii, surrounded by palm trees — gregobagel / Getty Images

Want to combine a regal affair with a tropical flair? Iolani Palace is the place to go for your royal-inspired nuptials. Up until 1893, the castle was the official residence of the last-reigning Hawaiian monarchy, but now, couples can flock to the national landmark for their wedding reception, adorned with palm trees and historical extravagance.

06 of 15

Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore House Surrounded by Fall Trees — Courtesy of The Biltmore Company

George Vanderbilt, an heir to the wealthy Vanderbilt family, built the Biltmore House over 120 years ago, but the grounds have only gotten more popular with age. The French Renaissance-style estate, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, can host weddings with up to 500 guests, and it offers luxe activities, including spa treatments, horseback riding, and winery tours.

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Hluboká Castle in Hluboka nad Vltavou, Czech Republic

Exterior view of the grand Hluboká Castle in the Czech Republic. — Getty Images

To throw a wedding that’s reminiscent of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nuptials, consider holding your big day at Hluboká Castle, a Gothic-style building in Czech Republic that's inspired by Windsor Castle—where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wed. The Renaissance-era castle provides jaw-dropping views of the Czech countryside, and its grounds are bedecked in rose gardens. While the venue only allows wedding ceremonies, there are many enchanting options to choose from.

08 of 15

Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York

Exterior of yellow Oheka Castle in New York with stone steps leading up to the building. — Getty Images

At first glance, you would never guess that Oheka Castle is actually located on Long Island, New York. The elegant estate, which is nestled atop acres of prolific trees and punctuated by English gardens, has all the refinement of a European château. With several vicinities to choose from, such as an awe-inspiring ballroom or idyllic gardens, a wedding here can house anywhere from 36 to 700 people, depending on the setting you select.

09 of 15

Castello di Spessa in Capriva del Friuli, Italy

Castello di Spessa located on manicured gardens and surrounded by mountains — Courtesy of Castello di Spessa

Castello di Spessa is a 13th-century castle that provides a serene, lavish escape. There are plenty of options to host your ceremony, whether it's on the terrace overlooking the Collio hills or in one of the castle’s exquisitely adorned rooms. After you exchange vows, retreat to the fountain courtyard or one of the 19th-century halls for your reception.

10 of 15

Joslyn Castle & Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska

Joslyn Castle & Gardens on Grassy Lawn With Blue Skies — Courtesy of Joslyn Castle & Gardens

You don’t normally find castle wedding venues in the midwest, but this 120-year-old castle in Omaha, Nebraska is the exception. With Scottish-influenced architecture, complete with wrought-iron fences and stained-glass details, it’s a charming castle wedding venue for intimate nuptials or elopements. Host your ceremony in the quaint garden or throw your reception on the first floor of the residence.

11 of 15

Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland

Stone Glamis Castle in Scotland on grass — oneworld picture / Getty Images

Ever since Sir John Lyon tied the knot with his royal bride, Princess Johanna, at Glamis Castle in 1376, the royal grounds have been a favorite for couples searching for a unique location for their nuptials. Not only does the space offer dozens of picturesque rooms for ceremonies and receptions, but the setting is also home to extensive gardens that provide a romantic photo backdrop.

12 of 15

Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut

The stone remains of Gillette Castle in Connecticut on a sunny day surrounded by verdant trees. — Getty Images

Turns out, you can experience the royal treatment on your big day without breaking the bank: The Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut, is a 14,000-square-foot stone structure on a 184-acre estate that you can book for an intimate ceremony for just $285. The outdoor terrace can house a 50-person service on Saturday from June through September. Standing 200 feet above the Connecticut River, this historic building, which was originally built in 1919, would be the perfect moody backdrop for a fall wedding ceremony.

13 of 15

Pythian Castle in Springfield, Missouri

Pythian Castle Stone Building on Grass With Hedges — Courtesy of Pythian Castle

Completed in 1913, this Gothic Revival home, which was made out of Carthage limestone, is now a popular attraction in the United States. The building also functions as a castle wedding venue, housing up to 299 guests. Since much of the exterior and some rooms inside of the palace remain intact over a century later, it’s the ideal locale for an affair steeped in history.

14 of 15

Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland

Exterior of Ashford Castle, County Mayo, Ireland, on a sunny day. — Getty Images

In the quiet village of Mayo, Ireland, lies Ashford Castle, an 83-room hotel that overlooks the peaceful countryside. First erected in 1228 and eventually converted into a five-star hotel, the medieval-style castle is filled with elegantly decorated rooms that can accommodate a 160-person wedding.

15 of 15

Cherokee Ranch & Castle in Sedalia, Colorado

Stone Castle on Grass With Mountain Backdrop and Horseback Riders — Courtesy of Cherokee Ranch & Castle

While Cherokee Ranch and Castle is a centuries-old property inspired by 15th-century Scottish castles, it has a surprisingly rustic feel. The stone-covered exterior and expansive windows elicit luxury, yet the 3,400 acres of land surrounding it provide peace and privacy. For a unique take on a regal affair, you’ll even get to see wildlife, such as elk, turkeys, and antelopes, wandering the grounds.

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