do you know you can get married at a castle right here in the south?
I'm already married, so my dream is to photograph someone else getting married at a castle.
Actually, my big dream is to photograph a wedding at every. single. one. of these castles!
Side Note: if you choose to get married at a castle on this list that I haven't photographed yet (on a date when I'm available), I will shoot a full wedding for the price of a small wedding. I'll photograph a small wedding for the price of a micro wedding. And I'll take pictures at a micro wedding for $715 plus travel. Even if I've already photographed that castle or you're just wanting a family or engagement session, I will give 10% off.
a tour of southern castles
I didn't even realize there are wedding venues that are castles right here in the South until my wedding stylist friend posted one on Instagram. It's less than 4 hours from me, and I (a wedding photographer) had no idea!
So I figured there might be some brides out there who also need to know this is an option.
It has become my mission to get the word out!
After finding one, I became obsessed in my search. As in, I woke up at 2am and stayed up for hours researching the castles you're about to see. I found one an hour from where I live now and one an hour from where I previously lived for two years! You might be surprised to find how close one is to you.
In fact, this list contains castles in 13 different states! And I keep finding more to add.
I didn't even include all the southern castles I found.
My primary requirement was that it had to actually look like a castle.
For me, that meant it had at least a section of crenels and merlons (yes, I had to look that up to see what they're called). They also had to have an updated website or at least a Facebook page that lists it as a location to host weddings/events.
To visit these 16 magical venues, you won't leave the South, but you may feel like you did. Even if you aren't getting married, many of these locations allow you to schedule a tour of the castle or host other events there.
This is me on my first castle tour at Castle Recording Studios!
As I visit each one, I plan to update this page and do an entire blog post on each castle. Currently, all the pictures on this page are currently from the Castle Recording Studio except for the Christmas ones at the Kentucky Castle, but I will add more as I go. I also have some of the inside of this castle that I will include in the separate blog post. (And just imagine if each of these pictures were taken in a wedding dress!)
For now, click the corresponding link to see each of the other castles.
Let's start with this castle since it's the one that started it all for me...
the kentucky castle
Versailles, KY
This is a hotel, spa, and farm-to-table restaurant. I love that they even have glamping, a swimming pool, and murder mystery dinners. I toured this one with my neighbor and the guide offered to take pictures of everyone at a couple of different spots. They also limit the tours to about 10 people at a time, which was really nice.
We went in early November and they already had their Christmas decorations up, which was a lot of fun!
You will most likely spend $5000+ for a wedding at this location. Their site says a good rule of thumb is about $100/person at the wedding.
Tours available, about $28.50/person for 45 minutes. If you book it in person, it's only $25.
Me and my sweet neighbor who toured the castle with me!
I now have a full article with dozens of pictures of the Kentucky Castle inside and out. View it here.
The Sterling Castle
Shelby, AL
How have I never even heard of this place, seriously?! I emailed them to schedule a tour, and I loved that the bottom of their response gave a "Castle Stormer" number. So many cute little details. You can even request fog that doesn't rise above your knees for the first dance so it looks like you're dancing on a cloud! I think I even saw fireworks mentioned somewhere?! I love their story of how they created the castle to live their own fairytale.
Expect to spend $10,000+ for this venue.
Tours available for potential wedding clients.
2-hour non-wedding photo shoots can currently be booked for about $200. This amount does not include price of a photographer.
castle recording studios
Franklin, TN
This castle outside of Nashville is a recording studio, but they allow weddings and events. And if you're curious, they have a list of tons of artists who have recorded at their studio, from Celine Dion to Snoop Dog. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Miley Cyrus, Jack Johnson, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Third Day, Johnnyswim, Faith Hill, Toby Mac, seriously...just go look at their list.
This one can be great for budget diy weddings. While others are all inclusive, this venue simply provides the stunning location. If you're eloping or willing to have your reception at another location, you can book this venue for less than $3500. Otherwise, expect to spend $5000+
Tours available upon request.
Here are the pictures from my tour that include shots of the recording studio inside.
Louisiana's Old State Capitol
Baton Rouge, LA
This is a free museum Tues-Fri and has beautiful stained glass features! Ceremonies only can be booked for about $1500. A wedding and reception will cost $6500 and give access to more of the building.
Bridal sessions must be scheduled ahead of time.
Castle ladyhawke
Tuckasegee, NC
I love their spiral staircase, not to mention the fact that they are located in the mountains outside of Asheville.
Even elopements start at $4,000 whereas custom packages for weddings with up to 140 guests start at $15,000 according to Here Comes the Guide. They had the fastest response of anyone. I emailed them while writing this post, went to the bathroom, and came back to a very kind and helpful response. Not sure if it's because of the time I contacted them, but they did say they have staff for the castle 7 days a week. Definitely seemed very professional, on top of things, and easy to work with.
They reopened as a wedding venue in 2020 and offered an open tour that August. I'm not sure if that was just a one-time thing or not.
I love that so many of the castles have spiral staircases. This one at Castle Recording Studios is even outside! I'm in love!
the gassaway mansion
Greenville, SC
This is a gorgeous 22,000 sq. ft. mansion from the 1920s, but it also has those castle vibes. Plus, Greenville has both nice shopping and good hiking and waterfalls nearby to accommodate whichever your guests prefer.
Expect to spend over $8000 on this venue.
