Searles Castle

afterward, I would not choose to get married there again. We had about 56 guests. I provided plans and reviewed details with our day-of coordinator, Shaun DeLorey, before the wedding and again that morning. Despite that, there were repeated problems: conflicting directions, plans not followed, things we were told would be handled that were not, and moments when we could not locate our coordinator. One major consequence was photography. We hired our photographer separately, and coordination issues cost us more than an hour of paid photography time. I planned bridal portraits inside and upstairs in the castle, including staircase and balcony photos, and I never got them. Those are photographs I cannot recreate. Our photographer also stepped outside her role repeatedly to keep the day moving. Shaun later acknowledged in writing that his performance had “fallen well below” the standards he expected of himself and those the company strives to maintain. He also acknowledged that our photographer and what he referred to as my “sister” were left handling responsibilities that should have been his. I have no sister. That inaccuracy stood out after a day when so many details specific to our wedding were missed. Shaun also wrote that outside circumstances distracted him and that at times he reverted to “muscle memory” rather than remaining attentive to our specific plans. I have compassion for someone having a difficult weekend, but if a coordinator cannot fully perform that role, there should be a backup plan. The couple should not bear the consequences. The problems continued through the night. Despite being told breakdown would be handled, my husband and I, along with my maid of honor and her boyfriend, were packing up our reception while I was still in my wedding dress. Afterward, I contacted venue leadership because I wanted the situation taken seriously and wanted accountability. Instead, I felt dismissed. I work in the wedding industry, and I was shocked by how my concerns were handled afterward. I requested a $3,000 partial refund based on the coordination failures, missed moments, and paid photography time we lost. The venue ultimately refunded $1,000. I appreciate it, but it did not replace what we lost. I was also told that fees for storing or bringing our wedding items to the venue early had supposedly been waived. I had never been told those arrangements carried an additional fee, nor had I asked for an exception. Had I known there was a fee, I would have made different arrangements. Having those supposed waived fees raised only after I requested compensation did not feel transparent. The castle is gorgeous, and several staff members were kind and professional. But the more I reflect, the more disappointed I am that this is the venue I chose. If I could make the decision again, I would choose differently. A beautiful backdrop is not enough when you are trusting people with one of the most expensive and meaningful days of your life. If you are considering Searles Castle, ask specific questions about what the day-of coordinator is responsible for, what backup coverage exists, who handles breakdown, whether there are setup or storage fees beyond what you have already been quoted, and how management handles serious concerns when something goes wrong.

anized, and incredibly helpful. He was always thinking several steps ahead and did everything he could to accommodate our every request. He even offered to drive into Massachusetts the day before the wedding to pick up kosher supplies for us! On the day of the wedding, Shawn was adaptable to every last-minute change, which allowed the entire day to feel relaxed and seamless. We were able to fully enjoy every part of our celebration without having to worry about the logistics. As for the venue itself, it is absolutely stunning. The combination of the castle’s indoor and outdoor spaces, along with the tent, created different atmospheres throughout the evening and provided countless photo opportunities. Before the wedding, Shawn drove us around the grounds with our photography team, and we were blown away by everything the property had to offer. Our friends even had their own mini photo shoots and were clearly floored by the venue. The natural beauty of both the castle and the surrounding grounds also meant that we didn’t need to spend a large portion of our budget on flowers—the setting truly speaks for itself. The food was delicious, and the team happily accommodated our request to serve local ice cream sundaes, which were a huge hit with our guests. The entire staff was incredibly kind, helpful, and attentive. I don’t think we can fully express just how much of a standout this venue is, or how grateful we are for the kindness, professionalism, and flexibility of our entire team from day one. Searle’s Castle gave us the most beautiful setting for our wedding, and Shawn and his team made the entire experience feel effortless. We couldn’t recommend them more highly!

e itself is breathtaking and feels like you've been transported into another time and place. The views, architecture, grounds, and rich history create an atmosphere that is truly magical. Every visit felt like stepping into a different world. One of the things we appreciated most throughout the planning process was the incredible staff. Everyone was welcoming, knowledgeable, communicative, and genuinely passionate about what they do. We toured the venue multiple times with different family members, and every single visit was just as informative and enjoyable as the first. You can tell this is a team that truly loves creating unforgettable experiences for couples. The planning process was seamless from start to finish. The venue was extremely flexible and accommodating, especially when it came to last-minute changes. Every question was answered promptly, every concern was addressed with kindness, and we never felt stressed or overwhelmed. Their preferred vendor list was fantastic and made planning even easier. The in-house catering was outstanding. Our tasting experience alone was unforgettable. Rather than feeling like a business transaction, it felt like a special event. We had a beautifully set table, attentive table service, champagne, and the opportunity to experience the meal much like our wedding guests would. Every course was delicious, and our guests raved about the food on our wedding day. A special thank you goes to June, our wedding coordinator. She was absolutely incredible. Throughout the entire process, she made us feel like we were her only couple. Her attention to detail, organization, warmth, and dedication made all the difference. Every meeting left us feeling confident and excited, and she always had thoughtful ideas and solutions to help bring our vision to life. We also highly recommend the Bridal House. Located just a few minutes from the castle, it perfectly complements the venue's charm and elegance. It was a beautiful place to spend time with family and our bridal party, and the salon space was everything we could have hoped for. The venue was incredibly accommodating with coordinating the Bridal House as part of our package, allowing early check-in and helping us drop off decorations ahead of time, which made the entire weekend even more enjoyable. Most importantly, our wedding day itself was flawless. The staff handled every detail, kept the timeline running perfectly, and made everyone feel welcomed and cared for. We were able to be fully present and enjoy every moment because we knew we were in such capable hands. That peace of mind is priceless. The saddest part of our wedding was leaving at the end of the night because we wished we could do it all over again. Searles Castle gave us the most magical day of our lives, and we will always be grateful for the memories created there. We cannot recommend this venue highly enough.

ve asked for a more amazing experience—truly unforgettable