If you're one to go all-out on a Wedding venue to make the dream of a fairytale come true for one very special, and very expensive, day then this list is most definitely for you. We've scouted the length and breadth of the UK to find some of the most epic locations to say "I do."
1. Carlowrie Castle, Edinburgh
Built in 1852, this domestic construction project was commissioned by an Edinburgh wine merchant. He never got the chance to see his castle finished, but it was completed by his son Robert and today it definitely stands in the spotlight for fairytale wedding venues in the UK. It's somewhat turbulent history, including damage after being used as a temporary RAF base during World War II, is very much a success story. It is recognised as one of the top 3 venues in all of Europe with under 200 bedrooms. We look this venue for its compact and homely feel.
Recently, this location won Best Castle Venue at the Hitched Awards.
2. Chateau Rhianfa, Anglesey
This flawless venue complete with its well-deserved grade II listing was inspired by a Chateau in the Loire Valley region of France. Situated near Beaumaris on Anglesey, its only a stone's throw away from the peaks of Snowdonia and very much tops our list of magical locations for couples who are tempted to seal their vows.
The property, with superb Victorian features, boasts 21 bedroom suites, an indoor hot tub, tennis court, dining areas and will soon be home to a private beach and jetty. Within its rich walls, four elegant reception rooms and a grand hall await you.
The Chateau Rhianfa offers three distinct wedding packages. Whether you choose the far-from-basic Lace Wedding package from £99 per person, dreamy Satin Wedding package at £129 per person or the all-out Silk Wedding package for around £150 per person, you'll be guaranteed to experience a Wedding like no other. Unforgettable, magical and deserved.
3. Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire
With an estate extending to around 6000 acres, you most certainly get your monies worth here. Providing a generous contribution to the local economy, its cottages, farms, pubs and hotel make Berkeley Castle a stunning place to even visit, let alone marry in. This establishment boasts inclusivity as its licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships alike. For large ceremonies couples can hire the magnificent 14th century-built Great Hall for 130 guests, or the Long Drawing Room for more intimate celebrations consisting of up to 70 guests.
There is a choice of a church service, one with its own history as it was built in 1225. We think the prices are respectable too considering the sheer size of the estate; for a summer wedding expect to pay upwards of £15,000, and around 3 grand less for the winter months.
4. Syon Park, London
Fortunately for this location, with its epic conservatory, today's story is far brighter than that of its past. Syon Park has an eventful history to say the least. Where now it's a tranquil and rather enchanting building, part of it was destroyed by Henry VIII in the sixteenth century and had one of its priests brutally executed. No need to fear during your ceremony in this place, not this year, for fairytale jumps out and you'll be sure to receive the happy ever after you both deserve.
To hire this gorgeous location and stay the night before, you'd be looking at between £15,000 for a mid-week celebration and £20,000 for a Saturday. If you've got that kind of cash to spend, why not indulge in a spacious place with a delicious menu?
5. De Vere Tortworth Court, Gloucestershire
Hidden away on the edge of the Cotswolds, this exceptionally beautiful ancestral house of the Ducie family, refurbished thanks to a £5 million investment programme, awaits a magical start to a new romantic chapter. From The Orangery to the Westminster Suite, luxurious decor paves the way to your future together. Be prepared to pay a decent £110 per head plus a ceremony room hire charge of around £1300. It may seem like a lot of money, but who can truly put a price on love?
6. Leeds Castle, Kent
The largest room of this jaw-dropping venue is the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, and its where you and your guests would enjoy a mouth-watering wedding breakfast on an ebony floor, beside a 16th century French Caen stone fireplace. This castle screams royalty. With medieval roots, you could alternatively opt for a wedding in the late-tutor construction of the Maiden's Tower, built under the authority of Henry VIII to accommodate the Queen's ladies in waiting.
There are a number of packages to suit every couple, including garden party weddings and that of a barn. Although a little pricey on the high end of £25k, the grand Leeds Castle in all its 900 years of intense history is definitely worth a thought.
7. Hensol Castle, Vale of Glamorgan
Fancy being a King and Queen of the Castle? What better venue to hire than this stately home. The Hensol estate was first found to be owned by the Jenkins family (1419-1721). Judge David Jenkins was a man of great force and character and was known as a staunch Royalist. Over time, a number of families have taken the honour of owning this building, and n 2015 it was bought by businessman Gerald Leeke. For over 5 years, it has housed weddings and other events.
For you loved-up brides and grooms, you can hire this castle for as little as £1500 on a Monday, or £5000 on a Saturday. If you want to be treated like a Prince and Princess, you should invest a bit of time looking around Hensol. You'll even get a red carpet thrown in.
8. Allerton Castle, North Yorkshire
Slightly more gothic, this popular castle is situated within 200 acres of stunning scenery yet just a short drive from the M1 motorway, so easily accessible. The location welcomes up to 120 guests for the civil ceremony and wedding breakfast, and a respectable 200 guests for the evening reception. Visible through the surrounding trees from afar, Allerton Castle features a famous Great Hall staircase, a romantic and private Drawing Room, Memorial Garden and superb Ball Room for dancing the night away.
For sleeping arrangements you won't be treated like a servant, for the Bride and Groom will feel like King and Queen waking up in The Palace Suite, while close relatives will opt for the dark yet magical Tudor Bedrooms.
Prices vary but stand respectably at £170 per adult head during peak season, £70 for children and £30 for evening-only guests. Should it be within your price range, don't shrug off this venue without at least a bit of research. It's a venue to include on your radar.
9. Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire
Surrounded by a beautiful deer park, arboretum, and lake, Eastnor Castle is the home of the Hervey-Bathurst family. With its 25 year history of witnessing vows, this venue's rates are certainly welcoming for those wishing to say those all-important words with a backdrop of pure magic. Prices start at just £7400 for a small and intimate Wedding, but likely escalate to around £13,000 for one with a reasonable number of guests.
Walking into the building makes you feel like a royal. Leaving it holding your newlywed's hand makes you feel like a Disney legend.
10. Thornton Manor, Cheshire
In 1888, Thornton Manor became the home of William Lever, the world's greatest philanthropic industrialist. Quarter of a century later, rebuilt this estate which remains almost entirely unchanged to this day. One, or rather two, can choose between the Manor House, Lakeside Marquee, Dell Pavilion or the Walled Garden Marquee as a fairytale location.
Hiring this enchanting venue won't only guarantee you stunning photos and a day to never forget, but you'd be contributing to the ongoing maintenance of the site so it can be enjoyed by thousands in the years to come. Almost all of its profits are circled back into restoration projects. It brings a new meaning to the Circle of Life.
The copyright of the photos of Allerton Castle, Thornton Manor, De Vere Tortworth Court, Berkeley Castle, Syon Park, Carlowrie, Eastnor, Hensol Castle & Chateau Rhianfa are held by the venues themselves. Leeds Castle photo by Steven Brooks.