For those who dream of having a fairy-tale wedding set in the surroundings of a magical castle, you don’t have to travel to Disneyland, as believe it or not, the UK is home to some of the world’s most beautiful castles.
However, while some castles are packed with tourists keen to explore the history that lies beneath the walls, those who are getting married are looking for somewhere a little more secluded, so they can enjoy their special day in private.
So, which castle in the UK is the most popular for weddings? To find out, engagement ring specialists at Steven Stone have analysed a comprehensive list of castles on Bridebook, and used hashtag data from Instagram to reveal which venue has the highest number of posts.
The top 10 wedding castles in the UK
| Ranking | Castle Location | Number of Hashtags |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warwick Castle | #135k |
| 2 | Leeds Castle | #116k |
| 3 | Hever Castle | #93.1k |
| 4 | Ripley Castle | #14.1k |
| 5 | Eastnor Castle | #14.1k |
| 6 | Leez Priory Castle | #12.5k |
| 7 | Pendennis Castle | #11.8k |
| 8 | Lumley Castle | #10.4k |
| 9 | Hedingham Castle | #5000+ |
| 10 | Farnham Castle | #5000+ |
For fairy-tale weddings, Warwick Castle, Warwickshire, is the most popular location on Instagram with 135k hashtags. Dating back to 1068, it’s one of the oldest castles in the UK, rich in history and culture. Wedding packages here start from £110 per person and the venue can accommodate up to 130 guests.
In second place comes Leeds Castle in Kent, which has 116k hashtags. From wedding garden parties to ceremonies in the lavish Maiden’s Tower, couples have a plethora of options when getting wed here. To tie the knot here, prices start from £9,500 for 50 guests.
Hever Castle, also located In Kent, is the third most popular location for a fairy-tale wedding, racking up a staggering 93.1k hashtags. To get married here during high season on a Saturday, prices start from £7,900.
Ripley Castle, Harrogate, also makes the top 10, providing some real Yorkshire romance. The venue hosts up to 80 guests, while prices start at £87.50 per head.
Following closely behind is Eastnor Castle, hidden away in the heart of Herefordshire, and Pendennis Castle, Cornwall, which offers the perfect combination of a castle and a coastal wedding venue.
What other castles are popular?
Although these castles didn’t make the top 10 most popular, they could be the hidden gem you’re searching for.
Clearwell Castle, Gloucestershire, is embedded in the Forest of Dean, perfect for those who love nature. Although it only has 5000+ posts on Instagram, this doesn’t discount the venues beauty.
The perfectly named Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham, could be Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture. Although it’s not a castle by name, it looks pretty similar, not to mention spectacular. It has 5000+ hashtags on Instagram.
Amberley Castle, which among the least photographed castles on Instagram with 1000+ posts would also fit the bill for some unique wedding snaps. You’ll find it on the doorstep of the South Downs National Park in Sussex.
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