Unique Castle Weddings in the United States
For Creative Ways to Get Married, Try Castles of the U.S.
Jul 13, 2009
Castle weddings have long been in the fantasies of young girls. Whether it's the appeal of being treated like royalty or the love for the history of the immense stone walls, getting married in a castle has an appeal like no other. What many don't know is that there are castles, right here in the U.S. that are open to the public or that allow weddings on a limited basis.
'Iolani Palace, Honolulu, HI
The only official Royal Palace in the United States, the Iolani Palace was the official residence for the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two ruling monarchs. Weddings can be held on the Palace grounds, followed by a reception in the private open-air courtyard of the historic ‘Iolani Barracks.
As well as having an incredibly memorable wedding in the midst of royal history, the bride and groom will be helping to preserve history since all of the proceeds from event rentals goes to the Friends of `Iolani Palace and help to restore, protect and preserve this historic treasure. See the website for details, contact The Friends of 'Iolani Palace, P.O. Box 2259, Honolulu, Hawaii 96804 or call (808) 522-0831.
Falkenstein Castle, Burnet, TX
The Falkenstein Castle was inspired by the Neuschwanstein castle which was built by King Ludwig the II of Bavaria in Germany. the Neuschwanstein was also the inspiration for the castle at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. The Falkenstein Castle in Texas has an enchanting gothic wedding chapel with arched doors and a hand-carved French altar as well as 4 acres of gardens and grounds within the walls for some wonderful photo opportunities. See the website for details, contact the Falkenstein Castle Office, 401 Buchanan Drive, Suite #1, Burnet, Texas 78611 or call (512) 715-0330.
The Enchanted Forest, North San Diego County, CA
Complete wedding services from start to finish are provided by the staff at the Enchanted Forest. This beautiful castle setting is provided by the owners who share this private residence with a few couple each season and for a full 8 hours, devote their every attention to the details of the wedding.
The ceremony can be held in the gazebo by the lake and the reception is held as guests dine with candlelight on the garden and lakeside patios. See the website for details, contact The Enchanted Forest at (760) 451-8683 or e-mail them at efwcarol@hughes.net.
Louisiana Castle, Franklinton. LA
The Louisiana Castle is a replica of an English Norman Keep Castle on 10 secluded acres. Outdoor weddings are the castle's specialty with special touches as rose petals fluttering down from the balcony as the bride emerges from the doors of the castle. The castle also features a throne room, complete with king and queen chairs for the bride and groom to greet their guests plus a newly expanded ballroom for receptions. See website for details, contact reservations at 3108 Cleary Avenue, Suite 202, Metairie, LA 70002, or call (504) 455-8700.
Bannerman Castle, Glenham, NY
Romantic legends about the island and stories of ghosts and fairies about about the Bannerman Castle. Although left in ruins after the 1950s the castle still stands, covered in vines, as a testament to the ingenuity of Francis Bannerman who built the castle without the aid of engineers or architects, in the early 1900s based on sketches he made on napkins and scrap paper.
The Bannerman Castle Trust has arranged for a few weddings on the historic grounds and any money that is made during tours and events goes toward restoration of the castle. A truly unique wedding experience for more adventurous couples. See website for details or contact the Bannerman Castle Trust at (845) 831-6346.
Belcourt Castle, Newport, RI
This 60-room Belcourt Castle, built in 1891 was built for entertaining. Royalty, entertainers and the wealthiest Americans attended grand events at this castle. The chapel sits up to 40 people and the French Gothic Ballroom, up to 250. Implicitly decorated with ornate details and 13th century stained glass windows, this castle is a truly elegant experience. See the website for details, contact Belcourt Castle, 657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 or call (401) 846-0669.
Cavender Castle, Dahlonega, GA
Cavender Castle boasts the inside of the castle as being "elegant but unpretentious". Situated on a 9 acre North Georgia mountain estate with manicured grounds, outdoor weddings are created to supply a lifetime of memories in the regal special events sanctuary. If the weather turns bad on that special day, the King's Ballroom is setup as a contingency site for the wedding, giving the bride and groom extra reassurance that their special day will be special. See the website for details, contact The Cavender Castle at 121 Cavender Castle Drive, Dahlonega, Ga. 30533 or call (706) 864-8594.
Castle weddings and other creative wedding ideas are ideal for a couple that wants a unique wedding and something to remember for a lifetime. Weddings in a castle can be themed with historic costumes, fantastic ballroom or medieval dresses or simply the with elegance of a fantasy princess wedding.
 |
