When you think of “New York,” the image that comes to mind is probably not one filled with castles. However, New York actually has a variety of breathtaking castle wedding venues that are rich in history and grandeur and have an array of modern services and amenities to plan an impressive celebration.
As a New York wedding photographer, I have a deep love for castle wedding venues. They are a true testament to timeless beauty and sophistication and provide a diverse array of backdrops that always create stunning photos.
Read on to discover four unique castle wedding venues in NY!
4 Gorgeous Castle Wedding Venues in New York
Here’s a round-up of my favorite castle wedding venues in New York that will create an unforgettable backdrop for your celebration:
Oheka Castle
Oheka Castle has been one of my favorite venues since I moved to New York years ago! This magnificent French-style chateau on Long Island has a prominent place in popular culture, particularly in film and television. For example, it inspired Gatsby’s mansion in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Each part of the castle offers a unique experience, ensuring that every moment of the wedding day is steeped in elegance and grandeur. It also offers a myriad of breathtaking locations for wedding day photography.
Also, each spot within its grounds and interiors is imbued with unique charm and elegance, providing couples with a diverse array of backdrops for their special day. From the grand ballrooms to the serene gardens, and from the historical interiors to the majestic exterior, Oheka Castle provides a multitude of picturesque backdrops, ensuring that every moment of your wedding day is captured with beauty and elegance.
For an in-depth guide to Oheka Castle, be sure to check out the post I wrote all about it here.
Whitby Castle
Whitby Castle, set in the charming town of Rye, New York, offers a majestic setting for a wedding that feels straight out of a fairytale.
This grandiose castle, with its stunning Gothic architecture and sweeping views of Long Island Sound, provides an enchanting backdrop for couples seeking a wedding venue that combines historical elegance with modern sophistication.
Upon approaching Whitby Castle, one is immediately struck by its imposing façade, reminiscent of ancient European castles. The castle’s architecture, featuring turrets, battlements, and expansive lawns, transports guests to a bygone era of royal grandeur. The meticulously landscaped grounds, with their lush gardens and scenic vistas, offer a picturesque setting for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.
Choosing Whitby Castle for your wedding means stepping into a storybook setting where every detail is infused with elegance and romance. It’s a place where historical charm meets modern luxury, creating an unforgettable backdrop for a celebration of love.
In the heart of Rye, Whitby Castle offers couples a magical venue for an enchanting and unforgettable wedding.
If you want more info on Whitby Castle, check out another post I wrote all about it here.
Morningside Castle
Certain places in NYC have a little extra magic. Morningside Castle is like that. Located in Morningside Heights near Columbia University, it offers a unique setting for weddings and events, and it is filled with old-world charm.
The venue features Gothic architecture with high ceilings, stained glass windows, and wood-paneled rooms, giving it a historic and stately feel. The Great Hall, with its large fireplace and arched windows, is a popular space for ceremonies and receptions.
The castle also has two grand ballrooms, a two city block-wide courtyard, and a gothic chapel.
Morningside Castle truly provides a distinctive atmosphere in Manhattan, combining historic elements with the convenience of a city location.
The Legacy Castle
The Legacy Castle is an elegant and charming wedding venue in upstate New York. It has picturesque views, a serene small lake, and a gorgeous interior with spacious halls, high ceilings, and balconies. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed into the entryway that has a dual floating staircase, which is perfect for you if you know you want to make a dramatic entrance on the day of your celebration.
The castle has several stunning spots to take photos, including the front garden, the main staircase, and the Casablanca Lounge. You can choose to have your wedding ceremony in a ballroom, on the beautiful outdoor peninsula surrounded by lakes, or on their Legacy Terrace. It’s truly a castle fit for royalty!
How to Decide if a Castle Is Your Dream Wedding Venue
In New York, you have many incredible venue options, so how can you decide if a castle is your dream wedding venue? Let’s talk about who a castle wedding would be perfect for:
You love splendor, impressive spaces, and grand entrances
A castle setting promises to provide you with all three! Inside a castle, you’ll have plenty to explore and spectacular views everywhere you look, whether you’re indoors or outdoors.
You want everything in one place
A castle is the ideal choice if you want your ceremony and reception to happen within the same space. Many castles have chapels, ceremony rooms, and grand rooms for your reception. Furthermore, you and your guests will have the freedom to move around the grounds. Also, some castles will even have accommodation options available.
You want a venue with a rich history
If you want a venue that is not only beautiful but also has an intricate story behind it, a castle would be the perfect setting. You’ll also be writing your own chapter in history yourself by planning your celebration in one.
You want to make your venue feel like your own
A castle will come with its own decor and opulence, but they are also a blank canvas to work with. You can add your own flair and design to the castle’s existing aesthetic to ensure that it matches your wedding vision.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at a New York Castle?
I hope you found all this info on castle wedding venues in NY helpful! A wedding at a castle will always be a glamorous and splendid affair. Furthermore, they are incredibly romantic and promise to dazzle you and your guests.
And… I know that choosing the right wedding photographer can be overwhelming, especially in New York. But if you’re looking for someone passionate about creating authentic, timeless images and who focuses on capturing the unspoken — the glances, the silences — drawing from New York’s pulse and the richness of global cultures, then I’d love to chat with you.
Let’s make something unforgettable together — your wedding photos are just the story’s beginning. You can go here to learn more about my services or here to get in contact with me!
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