Castle Wedding Venues in the UK

For a fairytale wedding, surrounded by centuries of history and breathtaking architecture, nothing beats a genuine historic castle.

As there aren’t any original castle wedding venues in Florida, we’ve spoken to our friends in England, Guides for Brides, to recommend some amazing castle wedding venues in the UK.

Why is the UK the best place for castle weddings?

Choice: There are hundreds of castles across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland oozing history and natural beauty, from medieval fortresses to royal residences.

Easy travel: There are direct flights from Orlando International Airport to London Heathrow and Manchester Airport. There are easy connections to other UK cities from these locations and no language barriers.

Cost: The price of a wedding venue in the UK is competitive, and castle venues are no exception. The typical cost with food and drinks packages for a venue in the UK is £9,133 – just over $11,000. 

Convenience: Most castle wedding venues in the UK have in-house event teams to help with your wedding plans, and they are always happy to work with your own wedding planner from the UK or US. 

11 Incredible Castle Wedding Venues in the UK

For the fairytale experience: Ashridge House in Hertfordshire, England

Ashridge House boasts 700 years of captivating history. Once a monastery, it later became a royal residence for Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. With breathtaking architecture, exquisite gardens, and on-site accommodation, it’s the epitome of elegance for those wanting the princess treatment. The on-site chapel allows for a traditional church wedding, completing the fairytale experience.

Just a 45-minute drive from London Heathrow, Ashridge House can accommodate weddings of various sizes, from intimate gatherings of 60 guests to larger celebrations for up to 350. 

For Scottish hospitality: Winton Castle Estate near Edinburgh, Scotland

Dating back to 1150, Winton Castle Estate is steeped in history, featuring tales of feuds and romance. Even Henry VIII played a role, burning the castle in an attempt to impress Mary Queen of Scots. Now a magnificent event space, it caters to weddings of 40-250 guests, providing the perfect Scottish castle wedding. 

The castle and estate offer overnight accommodation for up to 56 guests. Winton Castle is located near Edinburgh, making Edinburgh Airport a convenient arrival point and the venue is also accessible by train and car from Manchester.

For history and grandeur: Farnham Castle in Surrey, England

With origins tracing back to 1138 (or possibly earlier), Farnham Castle has hosted numerous English kings and queens for celebrations over the years. Its impressive backdrop, beautiful event spaces, and 33 en-suite bedrooms, including a honeymoon suite, create a truly regal atmosphere. 

Farnham Castle has space for up to 200 wedding guests to celebrate. The venue is located in Surrey, so is easily accessible from London by train or car.

For a unique touch: Hensol Castle near Cardiff, Wales

Dating back to 1419, Hensol Castle is a beautiful setting near the Welsh capital. On-site accommodation is available for close friends and family of the couple. If you want a castle venue with a unique touch, you can even have Hensol Castle Distillery gin miniatures as your wedding favors. 

Hensol Castle can accommodate weddings of varying sizes with up to 220 guests able to party. For travel, Cardiff Airport is the closest, but the venue’s proximity to the M4 motorway ensures easy access from both London and Bristol too.

For a dramatic setting: Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, England

Dating back to 534, Bamburgh Castle is one of England’s most iconic fortresses on the North East coast. This stronghold has many battles and even Viking sieges and was home to kings in the 12th – 15th centuries. Its beachside location makes for incredibly dramatic wedding photos. 

Bamburgh Castle can host a huge variety of wedding sizes, from elopements with just 4 guests to celebrations of 150. Newcastle International Airport is the nearest airport to this venue and you’ll need a rental car to reach Bamburgh Castle.

For a medieval icon: Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, England

Warwick Castle is an iconic medieval fortress with strong royal connections. Originally built by William the Conqueror, this castle has witnessed centuries of history and intrigue. With its impressive towers, grand halls, and rich history, Warwick Castle is a magnificent setting for a wedding. 

Warwick Castle hosts weddings of various sizes from 40 guests up to 180.

Birmingham International Airport is the closest airport, and the venue can be easily accessed by trains, which run regularly to Warwick from Birmingham and other major UK cities.

For a London icon: Tower of London in London, England

For a wedding with a unique historical twist, the Tower of London offers an unforgettable experience with an iconic precedent that will have your guests talking for years to come. Imagine celebrating your special day within the walls of this iconic landmark knowing that the crown jewels are also in the building! 

Capacity varies depending on the event space chosen, but there is space for up to 300 standing guests for a celebration or more intimate settings for small weddings. Being in central London, the Tower is easily accessible from all London airports via the tube, taxi, or bus.

For Lord of the Rings fans: Clearwell Castle in Gloucestershire, England

Clearwell Castle, with its enchanting atmosphere and dramatic architecture, is a dream come true for fans of Lord of the Rings. Set within the Forest of Dean, which gave inspiration to JRR Tolkien while writing, its fairytale setting and stunning surroundings will make your day feel extra magical.

Clearwell Castle can accommodate weddings of up to 150 guests. Bristol Airport is the closest major airport but the venue is also easily reached from London. A rental car is recommended for navigating the scenic Cotswolds countryside to Clearwell Castle.

For breathtaking views: Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland

Set atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is iconic and offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Scottish capital. Imagine saying “I do” with the city as your backdrop, creating truly unforgettable wedding photos. 

Edinburgh Castle can accommodate weddings of various sizes in different spaces; with room for up to 120 guests for a seated meal. Edinburgh Airport serves the city with the castle being easily accessible from the airport via tram, bus, or taxi.

For a romantic escape: Hever Castle in Kent, England

Hever Castle is the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife. The castle exudes romance and charm making it the perfect setting for couples that want their wedding to feel extra romantic. Its beautiful gardens and moat are standout features that provide a truly picture perfect backdrop for photos. 

Hever Castle can host weddings of different sizes; it is best to contact the venue for capacity details. From London, you can reach Hever Castle by getting a train to Edenbridge Town station, followed by a short taxi.

For incredible photographs: Belfast Castle in Belfast, Northern Ireland

 

Belfast Castle, set on the slopes of Cave Hill, offers stunning views of the city.

Its unique architecture and picturesque surroundings provide countless opportunities for breathtaking wedding photographs. Belfast Castle has a range of spaces available for your celebrations. 

Belfast Castle has space for smaller weddings of 30 guests, up to larger celebrations of 160. Belfast International Airport serves the city with taxis and car rentals readily available for transport to the castle.