4 U.S. Wedding Venues That Feel Like a European Estate (Without the Passport)
- haleyjaymedia
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
My Favorite European-Style Wedding Venues in the U.S. -
By a Destination Wedding Videographer Who Lives for the Romance of Old-World Backdrops
There's something truly so special abbout having your wedding somewhere that doesnt need dressing up. As is, european style architecture holds an elegance that happens to be the perfect backdrop for a love story.
But here's the secret, you don't need to fly to Tuscany or the South of France to get that same look.
As a destination wedding videographer, I’ve been lucky enough to film all over the U.S., and have done so much research to find that some of the most breathtaking, European-inspired venues are tucked right here on American soil. If you're craving that old-world charm without your guests having to fly across the world and the logistics that come with it, here are five of my favorite U.S. wedding venues that feel like Europe:
1. The Crane Estate – Ipswich, Massachusetts
Vibe: Coastal Italian villa meets Gatsby-era grandeur
Perched on a rolling hill overlooking the Atlantic, The Crane Estate is straight out of an Italian countryside dream. As a videographer, I’m constantly drawn to the symmetry of the architecture and the way the estate transports every guest into a scene that feels both regal and meant to be.
2. Oheka Castle – Huntington, New York
Vibe: Versailles, but make it American royalty
You’ve probably seen this place on your Pinterest board without even realizing it. Oheka Castle is iconic for a reason. This French-style château is a dream. It’s perfect for couples who want to embrace that maximalist, editorial feel while still keeping things deeply romantic. There’s a timelessness here that elevates every frame.
3. The Wadsworth Mansion – Middletown, Connecticut
Vibe: French countryside elegance with East Coast roots
The Wadsworth Mansion brings subtle French grandeur to it's wooded area. With its soft stone exterior, arched windows, and manicured grounds, it’s the kind of place that feels intimate yet grand. When I discovered this venue I immediately was dreaming of the types of beautiful wedding days that I could capture on this property.
4. Château de Harpe – Oregon
Vibe: French countryside romance tucked into the Pacific Northwest
Château de Harpe is one of Oregon’s most enchanting hidden gems—designed to evoke the feel of a storied estate in the South of France, while nestled in the lush, forested hills of the Willamette Valley.
I filmed the most stunning chic wedding here in August of 2024 and dream of going back. View Nikki & Ariel's wedding film here:
As a destination videographer, my job is to capture more than just pretty moments. I’m drawn to places that feel like something—places where architecture, light, and setting combine to tell a story of elegance, legacy, and romance. These venues do exactly that. They give couples the feeling of a faraway escape without ever leaving the States—and for me, they offer endless inspiration to create films that feel timeless and transportive.
Planning your own stateside European wedding? Let’s create something that feels like a love story you’d find in the pages of Vogue Italia or People Magazine. Wherever you are in the world, I’ll be there.
Hey there!
I'm Haley, a destination wedding videographer who's always on a new adventure. My style is for the couples who want an editorial yet candid approach on their wedding day, to feel like they are just the subjects of their favorite movie on their wedding day.
My approach is non-intrusive - capturing the moments as they unfold in a cinematic way, yet guiding you to get the most beautiful candid shots.
Whether you're getting married stateside at one of these beautiful venues, or somewhere else entirely - I would love to connect and see if we're a good fit for your wedding day.
Inquire here - and mention you found me through this blog post to start chatting about your dream wedding film experience.
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