Tours can be requested.
st. luke's museum
Smithfield, VA
I almost overlooked this one because of the name! I had a very hard time finding a castle in VA. I never would have considered this for a castle wedding venue based on the description of it being a historic church and museum. However, the pictures have that castle feel, which is great for those who don't have the budget for a full castle or still want the feel of a church for their ceremony. Built in the 1600s, it's thought to be Virginia's oldest surviving church building.
They also have a cute giftshop. I mention this because our small ceremony was at a State Park, and I appreciated being able to buy souvenirs there even though I didn't go into it planning on that. Four years later, I still enjoy seeing those items around our house. They're so full of sentimental memories of those special moments.
Very affordable with Saturday packages at $2500 and week-day hourly rentals as low as $200, with several partial-day options in between.
Tours are $8.
Pythian castle
Springfield, MO
This castle seems to have a lot going on from parties to escape rooms! Looks to be child-friendly since several of their events are for kids.
They offer everything from $300 2.5 hour weekday elopements to $5000 Saturday weddings and receptions.
One-hour history tours are available at $12/person with a minimum requirement of 4 people. Check their calendar for other events open to the public.
Rhodes hall
Atlanta, GA
I didn't see it called a castle until I visited the site, but it very much looks like a lovely castle all around, though it has city streets and buildings in the background.
Saturday events start at $4000. Weekday prices are as low as $1500 for a 2-hr event, but that price still allows for extra time for setup and cleanup.
Self-guided tours are $5.
the castle on stagecoach
Little Rock, AR
They have princess tea parties! If you know me, you know this has me swooning. I've had tea in England across from Jane Austen's house, tea almost weekly when I lived 10 minutes from a Victorian B&B, Mother's Day tea in my hometown, and tea on a cruise ship through the fjords of Norway. Time to add this princess tea to my list!
I love that they will set up a romantic marriage proposal for you as well and that it's nestled on 100 acres.
According to Arkansas Bride, renting this venue costs between $1000 and $5000.
Tours for potential wedding parties available upon request.
https://www.thecastleonstagecoach.com/
Pierce castle
Decatur, MS
This is another package built because of the dream of a couple who fell in love. Their children made this dream come true. Birthdays, Showers, Proms, and Reunions can also be booked at this location.
They offer wedding packages from $1500 to $5000.
Bridal party tours only. Not open to the public for tours. Wedding parties are asked to book their tour at least 10 days in advance.
clayshire castle
Bowling Green, IN
This is a Bed & Breakfast with a library and a costume room of medieval attire (which they allow you to rent for $20 each)...and an outdoor cedar hot tub! They even host medieval dinners for groups of 10-20. They have woods, trails, and a stocked pond on their 120 acres. They also let you know about nearby attractions such as waterfalls and a rescue center for tigers and lions. I'm about to book my next vacation!
Saturday wedding and event rentals start at $3000. Sunday through Friday have an hourly rate based on how many people are attending.
Rooms are about $225/night.
It looks like they offer self-guided tours during their big medieval faire in September, which I think is about $12 for adults with lower rates for kids.
parsons castle
Clifton, TX
This castle is on Lake Whitney, and I'm a bit jealous of people who book events here! Looks like they host corporate events, graduations, and reunions in addition to weddings. It's a stunning 5 stories with a private pool and hot tub.
Contact them for pricing.
smithmore castle
Pine Spruce, NC
This awe-inspiring castle is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains with gorgeous views. I love that some of the photos show the castle with snow. Looks like their first snow of 2021 was early November. You can sign up to meet Santa and book some of their rooms through AirBnB. They seem to be known for their gourmet dining. Their site also mentions cooking classes! I would follow them on FB and IG to keep up with events they offer.
Event space rentals start at about $2000 for 4 hours, but this does not include food, etc. Contact them for a full estimate.
the louisiana castle
Washington Parish, LA
I love all the stairs leading up to this castle that truly is on a hill. It's a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor ceremony by the pond.
Weekday elopements start just over $1000. Weekend packages for ceremony and reception start at about $6000.
Schedule a tour for your event.
Many of the castles have other spots that are also photogenic even without the castle in view.
the castle at wildwood gardens
Waco, GA
This one is an hour from my sister, and I don't know how many hundreds of times I drove 10 minutes away from this castle without ever knowing it existed. It's so dreamy! I pulled this quote from their website because they said it so perfectly:
"We are a family owned and operated business that strives to provide high-end service at an affordable price. Our goal has been to create a unique European style venue to host elegant events without the cost of a destination wedding."
Expect to spend about $4000-$5500.
Wedding parties may schedule a tour.
castle waterford
Royse City, TX
I did not know I wanted llamas at my wedding until I saw this! How fun! I didn't realize they could look so elegant. I love this kind of show-stopper that gives all your guests a wow experience, especially when they've traveled far to celebrate your big day. This castle is located near Dallas.
I originally didn't include this one because I wanted to make sure I could take photos there first. They require their photographers to have a business license and liability insurance. Others may require this as well. This is just the one I noticed it on most. But I do have both, so we are all good there!
Expect to spend around $5000-$7000 for a Saturday wedding, although there are less expensive options available as well. I love the throne-like chairs they provide for the bride & groom!
If you're interested in visiting the castle grounds, check out their $50 llama walks!
bonus: Mcculloch castle
High Point, NC
This one doesn't have those crenels and merlons things, but it does basically have a moat! So that's awesome. The bridge and shape of the doors also make it look very castle-esque.
Weddings are about $1000-$2000 with up to 45 guests.
Wedding parties can request a tour.
Contact us
Let me know if you're interested in booking your engagement, wedding, quinceanera, event, or photo session at one of these locations! I would love to capture your fairytale moments.
castle sessions
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