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With this endless source of inspiration, let's explore castles with strong ties to the British Royal Family, from the wedding venue of Queen Victoria's daughter to the royal residences themselves. And best of luck with your future wedding plans!
1. Highcliffe Castle, Dorset
This magnificent castle provides a stunning backdrop for the ceremony and wedding photos. Highcliffe Castle boasts a magnificent Wintergarden-style high ceiling, luxurious interiors, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The expansive hall with its stained-glass windows, the cozy main dining room with candlelight, and the brick walls create a fairytale atmosphere. All of this makes for an ideal setting to welcome guests to the ceremony.
Highcliffe Castle was formerly owned by Lady Waterford, who hosted the Prince and Princess of Wales – later King Edward and Queen Alexandra.
Wedding ceremonies here cost from £840. Renting the entire castle for around 80 guests starts from £4,895. The castle also offers wedding packages for couples.
2. Lumley Castle, Durham
If you're a history enthusiast rather than a fan of fairy tales, Lumley Castle Hotel is the ideal location. This 600-year-old castle boasts magnificent rooms and dining rooms with luxurious interiors, perfect for hosting your main event. If you prefer an outdoor wedding, the beautiful Secret Baron's Garden is also worth considering. The historical element is evident even in the wedding breakfast, giving couples the feeling of having their own palace. Furthermore, since the castle has been restored and converted into a hotel, it's convenient for wedding guests, reducing the pressure of travel and accommodation arrangements. In particular, Lumley Castle boasts a stunning and famous Royal Suite – a highlight not to be missed – and a Royal wedding package. They offer wedding packages costing approximately £5,000 for around 100 guests.
In the past, King James VI stopped at Lumley Castle on his way from Edinburgh to London to assume the throne.
3. Pennsylvania Castle, Portland Island
With stunning ocean views, pristine natural gardens, and luxurious rooms, Pennsylvania Castle is the perfect place to celebrate. Suitable for intimate gatherings and grand weddings, the castle offers wedding packages to meet every couple's needs. These include a licensed bar, charming suites, and fine dining. The Twilight Wedding package provides a magical experience with a sunset ceremony and a reception that lasts all night. King George III and Queen Charlotte also celebrated their wedding anniversary at Pennsylvania Castle.
Wedding packages at the castle start from £9,675, however couples can choose to rent only the castle as a wedding venue for as little as £2,690.
4. Osborne Castle, Isle of Wight
If you're looking for a place with a strong connection to the Royal Family, Osborne Castle won't disappoint, as it was the favorite retreat of one of Britain's greatest rulers – Queen Victoria.
Couples who get married here will have access to horses and private carriages for their royal-style ceremonies, use one of the opulent main event rooms, or enjoy a lavish beach wedding. All of this is made possible by the castle's priceless works of art, its expansive architecture, and the historical landmarks that create a setting both steeped in history and modern in character. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert used Osborne Castle as their retreat, and it was also the site of their daughter Princess Alice's wedding.
The cost of renting the Osborne Castle site is approximately £1,500.
5. St. Donat's Castle, South Wales
Located just a 40-minute drive from Cardiff, St. Donat's Castle is renowned for its vibrant gardens and picturesque sea views, making it an ideal backdrop for a stunning wedding.
The castle is currently owned by the University of Atlantic World (UWC Atlantic College). Outside of semesters, from mid-June to mid-August, it is an ideal location for large weddings. Couples can request to rent the entire castle for their wedding day to avoid multiple weddings taking place on the same day, including areas such as Bradenstoke Hall, the Rose, Blue, and Beast Gardens, the Top Lawn (with ocean views), the Inner Courtyard, the Great Hall, and a custom-designed wedding dress room. The castle was visited by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 2014.
Couples can contact the castle to inquire about the packages available.
6. Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire
Pembroke Castle is the perfect choice for a small, intimate indoor wedding with around 60 guests, featuring the beautiful Western Hall, The Great Keep, and Henry VII Tower, all steeped in historical significance. The castle's interior design contributes to a unique atmosphere for each couple holding their wedding here. The surrounding scenery not only provides the bride and groom but also their guests with stunning photo opportunities.
Pembroke Castle is the birthplace of King Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor Dynasty. The cost of renting the venue is around £1,000, and a complete wedding package starts from £5,500.
7. Borthwick Castle, Scotland
Borthwick Castle has been used as a wedding venue since 1458. It boasts a team of experienced professionals specializing in wedding planning, from simple ceremonies to those with a strong religious significance. Weddings often take place in the beautiful Garrison Room on the castle's top floor, or in other mysterious locations hidden within the castle grounds. Be prepared for breathtaking Scottish views.
The State Room is a beautiful and relaxing space, perfect for hosting wedding guests. Additionally, the castle offers fine dining with a diverse menu of champagnes and wines for guests to choose from.
Borthwick Castle was once the refuge of Mary, Queen of Scotland. The castle offers pre-booked wedding packages. In 2018, Borthwick Castle was rented as the venue for a two-day wedding with 26 guests, costing approximately £54,000.
8. Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
Couples can exchange vows in the castle's round tower, surrounded by outer walls and a secluded slope covered in lush green grass. The long wooden benches and cannon barrels that characterize the castle will transport you back in time. Candlelight adds to the fairytale atmosphere of the wedding. You can also choose one of the castle's elegant and charming rooms for a cozy, intimate ceremony or a grand, lavish reception.
Pendennis Castle was built by King Henry VIII and has been used as a coastal fortress to protect Cornwall from foreign invaders since the Tudor Dynasty. Rentals start from £450, with wedding packages starting at £4,199.
9. Cardigan Castle, Wales
Cardigan Castle offers couples elegant lawns dating back to the Regency era of British history, a Georgian-style mansion, and numerous other historically significant structures; all together creating a stunning setting for a wedding.
Numerous rooms within the castle can be used for ceremonies or entertaining guests. Not to mention, the castle boasts an outdoor area ideal for guests to enjoy breakfast during the wedding or for speeches to be given. Five-star accommodation is also a highlight for guests or couples seeking a comfortable retreat after a long day filled with excitement.
Cardigan Castle was originally used as the residence of King Edward I, later passed to Prince Henry. Finally, the castle was bequeathed to Katherine of Aragon as part of her dowry. Renting the entire castle costs from £1,000, while the lawns can be rented separately from £300.
