Are you engaged and searching for a fairytale wedding venue? Whether you are looking to get married at a castle or somewhere in the forest… I’m here to help! I’ve rounded up the top fairytale wedding venues in the U.S. If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married at a castle or a scene from a storybook… this post is for you!
Here, you will find a mix of my favorite fairytale venues I have worked at, and some that are at the top of my travel wishlist!
Every wedding photographer has a list of venues that they absolutely love to shoot at + a list of venues that they are just dying to shoot at – these are some of mine! For the ones that I have been to, blog posts are linked so that you can see even more photos!
To start, here are my favorite California Fairytale Wedding Venues!
The Kimberly Crest House in Redlands, California is a top choice for an Inland Empire wedding! This historic wedding venue is nothing short of magical. Built in 1897, this chateau-style Victorian mansion is situated on over six acres of gardens. It’s truly like having a luxurious European destination wedding right here in Southern California! If you’re dreaming of a Southern California castle wedding, be sure to check out the Kimberly Crest House.
Nestldown in Los Gatos, CA is straight out of a storybook. It is the perfect setting for a Lord of the Rings or Cottagecore themed wedding. It’d be difficult to find a more enchanting wedding venue! Surrounded by redwood trees, Nestldown contains 30 acres of gardens, ponds, and waterfalls. They even have mini horses and an incredible cottage!
Luna Bella Ranch
Luna Bella Ranch is a family-run private estate and ranch in Temecula, California. The 22-acre forest is straight out of a storybook! Towering oak and sycamore trees draped in grapevines create the most magical lighting. It is a hidden gem for an enchanted forest themed wedding in San Diego County!
My Favorite U.S venues
Arriving at Oheka Castle, you would never know you were in New York and not a luxurious Tuscan villa or French chateau. Sprawling manicured gardens and ponds surround the magnificent and elegant castle. The venue’s slogan is even ‘Europe in America’ and it’s definitely fitting! This estate has been the filming location of many productions, including Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” music video!
The Wadley Farms Castle is so magical! Their website states – “The Castle offers the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day elegance. With cobblestone courtyards, soaring stone towers, all surrounded by vineyards and gardens, The Castle at Wadley Farms has earned the reputation of Utah’s premier event venue.”
Stunning gardens surround the elegant museum. Inside, ornate detail fills the museum. Located on the bay, you also have gorgeous views! It feels like a castle out of the Little Mermaid in the best, most magical way.
Top Fairytale venues in the U.S. Continued
Below are some other fairytale venues in the U.S.! I haven’t had the privilege of shooting at these magical venues quite yet, but they are definitely on my wishlist!
St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable Fayetteville, AR
St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable is the most charming storybook-worthy chapel! Covered in ivy and set in a manicured garden surrounded by towering trees, the stone chapel looks it belongs on an English estate. In fact, that is exactly what the chapel is modeled after!
The Biltmore Estate Asheville, NC
Not only is the sprawling chateau-style estate stunning, so are the views! Located overlooking the rolling hills of the smoky mountains, every backdrop at the Biltmore is magical. The estate is actually the largest in the United States!
Thorncrown Chapel Eureka Springs, AR
Located in the Ozark woods, Thorncrown Chapel has the most unique fairytale architecture! Because it is covered in windows (425 of them!) you won’t have to sacrifice the outdoor feel for an indoor venue. This charming little chapel is surrounded by a forest of trees and features the most unique details. According to their website, “Members of the American Institute of Architects placed Thorncrown Chapel fourth on its list of the top buildings of the twentieth century.” What a magical wedding venue!
Chateau Cocomar Houston, TX
Chateau Cocomar is a French-inspired estate that is stunning inside and out! Inside you’ll find gold molding, antiques, murals, and marble floors. Every detail of this estate is out of a magical fairytale! You’ll never be able to tell that you’re in Texas and not in a French chateau!
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan
This stone and ivy cottage is seriously charming! Reminiscent of the English country-side, The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is surrounded by gardens, ponds, and meadows.
The Kentucky Castle Versailles, KY
If you’re looking for a classic fairytale castle venue in the U.S., look no further than the Kentucky Castle! You would never know this magnificent castle is in Kentucky and not somewhere in Europe. The inside is just as beautiful as the outside. Be sure to check out the luxurious ballroom!
Swan House at Atlanta History Center Atlanta, GA
Cascading fountains lead from the back of the stunning European-style chateau, down to the grand staircase, and into the manicured, spacious lawn. It’s hard to imagine a more magical European-inspired wedding venue! Fun fact, it was also used in filming for two of the Hunger Games movies!
Haiku Mill Haiku, HI
Previously a sugar mill, this charming stone building with cobblestone floors has been turned into a magical greenhouse wedding venue. Greenery and flowing drapery cascades down from the ceiling creating the most dreamy setting!
Castle Farms – Charlevoix MI
Stunning gardens and historical architecture make Castle Farms a dreamy fairytale wedding venue! The stone-covered castle with rounded towers overlooks a lake and manicured topiaries. The large estate offers a variety of rooms and backdrops for your fairytale wedding day.
The Little Nell – Aspen, CO
A luxury 5-star hotel with the most breathtaking views! Imagine saying ‘I do’ with gorgeous rolling mountains as your ceremony backdrop. The venue features a deck overlooking the most awe-inducing mountain views. In any season, this is such a stunning fairytale-worthy wedding venue!
The Ruins at Barnsley Resort – Adairsville, GA
European-style gardens surround these enchanted historic ruins! Their website states – “Begin your new life together in our iconic 19th century Manor House Ruins. The original Barnsley Family Estate includes the iconic 19th-century Ruins, front Museum Lawn, covered Manor House Pavilion and gorgeous views of Julia Barnsley’s fountain and formal boxwood garden.”
Camp Lucy – Dripping Springs, TX
Located in the Texas Hill Country, this enchanted venue has so much variety! From the charming stone chapel to elegant reception halls and overlooks of the rolling hills and, this venue has so much to offer!
Sands Point Preserve – Sands Point, NY
Look no further than Sand’s Point Preserve for sprawling, elegant castle venues right here in the U.S. Found on Sand Point Preserve’s website – “On the Preserve’s 216 acres are a Celtic castle, a roaring 1920s mansion, beautiful gardens and the Great Lawn – making a truly unique event possible.” Sand’s Point Preserve is such a dream!
TreeHouse Point – Issaquah, Washington
TreeHouse Point is straight out of a storybook! The luxurious whimsical treehouse is nestled within four acres of enchanted forest. So magical!
The Skyland’s Manor – Ringwood NJ
Lakes, orchards, terraces, and gardens cover the 100 acre grounds of the Skyland’s Manor. You’d never be able to tell that this charming estate is in New Jersey and not the English countryside!
Thank you for reading through my list of top fairytale wedding venues in the U.S.! Located in Southern California? Head here for even more fairytale venue recommendations!
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