If you’re dreaming of a fairytale wedding, Europe is home to some of the most stunning castles that you can book for your special day. From the romantic ruins of ancient fortresses to opulent palaces steeped in history, our list highlights 21 enchanting venues across various countries. Each castle offers a unique charm, accommodating different guest sizes and providing indoor and outdoor settings ideal for various wedding seasons. Plus, we’ve included a special feature for each venue to spark your imagination and make planning a breeze.
Dundas Castle, Scotland
Dundas Castle is an exclusive-use historic estate set on 500 acres near Edinburgh. The medieval Auld Keep with vaulted ceilings and stone walls offers a dramatic ceremony space. The elegance of the Croquet Room and picturesque gardens provide serene outdoor locations. Accommodation in 17 individually decorated bedrooms allows intimate multi-day celebrations. The Pavilion accommodates up to 200 guests for receptions. Guests enjoy Scottish hospitality with top-tier catering and personalized service. Dundas Castle blends centuries of history with luxurious modern amenities, making it an award-winning wedding venue that promises timeless romance.
https://dundascastle.co.uk/weddings/
Schloss Leopoldskron, Austria
This 18th-century rococo palace in Salzburg, famed for The Sound of Music, offers a magical wedding venue by a serene lake. The ornate ballrooms, frescoed ceilings, and imperial gardens provide diverse options for ceremonies and al fresco receptions. Guests enjoy stunning Alpine views, world-class Austrian cuisine, and exclusive privacy. The estate caters to intimate and large weddings with luxury lodgings onsite. Spring and autumn seasons highlight the natural beauty of its lakeside setting, making Schloss Leopoldskron a fairy-tale wedding spot for couples seeking historic elegance and alpine romance.
https://www.schloss-leopoldskron.com
Pousada de Óbidos, Portugal
Set within medieval town walls, this 12th-century castle boutique hotel offers intimate courtyard weddings enveloped in Northern Portuguese charm. Stone battlements and fragrant terraces create a romantic atmosphere. Ideal for small to medium guest sizes, couples enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine and wine. The venue invites exploration of the quaint UNESCO-protected town of Óbidos. Mild spring and autumn weather enhances outdoor celebrations, while historic interiors provide cozy shelter. This venue blends rustic authenticity with boutique luxury perfect for a warm, personal castle wedding experience.
https://pousadas.pt/en/hotel/pousada-de-obidos
Castillo de la Zuda, Spain
Perched atop a hill in Zaragoza, this Moorish castle offers sweeping views of city and countryside, perfect for dramatic weddings blending history and landscape. Ceremonies in sunlit courtyards and receptions in elegant historic halls marry tradition with modern comfort. The manicured gardens provide intimate spaces for cocktails. With generous guest capacity and private event coordination, Castillo de la Zuda creates a captivating setting framed by Spain’s vibrant heritage and warm light—ideal for unforgettable destination celebrations.
https://www.zaragoza.es
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, France
This spectacular Baroque estate near Paris boasts grandiose architecture, vast gardens by André Le Nôtre, and ornate interiors featuring frescoes and luxurious details. It accommodates large weddings, with garden receptions illuminated by thousands of candles and fountains, creating a magical fairytale atmosphere. Custom French cuisine, professional event planning, and exclusive use promise an opulent experience for couples seeking classic French elegance. Spring and early autumn best showcase its lavish landscape and historic grandeur, capturing the imagination of every guest.
https://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com
Burg Schwarzenstein, Germany
Set amid Rheingau vineyards, Burg Schwarzenstein blends medieval character with modern luxury, renting spaces from intimate courtyards to gothic banquet halls. The estate includes Michelin-starred catering emphasizing local wines like Riesling, perfect for gastronomic celebrations. Guests enjoy serene vineyard landscapes and elegant accommodations. Outdoor ceremonies complement vineyard views in spring and summer, making it a dream venue for wine-loving couples seeking historic ambience paired with world-class cuisine and hospitality.
https://www.burg-schwarzenstein.de
Palazzo Paruta, Venice, Italy
Situated in the heart of Venice, Palazzo Paruta is a stunning 16th-century Venetian palazzo offering an intimate wedding experience surrounded by historic art and architecture. Its elegant interiors feature frescoed ceilings, antique tapestries, and grand halls perfect for small to medium-sized gatherings. Guests are enchanted by the courtyard garden, ideal for outdoor ceremonies in the spring and early autumn when Venice bursts with light and color. The venue balances Venetian tradition with modern comforts, providing personalized catering focusing on regional seafood and Venetian delicacies. Celebrating a wedding here means immersing yourself in centuries of Venetian culture while enjoying beautiful canal views. More details at palazzoparuta.com.
Kasteel De Haar, Utrecht, Netherlands
Kasteel De Haar is the Netherlands’ largest and most luxurious castle, boasting neo-Gothic architecture with expansive gardens and a picturesque moat. It is perfect for large wedding celebrations with capacity for up to 300 guests, offering elegant indoor salons and a charming chapel for religious ceremonies. The estate’s beautifully manicured gardens provide idyllic settings for receptions and photo sessions, especially in spring and summer when flowers are in bloom. With multiple reception rooms, fine Dutch cuisine, and historic opulence, De Haar embodies a fairytale Dutch wedding experience. Visit dehaar.nl.
Dunmore East Castle, Waterford, Ireland
Set dramatically on Ireland’s rugged southeast coastline, Dunmore East Castle offers breathtaking sea views combined with historic charm. This coastal castle allows intimate ceremonies on cliffside terraces overlooking the Atlantic, perfect for picturesque sunset weddings. The castle’s stone walls and ancient architecture create an atmospheric backdrop complemented by traditional Irish hospitality. Ideal for couples looking to combine rugged natural beauty with castle grandeur, the venue supports cozy receptions with local cuisine and lively music. Best wedding seasons are late spring or early autumn for temperate, pleasant weather. Learn more at dunmoreeastcastle.ie.
Hluboká Castle, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hluboká Castle is a romantic Neo-Gothic castle drawing inspiration from England’s Windsor Castle, set amid sprawling landscaped parks and lakes. Its ornate interiors with grand staircases, wood-paneled rooms, and period furnishings make it an elegant choice for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The castle provides picturesque outdoor spaces and formal gardens ideal for spring and summer celebrations. Guests can enjoy nearby vineyards and historical towns, enriching their wedding stay. It’s particularly suited for couples wishing to combine central European history, architectural grandeur, and beautiful countryside landscapes. Visit hluboka.cz.
