the BEST 15 CASTLES to tie the knot

Fairytale weddings do come true. And what would be a most appropriate setting for a fairytale wedding than a majestic castle lending itself to ceremonies and receptions fit for kings and queens, princes and princesses and their royal guests? Whether you choose a castle-theme wedding, a royal gala or a formal black-tie affair, the vision, the planning, and the realization of a castle dream wedding starts with finding the most appropriate setting. Grace Ormonde Wedding Style has selected the 15 most amazing castles around the world to host your fairytale wedding for a once in a lifetime, most memorable experience.

1. Oheka Castle, New York

listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Oheka Castle is a magnificent Gold Coast Mansion situated on the highest point of Long Island in New York. Indulge in the beauty and elegance of this exquisite estate boasting architecture of a majestic French château. Oheka Castle is a perfect choice for you to realize your fairytale wedding dream and stage a grand celebration. 

>For more information and booking inquires, visit the Oheka Castle

2. Biltmore House, North Carolina

Built over a century ago, this magnificent venue was once home of the Vanderbilt’s, one of the wealthiest families in America. The epitome of charm and elegance, the castle has been meticulously preserved and contains original features such as furnishings and original art masterpieces. The Biltmore House can host weddings with up to 500 guests and offers luxury amenities including a spa, tours of the winery and horseback riding.

> For more information and booking inquires visit the Biltmore House website. www.biltmore.com

3. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. So, if there is prototype for a dream fairytale castle wedding, Neuschwanstein Castle is the one. Once the home of Bavarian royalty, this estate’s majestic views overlook the German countryside.

> Explore wedding ceremony and reception options on the estate’s website. www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/tourist/index.html

4. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, France

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a baroque masterpiece designed by Louis Le Vau during the 17th century and restored by Alfred Sommier after he purchased the property in 1875. The château is characterized by an ovoid-shaped central dome overlooking 1,235 acres of manicured gardens. During the summer months  the staterooms and gardens paths are light by 2,000 candles creating the most romantic setting in France.

> Please visit www.vaux-le-vicomte.com for more information.

5. Château  de Chantilly, France

The Château de Chantilly is one of the finest wedding venues in France. The Château survived down through the centuries and remains as it was when the Duke of Aumale gave it as a gift to the Institut de France in 1886, making it the perfect place to take a journey back in time. The Château de Chantilly has a grouping of the Château, the Grounds with the Jeu de Paume and the Sylvie’ House, the Great Stables and the Racecourse. These areas offer numerous possibilities to orchestrate a castle wedding with innovation and imagination.

> For more information and booking inquires, visit the property website: www.chateaudechantilly.fr/en/

6. Blenheim Palace, England

The 18th Century baroque architecture of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England makes it an ideal choice for a castle wedding. Regardless if your wedding will be large and extravagant or intimate with close family and friends, this venue provides a spectacular setting for a dream wedding. With six separate event spaces there is a variety of choices to customize the mood and ambiance of your special event. The Orangery and Marlborough rooms can be used for ceremony locations while the Great Hall and Long Library that can accommodate up to 300 guests are ideal for cocktails and a formal sit-down wedding reception. Each room is suited for different elements of the day and can be used separately or together. If your guest list exceeds 300 people, the property’s 2,000 acres of picturesque, perfectly manicured formal gardens can accommodate a tended wedding where the possibilities become endless.

> For more information visit the property website: www.blenheimpalace.com

7. Château  Challain, France

Château Challain is a remarkable property and an exceptional example of gothic romanticism making it an ideal fairytale castle for a romantic fairytale wedding. Built in 1854 the chateau became one of the grandest private French homes of the 19th century. Situated on beautifully manicured grounds, it is embellished with a wealth of architectural details such as intricate woodcarvings, hand painted ceilings, large fireplaces and Gothic sculptures. Château  Challian will certainly offer you and your wedding guests a unique and memorable experience.

> For more information and booking inquires, visit the Château  Challain website: www.chateauchallain.com/en/

8. Adare Manor, Ireland

The epitome of luxury, beauty and romance, Adare Manor in Ireland has all the elements for an unforgettable castle wedding. Nestled on the banks of the Maigue River, this fairytale castle sits on 840 acres of picturesque Irish countryside. The elements that make Adare Manor such a unique wedding venue are its luxurious accommodations, an impressive team of master chefs and sommeliers that offer a spectacular gastronomical experience and of course the breathtaking beauty of the property itself.  A plethora of activities such as wine tasting, an award-winning luxurious spa, golfing, archery, fishing and even falconry are available for your wedding guests.

