Bridebook Article – Castle Wedding Venues
I was briefed to write this piece which would form part of my client’s collection of theme specific wedding venue articles.
The article was of course produced with both audience engagement and SEO in mind.
Below, you can see the published feature in situ.
Link:
https://bridebook.co.uk/article/best-uk-castle-wedding-venues
Full article:
The UK’s Best Castle Wedding Venues
Making castle wedding venue dreams a reality.
When I grow up, I want to get married in a castle. Isn’t that what we all said?
Well now you’re engaged and your fairytale is just beginning. And we’ve got a secret we just have to spill…
The UK is completely FULL of magnificent castle wedding venues!
In every corner of the country, spanning from Cornwall right up to the Scottish Highlands, we’ve discovered tons of unbelievable castles and fortresses that are just begging to be visited.
To save you the agony of having to decide where to begin in your quest for the perfect castle wedding venue we’ve shortlisted 20 that we believe epitomise romance, grandeur and intimacy.
20 Best UK Castle Wedding Venues
Lumley Castle Hotel, County Durham
For a castle wedding with wow factor, wedding planning couples simply must visit Lumley Castle; a four star luxury hotel packaged neatly within the walls of an idyllic 600 year old castle.
Nestled within the cathedral city of County Durham, Lumley Castle combines a medieval exterior with a luxurious interior, and outstanding food and service with views across nine acres of parkland overlooking the River Wear.
This is easily one of the most beautiful castle wedding venues in the North East of England.
Tip: to see what the rest of the North East has to offer, take a look at 25 of the most beautiful, romantic and unique wedding venues in the Newcastle area.
Comlongon Castle, Dumfries
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/comlongon-castle-dumfries-dumfries-and-galloway-eeZgjKrmYN
There’s no doubt that the Scots know how to provide exquisite castle wedding venues.
The magnificent Comlongon Castle is a traditionally restored 15th century castle set in over 120 acres of beautifully manicured gardens.
Regarded as the most important and complete castle surviving in Scotland today, this truly unique indoor / outdoor wedding venue feels extra special – blending medieval displays with modern luxury. Oh, and did we mention the detached private Honeymoon Lodge?
Berkeley Castle, Berkeley
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/berkeley-castle-berkeley-gloucestershire-eelEgQ2GYJ
Berkeley Castle in Gloucester is the epitome of fairytale wedding venue.
This magnificent medieval fortress could be exclusively yours for your wedding day. But be warned… you won’t want to leave.
You’ll have the option to decide between two ceremony spaces catering for between 70 and 150 guests and for the reception, choose from any number of enchanting spots and terraces – all of which boast incredible views across the castle grounds.
For chillier occasions head inside to the romantic, regal Drawing Room and toast your marriage with friends and family by the roaring fire.
Berkeley Castle offers year-round romance and grandeur – whatever your wedding theme and whatever the weather.
Tip: if you’re set on a summer wedding but don’t necessarily need a castle venue, check out our top 100 wedding venues for a British summer wedding.
Polhawn Fort, Cornwall
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/polhawn-fort-torpoint-cornwall-eeqgOepy8p
A romantic and historical wedding venue on the Cornish coast boasting flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, luxurious accommodation and sea views? Surely not.
Polhawn Fort is a truly unique setting for couples lusting after a castle wedding with a twist. Say your vows in this magnificent fortress to the sound of crashing waves before climbing to the top of the Fort where you and your guests can enjoy Al Fresco dining on the terrace complete with sweeping views of the Bay.
If you’re debating between a UK wedding and a destination wedding, you may have just found your compromise.
Tip: if you’re in love with the idea of a sea or lake view, take a look at these waterside fairytale venues.
Danby Castle, North Yorkshire
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/danby-castle-whitby-north-yorkshire-eeNXEB3rgO
Danby Castle was built in the early 1300’s and is a versatile wedding venue consisting of a castle, barn and ruins – each providing a very different style and space for your wedding day.
This is a more intimate wedding venue that possesses incredible architectural beauty whilst retaining the feeling of a family home.
Surrounded by the rolling hills and natural beauty of the North York Moors, this stunning venue is full to the brim with character and charm, and the varying photo opportunities are endless. We particularly love the ruins which provide a stunning backdrop for group pictures.
