Where to have a castle wedding in Catalonia

If you’ve always dreamed of saying “I do” with your beloved in a fairytale fashion, then get set to be blown away by the options for a magical wedding at one of the many castles in Catalonia. From only 20 minutes to just over an hour away from the heart of Barcelona, the region boasts several charming and romantic castle wedding venues with fascinating histories to boot. So if you’re living in Barcelona and want to turn your romantic vision into reality or perhaps you’re looking for a unique spot for a spectacular destination wedding, then be sure to check out these three castles close to Barcelona when planning your big day.

Table of Contents

Castell d’Empordà

Castell d’Empordà, which also features a hotel onsite, is located in Catalonia’s Empordà area, halfway between Barcelona and the French border, and around one and a half hours from the centre of Barcelona. It’s set among beautiful fields and just a short distance from the lovely beaches along the Costa Brava. The nearly 12-hectare property features olive and oak trees, with venue spaces including a terrace with spectacular sea views as well as a cosy wedding chapel. The history of Castell d’Empordà goes back to the 14th century, when it was first mentioned in historical documentation. Over one hundred years later, it was acquired by the Margarit family through marriage. In the 1970s, Salvador Dali wanted to buy the castle for his wife Gala using his artwork for payment. The owner at the time refused. Then in 1999, it was purchased by Albert Diks and Margo Vereijken, who remain the founders of the present hotel-restaurant Castell d’Empordà.

Related link: Barcelona Wedding Photographers

Castell de Sant Marçal

Castell de Sant Marçal is located between Cerdanyola del Vallés and Sant Cugat del Vallès, which is just 20 minutes from Barcelona’s centre. The castle features stunning gardens that are available for hire for those looking to host a unique and unforgettable event. The history of Sant Marçal, in terms of the construction of the church, dates back to around the 11th century. The castle is mentioned later in historical documents, during the beginnings of the 12th century. It was purchased in 1225 by Ramón de Plegamans, whose son Marimón de Plegamans was one of the most distinguished people in the area at the time. The current owners of the castle are his descendants, meaning the Castell de Sant Marçal has been in the same family for more than 700 years.

El Castillo de Tamarit

El Castillo de Tamarit is located 10 minutes from Tarragona, which is around an hour journey from Barcelona by train or car. There are several options for a wedding ceremony location, either in the main square of the old town of Tamarit or nearby the pool area at the castle that overlooks the sea. You can also request to hold your ceremony in a delightful 11th century chapel. The history of the castle itself goes back to the 12th century, when it was constructed in a Romanesque style. Several centuries later, it was used as a surveillance point for pirate attacks occurring along the coast. Later, during the time of Peter IV of Aragon, the castle was enclosed by a wall to provide more protection from the sea exposure.