> For more information and booking inquires, visit the property website: www.adaremanor.com

9. Ashford Castle, Ireland

Ashford Castle is a renowned estate located in the small village of Mayo Ireland and has earned the distinction for the most romantic hotel in Europe repeatedly. Its 83 rooms overlook the peaceful countryside while the castle’s medieval-style architecture makes it a prime destination for a dream castle wedding in Europe. The property is perfectly suited for small celebrations as well as large lavish affairs. Having welcomed celebrities, royalty, heads of state and dignitaries, Ashford Castle can accommodate up to 160 wedding guests and is also ideal as a honeymoon destination.

> Request more information about booking this magnificent venue through the Ashford Castle website: www.ashfordcastle.com

10. Leeds Castle, England

Leeds Castle in Broomfield, England is a beautiful historic venue to host a castle wedding. The Ceremony Room next to the library is ideal for a wedding ceremony while the largest room of the castle, the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall with spectacular views offers itself for a royal wedding reception. After dinner drinks can be served in the opulent Castle Drawing Room while the Heraldry Room lends itself for dancing the night away. In addition, adjacent to the Castle, there is The  Maiden’s Tower, an elegant, exclusive venue that can accommodate up to 200 guests. This 16th century stone building, used for weekend house parties in the 1920s, is now a glamorous self-contained venue perfect for a wedding ceremony, evening celebration and overnight accommodation.

> For more information and booking inquires, visit the property website: www.leeds-castle.com

11. Palacio de Pena, Portugal

Palacio da Pena sits on top of a hill in the mountainous Sintra municipality in Portugal. The castle was initially built as a monastery. Extensive renovations over time have elevated the property to a luxurious estate with romantic interiors. The most amazing feature of Pena Palace is the castle’s rooftop where weddings are held with stunning 360º views of the ocean in the horizon and the vast 500-acre Sintra natural park with trees imported from different countries that surround the castle. Undoubtably, Palacio da Pena is a prime destination for a European castle wedding celebration.

> Explore the possibilities and for more information visit the property website: www.sintra-portugal.com/Attractions/palacio-pena-palace-sintra.html

12. Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire, England

Sudeley Castle nestled in the picturesque area of Cotswold Hills is a stylish, elegant and versatile venue fit for a fairytale-come true wedding. Romantic ruins and award-winning gardens create a beautiful, dramatic backdrop. While the grand Banqueting Hall along with the sunny Pavilion provide spacious dining and can seat up to 140 people with stunning views across the valley, tents to accommodate up to 600 people can be positioned on the lawns surrounding the castle.

> For more information and booking inquires, visit the property website. www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

13. The Dolder Grand, Switzerland

If your recipe for a dream wedding calls for a luxurious castle, impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, a pampering Spa, an exclusive art collection and magnificent views, The Dolder Grand resting right above Zurich with views of the lake and the Swiss Alpes is what you are looking for. Boasting the reputation of a fine European hotel, The Dolder Grand will offer you and your guests a most memorable experience for your wedding day.

14. Château de Mercues, France

Built in the 13th century, Château de Mercuès, ideal for a fairytale castle wedding, is located in the small town of Mercuès in France. Operating as a luxurious hotel, Château de Mercuès offers exceptional service and attention to detail, ideal for hosting a destination wedding. Accommodating up to 100 guests for a sit-down reception makes it both a great choice for an intimate affair or a grand celebration. In addition, the in-house winery offers wine tasting tours for wedding guests.

> For more information and booking inquires, visit the property website: www.chateaudemercues.com/en/

15. Château D’ Esclimont, France

The Château D' Esclimont is a stunning venue less than an hour outside of Paris that sits on 150-acres and includes 52 guest rooms. Elegant, regal, majestic, Chateau D’ Esclimont is surrounded by a serene lake lined with forest trees creating a stunning ambiance for a royal ceremony and reception.

> For more information and booking inquires contact the property directly: +33 2 37 31 15 15

>Written by: Yanni Tzoumas