Romance blossomed when they were partners on the dance competition show.
Updated Sep 09, 202421 Haunted Wedding Venues in the US for a Spooky Spot to Wed
**Jumpscare warning**
Whether you love Halloween or, more generally, all things scary (movies, books, attractions and beyond), why not consider throwing your wedding inside one of the United States' famously haunted venues?
For those who delight in a bit of fright, haunted wedding venues are great because you get all the elegance of an average venue blended with the intrigue of the ghost stories that started inside or outside the facility. And while taking a paranormal approach to your wedding may be the road less traveled, by embarking down this path, you're guaranteed to hold an event like no other.
Below, discover 21 of the nation's most haunted places, their supernatural backstories and, most importantly, what they have to offer you on your wedding day. The locations span the country, but if none are near you, you can utilize The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find something similarly spooky close by.
When picking your venue, don't decide on its ghostly appeal alone—make sure its big day offering is sufficient for the celebration you and your spouse-to-be are looking to throw.
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is a 140-room hotel with over 14,000 square feet of space. Notably, this hotel inspired Stephen King's The Shining. Today, you can stay in several "spirited" rooms: 217, 401, 407 and 428. What's more, the Stanley has been featured on Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. Aside from being a supernatural wonderland, the hotel is also a spectacular Rocky Mountain wedding destination boasting many venues for a ceremony and a reception. The Pavilion is particularly striking as it overlooks a private pond. The Lodge at the Stanley is a 40-room building available for buyouts. The main hotel can host up to 200 guests, and it contains the following venues: the Front Lawn, the MacGregor Ballroom, the Music Room and the Pinon and Billiard Rooms.
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa calls itself America's most haunted hotel, and it has a storied past dating back to—you guessed it—1886. Today, the hotel hosts nightly ghost tours, during which visitors can learn more about the Crescent's legendary ghosts, including Michael, Theodora, the ghost in the morgue, the nurse, the girl in the mist and the Lady in the Victorian lingerie. The venue's ghostly past makes it a spooktacular wedding destination. Hold your wedding in the age-old Crystal Ballroom featuring crystal chandeliers, high ceilings and hardwood floors. Other historical options include the Crescent Conservatory, the Fountain Garden, the East Lawn and Glenwood Hollow. For a more unique nature experience, host an intimate wedding in one of the Crescent Hotel's treetop cottages.
Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts
Salem's Hawthorne Hotel is a Historic Hotel of America. Like the haunted city it's located in, the hotel is no stranger to strange happenings—such as moving furniture, ghost sightings and unexplained noises. Bewitched and Ghost Hunters have filmed at the Hawthorne, and, on the 64th anniversary of Harry Houdini's death, the hotel held a seance in its grand ballroom in an attempt to summon the magician. From black magic to love story magic, the hotel is an incredible place to say "I do." Hold your event in the exquisite grand ballroom, have your wedding guests stay the night in the hotel's 93 guest rooms, and enjoy a comprehensive wedding package inclusive of everything from a wedding coordinator and your wedding cake to floral centerpieces and a private room for photo sessions.
The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California
The Queen Mary isn't your average haunted wedding venue because, first and foremost, it's a hotel on an ocean liner dating back to the 1930s. What makes it fit the bill for a spooky celebration is its eerie atmosphere; according to the website, the spirit of an engineer, a "lady in white" and various ghostly children reportedly still hang around. The Queen Mary has been hosting Southern California weddings for over 50 years, and there are options for weddings of all sizes. You can exchange vows on the Sun Deck Gazebo, the Harbor View Deck or inside the wedding chapel—all with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop. For wedding receptions, the ship has 14 Art Deco ballrooms featuring beautiful details like wood paneling, original light fixtures, etched-glass doors, murals and carved golden onyx fireplaces.
