We’ve all dreamed about our weddings as kids. We see those magical fairytale weddings and picture ourselves in that situation. Then, once we grow up and start planning, the part of us still longs for that fairytale setting. That’s where the Cloisters Castle comes in! As a Maryland photographer, I get the chance to photograph some pretty magical weddings, and this venue remains impressive every single time. If you’re looking for the perfect storybook venue for your dream day, I would love to tell you all about what you can expect from a Cloisters Castle wedding.
10440 Falls Road, Lutherville, Maryland 21093
From the very beginning, the Cloisters Castle was created to be a magical space reminiscent of the old world. The house was built in the heart of over 60 acres of thick, secluded forest. The gothic manor was ordered by Sumner and Dundrea Parker as a way to display their huge collection of medieval artifacts and artwork. From the second you pull up to the drive, you’re instantly transported to another world. As you walk through the house, you’ll be able to find artifacts stretching back through the pages of history to the 15th and 16th centuries. All of it creates the perfect ambiance for your romantic day.
From intimate indoor wedding ceremonies to expansive outdoor celebrations, the Cloisters Castle has the spot for you. The venue features two outdoor spaces you can use throughout your ceremony. The Cloistered Garden tends to be a favorite space for ceremonies. This area is nestled against the house and features a terrace that gives you the perfect place to make your dramatic entrance. The venue also features an amphitheater with stadium seating and stairs leading down to a stage. Truly, this space feels like it’s right out of a fair! Whether you want a themed wedding or an elegant affair, you can transform this space into exactly what you need.
The venue has an indoor gallery you can use for your ceremony if you’d prefer. This bright white space features a vaulted ceiling with wooden beams running across it. Most receptions take place indoors in the gallery room. This space is located right next to the living room, and many couples choose to use them in conjunction with each other. There is a stage at the back of the gallery room where you can set up either the live band or the DJ. There is a chapel to the side where you can set up a cake or dessert table.
If you would prefer an outdoor wedding reception, you can use the Cloisters Castle gardens for this portion. You can set up your tables around the edges and create a dance floor in the middle.
Bibliophiles will adore the Library for their cocktail hour. This rich and moody room features floor-to-ceiling bookshelves spanning centuries. Your guests can grab a signature cocktail while they explore this one-of-a-kind space.
For an outdoor cocktail hour, the gardens work beautifully. You can set up a table of hors d’oeuvres in the center of the area with a bar off to the side.
When you rent the venue, you will get exclusive access to the entirety of the castle, including two suites you can use for a bridal suite and a groom’s room. You will have plenty of space to put on all the finishing touches before it’s time for your ceremony to begin.
The Cloisters Castle is the ideal option for mid-sized weddings. You will have plenty of space to accommodate up to 150 guests.
The castle is rich with details both inside and out. The exterior is built with brownstone and Tudor details along the top. The terrace is paved with stone and features bistro lights illuminating the space. The back has a small pavilion to use as your backdrop as you exchange vows. Plants are growing around the barriers, so they feel naturally secluded from the rest of the world. The interior features relics, including knights in armor. Gothic windows, archways, stained glass, and quiet outdoor walkways exist.
With the Cloisters Castle wedding venue, you will have your pick of dreamy portraits. One of the favorite spaces for couples’ portraits is the exterior spiral staircase. Not only will you have a great way to show off all the details of your gown, but you’ll have the castle as your backdrop. The front doors leading into the castle also tend to be a great spot for these pictures. The grounds contain a windmill and a stone bridge, both of which you can use for your pictures.
The Cloisters Castle strives to make planning your wedding as easy as possible. They have wedding planning services as well as lists of local vendors. They have a list of exclusive caterers you can use for your event. Your caterer will be responsible for set-up and clean-up. They will be able to use the attached kitchen throughout the day. For all alcohol, including champagne, for getting ready, you must have a licensed bartender. The Cloisters Castle will provide you with event staff who will ensure the rules are followed and that your day is seamless. The venue is pet-friendly. They will provide you with tables and chairs. By booking the castle, you will have exclusive access to the venue for ten hours and can use every room.
With the Cloisters Castle wedding venue, your dream storybook wedding will become a reality! Schedule your tour soon to see if this is the venue for you.
Once you have your venue, it’s time to start thinking about pictures. That’s where I come in! I am a Maryland photographer, and I adore working with couples so they can have memories of their magical day. If you’re looking for your wedding photographer, I would love to sit down for a consultation so you can decide if my style matches yours. Contact me today so we can chat!