Choosing a wedding venue is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions you will make during your wedding planning. And while Pinterest and Instagram can be your go-to guides for wedding inspiration, you are most likely to find a wedding venue that suits your personality. Hence your wedding venue choice will be in tandem with who you are as a couple. And if you and your partner have always enjoyed watching spooky movies and shared a penchant for the paranormal, hosting your wedding at a dark and moody wedding venue can be an amazing and unique choice. It can also be a great opportunity if you are hosting a Halloween-themed wedding as a testament to your affinity for the dark. Just like a couple who loves all things "vintage" will have a natural inclination for jazz-inspired wedding details featuring flappers and champagne towers and an outdoorsy couple would love to host a whimsical garden wedding as a highlight of their shared personality, hosting your wedding at one of the ghoulish and dark spirited wedding venue (some of them are even believed to be haunted!) can be a great way to entertain your wedding guests and give them an evening to remember forever.
Imagine tying the knot amidst swaying chandeliers, a dimly candlelit altar, shrill shrieks echoing in the background, dark and moody wedding colors, dark history smearing the walls, giggles of children, footsteps on deserted stairs, neighing of wild horses, piano sounds playing on their own, odd cold spots, light breezes in otherwise warm rooms, and pictures flying off the wall! Okay, that's a bit dramatic! But hosting a reception at a spine-tingling wedding venue can be the ultimate way to bring all your Halloween wedding details from over the years to life especially if you are looking forward to celebrating this fall holiday. Spooky wedding venues have always been loved by couples who share a love for haunted houses and supernatural things. In a way, it's like hosting a Harry Potter-themed wedding, but in dark mode.
The best part about hosting your big day at an eerie wedding venue is that you don't have to compromise on style, beauty, or elegance as these wedding party spaces can be turned into whatever way you like as most of them are like blank canvases where you can paint your own picture. One can only imagine all those dark and moody wedding photos as part of the low light and night photography session! These haunted wedding locations are spectacular for hosting the wedding of your dreams in any way you like. And if you and your fiancé have a thing for the mystical, well, you are in luck! From incorporating black into your wedding to getting your favorite full moon night portraits clicked on your wedding night, these incredible statement-making wedding venues are a dream come true.
From stately Victorian mansions and iconic wedding venues to elegant hotel ballrooms and luscious garden venues, your options are endless to host a spectacular wedding. From glamorous Spanish-style wedding resorts to a restored 19th-century train station, there are many otherworldly wedding event spaces that can delight a couple who loves dark academia and wants to share the thrill with all their loved ones. Giving a great and unique experience to all your wedding guests can be a great way to make them remember your wedding in the best light. Who knows but the spine-tingling histories of these spooky locations might even bring more “guests” to your wedding than you had anticipated. To experience the eerie and mysterious phenomena by yourself, book your wedding at one of these rumored haunted wedding venues.
Halloween-Themed Wedding Venue For A Spooky Wedding:
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel has 140 rooms and a total area of over 14,000 square feet. This hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King's novel The Shining. Several "spirited" rooms are available today: 217, 401, 407, and 428. The Stanley has also appeared on the shows Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. Apart from being a supernatural wonderland, the hotel is a spectacular Rocky Mountain wedding destination with numerous ceremony and reception venues. The Pavilion stands out because it overlooks a private pond. The Lodge at the Stanley is a 40-room hotel that can be booked. The Front Lawn, the MacGregor Ballroom, the Music Room, and the Pinon and Billiard Rooms are all located in the main hotel, which can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Jekyll Island Club Resort in Jekyll Island, Georgia
Historic barrier islands resort with moss-draped oaks and secluded beaches, as well as a lavish ballroom, oceanfront lawn, and rooftop lounge with a breathtaking view of the ocean. But breathtaking scenery isn't the only thing that will catch your attention! Keep an eye out for the paranormal spirits that wander the Riverfront Veranda, sneak sips from your morning coffee, and the mysterious bellman in 1920's clothes who delivers suits!
The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California
The once-opulent ocean liner is now a California landmark and permanently docked hotel. The ship is said to be haunted by the ghosts of three passengers and two crew members (one of whom was crushed by an automatic door). The Queen Mary is an incredible place to tie the knot, whether you and your groom want a traditional ceremony in the Royal Wedding Chapel or to say your vows on the bow at sunset. Packages start at $59 per person and include a one-hour reception, a beer and wine bar, and a three-course meal, among other things.
The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago
If you choose the Gold Room, you might notice a ghostly hand reaching out from the coat closet—this is the spirit of a worker who was trapped behind a wall and died as a result of it being plastered shut! Wedding guests have reported hearing female whispers in their ears in the Florentine Room, and security guards have reported mysterious knocks and chairs shifting from one place to another. Al Capone stayed in the hotel and had a suite on the eighth floor. He, along with the ghosts of a mischievous young boy and the goofy hobo Peg Leg Johnny, still roam the halls. Room 441, however, is the most terrifying location. Guests who have slept claimed to have been jolted awake and have seen a female shadow at the foot of the bed. The Congress Plaza Hotel has maintained an enduring tradition as one of downtown Chicago's most sought-after event venues since 1893. The hotel blends historic elegance with contemporary style and is located on Michigan Avenue, just steps away from Grant Park and the Magnificent Mile. The Congress Plaza Hotel is the ideal wedding rehearsal dinner and special event location for up to 550 guests, with 23 versatile venue options to choose from.
Historic Anchorage Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska
The Historic Anchorage Hotel boasts on its website that "ghosts are more than just stories" because of its haunted history. Pictures flying off the walls, shower curtains swaying in the absence of a breeze, and specters moving through the halls are just a few of the strange occurrences reported inside this hotel. So, who will be haunting your happily ever after? Many believe it was John J. "Black Jack" Sturgis, Anchorage's first chief of police, who was found shot in the back by his own gun in the hotel in 1921. But don't be scared off by his spirit. Even if it wasn't for Chief Sturgis, the history and stunning details of this hotel will make a lovely setting for a vintage-themed happily ever after.
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa bills itself as America's most haunted hotel, with a history that dates back to 1886. Today, the Crescent hosts nightly ghost tours, during which guests can learn more about the hotel's infamous ghosts, such as Michael, Theodora, the ghost in the morgue, the nurse, the girl in the mist, and the Lady in Victorian lingerie. The venue's eerie past makes it an ideal Halloween wedding location. The Crystal Ballroom, with its crystal chandeliers, high ceilings, and hardwood floors, is the perfect setting for your wedding. If you are looking for an amazing outdoor wedding venue, the Conservatory, the Fountain Garden, and the East Lawn are all historical options for a splendid ceremony. The Wedding in the Woods is a new venue designed specifically for outdoor weddings. You can also host an intimate wedding in one of the Crescent Hotel's treetop cottages for a more unique nature experience.
Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California
A magnificent Victorian mansion with a spooky past, the Greenhouse of Winchester Mystery House hosts al fresco receptions on the lush Front Lawn, intimate ceremonies in Sarah Winchester's restored Dining Room, and vintage-style wedding events. Your guests will enjoy wandering through this beautiful yet strange mansion with an unconventional layout that was meant to confuse the spirits. It is said to be haunted by ghosts killed by the Winchester Rifle.
The Eldridge Hotel in Lawrence, Kansas
The Eldridge Hotel has a dramatic history dating back to the Civil War when it was burned down twice by pro-slavery guerrilla troops, the second time along with the rest of the city. Colonel Eldridge rebuilt the hotel, which now stands as a symbol of Lawrence citizens' fight for individual rights worldwide. The Colonel is said to be haunting the hotel now, guarding it from the "grave." Both traditional and modern brides will find reception spaces at the hotel. The Crystal Ballroom is a classic space with elegant décor, while the Big 6 Room's exposed brick and grand fireplace are perfect for a modern wedding event.
Big Nose Kate's Saloon in Tombstone, Arizona
Big Nose Ranch is the place to go for a Wild West wedding! Kate's Saloon has all the adornments to make your special day feel authentic. The saloon was built in the 1800s and is now located in the ghost town of Tombstone, Arizona. It was once a popular hotel frequented by Doc Holliday and Ike Clanton, but it is now a notorious hangout for miners and cowboys. The "Swamper," for example, is an old miner who hid his silver in the saloon and guards it in the hallways and basements. Cowboys have also been seen standing in doorways, knocking over beer cases, and grabbing a drink at the bar. Many visitors have reported seeing ghosts in photographs taken during their visit, so examine those wedding photos carefully while you are at it!
Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts
The Hawthorne Hotel in Salem is a National Historic Landmark. Strange occurrences, such as moving furniture, ghost sightings, and unexplained noises, are not uncommon at the hotel, which is located in a haunted city. The Hawthorne has been used for filming Bewitched and Ghost Hunters, and on the 64th anniversary of Harry Houdini's death, the hotel held a seance in its grand ballroom in an attempt to summon the magician. The hotel is an incredible place to say "I do" around Halloween, with everything from black magic to love story magic. Have your wedding guests stay the night in the hotel's 93 guest rooms, and take advantage of a comprehensive wedding package that includes everything from a wedding coordinator and your wedding cake to floral centerpieces and a private room for photo sessions.
