When it comes to tying the knot, finding the perfect venue can prove tricky. Infuse your big day with something extra special by choosing a venue bursting with history. Whether you’d like to set off fireworks amongst 18th century manicured gardens or dine in splendour where an Indian Maharaja once lived, there’s something for every taste and party size.
Here are 8 of the very best castles in the world where you can get hitched.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
Located in the stunning hilltops of the German Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. This fairy-tale fortress was built in the 19th century for Bavaria’s reclusive and notorious King Ludwig II.
Though weddings are not possible within the castle itself, they can be held in the scenic grounds against the backdrop of the romantic castle and panoramic views of the Alps. Couples that are interested can contact the grounds to learn more about their wedding ceremony options.
2. Hluboká Castle
Considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic, Hluboká Castle was originally a gothic castle which was built in the 13th century. Reworked into a Tudor style in the nineteenth century then later remodelled to resemble Windsor Castle in England, the venue is both scenic and dripping with history.
It is a hugely popular wedding venue, and houses a castle hotel which is decorated with replicas of paintings by Dutch masters as well as a number of historic pieces of furniture. A restaurant by the reception and terrace serves traditional Czech food, and the English-inspired manicured lawns are perfect for an evening stroll.
3. Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace in Honolulu is the only royal palace on US soil. Formerly the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, it was restored to its former splendour in the 1960s.
A striking building, its 11 acres of grounds are spacious enough to entertain up to a whopping 8,000 people, with the barracks in the grounds available for guests to dance the night away. It features a ‘Coronation Pavilion’ which has a gazebo-like structure where live entertainment can play for partygoers.
4. Ashford Castle
Located on the Mayo-Galway border and overlooking Ireland’s spectacular Lough Corrib lake, a castle has existed on the site since 1228. A sprawling medieval-Victorian castle with an accompanying 350 acres, the hotel within currently has 83 bedrooms, including six suites, and is able to host 160 guests.
It is a popular wedding venue, and has been used by famous figures such as Rory McIlroy, who was married there in 2017. On your wedding day, you’ll have unlimited access to areas such as the Victorian garden, the lakeside pathways, and the estate’s outdoor activities.
5. Domaine d’Essendiéras
Located in the heart of France’s lush green Périgord, Domaine d’Essendiéras is set in a nearly 1000-acre park. Boasting two castles dating to the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, it offers a panoramic view of the valley which surrounds it in the Dordogne.
The weddings offered through the Domaine are highly customisable, and can host up to 250 guests, and sleep 200. Many of the rooms feature original historic elements such as wooden beams, and fun activities such as boat rides on the private lake add an extra luxury touch.
6. Rambagh Palace
Located in Jaipur, India, five-star Rambagh Palace dates to 1835 and was the residence of the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Originally a garden house for the wet nurse of Ram Singh II, it was added to in 1887 and the early 20th century, with royal suites being finally added in 1931.
The palace has hosted esteemed guests such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charles, and Jacqueline Kennedy. Weddings held here are lavish and can be enjoyed amongst the sumptuous manicured lawns and strutting peacocks. Hold your nuptials here if you’re willing to go all out since this spectacular venue costs a pretty penny!
7. Cluny Castle
Tucked away in rural Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Cluny Castle dates to 1604 and has borne witness to many of Scotland’s most formative events, having hidden Jacobite rebels in the 18th century. The majestic venue is situated in amongst 200 acres of landscapes and private parklands.
Couples can get married in the stunning onsite chapel which features stained glass windows, dark oak pews, and seating for up to 100 guests. A number of rooms within the house are available for a range of wedding guest sizes.
8. Pena Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, Pena Palace is a romanticist castle which was completed in 1854. Set within the Sintra Hills, the park and the palace were the brainchild of King Ferdinand II and are renowned as the finest example of 19th century romanticism in all of Portugal.
Couples can celebrate their nuptials with a ceremony inside the royal palace while enjoying its watchtowers, battlements, and entrance tunnel and drawbridge. There are also stunning views of the ocean on the horizon and the city below.
