The Best Castle Wedding Venues in the United States
The Best Castle Wedding Venues in the United States (A Fairytale for Modern Couples)
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through stone archways, exchanging vows in a garden courtyard, or celebrating inside a grand hall straight out of a fairytale — you’re not alone. Castle wedding venues in the United States are becoming more popular every year, and it’s easy to see why. They offer the romance, architecture, and fairy-tale charm of European destinations, but without needing to fly your entire guest list across the ocean.
As a Nashville wedding photographer who travels all over the U.S., I’ve photographed weddings at lakeside castles, historic estates, dramatic coastal venues, and mountain hideaways. And truly — nothing photographs quite like a castle. The architecture, the light, the stonework, the gardens… everything feels elevated and timeless.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding weekend or simply love the fairytale aesthetic, here are some of the best castle wedding venues in the United States — including one of my recent favorites, Castle Farms in Charlevoix, Michigan.
Castle Farms — Charlevoix, Michigan
Let’s start with a venue I recently photographed and completely fell in love with — Castle Farms. This venue is stunning in every direction. Think: European stone architecture, perfectly manicured gardens, elegant courtyards, and endless portrait locations bathed in clean natural light.
Castle Farms truly feels like a French château tucked away in Northern Michigan. You get the feel of a European destination wedding without needing a passport.
Why couples love Castle Farms:
Multiple indoor + outdoor ceremony locations
Ivy-covered stone walls and charming courtyards
Immaculate gardens for dreamy golden-hour portraits
Spacious grounds that give guests room to explore
Weather-proof options that keep the day stress-free
It’s breathtaking and incredibly versatile — from intimate weddings to large celebrations, Castle Farms handles it all beautifully.
Castle Ladyhawke — Tuckasegee, North Carolina
If a cozy, intimate, mountain fairytale is more your vibe, Castle Ladyhawke is absolute perfection. Nestled within North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, this venue feels like a secluded European castle you just happened to stumble upon in the forest.
The stone architecture, warm wood interiors, and sweeping mountain views make it wildly romantic.
Why couples love Castle Ladyhawke:
Mountain views that look magical in every season
A mix of indoor + outdoor spaces that photograph beautifully
A peaceful, private escape perfect for weekend weddings
European-inspired details with rustic elegance
The option to stay on-site at Bear Lake Reserve
It’s intimate, charming, and full of storybook atmosphere.
Laurel Hall — Indianapolis, Indiana
While not a castle in the traditional turret-and-tower sense, Laurel Hall absolutely earns its place on this list. This historic mansion offers all the aristocratic elegance and old-world grandeur of a European estate.
With sweeping staircases, leaded-glass windows, stone terraces, and lush grounds, Laurel Hall is dripping with editorial, timeless charm.
Perfect for couples who:
Love that “classic mansion estate” aesthetic
Want an elegant indoor option with incredible natural light
Prefer refined, historic architecture over medieval style
Want a fairytale setting close to a major city
Dream of elevated, black-tie vibes
Every hallway here feels like a photo moment.
Hammond Castle — Gloucester, Massachusetts
If you love moody, dramatic, oceanfront vibes, Hammond Castle will steal your heart. This medieval-style castle sits directly on the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the most unique venues in New England.
What makes it magical:
Ocean views + medieval architecture
Candlelit interiors
Grand stone hallways
Dramatic and romantic ceremony spaces
This venue truly feels like a cinematic experience — perfect for couples who want something unforgettable.
Boldt Castle — Heart Island, New York
Boldt Castle is located in the Thousand Islands region and is accessible only by boat, which already makes it feel like a private destination escape. The entire island becomes your venue, creating a once-in-a-lifetime wedding weekend.
Why couples choose Boldt Castle:
A true destination experience
Historic architecture and sprawling grounds
Endless portrait locations
Waterfront views in every direction
If you want a venue that feels exclusive and magical, this is the one.
Searles Castle — Windham, New Hampshire
This Tudor-style estate feels like stepping straight into a classic fairytale. Searles Castle is surrounded by forest and lush landscaping, giving it a romantic and intimate feel.
Why it’s perfect:
Cozy, storybook vibes
Stonework that photographs beautifully
Manicured gardens for portraits
Ideal for fall and winter weddings
It’s charming, elegant, and wonderfully atmospheric.
Bishop’s Palace — Galveston, Texas
Bishop’s Palace is one of the most architecturally unique venues in Texas. It’s incredibly ornate, full of French Gothic details, and ideal for couples who want a bold, luxurious aesthetic.
Why couples book it:
Dramatic interiors that elevate every photo
Editorial portrait locations around every corner
A glamorous, historic feel
Perfect indoor options for summer Texas heat
This venue is a dream for couples who want a wedding that feels rich, detailed, and architectural.
The Kentucky Castle — Versailles, Kentucky
Just outside Lexington — and only a few hours from Nashville — The Kentucky Castle offers castle beauty with convenience. It’s a showstopper venue that combines luxury with accessibility.
Why it’s popular:
Incredible courtyard ceremonies
Overnight lodging for guests
Rooftop views
Perfect for large weddings
An easy drive for Tennessee couples
This venue is ideal for couples wanting a castle wedding without a plane ticket.
Final Thoughts: Your Fairytale Wedding Can Happen Anywhere
Choosing a castle wedding venue is all about finding a place that feels magical to you. Whether you’re drawn to lakeside elegance, mountain romance, moody coastal backdrops, or historic mansion charm, there is a castle venue in the United States that will bring your fairytale to life.
If you’re dreaming up your castle wedding and want help choosing the right venue — or want a photographer who knows how to make architecture and natural light work beautifully together — I’d love to connect.
📩 Let’s create something magical together: