From enchanted castles to seaside escapes, here are the real-life venues that bring your childhood Disney love story to life.
Once upon a time… Disney taught us about love.
Before we ever swiped right or made Pinterest boards titled “Future Wedding Inspo,” Disney was already shaping our idea of romance.
From Belle falling for the Beast to Ariel trading fins for feet, Disney movies gave us our first glimpses of what true love could look like. And let’s be real, many of us grew up imagining ourselves in those same fairytale moments.
Now that it’s your turn to write your love story, why not take a page from Disney and pick a wedding destination inspired by the movie that defined your childhood? Here are some magical real-world venues that let you live out your happily ever after.
1. Beauty and the Beast – Château de Challain-la-Potherie, France
If Belle’s love for grand staircases and sweeping ballrooms still makes your heart flutter, Château de Challain-la-Potherie in France is your dream come true. Known as the “Castle of Love,” this Gothic masterpiece is complete with turrets, candlelit halls, and lush gardens that feel straight out of the animated classic.
You’ll feel like you’re walking into the enchanted castle itself, minus the talking candlesticks (though we wouldn’t mind Lumière helping with the reception lighting). It’s perfect for brides who want that golden-gown, storybook entrance.
2. The Little Mermaid – Villa d’Este, Italy
Channel your inner Ariel at Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como. With shimmering blue waters, Renaissance architecture, and manicured gardens that seem to tumble into the lake, this venue is the closest thing to living your “part of that world” fantasy.
It’s romantic, it’s coastal, and it’s effortlessly glamorous. Just imagine a lakeside ceremony at sunset, no sea witch contracts required.
3. Frozen – Icehotel, Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
If you’ve ever dreamed of Elsa-level frost magic, Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden is your venue. Every winter, this world-famous hotel is rebuilt from snow and ice, featuring an actual Ice Chapel where couples can wed surrounded by crystal-like walls and frosty arches. After the ceremony, cozy up in reindeer blankets or toast in the warm lodge nearby.
4. Tangled – Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Disney didn’t exactly hide its inspiration for Tangled. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria looks so much like Rapunzel’s dreamland that it feels animated. With its dramatic towers, mountain views, and whimsical presence, it’s the stuff storybooks are made of.
However, you can’t exactly have a wedding inside Neuschwanstein Castle, as it is a museum. But you can have a wedding ceremony or photoshoot in the surrounding area
5. Cinderella – Leeds Castle, United Kingdom
Not every castle can live up to Cinderella’s glass slipper, but Leeds Castle in Kent comes close. With its sparkling moat, opulent interiors, and manicured lawns, it sets the stage for a royal ball. Midnight? Not an issue here, you’ll be dancing long past curfew.
6. Aladdin – Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
If you’ve been dreaming of a wedding straight out of Aladdin, the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is your golden ticket. With its Arabian palatial design, sweeping ballrooms, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, this venue feels like it was built for a royal love story.
7. The Princess and the Frog – The Vanderbilt Estate, Thailand
Tiana may have been all about New Orleans charm, but the Vanderbilt Estate in Hua Hin, Thailand offers a tropical spin on Southern elegance. Think regal architecture, sprawling lawns, and a seaside backdrop that’s both lush and sophisticated.
8. Sleeping Beauty – Greyleigh, Australia
Aurora was all about timeless beauty and fairytales that never fade, and Greyleigh in New South Wales captures that spirit. With rolling hills, rustic yet chic interiors, and magical gardens, it’s a countryside escape where romance feels endless.
Happily Ever After, IRL
From ballrooms in France to lantern-lit castles in Germany, Disney taught us that love stories are bigger than life and your wedding can be too. Whether you lean toward snowy mountains or sunlit coastlines, there’s a destination out there that mirrors your childhood fairytale.
So grab your partner (no fairy godmother needed), book your dream venue, and start living your own “happily ever after.”
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