By ULTIMATE WEDDING MAGAZINE
Feel like Royalty for the day in your very own castle! We’ve rounded up some of our favourite castles in the UK that are perfect for your special day.
Pictured above: Hensol Castle
Belle Isle, County Fermanagh
Located on the northern tip of Upper Lough Erne, Belle Isle is a 17th-century castle and estate set on 470 acres spread across eight islands. The enchanted setting of rolling hills, flowering meadows, tranquil gardens and views of the lough forms a magical backdrop, while the historic castle is the embodiment of romance and old-world charm.
Belle Isle can help guests with every stage of the planning process with their exclusive wedding packages to ensure every detail is handled to create the perfect day. The castle can sleep up to 27 guests in 13 luxurious rooms that offer antique furnishing with modern amenities for ultimate Irish castle luxury. Additional guests can also stay in the estate’s Courtyard Apartments, Coach House and range of cottages, which can accommodate up to 65 people in total. Guests can enjoy fishing at their doorstep, wild bird or clay pigeon shooting, sailing, and walking trails. Renowned for its seasonal menu and locally sourced produce, the hotel is also home to exciting dining options and a state-of-the-art cookery school on site.
Tap here to visit, belle-isle.com
Hensol Castle, Vale of Glamorgan
Available for exclusive hire, Hensol Castle, located on the grounds of the Vale Resort in south Wales, has undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment programme to restore the castle to its former glory in recent years and make it a picture postcard backdrop to any wedding.
The 400-year-old castle has six function rooms complete with period features such as arched windows, oak panelling and high ceilings.
The 17th-century Grade I listed castle can host wedding parties of up to 180 guests in its Courtyard Hall, which sits in the heart of the castle.
Newlyweds and guests can enjoy a game of croquet on the castle’s lawn, watch the sunset from the 15-acre serpentine lake or relax around the feature fireplaces in the drawing room. With Hensol Castle sitting adjacent to the Vale Resort, wedding parties also have access to the hotel’s accommodation and leisure facilities.
Tap here to visit, hensolcastle.com
Langley Castle, Northumberland
Enjoy your own period drama wedding at Langley Castle in Northumberland, where over six hundred years of history create an aura like no other, in a venue boasting romance and ambience beyond compare, from the moment you enter the sweeping drive and start to live your fairy-tale dream.
This stunning wedding venue and heritage gem is located on 10 acres of secluded grounds in Langley-on-Tyne, close to Hadrian’s Wall. Chandeliers, knights in shining armour, window seats set into seven-foot walls and historic details at every turn, make this one of the most incredible and memorable places in which to exchange vows in Britain, whilst a castle feature Room, complete with a four-poster bed and other luxurious touches, are all any prince or princess, with romantic notions of how a wedding night should be, could desire.
You can create your own bespoke wedding day, whether you want medieval touches, a champagne bar in the summerhouse or an exclusive-use castle hire for you and your guests.
Tap here to visit, langleycastle.com
Malmaison Oxford
Everyone wants their big day or special celebration to be unique to them. You want character, you need incredible dining, a fantastic selection of cocktails and wines goes without saying and a room that is as comfortable as it is stylish is a prerequisite. Your wish is Malmaison Oxford’s command. Different is what they do best. A different kind of hotel that takes planning, catering and celebrating to a whole different level.
Situated in the Oxford Castle Quarter, and having started out life as a prison before being converted into their 95-room boutique hotel, it is the perfect location to celebrate your big day in one of their most iconic, unique and truly remarkable buildings.
The spectacular medieval architecture provides an unforgettable backdrop for a stunning celebration. And with adaptable indoor function space, creative catering and a dedicated event planning team, it would be a crime to miss your celebration at Malmaison Oxford. And, with regular showcase evenings, Malmaison can show you how to make your big day different.
Tap here to visit, malmaison.com/oxford
Shieldhill Castle, South Lanarkshire
Shieldhill Castle Hotel is a 4-star venue set in the beautiful upper Clyde valley. The Castle, which dates back to 1199, offers great character and charm amongst elegant surroundings.
The Castle is licensed to hold both religious and civil ceremonies. The Chapel within the Castle has a timeless atmosphere and can hold up to 140 guests. The grounds also offer a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. The 300-capacity Marquee can provide a beautiful reception venue and the award-winning in-house banqueting team are able to cater for any meal specifications, using the best locally sourced fresh ingredients.
They can also supply your very own wedding planner to make sure your special day goes smoothly and can help with photographers, limousine hire and transport, flowers, cakes and bands.
The Castle’s honeymoon suites offer a luxurious super king-size bed, private shower room and double Jacuzzi with stunning views over the Clyde valley or Castle gardens. The Castle has 26 spacious, comfortable and elegantly furnished en suite bedrooms, which they can offer to wedding guests at special accommodation rates.
