Photo: Kasteel Kerckebosch
Europe is a paradise made for love. Which makes it the perfect destination to say “I do”. Irresistible romance, rich history and wonderful old buildings combine to create all the magic ingredients for a dream-worthy wedding. In addition to heartstopping views and fabulous service, finding a property where all of your friends and family are able to stay only adds to the fun. And fairytales really can come true – as this selection of beautiful European wedding venues proves:
Chateau des Briottieres: France
Photo: Chateau des Briottieres
Lovebirds flock to Chateau des Briottieres all year round, but smart couples book the 18th-century venue to tie the knot. The chateau combines the glamour of a bygone age with all the fine fare and top-notch service you’d expect of a Loire Valley castle. Guests can stay in the nine perfectly renovated rooms, dine in a candle-strewn hall and stroll in 50 hectares of sublime rose-speckled park.
Sundbyholm Castle, Sweden
Photo: Sundbyholm Castle
You’ll take a step back in time as you reach the grounds of this dreamy Swedish castle. As a scene of regal perfection, the wedding venue might have sprung from a 17th-century painting. Located on the southern shore of romantic, laid-back Lake Mälaren, it honours centuries of traditions – including welcoming wedding guests with three grand cannon shots and a thick red carpet that’ll make everyone feel like royalty.
Castello di Gargonza, Italy
Photo: Castello di Gargonza
If you’re getting married at Castello di Gargonza, your wedding photographer has an easy job. They’ll be snapping honey-drenched buildings within a quaint walled village, perfect pastoral florals blooming in the outdoor ceremony space, and that intensely turquoise pool. They’ll be capturing your kisses with a lush green backdrop – the thick clumps of olive groves that go for miles beyond the old venue. And if they’re stuck for inspiration, they can always get arty with the glorious Tuscan tower that’ll watch over your big day. See? Easy.
Kapsaliana Village, Crete
Photo: Kapsaliana Village
It’s heaven for blissed-out lovers, which makes it a lust-worthy contender for marriage. This Cretan hotel has retained links to its past with its lovingly maintained monastery olive press, attached to a house for guests to stay in. But despite its location in a secluded historic village, it’s also surprisingly resort like, with a luxurious pool and all the modern trappings you’d expect of an ultra-plush wedding venue.
Castle Durrow, Ireland
Photo: Castle Durrow
Castle Durrow is showy; every 18th-century curve seems to throw up yet further proof of the country house’s perfect knot-tying qualities. But the stately exterior enfolds a warm and relaxed heart: squishy four-poster beds in light-drenched rooms await, as do handsome green lawns and rose-clad gardens that will only heighten the fantasy that you’ve arrived in a time-hopping period drama.
Kasteel Kerckebosch: Netherlands
Photo: Kasteel Kerckebosch
It’s a stunner, from its real cast iron knockers ushering you in, to its religious antiques adding curiosity to bright, open rooms. This beautiful brick castle on the outskirts of Zeist ticks all the wedding venue boxes, from the refurbished rooms with original touches, down to the French cheeses as guests relax in the charming restaurant. After a dream wedding day, freshly married soulmates are wise to reserve the fairytale Tower Suite and end the magic in true storybook fashion.
Bårdshaug Herregård: Norway
Photo: Bårdshaug Herregård
Dating back to 1900, this postcard-perfect hunting lodge is an astonishingly pretty wedding venue. It sits on the banks of the Orkdalsfjord like a Norwegian dream. But this old-world property can do deluxe, with meticulously crafted wooden furniture, pristine lawns and a luxurious banquet room for those all-important speeches.
Hotel Schloss Hertefeld: Germany
Photo: Hotel Schloss Hertefeld
Marry the love of your life surrounded by friends, family and centuries of history and romance at this extra special hotel. It’s Germany’s only inhabitable castle ruin, handed down through 23 generations. You’ll have the castle to yourself, including the intimate cross vault for saying those life-changing vows and the romantic pavilion in the castle park for those winning wedding photographs.
Fall in love with more dream spots to say “I do” by perusing the rest of the Historic Hotels of Europe wedding venue range. Whether you fantasise about tying the knot in a Tuscan village or marrying your soulmate in a big old Irish castle, there are plenty of properties to choose from, each with amazing history and incredible scenery.
Author: Historic Hotels of Europe