Warwick Castle, Warwick
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/warwick-castle-warwick-warwickshire-ee7XpO0Z8L
A castle wedding venue that needs no introduction… Warwick Castle is one of those universally appreciated heritage sites that has played host to royalty and been the venue of choice for many a lavish event.
Leave your own legacy at this historical palace with an opulent wedding reception fit for a King and Queen. You and your guests will enjoy first class food and entertainment within the ancient rooms of a castle that dates back to 1068. Ceremonies can be held at a beautiful church within walking distance.
Tip: if ancient wedding venues are your thing, here are our top 29 historical wedding venues in the UK.
Thirlestane Castle, Lauder
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/thirlestane-castle-lauder-scottish-borders-eeA8xyGDX0
Situated on the Scottish borders just 35 minutes from Edinburgh, Thirlestane Castle is one of the oldest and most elaborate inhabited castles in Scotland.
Opulence and grandeur are the name of the game inside the walls of this 16th century castle, and those walls are teeming with long kept secrets of Royal visits, past and present.
Thirlestane Castle is superbly well maintained both inside and out, and as such, this hidden gem makes a superb setting for couples seeking modern comforts within a traditional and historical castle.
Hampton Court Castle, Herefordshire
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/hampton-court-castle-leominster-herefordshire-eeNXEbb0gO
The vast and luxurious Hampton Court Castle really could be yours for one day only.
This 15th century castle set in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside boasts exquisite reception rooms, 24 luxurious castle bedrooms and an award-winning garden.
And with such a number of magnificent spaces to choose from (we adore the medieval hall and grand ballroom) you’re guaranteed a wedding that’s entirely unique to you.
Don’t forget to take full advantage of the famous Hampton Court gardens; the perfect backdrop for your very own castle wedding photographs.
Durham Castle, Durham
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/durham-castle-durham-county-durham-eeQgGBljXv
The Great Hall at Durham Castle dates back to 1284 and is regularly hailed as one of the most prestigious castle wedding venues of the North East.
The Great Hall can take wedding breakfasts of up to 200 people, ensuring that you receive a reception worthy of a Prince or Princess!
This picture perfect wedding venue is a spectacle befitting of typical historical charm in England.
Borthwick Castle, North Middleton
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/borthwick-castle-north-middleton-midlothian-eeN1g5oe8x
For cosy castle interiors with real wow factor look no further than Borthwick Castle.
You and your guests will be transported back in time when you enter the grand banquet rooms and climb the narrow spiral staircases to exquisitely designed bedrooms in this incredible medieval wedding venue (named as one of the largest and best-preserved surviving medieval Scottish fortifications).
Tranquil landscapes meet luxury interiors in this stunning castle wedding venue – located just 12 miles from Edinburgh.
Melville Castle, Edinburgh
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/melville-castle-edinburgh-edinburgh-eeEgQwRG8J
The unpretentious and unassuming Melville Castle still packs a punch – but in a more understated way.
This Edinburgh-based wedding venue has a grown up feel about it and combines an air of chateau wedding with the feel of a large country estate – a marriage made in heaven if you ask us.
The opulent State Rooms provide the perfect setting for canapés and Champagne receptions and the vast choice of beautifully adorned private rooms would be perfect for your ceremony as well as dinner and dancing. Most rooms enjoy sweeping views of the parkland, river and woodland.
Sudeley Castle and Gardens, Gloucestershire
Nestled in the beautiful Cotswolds, curious couples may stumble upon the delectable Sudeley Castle and Gardens – an enchanting castle and historic chapel and gardens dating from the 15th century.
Picture the Medieval Banqueting Room aglow with the warmth of a roaring fire and magically lit by candlelight – perfect for a Christmas wedding.
Or opt for a summer wedding and say your vows in the walled and intimate Secret Garden overlooking the castle.
Catering for weddings both large and small, you’re guaranteed to feel like royalty as you toast your new marriage in your very own castle – taking a moment to absorb the breathtaking views of the surrounding Cotswold Hills.
Dalston Hall Hotel, Cumbria
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/dalston-hall-hotel-carlisle-cumbria-ee0Y1r018n
The Dalston Hall Hotel is undoubtedly one of the finest wedding venues in the Northern Lake District, just 15 miles from Carlisle.
Rustic country decor meets historic charm in the lavishly furnished suites and bedrooms. Opt for a candlelit indoor wedding in the Great Hall or marry your loved one outdoors underneath the beautiful sandstone gazebo.
