Hotel Castell d’Empordà: More Than Seven Centuries of Celebration

In the 1970s, Salvador Dalí tried to buy this castle for his wife, Gala. He didn't get it - he bought the nearby Castle of Púbol instead. Hotel Castell d'Empordà has outlived that near-miss by decades, and today it has hosted more than 900 weddings on an estate whose recorded history stretches back to 1301.

History You Can Actually Touch

"Hotel Castell d'Empordà has a long and fascinating history," the team says. "The earliest recorded reference to the castle dates back to 1301, and over the centuries it has been home to the Margarit family, including the explorer Pere Margarit, who sailed with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas. The estate also has a unique connection to Salvador Dalí, who famously tried to buy the castle for his wife Gala in the 1970s before eventually purchasing the nearby Castle of Púbol instead."

The castle spent almost two decades abandoned before it became the venue it is today. "In 1999, after being abandoned for almost two decades, the castle was lovingly restored by Albert Diks and transformed into the boutique hotel and wedding venue it is today," the team explains.

Their vision was never to create a museum, but a place where guests could truly experience the history of the castle while enjoying exceptional hospitality, gastronomy and the beauty of the Empordà.

Growth since then has meant more spaces, not a different identity. "Since then, we've hosted more than 900 weddings, welcoming couples from all over the world," they note. 

"As destination weddings have evolved, so has the castle. We've continuously invested in improving both the guest experience and the venue itself. Over the years, we've renovated our Bridal Suite, introduced new spaces such as Tres Margarit Restaurant and La Pérgola, created our distinctive Da.Li Rooms and Da.Li Terrace, and continued to refine our wedding planning services to make every celebration as seamless and personal as possible." 

As the team puts it, what's stayed constant through all of that is the castle's character - preserved deliberately, alongside the comfort couples expect today.

A Different Setting for Every Part of the Day

At Castell d'Empordà, no two parts of the wedding happen in the same place.

"One of the things couples love most about Castell d'Empordà is that every part of the celebration can take place in a different setting, each with its own atmosphere," the team explains. For ceremonies specifically, there are two very different options. "The Olive Garden is our largest ceremony space, surrounded by olive trees with the castle as a backdrop and panoramic views across the Empordà countryside. It has a very Mediterranean feel: open, romantic and full of natural beauty," they describe. 

For couples looking for something more intimate or traditional, we also have the Chapel of El Remei, a historic chapel on the estate that creates a warm, timeless atmosphere for both civil and religious ceremonies.

From there, the day keeps moving. "Cocktail hour is often held on the Da.Li area, where guests can enjoy panoramic views, sunsets, and a relaxed atmosphere by the pool," the team says. "Wedding dinners usually take place at La Pérgola, our elegant covered outdoor venue, which combines the feeling of dining outdoors with the comfort of a sheltered space." 

The night doesn't end there. "After dinner, the celebration moves to La Cova del Drac, our underground cave club carved into the castle itself," they add. "It's a truly unique setting that offers a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the day. Dancing inside a centuries-old cave is an experience guests rarely expect, and it's something they always remember."

Beyond the wedding day itself, the estate has plenty more to explore. "DRAC Restaurant is where breakfast is served each morning and is also ideal for relaxed lunches or private gatherings, while the Napoleón Lounge and Terrace is often used for welcome drinks, getting-ready moments or simply spending time together before the celebrations begin," the team notes. "Guests can also make the most of our two outdoor pools, each offering a different atmosphere: the Da.Li Pool, with its contemporary design and countryside views, and the Tres Margarit Pool, nestled beside the castle and perfect for a slower, more relaxed afternoon." 

Many of these spots aren't the ones couples plan around in advance - they're the ones guests stumble into. "The viewpoint at the top of the castle is one of those places," the team reflects. "From there, you have panoramic views across the Empordà countryside, giving you a completely different perspective of the estate and the surrounding landscape. It's especially beautiful in the early morning or as the sun begins to set." A short walk away, another discovery sits. "Just a short walk from the castle, you'll also find the charming medieval village of Castell d'Empordà," they say. 

"Its narrow stone streets, traditional architecture, and quiet atmosphere make it a wonderful place for a stroll, and many couples love taking a few photos there to capture the authentic character of the region."

What Changes With the Season, and the Hour

The castle looks different depending on when you get married there, and the team can walk through the calendar month by month.

