The Ultimate Romantic Wedding Venue – a Castle!

It might sound too good to be true, but one of the latest trends in destination weddings is a castle wedding.  All the benefits of a destination wedding apply – the guest list is generally much smaller, the wedding and reception all occur in the same location, and planning is simplified as it all can be arranged through your Travel Leaders wedding specialist.  No frantic running around to the florist, photographer, caterer, officiant, and the reception hall – you decide what you want done, and Voila!  All the details are taken care of.

Surprisingly, you don’t need to head to Europe to find an elegant castle for your wedding – there are several right here in the USA.

• Oheka Castle in Huntington, NY is modeled after a French chateau and has a fascinating history as the site for several motion picture and television shows.  Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Oheka boasts 34 guestrooms featuring luxury amenities, extensive grounds and gardens, a Gatsby style lounge and exceptional fine dining.  This castle has hosted countless celebrity weddings and has the reputation for being one of the most prestigious wedding venues in the world.
• The Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina, has been ranked as the Most Beautiful Building in the USA.  Located in the Blue Ridge Mountain area it offers guests access to 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, a glass-ceilinged Conservatory and lush landscaped gardens.  Overnight guests can enjoy a morning yoga session, afternoon tea in the elegant dining room or a visit to the on-site winery.  The hotel proudly displays a collection of fine art, artifacts and sculpture collected by its former owner, George Vanderbilt.  Six wedding venues on the property ensure that you will find the perfect location for your special day.  Small groups of 60 or less can enjoy the intimate atmosphere of Cedric’s Garden or the casual charm of Antler Hill Barn.  Larger groups will enjoy the open air veranda of the Lioncrest room, the courtyard at Deer Park, or the Italian Garden and South Terrace of the Biltmore (up to 600 guests can be accommodated here).  You will meet with the hotel’s executive chef to plan your reception, and all the details of your event are coordinated by the staff’s experienced wedding specialist to make sure you and your guests have an amazing experience
• Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, Oregon offers a choice of indoor or outdoor ceremonies in one of six elegant wedding venues.  Favorites are the sunken English garden and the Loggia – a large covered porch overlooking the beautifully manicured grounds overlooking American Lake.  The wedding party and guests are offered a substantial discount for lodging in one of their beautifully appointed suites or rooms.  

While it’s nice to have the convenience of accommodations right at the wedding location,  the expense for these properties can be prohibitive.  And, when you think about it, you might not want your old college buddies or new in-laws just down the hall when you’re exhausted and ready for the night to end!  You can still enjoy a castle wedding without breaking the bank at one of the following locations that offer venues for your wedding and reception only.

• The Guggenheim Estate at Sand Point Preserve in Port Washington, New York offers several different venues depending on the size of your wedding group.  The ground floor at Hempstead House can accommodate up to 300 guests as can the Rose Garden – perfect for an outdoor wedding.  Smaller parties (100 or less) will love the medieval Great Hall at Castle Gould.
• Cherokee Castle in Sedalia, Colorado blends perfectly with the Rocky Mountain landscape that surrounds it.  The 200 mile views from the castle perched high over protected wildlife terrain are extraordinary.  The history of the castle is fascinating.  The land was purchased in 1954 by Tweet Kimball – a woman with an indomitable spirit who felt driven to breed and raise cattle.  She accomplished this so successfully  that she was able to construct this marvelous castle for the purpose of providing an outdoor laboratory and classroom to instruct visitors in wildlife conservation.  As you might imagine, the venue lends itself to a more casual, less formal approach to the whole wedding scene.
• Rhodes Hall in Atlanta, Georgia is a 120 year old Victorian mansion featuring a grand mahogany staircase beneath a series of stunning stained glass windows – definitely a fitting backdrop for some extraordinary wedding photos.  This ‘Castle on Peachtree” is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and has won several awards as an outstanding wedding venue.

And the list goes on – contact one of Travel Leaders’ travel advisors for more information on castle weddings in the US.

Maybe you have your heart set on a “real” castle – something centuries old that has been home to royalty and survived the test of time.  If you’ve already decided to honeymoon abroad, why not get married there too?  Following are some suggestions for stunning storybook wedding venues worldwide .

Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland offers the ultimate luxurious surroundings in this 13th century palace, once home to the Guinness family.  On the shores of Lough Corrib, this magnificent estate has been granted “Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa” award for eight consecutive years.  Guests here can enjoy horseback riding, fishing, falconry, hiking, golf and cycling on the 350 acre estate.  Or choose to relax in the elegant five star spa complex.  Whether enjoying fine dining in the George V Dining Room, sitting down to afternoon tea in the Connaught Room or descending into the Dungeon for a bistro-style casual meal, your guests will be treated to true Irish hospitality.  Wedding packages typically include a four course wedding meal, a reception venue for dancing and general merry-making, and a bridal suite or private cottage for the newlyweds.