Bourbon Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana
Before the Bourbon Orleans Hotel was the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, it was a historic ballroom and theater and then a convent. Accordingly, the spirits who are rumored to occupy the hotel today—a Confederate soldier, children, nuns and a dancer—span different eras. When you choose to wed at Bourbon Orleans, not only might you have some interesting wedding guests, you'll also have professionals at your disposal to help you execute your dream event. Plus, the hotel is steps away from the nation's oldest cathedral, the St. Louis Cathedral, making it even more desirable for those hoping to say "I do" in a religious setting before getting the party started.
The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, New York
The Sagamore on Lake George is absolutely picturesque. It's a AAA Four Diamond waterfront resort, and it was named one of the Top 25 Resorts in the Northeast in 2020 by Conde Nast. Photos alone are enough to make anyone want to get married here, and if you love all things scary, you'll be happy to hear it's known for being haunted, too. (Reported sightings on the golf course and inside the resort include ghost children, a fighting couple and three women.) Sagamore offers customizable wedding packages and a variety of venue options, including an event lawn, a tented lakefront terrace and a 72-foot replica of a 19th century touring vessel.
Graduate Providence in Providence, Rhode Island
The interiors at Rhode Island's Graduate Providence, formerly the Providence Biltmore, are opulent. In addition to historical glamour, the landmark hotel exudes an otherworldly energy that can be attributed to its long history and supernatural sightings. It opened in 1922, and during Prohibition, the basement operated as a speakeasy that was frequented by the mob. For your big day, you can host up to 500 people in the Biltmore Ballroom; other on-site venues include the Parkview Terrace, the Summit Rooms, L'Apogee Room, the Atrium Balcony, the Capital Ballroom and the Narragansett Bayview Room. The creative team will help you build a custom menu suited to your taste and guest count, and you'll be provided with a list of trusted vendors for everything from entertainment to transportation.
The Hollywood Roosevelt in Los Angeles, California
The Hollywood Roosevelt dates back to May 1927. With nearly a century behind it, the Los Angeles hotel has been frequented by many stars over the years, including Marilyn Monroe, whose ghost was spotted by a maid in the mirror Monroe used to use. With a legendary past and a legendary location, the Hollywood Roosevelt is a one-of-a-kind wedding destination. The hotel boasts 25,000 square feet of event space and can accommodate Gothic-style weddings ranging from 10 to an astounding 1,500 guests. With multiple wedding locations (the Blossom Ballroom, the Historic Lobby, the Academy Room, the Rooftop), there is something for all couples at this luxurious landmark.
Jekyll Island Club Resort in Jekyll Island, Georgia
Those who love the coast will love Georgia's stunning Jekyll Island Club Resort. Those who love a good haunt will also love Jekyll Island Club Resort. Why? Because the island on which the coastal Southern wedding venue sits—and the venue itself—has its fair share of spooky stories. (There's a myth about a hotel bellman who dresses in 1920s attire and delivers suits to grooms' guest rooms.) The event spaces at the resort are breathtaking. At Crane Cottage, your wedding ceremony and reception will take place outdoors overlooking the Jekyll River, a reflecting pool, an interior courtyard and a sunken garden. Other venues include the Cherokee building, the oak tree-filled Riverfront Lawn, the Morgan Center Ballroom, the Grand Dining Room, the Club Ballroom, the Hall of Mirrors, the Faith Chapel and three Jekyll Ocean Club venues: beach, rooftop deck or Eighty Ocean Kitchen + Bar.
Chase on the Lake in Walker, Minnesota
What's the haunted history behind Chase on the Lake, a Minnesota resort on Leech Lake? Back in 1898, when the location was home to Pameda Hotel, its basement was used as a morgue for soldiers during the Battle of Sugar Point. Some soldiers' spirits reportedly still hang around. According to Haunted Journeys, employees have told other scary stories that will fright and excite you during your wedding weekend. Chase on the Lake's comprehensive wedding offering includes affordable rates, space for 40 to 200 guests, all-inclusive ballroom amenities, on-site catering services, lodging discounts, a menu tasting, wedding planning assistance and a private security officer. Chase on the Lake couples are also provided with a list of preferred vendors.