"April is one of our favourite months," they say. "The gardens and the surrounding countryside are incredibly green after the winter months, creating a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies and wedding photography." May brings warmer weather without losing that green. "May is equally beautiful," the team explains.

The landscape is still lush, but with warmer temperatures, couples and their guests can really make the most of the outdoor spaces and enjoy both swimming pools throughout their stay.

Summer shifts the mood entirely. "June, July and August are our summer months, when the castle has a vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere," they note. "Long sunny days, outdoor dinners under the stars, cocktails by the pool and celebrations that continue into warm evenings create the kind of destination wedding many couples dream of." 

Autumn offers a gentler version of the same warmth. "September and October are great options to get married here," the team adds. "The weather is generally much more comfortable than during the peak summer months, while the pools are often still pleasantly warm after the summer." 

Even November has its own case to make. "November is also available and can be a beautiful choice for couples looking for a quieter, more intimate atmosphere," they say. "The softer light and peaceful surroundings give the castle a completely different character."

One moment shows up regardless of the month. "One moment that always surprises couples is the sunset," the team reflects. "As the sun drops behind the Empordà countryside, the castle is bathed in warm golden light and the views become truly spectacular. It's a magical time for cocktail hour on the Da.Li Terrace, but also one of the best moments for wedding photography. Many photographers tell us it's one of their favourite times of the day. Another thing couples don't always expect is how the atmosphere changes naturally as the day unfolds. A relaxed breakfast overlooking the countryside turns into a sunny afternoon by the pools, followed by golden-hour drinks, dinner under La Pérgola and finally dancing inside La Cova del Drac," the team describes. 

"As night falls, the castle is enhanced by magical lighting that highlights its historic architecture, creating a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. Many couples also choose to project their names or wedding logo onto the castle, adding a personal touch that makes the celebration feel even more unique."

One Roof for the Whole Weekend

"Castell d'Empordà offers 57 rooms and suites, accommodating up to 132 guests on site," the team says. "Having everyone stay together at the castle is one of the things that makes a destination wedding here feel so special. Instead of saying goodbye at the end of the evening, couples get to continue celebrating with the closest people to them."

The day after tends to be just as memorable as the wedding itself. "The morning after has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere," they explain. "Guests come together for breakfast at Drac Restaurant or La Pérgola, sharing stories and reliving the celebrations from the night before while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the castle. Many couples also choose to organise a farewell brunch or BBQ, giving everyone one last opportunity to spend time together before heading home." From there, the pace slows down further still. "Afterward, guests can spend a few hours by one of our two outdoor pools, enjoy the views across the Empordà countryside, or simply relax around the estate before it's time to say goodbye," the team adds. "After the excitement of the wedding day, it's a slower, more meaningful moment that allows everyone to end the celebration together."

In the Kitchen, and Everywhere Else

Food at Castell d'Empordà stays entirely in-house, by design. "Yes, we offer in-house catering, and it's a key part of the experience at Castell d'Empordà," the team says. "Our talented kitchen team prepares all the food on site, focusing on Mediterranean cuisine made with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Couples can choose from a selection of carefully designed menus, which can also be tailored to accommodate dietary requirements, vegetarian and vegan options, or children's meals." A tasting comes before the big day itself. 

"Before the wedding, couples are invited to a menu tasting with our events team, giving them the opportunity to personalize every detail and create a menu that reflects their preferences," they note. There's room for exceptions, too. "We're also happy to incorporate external catering as an optional add-on when it complements the celebration," the team explains. "Many couples love surprising their guests with a late-night food truck after the party, and we're always happy to help make those ideas happen."

Vendors work under a similar mix of structure and flexibility. "We have a carefully selected list of trusted suppliers that we've built over many years of hosting destination weddings," the team says. "These include photographers, videographers, florists, celebrants, musicians, DJs, hair and make-up artists, entertainment, and other wedding professionals who know the venue well and have worked with our team on many occasions." Couples aren't locked into that list, though. "At the same time, we're very flexible," they add. "Couples are welcome to bring their own suppliers if they already have people they'd love to work with. We simply ask that they coordinate with our wedding team so that everything runs smoothly on the day." One area has no exception. "The only exception is the sound and technical production," the team notes. 

