If you’re looking for an unforgettable wedding location, ruined monasteries in Europe offer a setting steeped in history, mysticism, and natural beauty. These centuries-old structures, many of them hidden among forests or hills, have stood the test of time and now serve as unique settings for saying “I do.” Their majestic architecture, even in ruins, creates a romantic atmosphere, ideal for a dreamy ceremony.
The appeal of celebrating a wedding in a ruined monastery isn’t just aesthetic. Many of these venues allow for intimate outdoor ceremonies, surrounded by ivy-covered walls, Gothic arches, and breathtaking views. They’re also often far from the hustle and bustle of the city, making them perfect retreats for an exclusive and memorable celebration.
Europe boasts an impressive variety of these locations. From ancient cloisters tucked away in the countryside to abandoned abbeys by the sea, each has its own unique character. Whether you’re looking for a medieval setting in the heart of England or a hidden gem in the Portuguese countryside, you’re sure to find a location that speaks directly to your love story.
Below, we present a selection of 10 ruined monasteries in Europe ideal for a charming wedding. Each offers a unique experience, with the magic of the past and the possibility of an unforgettable future.
Which one do you like best? Tell us at the end which one you chose for your big day!
1. Ruined Monasteries in Europe: Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas (Spain)
Located in the Ribeira Sacra region, in the province of Ourense, Galicia, the Monastery of San Pedro de Rocas is one of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula. Carved directly into the rock and surrounded by lush forests, this 6th-century monastery radiates an aura of ancient spirituality. The ruins of the church, with its Romanesque bell tower, create a setting of great symbolic power.
Celebrating a wedding here means immersing yourself in an almost magical setting, ideal for intimate outdoor ceremonies. The natural surroundings, the history etched in stone, and the tranquil atmosphere make this monastery one of the most enchanting ruined monasteries in Europe for a special event.
2. Montmajour Abbey (France)
Located a few kilometers from Arles, in the heart of Provence, the Montmajour Abbey is a 10th-century Benedictine abbey that dominates the landscape from atop a hill. Its blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, combined with its semi-ruined state and the unique light of southern France, creates a romantic setting that’s hard to match.
Here, you can host a ceremony overlooking lavender fields, among silent ruins that have witnessed centuries of history. The natural acoustics of its open vaults and the beauty of its time-worn walls make Montmajour an exceptional location for a wedding that unites past and present.
3. Monastery of San Galgano (Italy)
This iconic 13th-century Cistercian monastery in Tuscany is famous for its roofless nave, open directly to the sky. The absence of a roof allows natural light to flood the space, creating a mystical and unforgettable atmosphere. It is one of the most sought-after ruined monasteries in Europe for weddings due to its visual drama and privileged location.
Surrounded by green hills, vineyards, and cypress-lined paths, the Monastery of San Galgano combines the majesty of medieval architecture with the delicacy of the Tuscan landscape. Here, every wedding becomes a cinematic experience, where history and love merge in one place.
4. Monastery of Santa Maria de Seiça (Portugal)
Just a few minutes from Figueira da Foz, in central Portugal, lies the Monastery of Santa Maria de Seiça, a forgotten gem of Cistercian heritage. Although the monastery is in an advanced state of ruin, its decadent beauty, with columns covered in vegetation and partially ruined structures, is absolutely enchanting.
This location is one of the ruined monasteries in Europe that stands out for its wild character and romantic atmosphere. It is ideal for those seeking a wedding with a “boho” or rustic aesthetic, in a space full of authenticity and personality. The ruins invite minimalist floral decorations and ceremonies in contact with nature. A little-known location, but with great potential for a unique celebration.
5. Tintern Abbey (Wales, United Kingdom)
Founded in 1131, Tintern Abbey is one of the most impressive examples of ruined Gothic architecture in the entire United Kingdom. Located next to the River Wye, among verdant valleys, this abbey offers an idyllic setting that seems straight out of a romance novel. Its soaring roofless walls and pointed arches create a dramatic setting perfect for an unforgettable wedding.
Considered one of the most iconic ruined monasteries in Europe, the site is steeped in symbolism and poetry; in fact, it was immortalized by William Wordsworth in his poem “Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey.” It is the ideal location for couples seeking a wedding that combines history, scenery, and a certain melancholic and romantic atmosphere.
6. Heisterbach Monastery (Germany)
Nestled in the Siebengebirge forest, near Bonn, Heisterbach Monastery is a former 12th-century Cistercian monastery that still retains its circular apse, a structure that impresses with its elegance and serenity. The silence of the surroundings, broken only by birdsong, makes this place a perfect oasis for an intimate wedding.
Surrounded by greenery and with cobblestone paths, this monastery is one of the most charming ruined monasteries in Europe for an outdoor ceremony. Ideal for those seeking a natural, private, and spiritual setting, its semicircular shape offers a very special and symbolic space under the trees.
7. Melrose Abbey (Scotland)
Located in the Scottish Borders, Melrose Abbey is one of Scotland’s most evocative ruins. Built in the 12th century, its impressive Gothic façade, adorned with carvings of angels and mythological figures, has survived centuries of history and wars. Its walls are believed to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart.
Celebrating a wedding here means being immersed in Scotland’s deepest history. The natural beauty of the surroundings, combined with the mighty red stone structures, offers a spectacular backdrop for wedding photography and a ceremony that will remain in the memory of all attendees.
8. Villers Abbey (Belgium)
In the heart of Wallonia lies Villers Abbey, a sprawling Cistercian complex founded in the 12th century. Despite its state of ruin, it retains much of its original structure: cloisters, passageways, gardens, and open rooms that allow for endless event planning possibilities.
It is one of the most versatile ruined monasteries in Europe for weddings, as it boasts well-equipped facilities and allows for modern adaptations without losing its historical essence. Ideal for elegant weddings with a wild and natural touch.
9. Rievaulx Abbey (England)
Surrounded by a green valley in North Yorkshire, Rievaulx Abbey is one of the earliest Cistercian abbeys in England. Founded in 1132, it preserves an imposing façade and columns that rise to the sky, offering a majestic setting for any type of ceremony.
This venue stands out not only for its architecture but also for its location: a peaceful, almost isolated setting where time seems to stand still. Perfect for a bucolic wedding with a touch of medieval nobility.
10. Monastery of Santuari de la Màre de Déu del Mont (Spain)
Although not a complete ruin, this ancient Catalan monastery is located high on a mountain. Offer spectacular views of the Pyrenees and the Empordà. Its medieval chapel and the remains of the former convent make it a space steeped in history and strong spiritual value.
It’s ideal for intimate weddings with few guests, in a setting filled with light and fresh air. The sunset views from its viewpoint are simply unforgettable. A unique option, with its own charm, among the most recommended ruined monasteries in Europe.
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