For those planning to get married next year or in the coming years, another special venue for civil weddings will be available in Kevelaer starting in April 2027: Haus Winkel. This historic manor house in Winnekendonk / Achterhoek combines a long history with a natural setting and complements the diverse range of wedding venues in the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer.
A place where history and personal futures come together: The historic manor house, with its expansive grounds, mature trees, ruins, and outbuildings, provides a special setting for civil wedding ceremonies. Numerous idyllic spots on the estate also offer attractive backdrops for wedding photos.
The history of the estate dates back to the year 1319. Originally mentioned as a farmstead, Haus Winkel was owned by various families over the centuries. During both World War I and World War II, the estate served as a military hospital. Haus Winkel also holds special historical significance for weddings: On November 4, 1926, Erika Freiin von der Heyden-Rynsch and Hans-Ulrich von Quistorp were married there. Almost exactly a century later, this tradition is now being revived.
In addition to scheduling an appointment at the registry office in the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer, prior coordination with the owners is required for a wedding ceremony at Haus Winkel. Their contact information can also be found on the website of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer at www.kevelaer.de/heiraten. The wedding room is accessible to people with disabilities; the restrooms are not.
“We are delighted that Haus Winkel allows us to expand our offerings for civil weddings in the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer. Whether in the historic town hall, a castle, a museum, or a modern cultural center: Depending on your preferences and the size of your wedding party, our wedding venues provide the perfect setting for every couple’s dream wedding,” said Werner Barz, Head of the “Internal Services” Division and Director of the Citizens’ Office and Registry Office.
An overview of the other wedding venues in the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer:
Old town hall
The wedding chapel in the Old Town Hall is the classic wedding venue in Kevelaer. With its nostalgic yet understated charm, it offers a dignified setting for smaller gatherings. After the ceremony, family and friends can welcome the newlyweds on the steps in front of the building; a champagne reception can be held on the wedding plaza in front of the Old Town Hall. The wedding hall is not wheelchair accessible.
Kervenheim Castle
In the vaulted cellar of Kervenheim Castle, couples can get married in a historic atmosphere by candlelight. Subtle lighting and the rustic vaulted ceiling set the festive scene. The castle’s sheltered outdoor area then provides the perfect setting for a reception and the first wedding photos. The castle is one of the oldest castle complexes in the Lower Rhine region; it was first mentioned in a document in 1270. Large parts of the complex were lost in a fire in 1757 and due to war damage in 1945.
To hold a wedding ceremony at Kervenheim Castle, in addition to scheduling an appointment with the registry office, you must confirm availability well in advance with the owner, the Evangelical Church Congregation of Kervenheim. The wedding room is not wheelchair accessible.
Schumacherstübchen in Winnekendonk
If you’re looking to get married in a small, intimate setting with a historic ambiance, the Schumacherstübchen in Winnekendonk’s Old Town Hall is a special venue. Surrounded by old books and historic furnishings, it creates a personal, romantic atmosphere. The market square or the area next to the Schumacherstübchen are ideal for a reception. The room is nearly barrier-free; there are two steps to navigate.
Lower Rhine Museum Kevelaer, Inc.
The wedding room at the Lower Rhine Museum offers a particularly intimate and elegant atmosphere. In the historically furnished nobleman’s room of the Risbroeck House—whose furnishings trace back to a donation by Albert Burggraf van Afferden—18th- and 19th-century artifacts blend with the personal moment of the wedding ceremony. Additional guests can witness this special moment from the adjacent foyer; the covered museum passageway is available for a reception afterward. The wedding room is wheelchair accessible.
To hold a wedding ceremony at the Lower Rhine Museum, in addition to scheduling the date with the registry office, you must also coordinate with the museum, as the venue operator, in advance.
Concert and stage house
The Concert and Performing Arts Center is the perfect choice for couples who want to get married with a larger group of guests. The bright Hall 2 offers a view of the outdoor courtyard with its water feature and sculptures. Thanks to the available technical equipment and the venue’s own grand piano, musical requests can be accommodated particularly well. A reception in front of the building is possible, and the wedding venue is wheelchair accessible.
Those interested can obtain further information about the wedding venues and the marriage registration process at the Registry Office of the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer and online at www.kevelaer.de/heiraten. Registering a marriage is the first formal step; once the requirements have been successfully verified, the couple may marry within six months.