How Do I Plan a Destination Castle Wedding?

Hello, I’m Beth, Senior Wedding Specialist at Celtic Castles.

I believe planning a destination wedding in the UK or Ireland should feel exciting - not overwhelming. At Celtic Castles, we take the stress out of the process, with many years’ experience helping couples from around the world find their perfect castle setting.

Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement for two or a grand celebration with family and friends, we will support you at every step - from first enquiry to the final toast.

Read on to learn how we might be able to help plan your destination wedding...

• What’s the first step when planning a destination wedding with Celtic Castles?
• Do you help with legal requirements for marrying overseas?
• Can you help us choose the perfect ceremony location?
• What about accommodation for our guests?
• Do you offer different wedding package options?
• Can you recommend photographers and videographers?
• What other suppliers can you recommend?
• Is it easy for guests to travel to the castles?
• Can you help us stay within budget?
• Will we have support throughout the planning process?
• How are you able to offer this service for free?

What’s the first step when planning a destination wedding with Celtic Castles?

We usually start by getting a flavour of what you are looking for: the size of your wedding, preferred location, ideal dates, and any special touches you have in mind. We will suggest castles from our extensive portfolio that match your style and budget and, for any that are of interest, we will be happy to check availability or put you in touch with the venue wedding coordinators to explore your options in more detail. We can answer any questions you may have about the properties and, if your dates are flexible, we can even recommend seasonal offers you might not have considered.

Do you help with legal requirements for marrying overseas?

We don’t handle the legal side of things directly, but we can point you in the right direction. For example, in Ireland you need to give at least 3 months’ notice, in Scotland it’s 6 weeks, and in England and Wales it’s 28 days. We also have the contact details for each castle’s local registrar and can share these with you. To make things easier, some couples prefer to perform the legal side of their wedding in their own country before travelling, turning their castle wedding into a celebration of their marriage with family and friends.

Can you help us choose the perfect ceremony location?

Absolutely. Whether you want to say your vows in a historic chapel, a grand hall, a private garden, or beneath ancient trees, we can match you with a castle offering the right location and atmosphere. We also work with venues that can host religious services, civil ceremonies, or traditional Celtic hand-fastings.

What about accommodation for our guests?

We can suggest castles with enough rooms for all your guests, or those with a mix of on-site and nearby accommodation. The wedding coordinator at your chosen castle can also recommend trusted local hotels and other places to stay.

Do you offer different wedding package options?

Yes. Our castles offer everything from elopement packages to self-catering stays, to fully-inclusive wedding packages with catering and drinks. We’ll make sure you know exactly what’s covered so you can plan confidently, even from thousands of miles away.

Can you recommend photographers and videographers?

We can connect you with experienced local professionals who know our castles inside out, ensuring your memories are captured perfectly, from timeless portraits to cinematic drone footage.

What other suppliers can you recommend?

We can help introduce you to trusted florists, musicians, hair & makeup artists, and unique entertainers. Whether you’d like bagpipes at your entrance, a harpist for your ceremony, or even an owl to deliver your rings, we know the right people to make it happen.

Is it easy for guests to travel to the castles?

Yes, we will help you choose a location with convenient access to major airports and transport links. Whether your guests are flying into London, Edinburgh, Dublin, or elsewhere, we’ll ensure the journey is as smooth as possible.

Can you help us stay within budget?

Definitely. We understand that destination weddings come with extra costs, so we’ll help you find options that make the most of your budget. Whether that’s choosing week-day dates, off-season months, or castles offering special packages, we’ll find ways to give you an incredible experience without compromising on what matters most.

Will we have support throughout the planning process?

Yes. We work closely with each castle’s wedding coordinator and stay involved until you’re ready to book. We can organise virtual tours so you can explore the venue from wherever you are. After booking, you’ll have direct access to the castle team for detailed questions and a smooth handover. Both we and the castle coordinators are happy to schedule video calls that suit your time zone.

How are you able to offer this service for free?

As the largest castle-specific service of its kind, properties pay to work with us, allowing you to benefit from our independent expertise and first-hand knowledge, free of charge.

What are you waiting for - get in touch today!

You can speak to us for free, 7-day-a-week, by video call, telephone, or email. Getting started is easy: either call us on +44 (0) 1422 323 200, or fill in our short form and we’ll get right back to you.