Are you ready to add a touch of fairy tale magic to your big day? We’re looking at favourite castle wedding venues in the UK as reviewed by couples in 2022 and 2023 from all over the country. From archaic turrets to sprawling grounds, these top five castle wedding venues in UK offer something unique that stole the heart of the couples in the WeddingDates awards in 2023.
CRABWALL MANOR HOTEL AND SPA
With history dating back to the 11th century, Crabwall Manor Hotel and Spa is the first on our list. Situated close to the historic City of Chester in North West England, on the border with Wales, this 55-bedroom countryside hotel possesses grace and offers adaptability, allowing you to craft the wedding of your dreams.
It might be an intimate gathering or a grander wedding you are seeking, and either way Crabwall Manor will offer a beautiful setting for your special day. Their exquisitely designed function suites are capable of accommodating wedding receptions and civil ceremonies for up to 90 guests, and up to 150 guests for an evening reception. They also offer a personalised service customised according to your needs and requirements.
This wedding venue also holds a licence for civil wedding ceremonies and partnerships, allowing couples to host their special day from start to finish in one venue. They recently secured an additional licence to host outdoor ceremonies in the gorgeous gardens.
CARBERRY TOWER MANSION HOUSE AND ESTATE
Second of the five is one of Scotland’s most sought-after and esteemed wedding venues, Carberry Tower, is an exclusive-use castle just a short distance from central Edinburgh.
Nestled in East Lothian, surrounded by breathtaking countryside, this castle’s history dates back to 1480, when the first foundation stone was laid. Over the centuries, Carberry Tower Mansion House and Estate has welcomed Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses, all drawn to its magnificent setting, and the promise of warm fires and banqueting. Today, the private estate offers a unique wedding experience. With on-site accommodation and a gorgeous Chapel that can host up to 150 guests, it’s a place worth considering.
The Royal Suites are set up for the bride and/or the groom and each has views over the estate gardens, while the Grande Suites, and the Executive and Classic bedrooms provide accommodation for up to 71 guests.
LUMLEY CASTLE HOTEL
For over 630 years, Lumley Castle has reigned over County Durham. Situated within nine acres of beautiful parkland and overlooking the River Wear, Lumley Castle Hotel stands as an idyllic wedding venue.
Lumley Castle Hotel’s Garter Suite and The Barons Hall have capacity to host grand weddings of up to 180 guests. The Scarbrough State Room is an intimate room for smaller gatherings of up to 50 guests. Beyond these The Sceptre and The Gilt are two intimate rooms to accommodate up to 20 people. If you fancy an outdoor civil ceremony the Baron’s Garden perfectly provides an exquisite backdrop for capturing those cherished moments.
Your guests will be delighted to see the extensive grounds of the castle which makes for spectacular wedding photographs. They will be even more delighted with their unique and impeccable courtyard and castle accommodation.
RUTHIN CASTLE HOTEL AND SPA
Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa is a historic 13th-century castle in North Wales, coming in at number four on our list of the Top Castle Wedding Venues. Located just a stone’s throw away from Ruthin town, the castle provides an ideal backdrop for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.
Choose from a wide variety of wedding packages adapted for every season. Licensed for Civil Marriages, you could have a unique Medieval Wedding Reception with a feast in the Medieval Banqueting Hall. They also offer Marquee Wedding Receptions.
From the grandeur of the Grand Salon that can accommodate up to 120 guests to the elegance of the Peacock Suite which is ideal for medium sized gatherings, you can say “I Do” according to your choice and setting. For a small gathering, select either Bertie’s or The Cornwallis Suite which are more intimate settings.
HAZLEWOOD CASTLE
Steeped in a rich history of Kings and Knights, at number five on our list, Hazlewood Castle is 77 acres of serene parkland equidistant from Leeds and York. The castle has been meticulously restored and transformed into a magnificent destination, offering 32 luxurious bedrooms, breathtaking grounds and an award-winning restaurant.
The Great Hall accommodates weddings for up to 120 guests, while the Clear Garden Marquee can host up to 400 guests. With several elegant private rooms, many licensed for Civil Ceremonies, the venue offers diverse options for ceremonies and celebrations. It is one of a select few venues in Yorkshire offering outdoor ceremonies for up to 100 guests. If you are a nature lover, their Woodland Weddings option features a pagoda for Civil Ceremonies, giving you a unique and tranquil ambiance for you and your party. All wedding packages are flexible and customisable on every aspect of your event.
Or you can choose the ‘Exclusive Use’ option which means celebrating your special day in total privacy with your guests. With exclusive access to all 32 bedrooms, the castle rooms, St. Leonard’s Chapel and the grounds, you can enjoy a true house party experience reigning as King and Queen of the Castle for the day.
That concludes the Five Top Rate Castle Wedding Venues in the UK as chosen by Wedding Couples. These castle venues were loved by couples for various reasons, but mainly because it’s where their wedding dreams came true. To check the complete list of all the 2023 UK winners, check out the full blog here!
