Looking for that dream fairy tale wedding in a dream destination? Castles have a lot of romantic history associated with them and tend to be in beautiful settings. As a wedding venue the atmosphere exudes romanticism and can be as large or as intimate as you want. Read on to discover the top 10 castles for a wedding destination.
Alnwick Castle, England
https://www.alnwickcastle.com/
If this magnificent castle looks familiar then you will have recognized it from the movies. Alnwick Castle in Northumbria has starred as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films and features in Downton Abbey. The castle has a number of options for wedding arrangements and the setting could not be more magical. Northumbria is also a beautiful part of Britain and close to Scotland for honeymoon options.
Chateau De Bonneval, France
https://www.chateaudebonneval.com/
This historic castle in the Limousin region of France is one of the most ancient in the country and is over 1000 years old. The architecture and stunning gardens make it ideal as a wedding venue. Chateau De Bonneval holds weddings in the courtyard or indoors and is just one hour from Limoges Airport and close to the fabulous vineyards in the Bordeaux region.
Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec, Canada
Nijo-Jo Castle, Japan
Nijo-Jo Castle in Kyoto was originally a palace of the shogun and dates from 1603. It is one of the finest castles in Japan. Two of the buildings on site which are normally closed to the public are used as wedding venues. Both the Seiryu-en Garden and Koun-tei Teahouse offer a Japanese style wedding celebration with a traditional tea ceremony. The castle gardens are exquisite and perfect for some memorable photos of the special day.
Dundas Castle, Scotland
Dating from the 15th century, Dundas Castle is located just outside the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. The modern castle was built in1818 and although it is close enough to Edinburgh to be convenient, the grounds make it a spectacular wedding venue. There are some beautiful rooms to choose from to celebrate and Dundas Castle has a honeymoon suite on site so brides and grooms can enjoy the place for longer.
Knappogue Castle, Ireland
https://www.knappoguecastle.ie/
Knappogue Castle in Ireland's County Clare is located in a delightful picturesque setting. The 15th century castle near Quin is magnificent and just a short drive from Shannon International Airport. With a banqueting room, fantastic local food, splendid gardens and even their own whisky, Knappogue is a dream wedding destination. A civil ceremony can be celebrated in the castle halls or there is tiny St Mark's private chapel for an intimate ceremony. With traditional harp and violin music and dancing for the celebration, a wedding here is sure to be a magical experience.
Castell de Tamarit, Spain
https://en.castillotamarit.com/
Castell de Tamarit is full of history, dating from the 11th century. This coastal castle in the Taragona region is magnificent and the ideal setting for a romantic wedding. The views from the castle reach out over the Mediterranean and provide a wonderful and romantic backdrop for photography. At Castel de Tamarit there's an option for a religious ceremony in the 11th century chapel or a civil one in the castle grounds. Castel de Tamarit is renowned for its food with a number of tempting menu options for the celebrations.
Schloss Schadau, Switzerland
https://www.schloss-schadau.ch/en
The nineteenth century Schloss Schadau on the shores of Lake Thun in Switzerland is a romantic setting for a wedding. The incredibly beautiful scenery and backdrop to the castle is spectacular. Couples can get married beside the lake or in the castle's Rougemont Hall. The catering is first class at Schloss Schadau with a range of options from a 7 course menu to aperitifs. For couples into outdoor activities this area is an excellent base to get into the Alps for hiking and climbing as part of the honeymoon.
Sudeley Castle, England
Romantic Sudeley Castle is nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds and was built in the 15th century. It is linked to royalty and was home to Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife. The gardens are spectacular and include a Tudor knot garden and roses in the Queen's garden. As a wedding venue Sudeley Castle is one of the best in England. The Banqueting Hall is one of the popular wedding ceremony areas but for smaller celebrations the castle library is a popular choice. Weddings are also held in the terrace pavilion with spectacular views of the Cotswold Hills.
Cochem Castle, Germany
https://reichsburg-cochem.de/?lang=en
Located on a hill with the Moselle River flowing below, Cochem Castle is a fabulous setting for a wedding. The small castle chapel is a beautiful place for a civil ceremony and there are spectacular photo opportunities in and around the grounds. Cochem Castle also has a wedding team to advise on planning a special day in this unique location, making catering arrangements and any special requests.
