Step into the Scottish fairytale that is Dunskey Estate, a 2,000-acre rugged wonderland where every nook seems to whisper tales of Edwardian elegance fused with Highland adventure. The castle is nestled in the heart of Galloway’s rolling hills, on grounds where you’ll find a maze so enchanting it could convince your map app to take the scenic route. Stroll through the walled garden, brimming with flowers and fruit trees, and a Victorian glasshouse, then come inside for a world-class meal courtesy of a chef who perfected his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens. Dunskey even offers its guests access to private beaches — perfect for those moments when your private party needs a secluded seaside escape.

Just 40 minutes from Paris, Château de Villette shows its guests that “over the top” is just the right height for private party ambiance. We’re talking an octagonal Grand Salon, dramatic stone turrets, and interiors restored by the world-famous decorator Jacques Garcia. From the 18th-century chapel to the 16th-century wine press, every corner tells a story of French nobility, with museum-quality antiques and decorative treasures sourced from Sotheby's and Christie's. André Le Nôtre, the same landscape architect who masterminded Versailles' gardens, designed the grounds. Though calling them “grounds” feels like calling the Louvre an amateur art exhibit. With two lakes and a woodland-style park, this luxury event space practically commands you to live out your aristocratic dreams, and with 180 acres to frolic in, your guests can get dramatically lost among the topiaries. Marie Antoinette would be jealous.

History buffs, fairytale enthusiasts, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of throwing a private party where the guest list that includes kings, queens, and wizards, this one’s for you. Dunvegan Castle, in Scotland, still stands as the only Highland fortress that’s kept the same family in residence for 800 years — you know, just a tad longer than most people can keep a houseplant alive. And who would want to move, with five acres that sport formal blooms, secret woodland walks, and a waterfall garden, with views where mountains, sea, and sky all converge in that brooding rhapsody so particular to Highland lore. Plus, this luxury event space comes complete with its own magical Fairy Flag that supposedly bestows good fortune upon important celebrations. Think of it as the world’s most exclusive party insurance policy.

Venice’s answer to the question “What if we took all the romance of Italy and cranked it up to eleven?” is the Palazzo Nani Bernardo, a waterfront palazzo that’s practically dipping its toes in the Grand Canal. Inside this luxury venue, you’ll find rooms where the ceilings leave NBA centers with headroom, and the art collection is world-class. The Italian garden — a rare gem in space-squeezed Venice — provides a leafy retreat that feels miles away from the tourist crowds, even though you’re still in the heart of the city. And, yes, you can arrive at this private venue by gondola, because walking in through the front door in Venice feels so pedestrian.

An Italian villa in California wine country? We’ll toast to that. This luxury event space serves up a rare combination of grandeur and warmth, like being hugged by a Gucci sweater while sitting on a throne. Between the infinity pool that seems to merge with the horizon and gardens that could make Tuscany homesick, Villa Loriana is a private venue with plenty of stunning backdrops for the ’Gram. Enjoy two stories of stunning architectural grandeur, water features that would make Neptune jealous, and custom menus that combine California fresh and Italian flair.

Don't let the folksy name fool you. This Pennsylvania treasure brings enough old-world charm to fill a historical romance novel — and it should, considering it dates back to 1789 when the Hake family built a whiskey distillery above a spring-fed stream. With buildings from three separate centuries, throwing your party in this private venue will feel like hosting your party in a living timeline. The glass greenhouse at Historic Shady Lane offers panoramic views of the estate’s meticulously maintained grounds. The stone firepit area is perfect for late-night storytelling sessions or professional networking. Or impromptu s’mores competitions. We don’t judge.

When George Washington first visited in 1748 as a young surveyor, this Virginia gem was already serving up hospitality with a side of history. The fieldstone walls have seen more celebrations than a party planner's portfolio, making it a sought-after private party destination for centuries. The snug corners of the tavern are perfect for toasts and catchups between old friends. The fusion of colonial charm and modern luxury at the Red Fox Inn and Tavern means this luxury venue offers traditional ambience and contemporary comforts, too. Think handcrafted cocktails in intimate spaces where exposed stone walls, working fireplaces, and sporting art create the kind of atmosphere that makes everyone feel like old money.

Paradise gets an upgrade at the Fox House Private Villa, a seven-hectare estate in Portugal that comes with its own lake complete with an olive tree island — you know, because regular islands are so last season. Hidden garden alcoves for enjoying cocktails are scattered about like little shi-shi surprises, while the main villa pulls off the rare trick of feeling both grand and intimate, like a palace that’s been taking classes on mindfulness. Stone stairs worthy of a royal entrance weave through lush gardens, while the poolside terrace is perfect for sunset champagne toasts. More than perfect for your next private party.

Chef Raymond Blanc’s Oxfordshire masterpiece isn’t just a luxury venue — it’s a full sensory experience worthy of its two Michelin stars. The garden produces 90 types of vegetables and 70 varieties of herbs, which means your private party’s menu will be fresher than your Uncle Rick’s dance moves. Plus, the wine cellar houses over 1,000 different wines, so good luck choosing just one for toasting. Each of the 32 rooms of Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons tells its own story through impeccable design — one channeling silk-road luxury, another capturing Japanese minimalism. Others offer terraces that provide extra space to unwind in luxury. Host your celebration in spaces that blur the line between indoors and out, where glass conservatories frame views of lavender fields and heritage orchards. And also where you can walk grounds that read like a love letter to English landscape design, with a two-acre kitchen garden that makes farm-to-table seem like an understatement.

Watering holes, open plains, and a private observatory—Leobo Private Reserve isn’t just a luxury estate; it’s 20,000 acres of untamed South African wilderness with the exclusivity of a private club. The ultra-modern safari lodge is built for grand gatherings, where days are spent quad biking across the bush and nights unfold over fire-lit feasts under a sky so star-studded it puts Hollywood to shame. With no schedules or shared spaces, every moment is designed around you and your guests. Helicopter excursions, horseback safaris, and even shooting competitions? Just say the word.

Tucked along the Belgian coast, The Bunkers redefines farmhouse cool with sleek, modernist lines and moody interiors that set the scene for intimate, design-forward celebrations. Whether you're filling the communal dining table with an over-the-top seafood spread or taking cocktail hour to the sunken fire pit overlooking the fields, every space feels personal yet effortlessly chic. Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between inside and out, while curated art and sculptural furniture give the space the feel of a private gallery. Slow mornings, late-night toasts, and a setting that’s as much a conversation starter as the company? Count us in.

If rolling vineyards, medieval stone walls, and impossibly long dinner tables set against a backdrop of golden light sound like your kind of gathering, Monteverdi Tuscany is calling. This meticulously restored hilltop village feels like stepping into an old-world Italian film, only this time, you and your guests are the stars. Think sunrise hikes through cypress-lined paths, truffle-laced feasts that stretch into the night, and a wine cellar that practically demands a toast. Whether taking over a villa or booking out the whole hamlet, celebrations here feel like they’ve been written into history.

From centuries-old European castles to modern wine country estates, each venue comes with its own epic narrative. Luxury event spaces don’t just host parties — they transform a regular banquet or a routine dinner party into a night that you wished would never end. So whenever you get sick of venues where the standout architectural feature is the exit sign, we’re here to help you elevate your next celebration. Join the Venue Report and discover spaces with extraordinary standards. Because sometimes the venue isn’t the backdrop — it’s the main course, the main character, and the main reason to throw a once-in-a-lifetime private party.