image courtesy of Explore Ashville

5 Castle Wedding Venues in the U.S.

November 30, 2021
Words by Rebecca Mardikian
Photos courtesy of Explore Asheville

I’m sure at one point or another every little girl dreams of her perfect wedding day (I know I have.) From fantasizing about your dress to the flowers in your bouquet and the grand venue, chances are you have a clear vision of what we want our wedding to look like. With some couples yearning for a castle wedding, but traveling internationally is not in the cards, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of our top five U.S. castle wedding destinations for those dreaming of a royal celebration.

The Biltmore Estate

With lush greenery and stunning mountainous views, the Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is the perfect combination of history and romance. This magical slice of heaven has multiple ceremony and reception locations throughout the estate, including the enchanting European wonderland of Cedric’s Garden or the historic Biltmore House and Gardens. No matter where you chose to say yes to forever on the grounds, the Biltmore Estate is sure to make you feel like a king or queen on your wedding day.

Hammond Castle

Craving a European-style wedding but don’t want to travel abroad? Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Massachusetts is an ideal destination that is sure to make you and your guests feel as if you’ve been transported to a medieval village. Situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this gorgeous castle gives off major 15th Century Scotland vibes. With intricate architecture and historic European charm, you won’t even know you haven’t crossed the pond!

Boldt Castle

Appearing to be almost straight out of Bridgerton, Boldt Castle, located in Alexandria, New York, and the 1000 Island region, is the ideal wedding destination for couples envisioning a romantic, Victorian-style wedding. Set on the Saint Lawrence River, this historic site is surrounded by thousands of little islands. With ceremonies held at Dove-Cote, its medieval charm and gorgeous views make the perfect backdrop to solidify “forever.”

Hearst Castle

Start “California dreamin'” of Hearst Castle’s breathtaking Spanish palatial feels. A fair distance from two major California cities, (Los Angeles and San Francisco) Hearst Castle was coined by George Hearst as “La Cuesta Encantada” – Spanish for The Enchanted Hill. “By 1947, the hilltop complex included a twin-towered main building, three sumptuous guesthouses, and 127 acres of terraced gardens, fountains, and pools,” the Hearst Castle website says. As lavish as each room in the castle is, we suggest you consider an outside ceremony during golden hour for a decadent backdrop of the tall swaying palm trees and sun-kissed mountains that surround the grounds.

Smithsonian Castle

Located in the capital of the United States, this Romanesque-style castle boasts stunning 19th-century architecture. As the gateway to the famed Smithsonian entailing 21 museums and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Visitor Center welcomes guests into an adventure in American national identity. With multiple halls throughout the venue, such as the beautiful Great Hall, it is hard not to feel like new-world, American royalty on your wedding day! Take your reception out to the magical Enid A. Haupt Garden for an indoor-outdoor experience.

Your vision of a royal wedding is not as far as it may seem. With dazzling European-style castles all throughout the United States, you will feel like a king and queen on your wedding day!

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