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Find castle and palace wedding venues in Dorset

For a wedding day beyond your imagination, you won't find a better option than a castle or palace wedding venue. Luckily, the UK is home to hundreds of awe inspiring castles and historic palaces, all of which make for a fairytale wedding venue. Choose your favourites in Dorset below…

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Sherborne Castle Wedding Venue

Castle Wedding Venue

Dorset, Sherborne

£POA

Venues

Pennsylvania Castle Wedding Venue

Elegant, Lavish & Extraordinary Weddings

Dorset, Portland

£POA

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Lulworth Castle Wedding Venue

Lulworth Castle, exclusively yours

Dorset, Wareham

£POA

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Elaine

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Highcliffe Castle Wedding Venue

Highcliffe Castle, Wedding venue in Dorset

Dorset, Highcliffe

£10,495 - £12,700

Venues

Durlston Castle Wedding Venue

Castle Wedding Venue with spectacular coastal views

Dorset, Swanage

£POA

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The Kings Christchurch Hotel Wedding Venue

Unique Dorset Wedding Venue

Dorset, Christchurch

£3,000 - £9,500

Venues

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As a country, the UK is famous for its historical buildings, and none of these is more magical than a castle or palace. For those hoping for the ultimate fairytale wedding day, then a castle or palace wedding venue is the best location to get married. From impressive feasting halls to tall stone towers and Gothic architecture, having a castle or palace wedding is the perfect way to feel like royalty for your big day.

Castle and palace 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 want some incredible photo opportunities
  • You're flexible with your ceremony times

Castle & Palace Wedding Venues in Dorset - Frequently Asked Questions

Can we have our civil ceremony in a castle wedding venue?

Most castle wedding venues in Dorset will have a civil ceremony license, enabling couples to be legally wed in one of their rooms or in the grounds. If you want to marry in the castle grounds, be sure to check that the venue has an outdoor ceremony license too. If your chosen castle venue aren't able to hold civil wedding ceremonies, then you can always enquire about holding your civil wedding ceremony at a registry office nearby or having a humanist ceremony, before having an unforgettable wedding reception at the castle.

Will I be able to have a religious wedding ceremony at a castle venue in Dorset ?

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 there isn't a church or chapel on site, then there may be one close by. When discussing your wedding with your preferred castles, be sure to find out if having a religious ceremony is possible at that specific castle in Dorset .

Can I have a civil or religious ceremony at a palace wedding venue in Dorset ?

If a palace is offering their space for weddings it is more than likely that they are licensed for civil ceremonies. As for religious ceremonies, you will want to check if they can accommodate cultural traditions like a Chuppah or a Hindu fire ceremony, if they can then the answer will be yes. 

Are there many castles or palaces in Dorset that are easily accessible for wheelchairs?

If you need a wheelchair friendly castle or palace wedding venue, then you will be astonished by how accessible these venues can be. Most castles and palaces will be a tourist attraction in their local area and is therefore important that wheelchair users can be accommodated. However, the castle or palace 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 do castle or palace wedding venues cost to hire?

You'll be pleased to know that castle and palace wedding venues in Dorset are certainly affordable. Even huge palaces and historical monuments don't always need a mammoth 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.

Are there decorating restrictions on castle wedding venues in Dorset ?

Castles in Dorset 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. With striking artwork, historic suits of armour and unique architecture, a castle's original decor is impossible to reproduce. However, as they're often listed buildings, there may be restrictions as to how you can decorate. You may not be able to hang decorations or bunting, and many castles will not allow paper confetti.

What themes work for a castle wedding venue in Dorset ?

A classic fairytale wedding theme works wonderfully 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 Dorset often have recommended entertainers such a falconers and dancers that are ideal for this, and your wedding guests will love a delicious medieval banquet.

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!