Did you know Louisiana has castles? There's one castle in particular with a fascinating story behind it, which we've covered below. The castle is available for ceremonies and receptions, and it's the perfect place to have your fairy tale dream come true!
Located in Franklinton, the Louisiana Castle is a replica of an English Normal Keep Castle.
After watching a movie called "The War Lord" in 1971, Dr. Mark Belcher knew he wanted to live in a castle. After touring England in the late 1970s, he began to envision his dream castle, and not long after he made his dreams come true.
Dr. Belcher bought some property in Franklinton in 1983 and spent six years clearing the land, preparing for the construction of the castle.
He began construction on the castle in 1989 and 85,000 bricks and two years later, the castle was completed.
But no castle would be complete without a love story…
Dr. Belcher fell in love with a woman, Debra Lynn Arrington, while attending a boarding school in Mississippi in 1969. They courted for a while, but eventually their relationship fizzled out and they went their separate ways.
Both had remarried and divorced by 1991, the year that their high school reunion was taking place.
They hadn’t kept in touch over the years, so when their eyes met across the gym, it was as if fate had brought them back together.
They stayed in touch over the next few months, and eventually, Debra moved to Bogalusa to be closer to one another.
They made plans for their future, and knew they wanted to get married.
During this time, construction of the castle was still underway, nearing completion.
Once it was completed, the castle sat empty for two months. Dr. Belcher did not want to spend one night in the castle until they could spend it together as husband and wife. They married in Nevada and returned to Franklinton to spend their first night as king and queen of the castle.
Dolly & Steve Illg purchased the castle from Dr. Belcher in 1999.
They thought it would make the perfect venue for weddings and receptions, and we couldn’t agree more.
Just look at how magical this place looks!
The castle can accommodate up to 350 guests, and the folks over at the castle have hosted a number of events, and not just weddings! Birthday parties, anniversaries, reunions, and more. If you’re looking for a unique venue for your special event, this is the place.
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The castle is located at 47168 Highway 10 Franklinton, LA 70438.
Have you attended a ceremony or reception at this castle? Let us know in the comments below!
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