Castle Gallery
The Castle provides a unique opportunity for wedding photos in a way many venues cannot. Louisiana Castle is a "true castle" by definition. The original owner and planner of the Castle, Dr. Belcher, had his concept in mind, and his desire was to build a castle in the fashion of an English Norman (keep) Castle. Eighty yards of concrete with 3,000 blocks for the foundation, an additional 85,000 bricks for construction, genuine arrow slits in windows, all with no construction blueprints, and a true castle was built.... over many years and much sacrifice. (Be sure to read Dr. Belcher's story.)
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The Balcony in the Juliet Suite is a main photo for our Brides. Our Brides use this room to complete their look for the wedding and it makes a luxurious room to "stash her" so the Groom doesn't sneak a peek before the wedding. Famous shots are the bride standing by the Juliet Balcony overlooking the Ceremony site, displaying her beautiful dress, front and back. This is a Castle favorite!
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The Juliet Suite, which was referred to as "The Bedchamber" long ago, has several popular photo spots. In medieval castles, there was often a "sitting area" for the Lady of the castle in the bedroom. In those times, castles were not "private" as one might think. The King often conducted business in the Bedchamber. Some Castles were built for the military to provide protection and were often not large enough for a King and Queen to stay. It wasn't until the 18th Century, (English Georgian period) when privacy, as we know it, became attainable. Until then, it was common for servants of the Castle to sleep on the floor, often in the same room with the King and Queen. Extended family and servants also slept on the bottom floor in the "keep" area. Life was a time of war and unrest during these periods. Fortunately for Louisiana Castle, we are not in a time of feuding when Kings take their bedding and move from Castle to Castle during battle.
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The Castle can be rented overnight to the Newlywed King and Queen, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate the union! Although it is classified as renting the Juliet Suite overnight, the Newlyweds have the entire Castle to themselves as well as the 10 acres of grounds!
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Brides taking a quick peek to see what is happening below. They have full view of the Ceremony from the Juliet Suite!
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The interior of the castle has genuine artifacts located in the main Keep including King and Queen chairs in the Throne Room. The Castle is adorned with swords and crowns, and the chandelier and lights come from castles in England and Wales. Arrow slit windows were designed in the dining room, because, it's a real Castle! This is where our ancestors fought the enemy when under attack! It wasn't until years after designing castles that gunpowder was introduced. Some walls in Louisiana Castle are 2 1/2 feet thick.
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Our Famous Throne Chairs
And so you know the history of castles, they were not designed to be lived in permanently the way Dr. Belcher intended in his love story. Castles were a status symbol for important people long ago and they were made for protection. This is why most Castles had moats, or a large body of water or large dry ditches surrounding them. Moats were designed to keep the people out, especially since the gate, or gatehouse, as it was referred to long ago, was often the weakest link in a Castle's design. The "moat" at Louisiana Castle won't keep the enemy away, though. It's merely beautiful scenery for the Ceremony and makes gorgeous photos for our Couples and their Guests.
Beautiful Outdoor Ceremonies
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Do you plan on having a Unity Candle in your Ceremony? What about a Unity Sand Ceremony? Tying the Knot?
The Germans have an old tradition of "A Log Cutting Unity Ceremony." Yes, you read that correctly. They felt it was a good way for a couple to tackle their first obstacle together! While we don't see Couples at The Castle having a log rolling contest or throwing a "Bon Fire Unity Ceremony" we are open to ideas. We want your ceremony to be as unique as you are! |
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The Bride & Groom Exit
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After the Bride and Groom make their exit from the Ceremony, pictures are taken with the Wedding party. These pictures can be inside, outside, or a combination of. We cannot stress enough to select a photographer you communicate well with and that you and the photographer have a plan. It is difficult for photographers to capture every moment without a plan of action. Should you have a wedding with 150 Guests or more, the photographer may discuss having a second shooter.
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After pictures are taken, we have arranged for the Bride and Groom to have a private moment to themselves in a separate dining area. They can use this moment to relax and catch their breath, or many choose to quickly eat their meal privately so they are available to walk around and greet their Guests. Should they not wish to take advantage of this opportunity, this is fine. They will then be announced to the Guests as the Newlywed Couple!
Let the festivities begin! |
ONE MORE THING........
Let's Make it Official!
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Getting married in the United States is easy when you are a resident of the United States. But with destination weddings on the rise, be aware, one issue we have heard from travel agents and Couples is how difficult it can be to get married in another country. IE: Some states in Mexico require blood tests for the Bride and Groom, and in some cases, Costa Rica requires marriage classes.
Getting married in Louisiana does not require much, regardless if you are a Louisiana resident, or a resident anywhere else in the United States. Marriages for foreigners is allowed in the United States in most cases. Please see our Destination Weddings page for further details should you be a non-resident of Louisiana or the United States.
Getting married in Louisiana does not require much, regardless if you are a Louisiana resident, or a resident anywhere else in the United States. Marriages for foreigners is allowed in the United States in most cases. Please see our Destination Weddings page for further details should you be a non-resident of Louisiana or the United States.
The Ballroom Reception
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The Best Endings Create Awesome Beginnings
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Popular Spots for Castle Photos
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The front door to the Castle is approximately 350 pounds.
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The Castle Steps
And we saved the best for last! The Bride coming down the steps for her grand entrance!
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Nothing is more breathtaking than seeing the 350 pound door open and the Bride making her grand entrance! She is instructed to stand still at the top of the steps for a moment to catch her breath, as the view she sees is the opposite of everyone else. It's the ultimate entrance! Whether she is escorted from the top, meets her father, (or escort) in the middle, or at the bottom, this grand entrance can't be topped! It's an awe striking moment for everyone witnessing..... especially the Groom!
The Bride is just as awestruck as her Groom and audience.
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This is how the Groom and the Guests see the Bride. From afar, not up close as in most pictures.
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The Castle has 48 steps all the way down with a pathway to the side about half way down. This is the typical spot where the Wedding party enter, or where the Groomsmen wait in many of our Ceremonies. After the Ceremony, the Newlyweds leave the Ceremony site and walk up the steps together for the first time.
How the Bride sees her Wedding.
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The Groom and Groomsmen lining up to escort the Bridesmaids.
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As the rose petals cascade down on the bride, all eyes are upon her. Her loved one awaits in anticipation as she makes her way slowly to him. The two are vowing to connect their lives together, forever.....But in that moment, the Groom finds it hard to catch his breath.
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How do we know the Grooms are mesmerized by their beautiful Bride walking down the stairs? Because we found the evidence!
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A special Thank You to Welch Photography and Video and North Photography, for supplying us with the majority of pictures on this site. And thank you to our beautiful Brides, dashing Grooms, and their Wedding parties. Without you, The Castle is only a building. You are the ones who transition The Castle to the magical essence we have come to love! We are in pursuit of more awe-striking pictures from picturesque weddings at The Castle. Please fill out the Photo Release Waiver in the footer so we can showcase how majestic your wedding was!
Our apologies. This page is still under development. Check back soon to view pictures of Brides being escorted down the steps, the Castle Ballroom, Special Dances, and more!
