Sure, a Pinterest wedding is your first choice. I mean flowers, beachfront, fairy lights and a venue that is utterly dreamy. But we say life is too short to be cliche. If you are one of those couples who’ve got a penchant for the paranormal, consider hosting your wedding at one of these 13 (yes, 13) spirited properties that are believed to be haunted. It might seem a little dark at first, but the best wedding will be one that genuinely represents the two of you, so buck what’s “natural” and instead opt for something supernatural.
These historic wedding venues around the world have spine-tingling histories and bloody pasts. Would you be able to say “I do, until death do us part” at these haunted locations?
Casa Loma, Canada
Picture Courtesy: @raphnogal / Venue: @casalomatoronto
The Spook: Well, your white wedding dress is not the only white thing you will notice on your wedding day. A mysterious lady dressed in white might pay you a visit. And that’s not it! The mutters and sighs of a crotchety man and paranormal experiences make the castle a supernatural hotspot.
The Wedding: Built in 1914, Casa Loma is a Museum style castle surrounded by five acres of lush gardens. The estate grounds feature lavish fountains, have unique sculptures, and offer a dazzling display of rare florals. The entire estate property of Casa Loma provides a spectacular setting for a ceremony. Due to the immense size, the building can accommodate 1500 people at once for large events. For smaller headcount weddings, however, there are numerous options to choose from – The Library, the conservatory, the glass pavilion or the great hall.
The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, USA
Picture Courtesy:@thestanleyhotel
The spook: Any fan of the classic thriller movie will instantly recognize this place. Said to be haunted by the ghosts of F.O. Stanley, the hotel’s original owner, and his wife Flora, this hotel is surely one of the most perfect to achieve the Halloween vibe. For your Halloween wedding, check out The MacGregor Ballroom – it has dark, wooded décor and picture windows with mountaintop views – or even The Music Room, which has arched Palladian windows and French doors to suit a smaller affair.
The Wedding: Aside from being a supernatural wonderland, the hotel is also a spectacular Rocky Mountain wedding destination boasting many venues for a ceremony and a reception. The Lodge at the Stanley is a 40-room building available for buyouts. The main hotel can host up to 200 guests.
Château de Brissac, France
Picture Courtesy:@chateaudebrissac
The spook: One of the tallest castles in all of France, the seven-story Château de Brissac is perhaps best known as the home of “The Green Lady,” aka the ghost of Charlotte of France. The chateau’s website tells the legend of Charlotte, the illegitimate daughter of King Charles VII, who was murdered by her husband after he discovered her having an affair. Named for the color of her dress when she was killed, the Green Lady can be found roaming the chapel’s tower room and moaning in the early hours of the morning.
The wedding: Staterooms, portrait or tapestry gallery, furniture and paintings, painted ceilings and Venetian chandeliers make this chateau a timeless place to tie the knot.
The Langham, London, UK
Picture Courtesy: @langham_london
The spook: The spirits are so active at this 153-year-old hotel, they drove out several English national team cricket players back in 2014, who cited sudden heat and lights, and an unexplained presence during the night. Ghosts have long been associated with this hotel and it’s thought to house elite spirits such as former resident Emperor Louis Napoleon III and a German prince who jumped to his death from his upper-level window.
The wedding: There are venues to suit all types of celebrations, from the lavish to the intimate. The Grade II ballroom has been lovingly restored with contemporary features that enhance the period detail. As you enter the dramatic neo-classical pillars and sparkling hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers will take your breath away.
Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, India
Picture Courtesy: @tajmahalmumbai
The spook: According to legend, the building’s architect jumped to his death from the fifth floor after discovering the hotel was facing the wrong direction. His spirit now roams the halls, running into guests in the hallways and walking around the roof.
The wedding: Yet along with amazing views and interiors fit for a royal, one of the hotel’s more macabre claims to fame is its aura of mystery. The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai offers a remarkable blend of traditional elegance & modern sophisticated amenities. With 550 elegant rooms & suites, the hotel provides regal spaces for wedding celebrations. The golden-themed Ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests in theater-style seating.
The Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago, USA
Picture Courtesy: @thecongressplazahotel
The spook: Should you choose the Gold Room (pictured) you might spot a ghostly hand reaching out from the coat closet—that belongs to the spirit of a worker who was trapped behind a wall and suffocated to death when it was plastered shut. In the Florentine Room, wedding guests have heard female whispers in their ears, and security guards have reported mysterious knocks and shifting of chairs. The hotel was also home to Al Capone, who had a suite on the eighth floor. He, along with the spirits of a mischievous young boy and the goofy hobo Peg Leg Johnny, still haunt the halls today. But the most terrifying spot is room 441. Guests who’ve ventured to sleep there have reported being kicked awake and seeing a female shadow at the foot of the bed.
The wedding: Since 1893, the Congress Plaza Hotel has upheld an enduring tradition as one of downtown Chicago’s most sought-after event spaces. Located on Michigan Avenue, just steps away from Grant Park and the Magnificent Mile, the hotel seamlessly blends historic elegance with contemporary style. With 23 versatile venue options to choose from, the Congress Plaza Hotel is the perfect wedding rehearsal dinner and special event location to host up to 550 guests.
