14 Spooky Prisons That Host Weddings and Parties
Ever thought about tying the knot at an abandoned prison or celebrating a birthday with Family and friends in the same spot where thousands of people were detained and punished years before? While the idea might sound completely bizarre, some prisons have been preserved and now offer visitors the opportunity to host events at their facilities.
If this sounds like a fun and curious thing to do, then grab your friends and reserve one of these 14 spooky prisons that host weddings and parties.
Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania
Everyone knows about Eastern State Penitentiary with its creepy history and even spookier stories. This huge prison back in Philadelphia was built in 1829 and once served some infamous men such as Al Capone. It’s now a museum that hosts weddings and parties, among other events. With crumbling cellblocks and dark hallways they lend an unforgettable niche to any gathering. Eastern State is the place to go if you’re seeking a place where history meets with eerie vibes.
Alcatraz Island, California
For decades, the imagination of the public has been hijacked by Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. This former prison house to famous inmates, Al “Scarface” Capone, now offers a unique site for private events. Photos taken against Alcatraz’s stark, isolated look make for a dramatic backdrop, and it’s a surreal place for a wedding or a quirky gathering. Picture exchanging vows with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, knowing you’re celebrating in one of the world’s most legendary prisons.
Kilmainham Gaol, Ireland
The history of these hallowed walls goes right back to 1796 and Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin. It was a former jail, once known for its bleak conditions and it housed some of Ireland’s most notable revolutionaries. Now it is a beautiful haunting setting for a wedding or event with ghostly cells and long stone corridors perfect for an atypical big day!
Old Idaho Penitentiary, Idaho
The Old Boise Idaho Penitentiary built in 1872 is quite beautiful and bursting with many stories of thrilling lore. Its stone buildings and guard towers weigh heavily on the minds of visitors as they come to learn about its history. If you’re looking for a Halloween wedding or a wild celebration, event organizers here have a knack for bringing out the dark elegance within the space.
Missouri State Penitentiary, Missouri
The Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City is known as “The Bloodiest 47 Acres in America.” From 1836 to 2004, the prison was active and housed some of the most dangerous criminals in the U.S. It now offers ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and has weddings. The scale of the place, and its eerie history, make it a great place to party in its shadowy halls if you dare.
Akershus Fortress, Norway
Akershus Fortress in Oslo, Norway, is a medieval fortress and prison. Situated at a theoretical waterfront location, one of the medieval fortress’ striking features is its architecture which is now a national monument and hosting venue. The perfect wedding ceremony venue is the fortress courtyard, with couples surrounded by stone walls of intrigue and centuries of history.
Luzerne County Prison, Pennsylvania
Luzerne County Prison — built in the 19th century — is just northeast of downtown Wilkes-Barre and features eerie Gothic Revival architecture. It is open for events, and guests can walk around this building that seems straight out of a horror movie. If you want to celebrate in a unique and gruesome-looking setting, there’s nothing quite like the gothic vibes of Luzerne.
West Virginia Penitentiary, West Virginia
Moundsville’s West Virginia Penitentiary was once one of America’s most violent prisons, closing in 1995 and having since been opened for ghost tours, paranormal investigations, and private events. For those who want a little macabre, its looming, castle-like architecture and foreboding atmosphere make it a dramatic setting. This penitentiary hosts weddings and other events, and none of the guests would be able to forget the experience soon.
Joliet Prison, Illinois
Famous for being featured in movies and TV shows, Joliet Prison in Illinois has just reopened as an event space. It stands tall with towering limestone walls and a stark industrial design that makes it a unique spot for events. Joliet Prison offers spaces available for weddings, parties, and concerts, offering a raw, unpolished backdrop for couples or event planners looking to do something different.
HM Prison Shrewsbury, England
HM Prison Shrewsbury, based in England on the Shropshire Lowlands, is known as ‘The Dana’ and is thousands of years old. Ghost hunts and private events are held in this prison, and it’s the perfect place for thrill seekers. You could say your vows in a cellblock or dance the night away in the old exercise yard. It’s a wedding venue that will be an experience you won’t forget.
Crumlin Road Gaol, Northern Ireland
Belfast’s Crumlin Road Gaol has been a prison, a courthouse, and now a much sought-after event venue. This prison has an execution and high-profile inmate history. If you are after a historically slanted, eerie venue, with candle-lit corridors and dark red stone walls, Crumlin Road Gaol is a perfect setting for couples or hosts, and will certainly leave an impression on guests.
Yuma Territorial Prison, Arizona
Yuma Territorial Prison in Arizona was known as the “Hellhole of the West,” and some of the West’s most notorious outlaws were detained there. Now it’s a museum and event space—ideal for themed parties or anything offbeat. Located in the desert, its preserved prison cells give an atmosphere straight out of an Old Western movie.
Old Melbourne Gaol, Australia
A rather dark past runs through old Melbourne Gaol, an historic prison in Australia. It’s now a museum and event space, and for good reason, it’s chilling and has some great ghost stories. Private tours and events are available in the gaol for those brave enough to celebrate in its hallowed halls. It’s a great place to gather with history, mystery, and a little bit of adventure.
Fremantle Prison, Australia
This World Heritage-listed site in Western Australia was a prison from 1855 to 1991 and is now open as a unique event venue. Dark stone walls and narrow cells that give a spine-tingling ambiance are retained in Fremantle Prison spaces.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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