A quarter of Brits say “I boo” to getting married in these Haunted Houses

Wedding pros reveal that Halloween is a scarily popular time to get married

• More Brits are planning on getting married on Halloween in 2023 than they did in 2022, with 271 weddings planned for October 31st this year compared to 247 in 2022

• Almost a quarter (24%) of those polled say they would get married in a haunted house or castle, with another 1-in-10 saying that it would “depend”

• More than a third (36%) say that they would not avoid getting married on Halloween, with another third (34%) saying knowing a venue was haunted would not put them off

• Brits are searching online for ‘haunted castles’ around 1,000 times across the UK every month on average

Halloween typically is known as the time of year dedicated to celebrating the dead, which might seem an off putting time of year to get married. However, exclusive user data* from leading wedding planning website Hitched.co.uk has revealed a 10% increase in Halloween weddings this year, with 271 couples planning to say “I boo!” this Halloween compared to the 247 couples who did the same in 2022.

Additionally, in a recent user poll** of Brits planning weddings it was also revealed that not only are almost half (42%) of couples not put off by getting married on Halloween, but many are actually quite keen on sharing their big day with guests from the other side as almost a quarter (24%) say they would happily get married in a haunted house or castle.

Now, with thousands of Brits searching online*** for ‘castle wedding venues’ (1,600 monthly searches) and ‘haunted castles’ (1,000 monthly searches) every month across the UK, the wedding pros at Hitched have unveiled the 13 scariest wedding venues for those nearlyweds keen to scare the socks off their guests on their big day.

Zoe Burke, wedding expert and editor of Hitched says: “A poll of our community showed that 71% of guests say they’ve felt pressure to add people to the guest list – but what about that guest that shows up whether you want them or not? That’s the risk you take booking a haunted venue, but at least they won’t cost you any extra!

“Adding a paranormal thrill to your wedding can be really fun if you’re into that kind of thing – you could speak to your venue about organising an after-dark ghost walk with your guests, or print off the venue’s ghost story and display it on your wedding breakfast tables for a spooky thrill!”

Top 13 Haunted Wedding Venues in the UK

1. Warwick Castle – Warwickshire – 110,000 Google searches per month

Who wouldn’t want to get married in one of the most famous castles in British history? But be warned; iconic Warwick Castle has more than a few skeletons in its closet. One of its many supernatural lodgers include Sir Fulke Greville, a tower resident allegedly murdered by his manservant. If that doesn’t put you off, make things extra spooky by going around Halloween – you might even catch a séance or two.

2. Alnwick Castle – Northumberland – 49,500 Google searches per month

Alnwick Castle is a memorable wedding venue with a magical twist; this site doubled up as Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. If that’s not scary enough for you, the castle is also rumoured to play host to a hunchback vampire who stalks the grounds and spreads disease in its wake – remember to bring a mask!

3. Wollaton Hall – Nottinghamshire – 49,089 Instagram tags

The incredible Grade I listed Elizabethan Wollaton Hall is a regular haunt for ghost hunters, eager to hear the murmuring voices in the corridors and catch a glimpse of the White Lady in Room 19. People visiting for more romantic reasons can choose between several impressive settings – The Great Hall is not to be missed.

4. Blickling Hall – Norfolk – 18,100 Google searches per month

This National Trust wedding venue stands on the site of a mediaeval manor rumoured to be the birthplace of the famous Anne Boleyn. If you want to add some extra scare factor to your big day, have it on 19th May, the anniversary of her execution and reportedly the best time to spot her headless ghost.

5. Pendennis Castle – Cornwall – 11,383 Instagram tags

Green fields, sea views and a historical venue part of the English Heritage group make Pendennis Castle a gorgeous wedding venue – but there’s more here than meets the eye. A host of ghostly sounds have been reported here over the years, including children’s laughter, footsteps on the staircase, and the terrifying screams of former kitchen maid ‘Maud’. With more than 11,000 photos on the hashtag, this haunted castle is also the most Instagrammable.

6. Amberley Castle – West Sussex – 9,900 Google searches per month

Thrill-seeking couples should definitely consider saying their vows in the Grade I listed 12th century Amberley Castle. It boasts twelve acres of landscaped gardens, mediaeval stonework, and enough space for up to 250 guests; 251 if you include resident ghost Emily, a young girl said to be hanging around the Herstmonceux Room.

7. Lumley Castle – Durham – 9,900 Google searches per month

Believed to be the most haunted place in County Durham, this 14th century manor house is a seriously scary venue. The ghost of Lady Lily Lumley is a likely uninvited guest, along with the mischievous phantom Black Jack, who enjoys playing pranks on guests. Lumley Castle itself is beautiful, so if you want a scenic wedding, go ahead and book it… if you dare.

8. Farnham Castle – Surrey – 8,794 Instagram tags

This picturesque wedding venue has more than one supernatural guest. Farnham Castle is said to be home to a spooky monk, phantom-like voices and ghostly children running across the upper balcony. If you’re lucky (or unlucky), you might even catch a glimpse of the shadowed figure which haunts the guardroom, and the young girl who lives on the staircase.

For the full list of haunted wedding venues, please visit: https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/organising-and-planning/haunted-wedding-venues/