Tutbury Castle, UK
Picture Courtesy: @heatherstringerphotography / Venue: @tutburycastle
The spook: This castle played a major role in British history: It was at Tutbury Castle that the Scottish royal and English political prisoner, Mary Queen of Scots, was detained by Queen Elizabeth I. With a long gruesome history of sieges and conflicts, Tutbury Castle has had its fair share of supernatural sightings and paranormal activity.
The wedding: Holding many secrets within its walls and grounds Tutbury Castle provides the perfect backdrop to your special day. The stunning, recently refurbished banqueting marquee boasts state-of-the-art lighting, exquisite chandeliers and a starlit dance floor. It stands within the castle walls enjoying unbroken and spectacular views over the Dove valley. Holding up to 200 people for a sit-down celebration the marquee blends effortlessly with over 1000 years of history. Tutbury Castle is also licensed to hold civil ceremonies in the 11th century, Great Hall, for up to 45 people and we offer historical handfasting ceremonies within the castle grounds.
Queen Mary, Long Beach, USA
Picture Courtesy: @thequeenmary
The spook: Keeping things extra spooktacular, getting hitched aboard The Queen Mary might be super adventurous for you! Be prepared to bump into supernatural figures like a “lady in white,” various ghostly children, and an engineer who died long, long ago. Built in the 1930s, this ocean liner spent 30 years at sea with at least 49 reported deaths on board. And plenty of those spirits still lurk the ship.
The wedding: The city of Long Beach purchased the ship in 1967 and turned it into a hotel. There’s nothing like romance at sea, and The Queen Mary—with its stately ballroom, stern-side ceremonies, and onboard hotel rooms—is the ultimate example. You can wow your guests with breathtaking panoramic Pacific Ocean views in the Verandah Grill’s Sun Deck.
Traquair House, Scotland
Picture Courtesy: @_malishkaphotography / Venue: @traquairhouse
The spook: You might expect the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland to have a few ghosts. According to Brendan Vacations tour guide Patricia Smith, the ghost, a woman in an outdated gown, appeared to a worker in the fields of Traquair house, passed through a closed gate, and disappeared into the woods.
The wedding: With the castle’s own Catholic chapel and a license for civil ceremonies, you can be married in the house or in some of the magical areas of the grounds, such as the Cupid’s Garden, Traquair Maze and The Yew Tree Circle.
Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada
Picture Courtesy: @fairmontbanff
The spook: This hotel has a real wedding incident that turned haunted. A bride fell from the staircase during her wedding day and since then, people can see her ghost!
The wedding: Set amid the backdrop of majestic mountains, Fairmont Banff Springs is Canada’s Castle in the Rockies. This historic castle provides the perfect combination of wonder and romance – an ambiance sure to make any bride feel like a princess and the wedding like a fairytale come true!
Tower of London, UK
Picture Courtesy: @mariaassia_photography / Venue: @historicroyalpalaces
The spook: Henry VIII famously ordered the execution of two of his wives. It’s also where two young princes were imprisoned after the death of their father, King Edward IV; they disappeared shortly after in 1483, and their remains weren’t found until 1647.
The wedding: A world heritage site and spectacular riverside venue in the heart of London, the Tower of London offers event spaces that date back to the 11th century, giving guests the chance to truly step into history. These include the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, which has a capacity for 80 guests reception-style, Wakefield Tower for up to 40 guests dining and the New Armouries Banqueting Suite, which can host 300 guests for a reception. More intimate dinners for up to 20 guests can take place in the St.Thomas’s Tower or the Martin Tower.
The Rose Hall Great House, Jamaica
Picture Courtesy: @rosehalljamaica
The spook: At Rose Hall in Jamaica, the spirit of a widow referred to as the White Witch, stalks the grounds. The Rose Hall Great House was built in 1770, and it eventually became the residence of John Rose Palmer. In 1820, Palmer married a woman named Annee who, according to legend, possessed black magic powers and murdered him, two successive husbands, and several lovers. Supposedly, she still roams the halls.
The wedding: Rose Hall abounds with history and beauty that can be matched by nowhere in the world. Lush green landscapes, exquisite panoramas, secret waterfalls, beach escapes, historic ruins and majestic great houses – there is a Rose Hall Signature location that is perfect for your dream wedding.
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan
Picture Courtesy: @grandhyatttpe
The spook: This Taipei resort was built over a former wartime political prison, and is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of the number of inmates who were executed there. Guests have heard strange noises, so if you’re seeking a true destination wedding in Eastern Asia around late October time, this would be a perfect venue to experience bumps in the night and freak your wedding guests out.
The wedding: Situated right next to Taipei 101, Grand Hyatt Taipei provides luxury wedding venues with an extensive range of five-star hotel event facilities to create unique and sophisticated weddings. From close and intimate weddings at The Residence for 50 guests to gala events at the pillarless Grand Ballroom for up to 1200 guests, the hotel is equipped with comprehensive facilities and impeccable services to ensure a grand wedding ceremony for couples.
Feature Image Credit: @luminous_weddings / Venue: @casalomatoronto
