Imagine this: You’re in a flowing wedding dress, the wind gently lifts your veil, and behind you, the towering spires of Neuschwanstein Castle rise into the Bavarian sky. You feel like royalty. Then—click, click, click—you turn around to see a busload of tourists snapping photos of you like you’re part of the castle tour.
Yep, let’s talk about the reality of getting married at Neuschwanstein Castle. Spoiler alert: You can’t get legally married inside the castle. But don’t panic! There are stunning alternatives that will make your wedding feel even more magical.
Can You Legally Get Married at Neuschwanstein Castle?
Let’s cut to the chase: No, you cannot have a wedding inside Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s a historical monument, meaning private events like weddings are off-limits. (I know, I know… Disney really set us up with false expectations.)
But here’s the good news—there are gorgeous venues nearby where you can have a fairytale wedding with Neuschwanstein as your backdrop. And let’s be honest, the castle is the real star of the show anyway.
Best Wedding Venues Near Neuschwanstein Castle
If you want that iconic Neuschwanstein “just got married in a fairytale” vibe, these locations are perfect:
1. Hotel Müller Hohenschwangau (5-minute walk from the castle)
A charming Bavarian-style hotel with a picture-perfect view of Neuschwanstein. They offer intimate wedding setups on their terrace, so you can say “I do” with the castle right behind you. Bonus: No hiking in a wedding dress required!
👉 Website
2. Schlossbrauhaus Schwangau (2 km from the castle)
Love rustic Bavarian vibes? This brewery-turned-wedding-venue offers castle views, cozy event spaces, and—most importantly—amazing German beer. Because let’s be real, weddings and beer are a perfect match.
👉 Website
3. Tegelberg Mountain Wedding (Panoramic views of Neuschwanstein!)
Take a cable car up Tegelberg Mountain and exchange vows above the clouds with Neuschwanstein in the distance. Want something extra? Paraglide down together after saying “I do”! (Okay, maybe not in a ball gown, but still.)
👉 Website
4. Hohenschwangau Castle (Neuschwanstein’s “royal sibling”)
Unlike Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle does allow weddings. The interiors are regal, the setting is breathtaking, and the best part? It’s a real royal wedding experience.
👉 Website
Best Time for a Wedding at Neuschwanstein
Before you book your dream wedding, let’s talk timing. This place gets over 1.5 million visitors per year (yes, million), so picking the right season is everything.
🌸 Spring (April – May) → Fewer tourists, blooming flowers, soft lighting. Ideal for dreamy wedding photos!
🍂 Autumn (September – October) → Golden leaves, crisp air, fairytale vibes. Absolute perfection.
❄️ Winter (December – February) → A literal snow globe wedding. Think Cinderella meets Frozen. But bring warm boots.
🚫 Worst time? Summer (June – August). Unless you love crowds, long lines, and photobombing tourists, avoid it.
Wedding Photography at Neuschwanstein: The Ultimate Guide
If you’re having a wedding or elopement near Neuschwanstein, wedding photos are EVERYTHING. Here’s how to get those “magazine-worthy” shots:
📸 Best Photo Locations
- Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) – The most famous viewpoint. Arrive at sunrise to avoid crowds. Trust me.
- Alpsee Lake – Romantic lakeside reflections with Neuschwanstein in the background.
- Fields near Hohenschwangau – Wide-open landscapes with a perfect castle view. Secret spot!
📸 Photography Permits & Rules
- Professional photoshoots require a permit from local authorities. Your photographer can help with this.
- Drones? Nope. Strictly forbidden. You don’t want Bavarian police crashing your wedding.
How to Get to Neuschwanstein Castle for Your Wedding
📍 Nearest Airports:
✈️ Munich International Airport (MUC) – 2-hour drive
✈️ Memmingen Airport (FMM) – 1.5-hour drive
🚗 Best Way to Get There:
- Rent a car for flexibility.
- Take a train from Munich to Füssen, then a shuttle bus to the castle.
- Horse-drawn carriage? Yes, it’s available! (Ultimate fairytale mode: activated.)
Budget Breakdown: What to Expect
💒 Venue rental near Neuschwanstein: €2,000 – €10,000+
📸 Wedding photographer (hi, let’s chat! 😄): Starting at €2,500
🏨 Accommodation (luxury hotels to cozy inns): €150 – €500 per night
Is it pricey? A little. But will it be one of the most magical weddings in history? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts: Is a Neuschwanstein Wedding Worth It?
If you’ve always dreamed of a storybook wedding, this is it. While you can’t get married inside Neuschwanstein Castle, the nearby venues offer something just as breathtaking—a royal setting, a dreamlike landscape, and wedding photos that will make people’s jaws drop.
Just imagine… your first kiss as a married couple, with Neuschwanstein glowing behind you. The fairytale doesn’t get better than that.
Ready to Capture Your Dream Wedding? Let’s Make It Happen!
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing love stories in breathtaking locations like Neuschwanstein. I know the best spots, the perfect timing, and all the little details that turn your wedding photos into magic.
📸 Want to see more fairytale weddings? Check out my portfolio here.
💍 Curious about wedding photography packages? Find them here.
📩 Let’s start planning! Reach out here, and let’s bring your dream wedding to life!
✨ A Neuschwanstein wedding may not be exactly like a Disney movie, but trust me—with the right planning (and a photographer who knows the hidden gems), it’ll be even better—because it’s your own real-life love story. ✨
