As a country, the UK is famous for it's historical buildings, and none of these is more magical than a castle. If you want a romantic fairytale wedding day, then a castle wedding venue is the best location to get married. From tall stone turrets to Gothic architecture and banqueting halls, having a castle wedding is the ideal way to feel like royalty for a day.
Castle wedding venues are ideal for you if:
- You would like a fairytale wedding
- You're a big fan of history
- You don’t want to do a huge amount of decorating
- You want some incredible photo opportunities
- You're flexible with your ceremony times
Castle Wedding Venues in Bristol and Somerset - Frequently Asked Questions
Can we have our civil wedding ceremony at a castle venue?
Most castle wedding venues in Bristol and Somerset will have a civil ceremony license, allowing you to have a legally binding marriage in one of their rooms or in the grounds. If you want to marry in the castle grounds, contact the venue to make sure they have an outdoor ceremony license. If your chosen castle venue doesn’t have a civil ceremony license, then you can always enquire about holding your civil wedding ceremony at a registry office nearby or having a humanist ceremony, prior to having your wedding celebrations at the castle.
Will I be able to have a religious wedding ceremony at a castle venue in Bristol and Somerset?
Often, castles have their own chapel or church on site, which is where its inhabitants would have religious services. This means that you may be able to have a religious wedding ceremony without leaving the castle grounds! If your castle wedding venue doesn't have a chapel or church, then you may be able to find one near by. When making your enquiry with your chosen castles make sure you ask whether it is possible to have a religious wedding ceremony on site.
Are there many castles in Bristol and Somerset that are easily accessible for wheelchairs
If you need a wheelchair friendly castle wedding venue, then you may be surprised by how accessible castle venues can be. Most castles will be a tourist attraction in their local area and is therefore important that wheelchair users can be accommodated. However, the castle may have areas that are deemed unsuitable for wheelchair users. Be sure to ask your venues ahead of time if accessibility is top of your priorities list.
How much will it cost to hire a castle for our wedding venue?
You may be surprised at how affordable a castle wedding venue in Bristol and Somerset can be. Even huge palaces and historical monuments don’t always need an extravagant wedding budget, so it’s always worth enquiring. For those on a strict budget and need to save money on your castle wedding, then opting for a midweek package or marrying in an off-peak season is a brilliant way to cut costs.
Do castle wedding venues in Bristol and Somerset have limitations on decorating?
Castles in Bristol and Somerset are ideal for those not wanting to do much decorating at their wedding venue. After all, they’re often sumptuously decorated in the first place. A castle's decor is difficult to imitate, with it's breathtaking tapestries, historic artwork and medieval candelbras. However, as they’re often listed buildings, there may be restrictions as to how you can decorate. There may be limitations on hanging decorations, with many castles unable to allow paper confetti at all.
What themes work for a castle wedding venue in Bristol and Somerset?
A classic fairytale wedding theme is perfect for a castle venue. Think horse-drawn carriages, ball gown wedding dresses, shimmering chandeliers and deep red roses and you have the perfect castle wedding theme.
If you’re a history lover, then a medieval wedding theme is also perfect for a castle. Castles in Bristol and Somerset often have recommended entertainers such a falconers and dancers that are ideal for this, and your guests will certainly enjoy a tasty medieval feast.
We also find that an ideal time of year for your castle wedding is at Christmas, as castles are often richly decorated for Christmas with candles, trees and traditional touches. Take advantage and have a beautiful winter wedding in a castle!