If your ideal wedding day involves exchanging vows in a perfectly manicured garden framed by majestic architecture, or atop an ivory tower overlooking endless hills, you’re in luck. These fairy-tale settings aren’t reserved just for princesses and royalty. All around the world, there are real-life castles available for weddings, ready to transform your celebration into an enchanting royal event. Even better? You don’t have to cross an ocean—many castle venues are nestled right here in the United States.
Whether you envision a stateside fairy tale or a European destination celebration, there’s no shortage of magical locations. Consider Boldt Castle in New York, a 19th-century treasure surrounded by floral gardens and historic halls. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, explore Hluboka Castle in the Czech Republic, a Gothic masterpiece inspired by Windsor Castle, or the lakeside Ashford Castle in Ireland. No matter where you choose, a castle wedding promises romance, opulence, and storybook splendor.
Ready to create your own royal love story? Scroll down for 15 castle wedding venues where your dream day can become a reality.
01. Belvoir Castle in Grantham, United Kingdom
For a truly royal wedding day, Belvoir Castle offers an unmatched experience. Still home to the Duke and Duchess of Rutland, this stately residence instantly transports visitors into a world of elegance. Set across 16,000 acres of rolling English countryside, complete with serene lakes, rose gardens, and towering woodlands, the venue accommodates up to 120 guests and even boasts an on-site chapel for religious ceremonies.
02. Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay, New York
Straddling the border between the U.S. and Canada on the St. Lawrence River, Boldt Castle stands as a monument to enduring love. Built by George Boldt, the famed Waldorf Astoria Hotel proprietor, in honor of his wife Louise, the 120-room marvel features romantic stone structures and flourishing gardens, making it a breathtaking backdrop for weddings.
03. Rosecliff in Newport, Rhode Island
Dreaming of a French château experience without crossing the Atlantic? Rosecliff is your answer. Modeled after Versailles’ Grand Trianon, this Rhode Island gem has hosted glittering parties since 1902 and appeared in films like The Great Gatsby and 27 Dresses. Its heart-shaped staircase, ornate French-style ballroom, and oceanfront terrace exude timeless romance.
04. Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany
Once the residence of Bavarian kings, Neuschwanstein Castle — the muse for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle — opened to the public in 1886. Over a million visitors flock each year to marvel at its fairytale setting atop the Bavarian Alps. While ceremonies inside are not allowed, couples can stage spectacular castle-front celebrations.
05. Iolani Palace in Honolulu, Hawaii
Marry the magic of royalty with the spirit of aloha at Iolani Palace. Once home to Hawaii’s last monarchs, this national treasure now serves as a luxurious venue for wedding receptions, offering a unique blend of history, tropical beauty, and cultural grandeur.
06. Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina
Built over a century ago by George Vanderbilt, the Biltmore House is a masterpiece of French Renaissance design nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Capable of hosting up to 500 guests, the sprawling estate also offers spa services, horseback riding, and winery tours to enhance your wedding weekend.
07. Hluboká Castle in Hluboka nad Vltavou, Czech Republic
Looking for Windsor Castle vibes without the hefty price tag? Hluboká Castle, a Gothic-style marvel in the Czech Republic, promises regal elegance. Its sprawling rose gardens and Renaissance details make it ideal for wedding ceremonies inspired by real-life royal weddings.
08. Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York
You’ll feel worlds away at Oheka Castle, despite its convenient Long Island location. Surrounded by formal English gardens and dense forests, this European-style estate features glamorous ballrooms and terraces that can accommodate gatherings from 36 to 700 guests.
09. Castello di Spessa in Capriva del Friuli, Italy
Dating back to the 13th century, Castello di Spessa is perfect for a serene, wine-country wedding. Say your vows on the terrace overlooking the Collio hills or in one of the castle’s elegantly detailed salons before celebrating in the sun-drenched courtyard.
10. Joslyn Castle & Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska
Rare in the Midwest, Joslyn Castle is a 120-year-old treasure boasting Scottish-inspired architecture. Featuring intricate ironwork and stained-glass windows, it’s an enchanting venue for intimate weddings, with ceremonies held either in the lush garden or within the stately castle interiors.
11. Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland
The scene of countless royal unions since 1376, Glamis Castle offers a historic and romantic atmosphere. Choose from grand indoor spaces or manicured outdoor gardens, all steeped in centuries of royal tradition, for a wedding that feels like stepping into a historic love story.
12. Gillette Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut
Want castle wedding magic on a budget? At Gillette Castle, you can exchange vows for just $285. Perched 200 feet above the Connecticut River, this stone marvel — built in 1919 — is perfect for an intimate, picturesque outdoor ceremony, especially stunning in the fall.
13. Pythian Castle in Springfield, Missouri
Originally built from Carthage limestone in 1913, Pythian Castle remains a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. Today, it serves as a wedding venue that can host up to 299 guests, offering a one-of-a-kind, historically rich setting for saying “I do.”
14. Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland
Nestled in County Mayo’s pastoral landscape, Ashford Castle is a five-star hotel housed in a medieval fortress first erected in 1228. With opulent rooms and lakefront views, the castle accommodates weddings of up to 160 guests, ensuring a lavish, unforgettable celebration.
15. Cherokee Ranch & Castle in Sedalia, Colorado
Evoking the grandeur of 15th-century Scottish castles, Cherokee Ranch offers rustic elegance amid Colorado’s wild beauty. Beyond its historic stone architecture and dramatic interiors, the surrounding 3,400 acres host wildlife like elk and antelope, adding a uniquely natural charm to your regal wedding day.