The Union Station Nashville Yards in Nashville, Tennessee
The former 19th-century train station transformed into a luxury hotel with Gothic architecture. The wedding event spaces range from an elegant veranda to the magnificent lobby, which features a 65-foot stained-glass ceiling and marble floors. The ghost of Abigail, a 20-year-old girl who said goodbye to her beau as he shipped out from the station for France during WWll and promised to wait for his return, is said to haunt the hotel. She's been seen walking the railroad tracks in search of her long-lost love.
Pythian Castle in Springfield, Missouri
The Knights of Pythias built the regal Pythian Castle in 1913, and it has housed everyone from orphans to soldiers. It's not uncommon nowadays to hear male and female whispers, run into an unseen mass, hear doors shut, or see boxes being moved when no one is around. Orbs, as well as temperature changes, have been seen in several areas of the building, and many paranormal images have been captured on camera. For your special day, you can rent a theater and a ballroom. Couples can use both the theater and the ballroom because they are directly above it. Best of all, the warm and colorful décor of this venue requires very little additional decoration.
The Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California
Couples who desire old Hollywood glamorous wedding details, check this out. The stars are literally in the DNA of The Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, which hosted the first Academy Awards ceremony in its Blossom Room ballroom. The hotel was renovated in 1984, which appears to have enraged the spirits who inhabit it. Guests in the ballroom have been experiencing random cold spots since then. Many people have claimed to see Marilyn Monroe in a full-length mirror that used to be in her poolside suite but is now in the elevator bank. If you spend your wedding night in one of the hotel's 20 rooms, you might hear strange noises, see strange shadows, or hear typewriting (without a typewriter in sight). Alternatively, inquire about room 928, where the ghost of Montgomery Clift (from From Here to Eternity) can be seen playing the trumpet or pacing the halls reciting his lines.
Graduate Providence in Providence, Rhode Island
The Graduate Providence in Rhode Island, formerly the Providence Biltmore, has opulent interiors. The landmark hotel exudes otherworldly energy that can be attributed to its long history and supernatural sightings, in addition to historical glamor. It first opened in 1922, and the basement served as a speakeasy for the mob during Prohibition. The Capital Ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests; other on-site venues include the Parkview Terrace, the Summit, L'Apogee, and the Biltmore Ballroom. The creative team on board will assist you in creating a custom menu tailored to your preferences and guest count, as well as a list of reliable vendors for everything from entertainment to transportation.
Hotel Teatro in Denver, Colorado
Hotel Teatro in Denver is a 19th-century hotel with distinctive Beaux-Arts architecture, inviting event spaces, and luxurious accommodations with spectacular Rocky Mountain views. But ornate sconces aren't the only thing adorning these corridors—listen closely and you might hear disembodied voices or the footsteps of the infamous "tool man," a mechanic who worked on the railcars in the basement.
Life is too short to be a cliche! If you always wanted a unique wedding for yourself, and aren't willing to give in to the bandwagon of flowers, beachfront, fairy lights, and a dreamy wedding venue- the above-mentioned list is just for you. These spirited properties are believed to be haunted. Well, it might seem to be a little dark in taste, but it will represent both of you and your shared pursuit and your wedding will genuinely represent the two of you. The list of supernatural wedding venues is filled with costly stories and dark legends for you to pick your own poison. How about getting married in one of Atlanta's graveyards, where Civil War soldiers have been heard conducting roll calls, or worse, seen hanging in trees. Not spooky enough? Perhaps you would like to share your wedding with the bride who met with an untimely death and didn't make it to her own wedding day, and now she is back to attend yours!
The iconic historic wedding venues have spooky past and spine-tingling horror stories to elevate your Halloween wedding even more. Each of these Halloween wedding venues around the country is also rumored to be home to plenty of paranormal activities. From famous celebrities whose souls never left the premises to the long-dead owners of the estates and mansions still roaming the grounds, there will be many ghostly wedding guests in attendance when you host your wedding. This way, you will be able to say “I do, until death does us part” at these haunted locations. If you and your would-be spouse love watching horror movies and Friday the 13th has always been on your Netflix TBW list, or you love going on ghost tours, or you love visiting abandoned buildings under the covers while things go bumping in the night, then these beautiful spots are perfect for your happily ever after. For a wedding to leave your guests with goosebumps, these iconic haunted wedding event spaces are undoubtedly perfect!
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