Because Castell d'Empordà is a historic property with several event spaces and specific technical requirements, all weddings work alongside one of our two approved sound technicians. If a couple has their own DJ, live band, or musicians, they're more than welcome to bring them, but they'll work together with our technical team to ensure everything runs safely and seamlessly throughout the celebration.

Discretion First

Some notable names have gotten married here, though the team is careful about how much they'll actually say. "We've been fortunate to host many unforgettable weddings over the years, each one unique in its own way," they say. 

"Among our couples have been professional football players, well-known TV presenters and Catalan NBA legend Pau Gasol, as well as couples from all over the world who chose Castell d'Empordà for one of the most important moments of their lives." Beyond the names, what stays with the team is something more ordinary. "What they all have in common is the atmosphere that develops over the days spent together at the castle," they reflect. "Seeing family and friends reconnect, celebrate, and create lasting memories is something we never get tired of." 

That's about as far as they'll go on specifics. "Out of respect for our couples' privacy, we don't usually share many details about the weddings we've hosted," the team notes. "Whether it's a high-profile celebration or an intimate gathering, we believe every couple deserves the same level of discretion, care, and attention. That's something our clients really value, and it's an important part of who we are."

What Couples Remember, and Why They Come Back

The first reaction often happens before guests even get out of the car. "It's often the sense of arrival that surprises people the most," the team says. "As couples drive up to the castle and see it standing above the Empordà countryside, they immediately realize they're somewhere very special."

What follows is usually about the atmosphere rather than any single detail. "Once they're inside, many of them comment on how much character the venue has," they add. "The combination of the castle's history, the surrounding landscape, and the peaceful atmosphere creates a feeling that's hard to experience until you're actually here." The viewpoint and the sunset tend to come up again here, too, alongside a broader realization. "We also love seeing couples discover how many different settings the estate offers," the team reflects.

From the historic castle and its gardens to the olive groves, the panoramic viewpoints and the nearby medieval village, every corner has its own atmosphere and adds something different to the overall experience.

Plenty of couples don't stay away for long. "Over the years, many of our couples have returned to Castell d'Empordà to celebrate important milestones in their lives," the team explains. "Rather than organizing another large event, many choose to come back a few years later for an intimate dinner at the castle with their closest family and friends, revisiting the place where they said 'I do' and reliving those special memories together." 

What's Included, Who's Welcome, What It All Means

Pricing here isn't a fixed menu. "We offer a range of wedding packages, but most of our couples choose a personalized proposal tailored to their guest numbers, priorities, and vision," the team explains. "Every wedding is different, and we like to keep that flexibility." What often surprises couples is how much is folded into that proposal. 

"One thing couples are often surprised by is how much is included beyond the venue itself," they note. "Along with accommodation, food and drinks, they have the support of our dedicated events planning and reservations team, who guide them from the very first meeting through to the wedding day itself. We take care of the logistics, coordination, and countless small details behind the scenes, so couples can simply enjoy the experience with their family and friends." That support is often the part couples underestimate most going in. 

The team's own summary of what makes the castle worth all of this comes back to one idea. "We often say that Castell d'Empordà isn't just a venue, it's an experience," they say. "It's a castle with more than 700 years of history, but it's not a place where history sits behind ropes or glass. It's a place where people gather, celebrate, and create new memories. We love the idea that every wedding becomes part of the castle's story, and for us, that's what makes it truly unique."

That story now includes couples from far beyond the Empordà. "One of the things we're most proud of is the diversity of the couples who choose to celebrate with us," the team reflects. "Over the years, we've had the privilege of hosting weddings from many different cultures, religions, and traditions, as well as welcoming LGBTQ+ couples from all over the world. We genuinely enjoy embracing every celebration and making each couple feel at home."

Looking back across more than 900 weddings, the team's own conclusion isn't about scale. "We believe that the most memorable weddings aren't necessarily the biggest or the most elaborate, they're the ones where people feel truly connected," they say. "We want couples and their guests to slow down, spend quality time together, and enjoy the celebration beyond the wedding day itself. Whether it's sharing breakfast the morning after, watching the sunset over the Empordà or simply chatting by the pool, those are often the moments people remember just as much as the ceremony itself." 

As they put it, closing the thought: "Our role is simply to provide the setting, the support and the hospitality that allow that story to unfold naturally. We feel incredibly lucky to become a small part of so many families' happiest memories."