As a country, the UK is famous for it's historical buildings, and none of these is more magical than a castle. For those hoping for the ultimate fairytale wedding day, then a castle wedding venue is the perfect place to tie the knot. From tall stone turrets to Gothic architecture and banqueting halls, having a castle wedding is the perfect way to feel like royalty for your big day.
Castle wedding venues are perfect for you if:
- You want a fairytale wedding
- You're a big fan of history
- You don’t want to do a huge amount of decorating
- You would like some fabulous photo opportunities
- You're flexible with your ceremony times
Castle Wedding Venues in Cumbria - Frequently Asked Questions
Can we have our civil wedding ceremony at a castle venue?
Most castle wedding venues in Cumbria will have a civil ceremony license, which will allow you to legally marry in one of their rooms or in the grounds. If you want to marry in the castle grounds, then contact the venue to check they hold a license for outdoor ceremonies. If your chosen castle venue doesn’t have a civil ceremony license, then you can always enquire about having your wedding ceremony at the nearest registry office or having a humanist ceremony, before hosting your wedding reception at the castle.
Is it possible to have a religious ceremony at a castle wedding venue in Cumbria?
You may find that many castles have a 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. It's important to check with your chosen castle venues to find out whether having a religious ceremony on site is possible.
Are there castle wedding venues in Cumbria that are wheelchair friendly?
If you need a wheelchair friendly castle wedding venue, then you may be surprised by how accessible castle venues can be. Due to most castles in Cumbria being local tourist attractions, it’s important that wheelchair users can be accommodated. There may be areas of the castle that are steep or unsuitable. Be sure to ask your venues ahead of time if accessibility is top of your priorities list.
What are the costs involved in hiring a castle wedding venue?
You may be surprised at how affordable a castle wedding venue in Cumbria can be. Even huge palaces and historical monuments don’t always need an enormous wedding budget, so it’s always worth enquiring. If you are looking to save money on your castle wedding and are having to stick to a budget, then opting for a midweek package or marrying in an off-peak season is a brilliant way to cut costs.
Will there be limitations on decorating a castle wedding venue in Cumbria?
If you're hoping not to do too much decorating at your wedding venue then a castle in Cumbria is perfect. 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. It may not be possible to hang certain decorations, with many castle's not permitting paper confetti.
What themes work for a castle wedding venue in Cumbria?
A classic fairytale wedding theme would be the ideal fit for a castle venue. Think horse-drawn carriages, ball gown wedding dresses, beautiful roses and glittering chandeliers 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 Cumbria often have recommended entertainers such a falconers and dancers that are ideal for this, and a heavenly medieval banquet will certainly give your wedding guests something to remember your special day.
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!