FOR YOU
How to Find Affordable Wedding Venues Near You
Choosing the right venue is the key to staying within budget—here's how.
10 Affordable Colorado Wedding Venues Sure to Impress
Because saying "I do" in The Centennial State doesn't have to cost a fortune.
10 Affordable Wedding Venues in Florida for Every Style
Budget-conscious to-be-weds, you're in luck: These fantastic Florida venues offer plenty of bang for your buck.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa in Bedford, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's sprawling Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa checks off all the wedding weekend criteria: It has a spa, a golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, 216 guest rooms, nine wedding venues, 36,000 square feet of event space and capacity for up to 220 guests. For fright enthusiasts, the hotel has been named one of America's 24 most haunted hotels by Reader's Digest. Travelers and staff have claimed to encounter several ghosts over the years, including soldiers and small children. The spirituality of the resort is often attributed to its history (it was built in 1796) and its location—according to Reader's Digest, "the resort's former grounds were sacred healing grounds of Iroquois and Shawnee tribes."
Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, South Dakota
Hotel Alex Johnson is one of South Dakota's most haunted hotels, and even the Ghost Hunters team has stopped by for a supernatural investigation. The most popular ghost story from the hotel is that of the Lady in White, a young bride who fell from the window of room 812 in the 1970s. (Rumor has it she wanders the hotel's eighth floor in her wedding dress searching for her murderers.) Search for the Lady in White during your wedding weekend at Hotel Alex Johnson. The full-service hotel has a salon and spa, a Starbucks, a sky bar and an Irish Pub you can enjoy during your stay. For the main event, your nuptials, Hotel Alex Johnson has multiple packages—Classic, Luxury and Royal—that, at minimum, include a wedding coordinator, a champagne toast, a six-hour reception, setup and teardown.
Punderson Manor Lodge and Conference Center in Newbury, Ohio
Punderson Manor is an English Tudor-style lodge in Ohio's Amish country, with an eerie past that makes it perfect for a haunting wedding. Among those who are said to wander Punderson Manor today are former owner W.B. Cleveland, 1920s millionaire Karl Long and children who died in a fire across the lake in the late 1800s. During your wedding weekend, you can investigate the supernatural yourself while also delighting in Punderson's many amenities: golfing, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, playing tennis and more. The hotel venue can also handle your rehearsal dinner and a post-wedding brunch. Food packages start at $40 per person, and private rentals start at $500.
La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico
La Fonda on the Plaza is a Santa Fe hotel located on the same site as the town's first inn back in 1607. With more than 400 years of history, it's no wonder La Fonda is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. It's also no wonder the location has some ghost tales of its own. According to the website, "several ghosts have reportedly been seen, including a judge who frequented La Fonda, then the Exchange Hotel, was murdered and still visits his old haunts." See for yourself if you encounter any visitors past during your wedding weekend here. For weddings, La Fonda has much to offer, including a setting enhanced by authentic New Mexican decor, four charming venues, access to experienced wedding planners, spacious guest rooms and Southwestern cuisine.
The Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio, Texas
Nearing its 100th birthday, The Emily Morgan Hotel is a Texas landmark hotel close to the Alamo. The hotel was recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, and it has a haunted history. Its location is near where over 600 people lost their lives during the battle of the Alamo, and the hotel itself had a stint during which it housed over 100 medical professionals. Staff have reported many spooky occurrences, such as phones ringing in the middle of the night, rooms in disarray after being cleaned, bathtubs filled with blue water, elevators stopping at random floors and more. Emily Morgan hosts all sorts of social events, including both intimate and large weddings.