The Château de Chambord in France’s Loire Valley is a beautiful example of French Renaissance architecture with all the towers, turrets and stone archways you could ask for.  The inspiration for the castle in Beauty and the Beast, the castle boasts beautiful gardens, interesting architectural features (double helix staircase inspired by Da Vinci), and a huge collection of art and sculpture.  Nestled within the grounds is a small boutique hotel, Relais de Chambord, which overlooks the castle and is perfect for small group weddings.  The wedding package includes a four course banquet and a complimentary stay for the wedding couple.  Guests can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, a hot-air balloon adventure or 360 degree views of the valley and the castle’s extensive grounds from the Lantern Tower.  Photographers in your group will have a heyday here!

The Castello di Spessa in northern Italy is located in the Friuli wine district only two hours from Venice.  The castle dates back to the 1200’s and has been the home of Spanish nobility and has hosted many notable guests, Casanova being one of the most famous.  This is a perfect location for a spring or summer wedding as the parkland and Italian gardens that surround the castle are spectacular. Reception venues include the fountain courtyard, a large terrace overlooking the gardens or one of the beautifully decorated medieval halls.  A catered meal for the reception specializes in chef-prepared pastas, fresh local produce and seafood as well as wine from the castle’s vineyards.  Those spending the night at the castle will be treated to a post-wedding brunch and access to the castle’s golf course and spa.  Tours of the resort as well as day trips to nearby Trieste or Venice are also available.

Bled Castle in Slovenia offers a dramatic backdrop for your wedding ceremony.  Perched high over Lake Bled, the view of the lake and surrounding forestland is unmatched.  The castle dates back to medieval times, and wedding ceremonies here take you back to the days of knights in armor. The gothic chapel where weddings are performed is decorated with ornate baroque frescoes and artwork, and smaller wedding groups can choose a ceremony in the Knights Hall.  Staff members here provide the entertainment – lively dancing, sword fighting, fire-eating, and general merry-making – which are all themed with a medieval feel.  The castle has its own wine cellar and printing works which has been in operation since the 1200’s.  Your wedding certificate will be printed right there on the spot!  The castle does not have hotel accommodations, but the nearby town of Bled is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from grand lakeside resorts to charming bed and breakfast cottages.  Guests can enjoy Triglav National Park which is remarkably scenic with caves to explore and impressive waterfalls and lake scenery for memorable photo shoots.

Nijo Castle in Kyota, Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason.  The castle has a fascinating history.  Built over 400 years ago, it was the home of Japan’s first shogun who came to power after a long period of civil war and ushered in a long-standing period of peace and economic security.  The architecture of the buildings here is from the Edo period, defined by its unique architecture and impressive interior design.  Its extensive gardens provide a year-round atmosphere of beauty, peace and harmony.  It’s strongly suggested that you purchase the pre-ceremony photo package, as the landscapes and scenery here are breathtaking. Weddings in the Japanese tradition are performed in a private location at the Seiryu-en Garden and Koun-tei Teahouse. There are no accommodations or reception venues at the castle, but a number of traditional Japanese restaurants nearby can be booked to host a wedding dinner or reception.

The Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur, India is not exactly the TAJ Mahal, but it is most definitely the former home of royalty, and you will be treated like a prince and princess when you hold your wedding here.  Conveniently located in the “Pink City” of Jaipur, you will be close to many of the beautifully restored monuments and buildings that make Jaipur a tourist mecca.  In fact you’ll be transported back to the glory days of India’s maharajas in accommodations much like those they enjoyed.  Want to really wow your wedding guests?  You can arrange to have your party greeted by a parade of camels and elephants in full period regalia!  The celebration lawns in front of the palace’s impressive facade or the lotus pond in the extensive gardens are the most popular venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Catering options for the wedding breakfast and reception feature both western and ethnic favorites.  The Laal Maas (lamb prepared with chilies) is a real crowd pleaser.  Accommodations range from deluxe rooms elaborately decorated in period furnishings to exquisite large suites with a Rajasthani motif.  The hotel offers a pool, spa and fitness centers, four restaurants on property, a jogging track, and evening entertainment of folk dance and music.

Who knew there were so many castles in the world just waiting to be the site for your fairy tale wedding?  This post barely scrapes the surface.  Contact your Travel Leaders wedding specialist to find the wedding castle of your dreams.