For couples dreaming of a fairytale wedding that feels both timeless and meaningful, there's a place on England's southern coast where history, ocean views, and heartfelt hospitality meet. Welcome to Pennsylvania Castle Estate in Portland, Dorset — an enchanting castle wedding venue that overlooks the sea and carries a charming connection to the American state of Pennsylvania. Editor-in-chief Chelsea and her husband were recently invited as media guests to experience what the Pennsylvania Castle Estate is all about for destination wedding couples, and spoiler alert, it's now one of our most favorite UK wedding venue hidden gems.

It's a location that makes you catch your breath the moment you arrive as the clifftop views and the estate itself are unmatched in luxurious exclusivity. It's peaceful and lets the idyllic scenery do the talking. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a weekend-long gathering with everyone you love, The Penn (as locals affectionately call it) offers a storybook setting and experience you'll never forget.


Photo: Storybox Films

A Castle with Transatlantic Roots

Built in the early 1800s for John Penn (grandson of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania), this fairytale Dorset wedding venue brings an unexpected American connection to the British coast. Today, the beautifully restored Pennsylvania Castle blends regal heritage with modernized luxury, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for couples who want both romance and history woven into their wedding story away from the hustle and bustle of busy UK cities.


Photo: Raja Shah Photography

A Coastal Wedding Venue Like No Other

Overlooking the dramatic cliffs of the Isle of Portland and surrounded by the shifting blue waters of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Pennsylvania Castle Estate captures everything you'd want from a coastal wedding venue. Whether you choose to exchange vows on the Castle Terrace with ocean views as your backdrop or celebrate inside the Orangery, every moment feels cinematic. How could it not when you get this venue all to yourselves!

This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into your favorite period drama, but with all the comfort of modern luxury and amenities.


Photo: Charlotte Bryer Ash Photography

Stay, Celebrate, and Truly Soak It In

What sets Pennsylvania Castle Estate apart is how immersive the wedding experience can be. Many couples take over the entire Estate — the Castle, the sleek Clifftops lodges, and the charming Front Rows cottages — turning a wedding day into an unforgettable multi-day celebration and post-wedding vacation. If you're coming from abroad, it only makes sense that you'll want to turn it into a longer experience!

With on-site accommodations for you and your guests, everyone can truly relax and stay close together throughout the festivities. Picture a welcome BBQ on the Clifftops terrace overlooking the English Channel or a farewell brunch the next morning inside the Castle — all without ever leaving the estate.

LOCAL TIP: While your own dreamy coastal tranquility on-site is perfection, we absolutely also recommend adventuring around the Isle of Portland, especially to Portland Bill, because you'll soon find out why this place is such a special spot for locals and visitors alike! Local walks alongside the cliffside and near the red-and-white striped lighthouse are just one reason why the Dorset Coast is unforgettable. Don't forget to have British cream tea (the snacky version of afternoon tea) at The Lobster Pot where gluten-free delights are also available. Paid parking with plenty of spaces is available nearby. It makes for a perfect afternoon out.

Photos: Storybox Films

Luxury Meets Ease: Bespoke Guest Services

Destination weddings can feel daunting to plan, but the Pennsylvania Castle team specializes in seamless, personalized service. They can arrange groceries pre-delivered to rooms before arrival, accept wedding-related shipments, and even help plan non-wedding activities to make the experience effortlessly luxurious.

Because everything is bespoke and pricing changes depending on time of year, it's best to contact The Penn team directly to find out more about their wedding packages, but a general starting price is around $20,000 (foreign currency exchange rate varies) that could include exclusive use of venue, accommodation for up to 20 guests, ceremony, and reception catering for up to 120 guests. Not able to travel for a site visit? The team will send you a complete 360 video tour of the property or even walk you around on video call!

Even though The Penn can accommodate up to a medium-sized guest list, we personally found the size of the property to also be perfect for even smaller, more intimate weddings. You won't feel swallowed up by the venue as there are diverse areas to the estate property that will give you privacy when you want it and beautiful meeting spaces when you gather.

QUICK VENUE STATS
✔ Maximum Event Guests: During the summer, the Orangery reception room can accommodate 120 guests. During winter, 60 guests.
✔ Maximum Accommodations: 40 overnight guests (throughout the Castle, Clifftops, and Front Row Lodges).
✔ Vendors: Couples can bring in their own vendors if they wish, but we suggest having a look at their recommended local vendors for ease and seamless planning. Catering is chosen with one of the Penn's preferred vendors.
✔ Reception End Time: 11:00pm.

For couples flying in from the U.S., this level of detail makes planning from abroad feel smooth and stress-free so all you have to do is focus on celebrating and maybe even a few wedding DIYs to personalize your special day.


Photo: Storybox Films

Getting There: Surprisingly Easy from London

Though it feels a world away, the Estate is just 2 to 3 1/2 hours' drive from major London airports. There's also a direct train line from London Waterloo to Weymouth, and from the station, the Estate can also arrange a private car to pick you up which is only a 15 minutes' scenic drive from the station.

But after a long flight with jet lag, maybe you don't have the headspace to DIY your own transportation. Good news, you don't have to! One of the best parts we learned when visiting The Penn is that your personal planning team can arrange private airport transfers or private bus transport for your whole party. Say yes to letting someone else handle driving on the opposite side of the road when you're travel-fatigued!

TRAVEL TIP: Once you get to Isle of Portland, we do recommend renting a car for this destination as you may want to explore into Weymouth, Lyme Regis, and other Dorset hotspots. This can easily be done through your Penn Castle team or do-it-yourself through Enterprise or Europcar where they might be able to offer car delivery (subject to availability). At the time of writing, you can drive on an international license in the UK without additional permits during your visit.

