Close your eyes for a second and imagine: You’re walking hand in hand with your partner across an ancient stone bridge, the soft rustle of leaves around you, the distant chime of champagne glasses, and a breathtaking castle towering in the background. Sounds magical, right? Welcome to Belgium—where history, romance, and architecture blend seamlessly to create wedding venues straight out of a fairytale.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in a historic castle, a medieval abbey, or an aristocratic estate, Belgium is your dreamland. In this guide, we’ll explore the best historic wedding venues in Belgium, from romantic castles to enchanting ruins.
Best Historic Wedding Venues in Belgium for a Dreamy Ceremony
1. Château de la Hulpe – A Fairytale Castle Near Brussels
📍 Location: La Hulpe, Wallonia
🔗 Official website
Want to feel like royalty on your wedding day? Château de la Hulpe, often called “Belgium’s Versailles”, offers an enchanting setting with manicured French gardens, shimmering lakes, and a dreamy château backdrop. The best part? It’s just 20 minutes from Brussels.
✨ Why you’ll love it: The castle’s grounds are so breathtaking you might forget to say, “I do” while staring at the scenery.
💡 Wedding Tip: This venue is perfect for outdoor garden ceremonies, but don’t forget a backup plan—Belgium’s weather can be as unpredictable as a plot twist in a romance novel.
2. Kasteel van Groot-Bijgaarden – A Floral Wonderland with a Moat
📍 Location: Groot-Bijgaarden, near Brussels
🔗 Official website
Nothing says “fairytale wedding” like a castle with a moat! This 12th-century château is a dream location, especially in spring when its famous gardens bloom with over one million tulips and daffodils—talk about natural wedding décor!
✨ Why you’ll love it: It’s like stepping into a painting, except you get to be the main character.
💡 Wedding Tip: If you love outdoor receptions, book during the annual Floralia Brussels flower festival for an even more magical atmosphere.
3. Abbey of Villers – A Dramatic Medieval Ruin for a Unique Wedding
📍 Location: Villers-la-Ville, Wallonia
🔗 Official website
If you want your wedding to look like something out of a medieval fantasy movie, this 12th-century abbey ruin is the place. Think ivy-covered stone arches, candlelit tables, and an ethereal atmosphere—absolutely perfect for couples who want something unique and cinematic.
✨ Why you’ll love it: Your wedding photos will look so epic, even Hollywood might get jealous.
💡 Wedding Tip: The best time for weddings here is early autumn, when the golden leaves and sunset light make the ruins even more magical.
4. Château Bayard – A Hidden Gem for an Intimate Wedding
📍 Location: Éghezée, Wallonia
🔗 Official website
For couples who prefer intimacy over grandeur, Château Bayard offers 17th-century aristocratic elegance with a cozy touch. The estate has beautiful antique interiors, grand staircases, and charming courtyards, making it perfect for a small, romantic wedding.
✨ Why you’ll love it: If castles like Versailles feel too grand for you, this is your perfect middle ground.
💡 Wedding Tip: This venue is exclusively yours for the day, so you can enjoy the experience without bumping into tourists taking selfies.
5. Alden Biesen Castle – A Grand Estate for a Royal Celebration
📍 Location: Bilzen, Flanders
🔗 Official website
Looking for a majestic, grand wedding venue? Alden Biesen Castle is a Teutonic Order stronghold-turned-wedding venue, featuring towering walls, grand courtyards, and baroque interiors that ooze nobility.
✨ Why you’ll love it: This venue is so grand, your guests might mistake your wedding for a royal coronation.
💡 Wedding Tip: The estate’s courtyard and gardens are ideal for a cocktail hour before moving into the banquet hall for the main reception.
6. Gaasbeek Castle – A Hidden Jewel Near Brussels
📍 Location: Lennik, Flanders
🔗 Official website
Nestled in the Flemish countryside, Gaasbeek Castle is a blend of medieval charm and Renaissance luxury. With its moat, lush parklands, and breathtaking views, it’s perfect for couples looking for a romantic yet historic wedding venue.
✨ Why you’ll love it: It’s the best mix of grand and intimate, and the gardens look incredible in wedding photos.
💡 Wedding Tip: This venue is best for smaller weddings, as indoor spaces are limited—but the outdoor gardens are stunning for summer ceremonies.
What You Should Know Before Booking a Historic Wedding Venue in Belgium
💡 Weather Matters: Belgium loves a surprise rain shower. If your venue has outdoor options, always have a Plan B!
💡 Guest Accommodations: Some castles offer on-site rooms, while others require nearby hotels—plan accordingly!
💡 Food & Drink Rules: Some historic venues have exclusive catering rules, so check if you can bring in your own caterer or must use the venue’s.
💡 Photography Tip: These venues naturally create breathtaking backdrops, but make sure to have a skilled wedding photographer who knows how to work with historic lighting conditions (hello, moody castle interiors!).
Capture Your Belgian Fairytale with the Right Photographer
Finding the perfect venue is just the start—capturing it beautifully is what turns your wedding into a timeless story. As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in creating elegant, natural, and artistic images that reflect your love and the grandeur of these historic settings.
✨ See my latest weddings and inspiration: Your Happy Moments Blog
✨ Explore my photography packages: Wedding Photography Packages
✨ Let’s talk about your dream wedding: Contact Me
Ready to make your Belgian fairytale a reality? Let’s create unforgettable memories together! ✨