The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida
The Don CeSar has graced St. Pete Beach since 1928, when real estate scion Thomas Rowe opened the hotel as a tribute to his lost love. Just 12 years later, the Don CeSar's backstory indicates that Rowe died suddenly of a heart attack in the hotel's lobby: "According to local lore, Rowe's spirit still walks the halls of his beloved Pink Palace." Yes, the Pink Palace is rumored to be haunted, but that's not all it's got going on. It's also incredibly historic, having served the US Army in WWIl, been pictured in "Once Upon a Time in America" starring Robert DeNiro, and hosted famous guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald. For these reasons and more, The Don CeSar is a legendary wedding venue offering beachfront ceremony venues, rehearsal dinner spaces, custom menus, professional planning and catering services—and some spook.
The Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada
The Mizpah Hotel opened in Tonopah, Nevada, in 1907, a town described by the hotel as "equal parts Wild West saloon town, remote desert hideaway and hotbed for prospecting politicians and corporations." The Mizpah embraces its spooky backstory, blasting its accolade of being voted the #1 haunted hotel in America in USA Today's 2018 10Best Readers' Choice Awards right on the homepage of its website. So, what ghost story earned it the title? The story of the Lady in Red, a woman who resided at the hotel year-round until she was murdered by an ex-lover. Her presence is said to linger still today. The Mizpah hosts special events ranging from ghost hunting (yes, seriously) to weddings, providing catering, refreshments and lodging. Whether you want to host a small or large wedding, the Mizpah can satisfy your needs. (And you might just have an extra special guest in attendance.)
The Union Station Nashville Yards in Nashville, Tennessee
The Union Station Nashville Yards is another winner of USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards title of the best haunted hotel in America—earning the achievement in 2021. The chilling story at this boutique hotel is that of a young woman named Abigail, who said goodbye to her boyfriend at the Union Station depot as she sent him off to the frontlines in France during WWII. He never returned home, and Abigail's spirit is rumored to reside in the hotel's room 711 because of its views of the railroad track below. In addition to being haunted, the hotel is highly rated, and it serves as a wonderful wedding location … especially for lovers of the paranormal. Here, you can marry in the Grand Lobby, the South Wind and Hummingbird Rooms, or the Veranda.
Malaga Inn in Mobile, Alabama
Rumor has it Historic Downtown Mobile's Malaga Inn—which dates back to 1862—is haunted. (Fun fact: Underneath the hotel's West house are tunnels believed to be used as a hiding place for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.) According to a local news station, guests claim to have seen a woman on the balcony of room 007, as well as chandeliers swinging and lights turning on and off. Validate the claims for yourself by throwing your wedding at the 39-room boutique hotel. With a courtyard for outdoor events and charming indoor space for receptions and parties, the property can provide an enchanting backdrop for your big day in Alabama.
The Sayre Mansion in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Eastern Pennsylvania's Sayre Mansion reportedly has its share of spirits, including the spirit of Robert Sayre himself and the lady of the house. The mansion even hosts "paranormal experiences," where guests can come to conduct their own paranormal investigations of the first-floor suite, room 23 and the basement. In addition to hosting such experiences, the mansion hosts weddings—with two acres of property at your disposal. The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests (25-guest minimum) from May to October. There is a food and beverage minimum of $10,000, and package options include the Classic Package, the Elegant Package or the Exquisite Package.
The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia
Last on our list is the Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia. According to Omni, the resort's "long history includes mysterious tales like the tale of the bride that haunts the 14th floor." The story goes that the young bride was left at the hotel by her soon-to-be husband, which resulted in her taking her own life. She's said to wander the floor to this day, waiting for her groom to return. For enthusiasts of haunted stories, let it be no coincidence that you throw your special day at a hotel defined by a chilling wedding tale. The spooky-yet-stunning estate spans 2,300 acres, with Allegheny Mountain vistas. Event spaces include the Casino Lawn, Crystal Ballroom, Empire Room, Dining Room, Grand Ballroom, Courtyard at the Cascades, Valley View at the Cascades, Shooting Club Pavilion, Jefferson Parlor, Tower Suite and Commonwealth Room.
