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Can You Afford a Fairy-tale Event? Here's How Much a Castle Wedding Costs

Bringing magic to your day might be in your budget
chapelle johnson the knot associate editor
by
Chapelle Johnson
chapelle johnson the knot associate editor
Chapelle Johnson
Associate Editor
  • Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering traditions and history.
  • Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
  • Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.
Updated Oct 30, 2024

Just because you're not living in a fairy tale doesn't mean having that vibe at your wedding is out of the question. But, you already knew that didn't you? That's why you're here trying to figure out how much a castle wedding costs. But before you sign on the dotted line, you need to know what purchases will impact your budget when planning a castle wedding. Below, you'll find a list of every vendor you'll need for your theme and how much some of the top wedding castles cost so you can pull off a fairy-tale wedding like a professional fairy godmother.

In this article:

Fairy-tale Wedding Cost Factors

There are lots of things you should consider when planning a fairy-tale wedding. Below are seven aspects you can include in your wedding budget to achieve the otherworldly look you're going for. (Psst. This is the perfect time to use The Knot Budget Advisor to get a budget estimate on the details that matter most to you.)

The Venue

Your wedding venue is the first big purchase you make during your planning journey so you need to choose one that'll fit your theme. The easiest way to have your venue match your vibe is by booking a castle wedding venue. With a castle, you won't have to put too much thought into decor since the beauty of the space will show effortlessly.

The Photographer

To capture the dreamy fairy-tale look you're going for, you'll need a pro who understands what you want. Invest in a wedding photographer who'll know how to get the right shots of you and your partner enjoying the special wonderland you created.

The Stationery

Let your paper products act as a hint to what guests can expect before and during the wedding day. Get wedding invitations that have elegant calligraphy or on-theme illustrations like fairy dust or a Cinderella coach.

The Decorations

If you can't find a venue that suits your fairy-tale theme, find wedding decorations that'll bring your look to life. String lights, dramatic candelabras, lush flower arrangements, ribbons, tulle and more are just a few options you can use for your magical display.

The Attire

Walk down the aisle in a fairy-tale wedding dress or outfit that makes you feel like your favorite whimsical character. Go all out with a ball gown or tailcoat suit fit for a royalty, focus on the details like lace, embroidery or pearls and get inventive with your outfit color (remember, not everything has to be white).

The Entertainment

There are so many ways you can make your celebration fun and extraordinary. We suggest having a wedding photo booth with fairy-tale-inspired props or hiring costumed characters to walk around your venue and talk to guests.

The Catering and Beverages

For drinks, think of names and flavors that play on the fairy tale that's inspiring your event and tell your wedding bartender about your ideas. For your food, speak with your wedding caterer about providing passed appetizers, entrees and desserts that were in or are influenced by the fairy tale movies, shows or books you love.

Castle Wedding Costs

To give you an idea of how much castle weddings cost, we've made a list of 12 highly rated estates in the United States. (By the way: You can find the majority of these venues on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.) Keep reading to discover venues that perfect for those with The Princess Diaries, Beauty and the Beast or Bridgerton wedding ideas on their vision boards.

Find your kind of venue

From barns to ballrooms, discover reception venues that feel like you.

Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate in Huntington, New York

Accommodating up to 350 guests, the Oheka Castle Hotel & Estate's cost includes a rental fee, which "reserves designated areas of the state for exclusive use and enables the estate to host only one wedding a day" and a wedding cake from their Classic Elegance Collection Book. This venue also offers in-house catering. Additional costs will be incurred if you want to bring a vendor that's not on their approved vendor list, this is $500, or if you change or upgrade certain items on your Oheka Castle catering menu. Fun fact: This is where Taylor Swift filmed her "Blank Space" music video.

  • Oheka Castle Wedding Cost: The cost varies depending on your guest count, the size of your event and if you would like to host prewedding events on the property. Contact the venue for exact pricing.

Bella Collina in Montverde, Florida

Bella Collina has six unique venues on their property, like a formal ballroom and wine cellar, that can hold a minimum of 50 guests, with one holding a maximum of 200. For events with more than 50 guests, the luxury amenities are six hours of reserved event time, flexible ceremony, cocktail and reception locations, exclusive access for engagement photos, complimentary self-parking, Wi-Fi and cake-cutting service, menu planning, in-house catering service and dinnerware, chair and table rentals. For small weddings with 50 guests, Bella Collina offers all the previous amenities, but includes five hours of reserved event time and is only available Monday through Thursday.

  • Bella Collina Wedding Cost: The cost varies depending on your guest count, the size of your event and the type of package you choose. Contact the venue for exact pricing.

The Kentucky Castle in Versailles, Kentucky

Look, you can tie the knot at a castle in Versailles without booking a trip to Europe. With over 100 acres of land, The Kentucky Castle has numerous areas to host your wedding like their scenic courtyard or lush greenhouse. You'll have room for a maximum of 200 guests at this venue and you can enjoy their all-inclusive amenities and on-site accommodations. Tiered catering menus and bar packages are available too.

  • The Kentucky Castle Wedding Cost: The cost varies depending on your guest count, the size of your event, the type of package you choose and season you want to book your wedding. Contact the venue for exact pricing.

The Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, New Jersey

The Legacy Castle is one of the biggest castles on our list since it can accommodate parties of 100 to 800+ people. The full-service venue provides bar staff, catering, planning, transportation and more and has indoor and outdoor spaces, like a ballroom or waterfront garden. They're also proud to have experience hosting countless Kosher and South Asian weddings.

