What to Wear For A Castle Wedding

Get ready for the royal treatment.
Romantic lace wedding gown with high neck and tulle jacket
Jaclyn Palermo
by Jaclyn Palermo
Updated Jan 08, 2023
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If you're saying "I do" in a castle, chateau or any other estate fit for royalty, odds are that your venue has an inherently grand feel. While stunning wedding photos are pretty much guaranteed thanks to your opulent and historic surroundings, you might be wondering what to wear to a castle wedding. The long and short of it? There's no such thing as too over the top or lavish when it comes to choosing a wedding attire (and a wedding dress code, for that matter) that works for a luxe location. Below, find a guide to what to wear to a castle wedding (and what to avoid) and how to accessorize.

Things to Consider for a Castle Wedding

Not sure where to begin when selecting your formal fits? Shelley Brown, senior fashion & beauty editor of The Knot, gives her expert tips on what to consider when choosing wedding attire and accessories for your castle wedding. (Hint: Leave the jeans at home.)

  • Leave the casual attire at home: While there's nothing wrong with low-key fits like khakis or short wedding gowns in more laidback venues, super casual attire will likely feel out of place at this venue. "Choosing a castle wedding venue means you're ready to lean into romance—and your outfits should reflect that," Brown says. "You don't want to be overshadowed by the classy surroundings at a castle, chateau or otherwise fancy estate. Opt for attire that feels elevated—and encourage your guests to do the same."

  • Formal attire is a foolproof option: While not mandatory, traditional black tie attire (think: a formal gown and tuxedo) will complement the elevated vibe of a castle wedding. "This type of venue is also an ideal opportunity to wear a dramatic cathedral-length train or a cathedral-length veil," Brown says. To go even dressier, consider white tie attire (a formal gown with gloves and a coat with tails). It's rare that weddings are white tie these days, but it could be a fun nod to the Old World vibes of Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. "On the other hand, if black tie feels too stuffy, black tie optional (a formal gown, tuxedo or evening suit) can also work, depending on how you accessorize it," she adds.

  • Your accessories should match your outfits: This brings us to our next point. The extras you choose should enhance—and not clash with—your wedding attire. "Evening accessories are right on trend, so it shouldn't be hard to find appropriately formal touches like bejeweled or metallic shoes, an embellished clutch, polished cufflinks and sparkly earrings to finish off your look," Brown says. "Your accessories should be top of mind when envisioning your castle wedding attire, and not an afterthought." If you're feeling especially bold, this could also be the moment to rock a statement accessory like a tiara or a crown, or a bedazzled lapel pin.

Castle Wedding Attire Ideas

Make sure to dress the part in elegant and formal black tie wedding attire. Imagine walking down the aisle surrounded by stunning scenery in a dreamy ball gown or a traditional jet black tux. These pieces are right at home in a breathtaking romantic location—whether you're indoors in a grand ballroom or having an outdoor wedding on a gorgeous terrace. For extra polish, add über-luxe accessories, such as chandelier pearl earrings and sterling silver and black onyx cufflinks for the groom.

For your bridal party, a floor-length bridesmaid dress gown in a pretty pastel blush pink is the perfect choice for your castle wedding color palette. Pair it with crystal embellished accessories that twinkle from all angles. For the groomsmen, dapper black tuxedos are a foolproof option.

Shop Our Picks

Ready to start shopping? We rounded up some of our favorite outfit ideas for a castle wedding below.

Monique Lhuillier Angelina Gown and Jacket

Romantic lace wedding gown with high neck and tulle jacket

Well-known bridal designer, Monique Lhuillier famous for her bridal dresses has mastered the lace wedding dress of your dreams, fit for a summer wedding in a centuries-old rose garden. The dramatic train alone will make for an exit as grand as your entrance. Wear the matching jacket for your ceremony and then whisk it away when you're ready to hit the dancefloor.

Malone Souliers Sonia White Satin Feather Sandal

White satin sandal with feathers

A cloud of white feathers wraps across the foot with slender barely-there straps. Malone Souliers created a modern yet elegant take on the feathered bridal shoe. Bonus: the lower heel means you can capitalize on all of the style of a stiletto—without any of the discomfort.

Jimmy Choo Micro Cloud Clutch

Pearl clutch with gold strap

Calling all pearlcore lovers. Get ready to turn heads with Jimmy Choo's unconventional and carefully perfected pearl evening clutch. It feels like wearing a work of art and is the perfect choice for a formal wedding.

Ben Amun Pearl Crystal Earrings

Crystal pearl chandelier dangling earrings

Looking for something with an Old World sort of feeling? Try Ben Amun's crystal pearl chandelier earrings on your wedding day. They are classic enough to work with a variety of hairstyles, but we love the idea of pairing them with an undone updo.

Bonobos Capstone Wool Tuxedo

Traditional black tuxedo with white button down and black bowtie

The groom can never go wrong with an elevated traditional black tuxedo and crisp white button-down. Bonobos offers a great selection of well-edited pieces that are fit for your ideal fairytale setting. A pair of polished oxfords and a simple bow tie will complete the wedding look.

Cufflinks Inc. Ox & Bull Trading Co. Sterling Silver & Mother of Pearl Cufflinks

Sterling silver and pearl round cufflinks

These sterling silver and mother of pearl cufflinks make the perfect gift for any groom. The best part? Thanks to their truly timeless design, you can wear them long after the festivities are over.

Terri Jon Yvonne Dress

Shimmery off the shoulder dress

This absolutely stunning formal dress by Terri Jon with its gorgeous off the shoulder neckline and allover shimmer will make your bridal party look like they belong among the elite in Bridgerton. If you want your wedding party to lean into the formal aesthetic, have your bridesmaids style this evening gown with a pair of opera length gloves.

Stuart Weitzman SW Bow 100 Slides

Shimmery open toe heels

Stuart Weitzman's open toe high-heeled bow sandals are a sophisticated take on a glitzy accessory. These will definitely be a striking addition to your shoe collection appropriate for a castle wedding and beyond.

Larkspur & Hawk Sadie Cluster Pear Earrings

Cluster pearl earrings with quartz backed in ice and blush foil

They're a splurge—but they're worth it. Suspended from 14k gold posts, these Larkspur & Hawk earrings are handcrafted from rhodium-dipped sterling silver and set with quartz backed in ice and blush foil. Perfect wedding guest attire, they're even suitable for the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom.

Loeffler Randall Doris Gold Diamante Mini Pouch

Gold diamante mini pouch with chain strap

Looking for a glitzy clutch that also feels fresh? Reach for this glamorous ruched white satin bucket bag designed by Loeffler Randall for a look that truly shines. It features a removable twisted gold chain so you can wear it as a shoulder bag or carry it as a clutch.

Ettika Ethereal Hair Piece

Gold and pearl leaf hair comb

Adorn your wedding hairstyle with a beautiful gold and pearl leaf hair comb with an organic aesthetic. Style this accessory in an up-do or wear it in a loose half-up, half- down for your wedding day beauty look. Another thought: Have your maid of honor incorporate it into her ensemble.

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