Windsor Castle has long been a hub for royal weddings, hosting a remarkable 17 royal couples in the last 150 years. As a Royal Peculiar and a chapel of the Order of the Garter, St. George’s Chapel within the castle grounds has been the primary venue for these grand celebrations, requiring the Queen’s personal permission for any wedding to take place.
The First Royal Couple to Tie the Knot at Windsor Castle
The distinction of being the first royal couple to exchange vows at Windsor Castle belongs to Prince Albert, the future Edward VII, and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Their wedding took place on March 10, 1863, in the quire of St. George’s Chapel, setting the stage for the many regal unions that would follow.
Notable Royal Weddings at Windsor Castle
Over the years, Windsor Castle has witnessed the marriages of several prominent members of the British royal family:
- Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank: The couple tied the knot on October 12, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel.
- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel.
- Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones: The couple exchanged vows on June 19, 1999, at St. George’s Chapel.
Accessibility and Visiting Windsor Castle
Reaching Windsor Castle is relatively straightforward, with options including train, bus, and car. The castle is open to visitors from Thursday to Monday, with varying hours depending on the season. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Getting to Windsor Castle
- Train: Windsor Castle can be accessed by train from Waterloo and Paddington stations.
- Bus: The Green Line 702 service provides bus transportation to the castle.
- Car: Visitors can reach the castle via the M3, M4, M25, and M40 motorways.
Opening Times and Closures
- Open Days: Windsor Castle is open from Thursday to Monday.
- Closed Days: The castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Seasonal Hours: Opening hours vary depending on the season.
Admission and Ticketing
Visitors can purchase admission tickets to access all public areas of Windsor Castle and its gardens. Booking tickets and arrival slots online in advance is highly recommended to ensure a smooth visit.
Admission Ticket
- Provides Access: The Windsor Castle admission ticket grants access to all public areas of the castle and gardens.
- Advance Booking: Visitors are advised to book their tickets and arrival slots online in advance.
St. George’s Chapel: The Heart of Windsor Castle Weddings
For those interested in the history and architecture of St. George’s Chapel, the official website at www.stgeorges-windsor.org offers a wealth of information.
Chapel Details
- Royal Peculiar: St. George’s Chapel is a Royal Peculiar, meaning it is governed by the monarch and requires the Queen’s permission for any wedding to take place.
- Order of the Garter: The chapel is also a chapel of the Order of the Garter, a prestigious order of chivalry.
Wedding Venue Considerations
While St. George’s Chapel is not typically available for weddings outside of the royal family or those with direct connections to the royal family, alternative regal wedding venues can be found through platforms like Peerspace.
Availability and Restrictions
- Royal Family Connections: St. George’s Chapel is primarily reserved for royal family weddings or those with direct ties to the monarchy.
- Alternative Venues: Couples seeking a regal wedding experience can explore options through platforms like Peerspace.
Contact Information
For general inquiries about Windsor Castle, visitors can call the castle at 0303 123 7304.
Reference:
- https://www.royal.uk/history-royal-weddings-windsor-castle
- https://www.peerspace.com/resources/can-you-get-married-at-st-georges-chapel-windsor-castle/
- https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/g15881437/royal-weddings-history-windsor-castle-st-georges-chapel/
- https://windsorcastle.co.uk/windsor-brides
- https://www.stgeorges-windsor.org/about