  • The Legacy Castle Wedding Cost: Starting at $25,000

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings in Orlando, Florida

Planning a Disney wedding? Then Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings in Florida is perfect for you, your partner and up to 150 guests. Get the amazing opportunity to choose from 48 venues, like the Walt Disney World Railroad Train Station or the Living Seas Salon, to say "I do" in. Disney's Florida location offers predesigned menus, but also allows for changes to their plated, buffett, beverage, dessert or cake options. You can also get photography, videography, florist services, entertainment (that's right, Mickey can be at your reception) and transportation (yes, you can live your dream of riding away in Cinderella's coach). Important fee note: Some locations have event minimums and additional charges may apply during certain holidays and seasons. The venue fee and any Disney wedding services you choose can be used towards your event minimum. The venue fee covers not only the space, but standard seating, a musician, sound system technician, water station, day-of coordinator and backup location (for outdoor events).

  • Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings Cost: For venue fees, it's between $7,000 and $40,000. For food and beverage, it's between $140 and $240. For flower services, decor, photography, entertainment and transportation, the price depends on your event's needs.

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings in Anaheim, California

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings in California is smaller than the Florida location, but it doesn't mean it's less magical. Accommodating up to 350 guests, there are 11 venues, like the Adventure Lawn Gazebo or Sleeping Beauty Pavilion, and catering chefs and waitstaff for their plated, buffett, beverage, dessert or cake options. Also, florist services, entertainment and transportation are offered. Important fee note: Some locations have event minimums and additional charges may apply during certain holidays and seasons. The venue fee and any Disney wedding services you choose can be used towards your event minimum.

  • Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings Cost: For venue fees, it starts at $15,000. For food and beverage, it's between $165 and $210. For flower services, decor and entertainment, the price depends on your event's needs.

Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, New Hampshire

Whether it's the Lucknow Mansion Garden or the Carriage House Terrace, Castle in the Clouds has four beautiful outdoor and indoor areas to celebrate your union. With up to 200 guests, this venue has four packages available, which all include a wedding coordinator, white or ivory table linens and napkins in select colors.

  • Castle in the Clouds Wedding Cost: There are four castle wedding costs at this venue. You can pick from The Garden package at $5,000, which includes a 30-minute ceremony at the Lucknow Mansion Garden, The Winnipesaukee package at $9,000, which includes a cocktail hour on the Carriage House Terrace and four-hour reception in the Winnipesaukee Room, The Lucknow Package, which includes a 30-minute ceremony in the Lucknow Mansion Garden and four-hour reception in the Winnipesaukee Room and The Castle package at $11,000, which includes everything in The Lucknow package plus a cocktail hour.
  • Castle in the Clouds provides transportation to and from the ceremony and white ceremony chairs in every package. Also, every package except The Garden comes with 60-inch round banquet tables, mahogany chiavari chairs, bartender service and stemmed glassware.

Whitby Castle in Rye, New York

Whitby Castle has the capacity for 250 guests and has indoor and outdoor facilities, like a ballroom or private reception room. This venue has a Complete Wedding Package that gives couples a cocktail hour with a champagne greeting, passed appetizers, chafing and pasta dishes, carving station, salad, choice of three entrees, five-hour open bar and reception and help from a DJ, photographer, baker and florist. Important fee note: This package is only available during January, February and March.

  • Whitby Castle Wedding Cost: Starting at $18,995 or $19,995 (Saturday nights)

Sands Point Preserve in Sands Point, New York

Hoping to get beautiful views of the Long Island Sound while getting married to your soulmate? Then consider the Sands Point Preserve as the perfect castle for your wedding. With enough room for 300 guests, you have four areas to celebrate your event, like the Hempstead House or Castle Gould. Offering a variety of packages based on couples needs and budget, some package services include in-house catering, bartending and event planning.

  • Sands Point Preserve Wedding Cost: The cost varies depending on your guest count, the size of your event and the type of package you choose. Contact the venue for exact pricing.

The Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis, Minnesota

As long as you have a minimum of 50 and maximum of 150 guests, The Van Dusen Mansion can be an obtainable and dreamy option for you. Providing two varieties, the Essentials Package and the Custom Package, has so many built in perks. For the Essentials Package, couples can get a 12 hour private rental, planning support, in-house catering, a DJ and much more. Since the other package can be completely personalized, you'll have to speak to The Van Dusen Mansion staff about which aspects you want included in your bundle.

  • The Van Dusen Mansion Wedding Cost: Starting at $14,500 and up to $23,500 for The Essential Package. The cost varies for the Custom Package since your guest count, the size of your event, venue selection and more impacts the price.

Castle Ladyhawke in Tuckasegee, North Carolina

With the Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop, pick between multiple ceremony and reception spaces, like the Mountain View Lawn or Carriage House, at Castle Ladyhawke. This venue has three packages available. The Mirco-Wedding is for couples hosting at most 25 guests between Monday and Thursday and gives four hours of access to the castle, includes an officiant, ceremony arch and more. The Inclusive Wedding is for Sunday through Friday weddings with up to 100 guests and allows eight hours of castle access, offers a DJ, valet services and more. Finally, the Custom Luxury Wedding provides 12 hours of castle access any day of the week for at most 125 guests and includes servers, place settings, personalized catering and more.

  • Castle Ladyhawke Wedding Cost: Starting at $5,000 for micro weddings, $18,500 for inclusive weddings and $25,000 for custom luxury weddings.

Wrensmoor Castle in Alhambra, California

Outside view of grand wedding venue entrance with a water fountain feature
Photo: Wrensmoor Castle

Wrensmoor Castle, an eclectic venue that holds 160 guests, has a West Lawn, Motor Court or Ballroom for you and your loved ones to enjoy. This wedding venue offers one package that includes a two-night stay for up to 24 guests, a bar, dance floor, DJ booth, dining rentals and an in-house caterer.

  • Wrensmoor Castle Wedding Cost: $13,700 (for weekend stays)