Prague is one of the most popular cities in Europe for a destination wedding, and it is easy to see why: a ceremony in a Gothic hall or a Baroque garden, then portraits on cobbled streets a few minutes away. As a photographer I see these places from a slightly different angle than a wedding planner. I look at the light, the space and how the day will flow. Below are ten popular wedding places in Prague and the surrounding region, with notes on what each one is like to photograph.
Availability, fees and conditions change every year, so treat this as a list of ideas and confirm the details with the venue or your wedding coordinator.
Venues in Prague
1. Old Town Hall
Without doubt the most popular choice. The Old Town Hall stands on Old Town Square, in the very heart of old Prague, with the Astronomical Clock on its tower, and it is a symbol of the Czech capital. Civil ceremonies are held in its historic halls.
Photo notes: the interiors are dignified and fairly dark, so a photographer who is comfortable with low light is important. Outside, the square is extremely crowded for most of the day; an early ceremony or a separate portrait session at sunrise gives much calmer pictures.
2. Libeň Chateau
A perfect alternative to the Old Town Hall. This small Rococo chateau in the Libeň district serves as a ceremonial hall and is very popular with wedding couples, including many locals.
Photo notes: a bright, elegant hall and a quiet park outside. There are no tourists, so group photos are easy.
3. Klementinum
The Klementinum, the former Jesuit college, wins with its location, just a few steps from Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, and with its amazing interior. Ceremonies take place in the Mirror Chapel, a Baroque hall decorated with mirrors, frescoes and stucco.
Photo notes: the mirrors give beautiful reflections but need care with flash. Afterwards you can walk straight to Charles Bridge for portraits.
4. Vrtba Garden
Vrtba Garden will charm you with its greenery and its architectural design, all in the heart of Prague. If you like Baroque architecture and style, this is the best place for you: a beautiful terraced garden with statues, staircases and painted decoration everywhere, and a view of St Nicholas Church and the castle from the top.
Photo notes: an outdoor ceremony, so it depends on the season and the weather. Morning and late afternoon light are the most flattering; at midday in summer the terraces are in hard sun.
5. Alchymist Grand Hotel
The Mirror Hall of the Alchymist Grand Hotel in Malá Strana is an option for couples who dream of getting married in a romantic, intimate atmosphere in Prague, with ceremony and dinner under one roof.
Photo notes: rich Baroque interiors with warm, low light. The hotel is a short walk from Charles Bridge, Kampa and the castle steps, so a portrait walk is easy to add.
6. Kaiserstein Palace
The truly royal hall of this Baroque palace on Malostranské náměstí will not leave you indifferent. It suits larger weddings that want a formal ceremony and a reception in the same building.
Photo notes: high ceilings, chandeliers and large windows. St Nicholas Church is directly outside, and the lanes of Malá Strana are ideal for couple portraits.
Castles and chateaux outside Prague
7. A Baroque chateau near Prague
There are several Baroque chateaux within a short drive of the city that host weddings. They win with their closeness to Prague and often with more pleasant prices than venues in the centre, and they usually offer a park, parking and privacy that the city cannot.
Photo notes: gardens and long avenues give you space for relaxed portraits and large group photos without strangers in the background.
8. Zbiroh Chateau
Zbiroh lies between Prague and Plzeň, on a hill above forests. It is known for good service and for the possibility of organising the ceremony, the dinner and the accommodation in the same place.
Photo notes: a courtyard, terraces with wide views of the countryside and historic interiors. Having everything in one location means more time for photographs and less time in a car.
9. Konopiště Castle
One of the closest castles to Prague, near the town of Benešov. In addition to the historic interiors, you have a unique opportunity for a photo session in the rose garden, with its statues and greenhouse.
Photo notes: the rose garden is at its best in early summer. The castle park and the pond add further variety, especially in autumn.
10. Karlštejn Castle
Karlštejn, founded by Charles IV in the 14th century, closes the list. It is the most famous castle in the country, set on a rock above a small village and wooded hills south-west of Prague.
Photo notes: the castle itself is the backdrop. The best pictures are taken from the surrounding slopes and the walk up through the village, ideally away from the busiest midday hours.
Photography advice for a Prague wedding
- Plan around the light. In summer the middle of the day is harsh. A late afternoon ceremony followed by portraits in the golden hour gives the softest results.
- Think about crowds. Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and the castle are full from mid-morning to evening. Many couples add a short sunrise session on another day, when these places are almost empty.
- Keep distances short. Choose portrait locations within walking distance of the ceremony. Cobblestones and traffic take more time than you expect.
- Have a rain plan. Arcades, passages and indoor halls can save the day. Ask your photographer for covered alternatives near your venue.
- Check permissions. Some gardens and interiors require a permit or a fee for professional photography. Arrange it in advance.
- Seasons. May, June and September are the most popular months. Autumn offers beautiful colour, and winter weddings can be very atmospheric, but daylight is short.
Choose the place that fits the size and mood of your day, book early for popular dates, and choose a wedding photographer who knows the venue, so that all the special moments are remembered.
Looking for other places to visit and photograph? Browse more Prague guides on this site.
