Anne Shirley once said, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” From pumpkin patches and cider mills to temperate weather and Halloween, there are so many reasons to love this autumnal month. In fact, October is one of the most popular months to get married. It’s also the most popular time of year for gothic weddings — a beautiful blend of romance and mystery.
From dimly lit libraries to candle-filled castles, gothic wedding venues can help set the tone for your elegant and edgy affair. Here are eight gothic wedding venues from across the United States.
East Coast Gothic Wedding Venues
Located on Boston’s historic Beacon Hill, Hampshire House offers all the grandeur and intimacy of a Gothic novel. The Library, located on the second floor, features wood paneling, gold accents, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that are the perfect backdrop for a dark academic dreamscape.
Bonus: the bar that inspired the iconic Cheers pub is located in the building’s basement! Your guests can keep the party going all night long.
From the dazzling chandeliers to the exposed brick and velvet booths, Philadelphia-based restaurant Cicala brings the drama to every event. Housed in the historic Divine Lorraine Hotel — a venue with its own mysterious background — it’s a great choice for couples who appreciate a little intrigue.
Mid-West Gothic Wedding Venues
Take your love story to the stage at The Gem Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. With ornate architecture, red velvet seats, and sparkling chandeliers, this venue can turn your celebration into a cinematic masterpiece. The Gem Theatre’s historic details are ideal for couples who want to channel Old Hollywood glamour with a dark romantic twist.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, check out the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago, Illinois. This is the only museum in North America dedicated to surgery. With marble staircases, gilded mirrors, and stone sculptures, it provides an eerie elegance that will surprise and delight both you and your guests.
Southern Gothic Wedding Venues
New Orleans is considered one of the most gothic cities in the United States. The Capital on Baronne embodies the history and mystery of the city with its marble floors, towering columns, and crystal chandeliers.
Deep in the heart of Texas, The SchoolHouse Dallas is a historic venue that was recently restored and repurposed as an event space. The SchoolHouse offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with room for 120 to 170 guests. You’ll love the Crimson Lounge: an intimate space marked by velvet curtains, burgundy wallpaper, and dark furniture. Perfect for cocktail hour or slipping away for a private moment with your new spouse!
West Coast Gothic Wedding Venues
The Counts Den in Los Angeles, CA is an immersive event space that specializes in all things wacky and wonderful. This vampire-themed venue is decked out with candelabras, antique furniture, and rich red details that transport guests straight into a gothic fairytale. Part theatrical, part romantic, it’s the ideal choice for couples who want a wedding to remember.
Up north in Seattle, WA, the Shafer Baillie Mansion Bed & Breakfast is begging to host a gothic getaway. This historic estate features stained glass windows, beautiful mahogany details, and authentic vintage furnishings. The B&B can accommodate up to sixty people, making it an ideal venue for a micro wedding.
How to Make Any Venue a Gothic Venue
Can’t find the perfect gothic wedding venue? You can still celebrate in style. Here are a few ways to make any venue feel moody and mysterious:
- Swap the virgin white attire for a black or dark purple wedding dress.
- Use cheeky phrases like “till death do us part” on your invitations and wedding signage.
- Choose florals in dark hues like black, burgundy, or dark purple.
- Dim the lights and use taper candles to set the mood throughout.
Wherever you say “I do,” a gothic wedding is a celebration of love that’s anything but ordinary.
Rachel Kauffman is a Detroit-based content writer, bookworm, and cat mom to two feisty felines.