The ideal castle wedding setting for Lake District lovers.
Lulworth Castle, Dorset
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/lulworth-castle-wareham-dorset-eeEgQwyQ8J
We’ve named Lulworth Castle the Dorset-based wedding venue that keeps on giving.
As you arrive up the sweeping driveway you’ll first lay eyes on the stunning 17th century castle; flanked on either side by 1000 acres of rolling parkland and sea views to boot.
Notice the beautiful, ancient church and private chapel within the castle grounds and step inside for a real treat. Vast, vaulted stone ceilings and glorious, tall windows make for a spectacular reception room. History laid bare – you have the opportunity to decorate this blank canvas as you see fit.
Personally, we love it just the way it is.
Achnagairn Castle, Highland
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/achnagairn-castle-kirkhill-highland-eelEgQdPXJ
Named Best Wedding Venue in the UK by Harper’s Bazaar, Achnagairn Castle is a stunning, contemporary castle wedding venue in the Scottish Highlands, just 7 miles from Inverness.
The star of this fairytale venue (other than you of course)? A glorious vaulted ballroom which caters for up to 200 people and can be entirely personalised to suit your theme or taste.
This exclusive use venue can sleep up to 55 in its 24 designer bedrooms plus it offers a further seven large Luxury Lodges only 200m from the castle, meaning that there is capacity to sleep 130 of your guests on-site.
Neidpath Castle, Peebles
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/neidpath-castle-peebles-scottish-borders-eeDX9LVk8J
If we were to personify romance, surely this would be it.
The traditional, unspoilt 14th century Neidpath Castle is a four storey stone palace situated high above the River Tweed on the Scottish borders.
The Great Hall is infused with a colourful sense of drama and rich history making it an idyllic, romantic location for a unique fairytale wedding.
We don’t like to play favourites with our wedding venues but if we did, this would be a strong contender.
Fingask Castle, Rait
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/fingask-castle-rait-perth-and-kinross-eeV8w0E4Xv
Another beauty from bonnie Scotland; Fingask Castle is a much loved family castle and a romantic Scottish wedding venue, complete with on-site accommodation.
Make the most of this venue’s glorious landscaped gardens and well kept interiors by choosing to host different parts of your wedding day inside and out.
This highland castle gem is within easy reach of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth and Dundee.
Dalhousie Castle, Bonnyrigg
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/dalhousie-castle-bonnyrigg-midlothian-eeZgjMKbXN
Dalhousie Castle is a sympathetically restored 13th century castle situated on a beautiful estate of forest and parkland on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Restorative work has resulted in this charming castle wedding venue housing award winning restaurants and an Aqueous Spa, all in keeping with its original history.
If you’re dreaming of a Scottish castle wedding complete with turrets, towers, luscious gardens and a moat, look no further. Your fairytale starts here.
Bickleigh Castle, Devon
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/bickleigh-castle-tiverton-devon-ee6qYN4LXV
Bickleigh Castle is a romantic castle wedding venue in Devon that exudes quaint country charm.
This beautiful and intimate venue feels decidedly vintage and wonderfully decadent – as if you’ve stepped right onto the set of a period drama.
The Tudor paneled Minstrels’ Gallery is ideal for musicians and photographers, and we particularly love The Great Hall, The Orangery and of course, the Castle gardens.
Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire
https://bridebook.co.uk/wedding-venues/rockingham-castle-market-harborough-leicestershire-eeA8xZERg0
The imposing Rockingham Castle makes a bold statement which of course, puts it right to the top of our list of favourite castle wedding venues in Leicestershire.
Tudor sitting rooms and Grand Halls surrounded by magnificent gardens render this Norman castle a magnificent contender for your marital attention.
The Castle and gardens will be exclusively yours for the day.
Time to start planning your castle wedding
So there are our top 20 castles to get married in.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll have your diary open ready to set aside enough time to visit all of them. If you’re perhaps a little more practical (or your fiance is) you’ll head over to Bridebook and make bookings with your favourite 5.
Any more than that and we guarantee you’ll be blinded by beauty and have absolutely no idea which one to choose.
And once you’ve considered venue prices and are ready to make a decision on your dream wedding setting, have a quick read of our wedding venue saving tips which includes advice such as when your venue is likely to be cheapest and how to make a few cutbacks.
Go forth our fairytale couples! We wish you the most enchanting castle wedding search in 2019.