Find Gothic locations for rent near me

Stained glass windows, thick walls, and ribbed vaults create the dramatic appeal characteristic of Gothic-style venues. You'll find Gothic locations across San Francisco, USA, York, England, and Budapest, Hungary whether you are planning a wedding, medieval-themed convention, or vintage-themed photo shoot.

The Best Events for Gothic Locations

Abbot Suger was a High Middle Ages French statesman who contributed to creating Gothic architecture. The versatility of the building design goes beyond defining city landscapes; the Gothic style appeared in "The Shining" (The Overlook Hotel), "Crimson Peak" (the haunted house), and "Rosemary's Baby" (the Dakota apartment building). Outlined are ways to use a medieval setting as a film location or special occasion backdrop.

Gothic Weddings
Gothic weddings are far from dull affairs! A Gothic cathedral is where you should say "I do" if your dream wedding involves black lace, burgundy candles, vintage chandeliers, and dark foliage. Gothic churches are befitting for religious ceremonies, but you can get hitched at a historic mansion or a castle!

Medieval-themed Event
Comic-Con, the famous convention that celebrates everything to do with panel-style books is an example of an event dedicated to celebrating a shared interest. Gothic locations are the best settings for fan conventions and other similar functions, especially medieval-themed food festivals! Transport guests to the Middle Ages, where traders offer bountiful harvests loaded on wooden carts and beverage sellers serve their best ales in tin cups.

Video Production and Photo Shoots
You might have seen the Belvedere Castle in New York appear in Sandra Bullock and Susan Sarandon's 1998 drama movie "Stepmom" or the 2007 live-action film, "Enchanted." Gothic buildings are perfect locations for video and photo shoots.

Product Launch
The medieval character also makes antiquated locations impressive settings for product launch events. The massive properties usually have sprawling grounds and can accommodate crowds. You can schedule fun giveaway activities as part of the function, for instance, a scavenger hunt.

What to Look for in Gothic Locations

Renaissance architecture succeeded the late Middle Ages architecture styles and was dubbed Opus Francigenum, because of its origins in northern France. The influences merge in some instances, best displayed by the Florence Cathedral, one of the initial Renaissance landmarks. Knowing what to look for narrows your options and helps you choose the best event or film location.

History
Gothic structures are rooted in 330AD when Byzantine architecture established a new style of the Roman capital buildings. Several French queens celebrated their crowning ceremonies at the Basilica of Saint-Denis. The first Gothic cathedral occupies the former resting grounds of past French kings, including Louis XVIII. A history-rich venue adds structural interest and historical depth to your project.

Design
The Late Medieval Gothic architecture had several aesthetic features, out of structural necessity, given that they were vertically taller and massive structures! High ceilings, stained glass windows, clustered columns, spires, flying buttresses, and pointed arches define the 13th century architecture. The stone construction marvels create dramatic and mystical backdrops for themed events and creative projects.

Aesthetics
Some medieval buildings feature a Romanesque, Early English, or Opus Francigenum style (French Art), giving them distinctly different aesthetics. The distinct aesthetics suit various functions. You can set up an outdoor video shoot at the modest west-front facade of the Basilica of Saint-Denis. The detail-rich nave and choir favor wedding ceremonies.

Location
Biblical teaching about creating more light-filled spaces also inspired the Francigenum style. Construction began in the 12th century, funded by the increasing wealth in Europe. Naturally, European cities have the best examples of the High to Late Middle Ages structures, but you can find buildings in similar styles anywhere globally.

Amenities
Gothic locations have varying amenities; one venue might suit a wedding while another could work best for a photo shoot. The York Minster Cathedral has two towers, one with a concert carillon for performances.

How to Make a Gothic-Style Event Better

A landmark location is a unique venue; it deserves some thought when planning an event or visual project. Give focus-pulling features like flying buttresses, pointed arches, towers, and spires the center stage. Here are five more tips for making the most of these 13th-century architectural marvels for your event or production.

Research the Venue: Find out if the history of the space sits well with you. For example, the current Chartres Cathedral building in France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the fifth to occupy the lot. Each subsequent Romanesque church replaced a previous structure razed by fire or damaged during wartime. It represents resilience, making similar settings perfect for weddings.

Create a Striking Atmosphere: Francigenum locations get their mystical atmosphere from the wall carvings and sculptures around the venue. The pointed arch gives a sense of upward movement in the building, which you can use to add depth to your videos and photos.

Serve a Thematic Menu: Pigmented dishes are perfect for the dark, moody theme. Have a dessert menu with fruit platters filled with berries, plums, and strawberries.

Prioritize Safety: Few people can pass the offer of attending a gathering at a historic site. Food events and fan festivals, in particular, will attract crowds. Create safety protocols and work with security professionals.

