As a country, the UK is famous for it's historical buildings, and none of these is more spectacular than a castle. If you want a unique fairytale wedding, then a castle wedding venue is the best location to get married. From gothic fortresses to ivy-covered towers and feasting halls, having a castle wedding is the perfect way to feel like royalty for your big day.
Castle wedding venues are ideal 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 unique photo opportunities
- You're flexible with your ceremony times
Castle Wedding Venues in London - Frequently Asked Questions
Can we have our civil ceremony in a castle wedding venue?
Most castle wedding venues in London 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, make sure you confirm with the venue that they are licensed 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 a registry office 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 London?
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 any castles in London wheelchair friendly?
If you are looking for a wedding venue that has easy access for wheelchairs, then you may be surprised by how accessible castle venues can be. You will find that because many castles in London are tourist attractions for their local area, it’s important that wheelchair users can be accommodated. Although, you may find that there may be areas of the castle that are unsuitable. 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?
It is surprising that castle wedding venues in London can certainly be affordable. Even huge palaces and historical monuments don’t always need a royal 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 London?
Castles in London are perfect for couples who don’t want to do lots of 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. 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 London?
A classic fairytale wedding theme is perfect 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 London 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 Christmas is the perfect time to have a castle wedding, 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!