Photo: Nicola Streader Photography

A Hidden Gem for U.S. Couples Seeking a British Castle Wedding

For American couples dreaming of a castle wedding venue in England, Pennsylvania Castle Estate offers everything you could wish for: history, beauty, and that quintessentially British seaside magic. There's a certain special Easter egg in knowing that the grandson of Pennsylvania state’s founder once called this castle home, and that centuries later, couples from across the ocean come here to begin their own new chapters. (Fun Fact: One recent couple flew from Pennsylvania to get married here because of the connection! It makes for a lovely story to tell for decades beyond the big day.)

From its meaningful heritage to its cliffside panoramas and luxury guest experiences, Pennsylvania Castle Estate isn't just a Dorset wedding venue. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, savor every moment, and celebrate surrounded by the people (and the views) you love most. Because you'll want to come back for anniversaries, special vacations, and more. Guaranteed.




Photos: Storybox Films

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PENN
Address: Pennsylvania Castle Estate, Pennsylvania Road, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HZ
Website: www.thepennestate.co.uk
Email: office@thepennestate.co.uk

WRITTEN BY

Chelsea Barton

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

As a retired wedding photographer obsessed with the wedding industry, Chelsea has always had a passion in helping couples find their wedding ideas for nearly two decades. Marry that with her sea-loving personality, and you have Tidewater and Tulle in a nutshell.

Disclosure: Accommodations were provided by Pennsylvania Castle Estate so we could provide an authentic review on our experience. All love and opinions for what's been mentioned in this feature are our own. Some of the above product links may be affiliate-linked and purchasing through these links helps support Tidewater and Tulle and its wonderful partners! You can see our full disclosure policy.

What happens when two teachers are brought together by the bride's sister and her husband (who also just happens to be the groom's best friend)? This love story!

Katie and Ryan's riverside wedding at the historic St. Clair Inn in Michigan was a masterclass in blending timeless romance with meaningful, personal details. With a modern vintage aesthetic inspired by delicate blue and white china, their day was equal parts heartfelt and beautiful. Photographed by Weddings by Cheyenne and flawlessly coordinated by Haley Makay Events, every moment felt like stepping into a treasured heirloom come to life.

A Family-Inspired Love Story

The heart of Katie and Ryan’s wedding was woven from family history and tender traditions. Katie carried a handkerchief embroidered with her family's Wedgwood Jasperware china pattern — a special detail that tied perfectly into the soft blue hues of the day. That same thoughtfulness extended to the ceremony, which was lovingly officiated by Katie’s father, adding thoughtful connection to their vows.

The couple's journey itself also carried a sweet "right in front of your nose" universe moment: Katie was introduced to Ryan by her sister and brother-in-law... who also happened to already be Ryan's best friend! Years later, their paths led them straight to this joyful celebration on the shores of the St. Clair River in Michigan.

Blue and White Details with Modern Vintage Flair

From the moment guests arrived, Katie and Ryan's vision of a blue and white wedding at the St. Clair Inn unfolded through every detail. Their DIY wedding stationery suite, inspired by elegant blue Chinoiserie patterns, featured iconic peonies throughout — a flower well-loved by Katie. The motif carried across invitations, programs, table numbers, and signage, creating a cohesive DIY design that we especially adore in wedding inspiration.

The wedding party attire also tied the theme together. Ryan and his groomsmen looked sharp in classic white tuxedos, a choice that echoed the vintage elegance of the day, while the bridesmaids wore baby blue satin gowns with chic inset corset details. A structured twist on the timeless style!







Reception tables were dressed in blue and white floral patterned linens, with centerpieces nestled in ginger jars and tall glass vases arranged by Clare Pravato Designs that elevated the couple's vintage china inspiration. Even a gilded oyster shell dish embellished with a bundle of blue hydrangeas, gifted to Katie by a friend, found its place as a perfect coastal accent for the bridal jewelry's photo moments.

And the cake? A stunning vintage-inspired showpiece with Lambeth piping, adorned with fresh flowers for a nod to timeless elegance with a contemporary twist. We're obsessed!

Joyful Surprises and Personal Touches

Amidst the romance and refinement, playful moments added warmth and laughter to the day. Ryan, an avid runner, and his groomsmen were surprised with custom "Groom Zoom" medals — a clever, lighthearted tribute to his passion. For the reception, guests danced, and the celebration reflected the easy joy of their relationship, thanks to the live music by The Shawn Riley Band.

And of course, Katie's favorite peonies weren't just in the stationery; they bloomed in bouquets, centerpieces, and even in the floral brocade of her square neckline wedding gown, making them a beautiful signature detail throughout the special day.

A Sweet Celebration to Remember at the St. Clair Inn

Every element of Katie and Ryan's St. Clair Inn wedding told a story of family, of tradition, and of love. The thoughtful blend of modern vintage style, historic waterside ambiance, and timeless blue-and-white details created a day that was both beautiful and personal to everyone in attendance. Yes to more relaxed, yet elegant weddings, please!

VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Weddings by Cheyenne | Venue, Catering, Cake, & Rentals: St. Clair Inn | Event Coordination: Haley Makay Events | Florals: Clare Pravato Designs | Hair & Makeup: Team Glam Detroit | Stationery & Signage: DIY with Zazzle | Videography: Xavier Nicole Films | Entertainment: The Shawn Riley Band | Bride's Gown & Veil: Gina's Bridal Boutique | Bridesmaid Attire: Dessy from Bridal Couture of Plymouth | Groom's & Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse | Couple's Rings: Tapper's | Jewelry: Family heirlooms | Bride's Shoes: Nina New York

Editor's Note: Specially curated by us, the above product links may be partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.