Document your Event: The craftsmanship and embellishments around the venue create photogenic backdrops. Hire a photographer/videographer to capture the event.

Build Your Gothic Event Team

Armenian architecture and designs from other world locations beyond Europe shaped the medieval landscape. The style features pointed domes, small windows, and round arches. The style has roots in Armenia, a geographically Asian nation politically aligned with Europe. The Saint Hripsime Church and Tatev Monastery are the finest examples of Armenian design. On this account, it helps to have a team that understands how to make the most of these features to back your event or creative project.

Event Planner
Medieval churches are the best settings for Renaissance-themed weddings. An event planner versed with the architecture is a resourceful person to have on your team. Their role is to oversee the planning aspects from start to finish, including contracting and managing vendors.

Decorator
The St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York is amongst the list of extensively decorated Francigenum churches. Such a location doesn't need much sprucing, but an event decorator is invaluable when dressing up a space with medieval architecture. A decorator knows how to play up the atmosphere, without overshadowing site elements like the carvings on the walls.

Photographer/ Videographer
You'll spot Francigenum architecture anywhere in the world, because of distinct features like thick walls, ribbed vaults, and spires. These cinematic elements make them a videographer's haven: on that account, you should have a professional encapsulate the special moments created in such settings.

Makeup/ Hairstylists
Makeup/ hairstylists transform an actor or model's appearance or enhance a bride's natural beauty for their big day. Their input can help with film or photo shoot costume options, against the backdrop of dark, moody Francigenum churches.

Caterer
Whether it's a wedding or a scripted film production, you'll need food and drinks. A professional caterer will deliver a themed menu, suited to your preferences and dietary requests.

Benefits of Booking Gothic Cathedrals Early

Gothic cathedrals have ecclesiastical architecture, marked by a flying buttress, pointed arch, cross, and crucifix. There's no such thing as small windows in the structure; the medieval abbey church has massive rose windows. It also typically features an altar in the east end, facing the rising sun. Find out how you stand to benefit from booking a chapel early:

Historical Significance: Drawing inspiration from the venue's history can give you a direction to take with your event/ project. Early booking enables you to research and learn everything about the location.

Decorating Thematically: Gothic architecture has a decorated style that doesn't need much sprucing to create a stunning backdrop for events and video production. You'll have enough time to make intricate adjustments after securing an event space early.

Fix Lighting Issues: Amongst the features that define Gothic architecture, large windows are an asset for photo shoots and video production. Pinning down a venue gives time to evaluate and fix lighting issues.

Apply for Permits: Using historic and landmark buildings as event venues usually requires permits. Making applications early gives you time to meet local government requirements and get the necessary authorizations.

Troubleshoot Restrictions: Most Gothic Cathedrals are historic landmarks with noise control or access restrictions. Starting your location search early gives you time to solve such issues or find suitable venues without limitations.

Famous Buildings With Gothic Architecture

What started in Europe has spread across the globe, and you'll find the best Gothic cathedrals in Great Britain, America, and beyond. Yale University and Princeton University proudly display the Revival architecture style; here are some of the best examples of other prominent Francigenum buildings.

Notre Dame
The late French architect Pierre de Montreuil was the mastermind behind the Notre Dame in Paris, France. It stood out in its earlier years for its rose window treatment and sculptural naturalism. As a Parisian symbol, it always appears on top lists of main attractions in France.

The Westminster Abbey
The world is well-acquainted with Westminster Abbey, the backdrop of British monarch coronations and royal weddings. William Morris dubbed it the "National Valhalla," because it's the burial site for over 3,000 prominent Brits. The old church drew inspiration from 13th-century English and French architecture styles.

Lincoln Cathedral
Completed in 1092, Lincoln Minster gained its style in 1185, after reconstruction following an earthquake. Once the tallest building globally, it's Britain's third-largest cathedral. A Tower Clock and Angel Choir imp are among its distinct features.

Reims Cathedral
Described as France's Second Cathedral, this is where all French Kings had their coronation ceremonies. The Roman Catholic church is the country's most-visited attraction, welcoming over 1 million visitors annually. It has thin walls and massive windows that flood light in the nave.

Ely Cathedral
The Diocese of Ely is among the Romanesque churches that criss-cross architectural designs. Reconstructions on its choir, lady chapel, and galilee porch gave the areas a Decorated Gothic style. The central octagonal tower has a lantern above it, and alongside the West Tower, it's the building's most notable feature.

Find the Perfect Gothic Location with Giggster

That wraps our in-depth guide on medieval venues and how to identify the best setting for your event or creative project. Book a Gothic location near you, and plan a memorable occasion in the most unique setting.