Fairytale Hammond Castle Wedding
Scott and Kara’s Hammond Castle Wedding was a real-life fairytale, the kind of day that felt like stepping into the pages of a romantic storybook.


A Historic and Romantic Coastal Venue
Perched on Gloucester’s rocky shoreline, Hammond Castle is one of the most unique and enchanting Gloucester wedding venues. Built in the 1920s, this dramatic and medieval-style castle is reminiscent of the English countryside. Its sweeping ocean views, grand stone architecture, and old-world charm make it an unforgettable setting for couples looking for a truly romantic wedding experience.
The Hammond Castle Museum, open to the public during the day, houses an impressive collection of European artifacts. But after hours, the museum transforms into an iconic Gothic wedding venue, offering couples the rare opportunity to host their celebration inside a historic seaside castle. With breathtaking coastal views and a fairytale-like atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many couples dream of a fairytale Hammond Castle Wedding.



The Morning of the Wedding
Kara completed her bridal look in the castle’s intimate bridal suite, tucked away behind the stone corridors. Her bridesmaids helped button her stunning lace ballgown, which featured full lace sleeves and delicate embroidery. Surrounded by the castle’s rich history and soft morning light, the start of the day felt like pure magic.



A Dreamy Ceremony by the Sea
Their outdoor ceremony overlooked the Atlantic, framed by the castle’s lush grounds and dramatic ocean backdrop. A light fog rolled in from the water that August afternoon, adding an ethereal quality to their Hammond Castle Wedding.
Scott grew emotional as Kara walked down the aisle, a moment filled with tears, laughter, and pure love. Their sweet flower girl (and beloved dog!) stole hearts as she trotted down the aisle in her floral collar.
In a beautiful nod to Celtic tradition, the couple included a handfasting ritual, where their hands were tied together with ribbons to symbolize their union. As they walked back up the aisle together as husband and wife, their joy was absolutely radiant.




















Portraits at Hammond Castle
After the ceremony, we took our time exploring the castle grounds for portraits, taking full advantage of the breathtaking Gloucester wedding venue views. The fog hung over the harbor, creating an atmosphere that felt romantically cinematic.
Kara and Scott cuddled beneath their ceremony arch and then wandered up to the castle’s iconic stone arches. Those were some of my favorite images, Scott and Kara framed by the gothic arches overlooking the Gloucester Harbor. We also stepped inside the museum’s galleries, where the European art and architecture added to the regal feel of their day.


















A Celebration Fit for Royalty
Dinner took place under a beautifully decorated tent on the castle grounds, overlooking the Atlantic. The tent glowed softly with candlelight, perfectly complementing the castle’s stone façade in the distance. Guests were seated at tables draped in soft linens, surrounded by floral centerpieces that echoed the pastel hues of the day, delicate pinks, blues, and purples inspired by the seaside palette. With the gentle sounds of waves in the background, guests toasted the newlyweds and shared heartfelt stories.
The Great Hall, with its vaulted ceilings, candlelight, and Gothic detailing, created the most romantic setting for their first dance. It truly felt like a medieval celebration come to life, surrounded by friends and family who cheered them on as if they were royalty.





The Perfect Fairytale Ending
Scott and Kara’s Hammond Castle Wedding was the perfect blend of romance, history, and coastal charm. From the pastel seaside ceremony to their magical evening in the Great Hall, their day was unforgettable, a true fairytale Hammond Castle Wedding that will be cherished by the couple and their loved ones forever.
As a wedding photographer, capturing Scott and Kara’s Hammond Castle Wedding felt like stepping into a dream. Every frame told a story, from the mist rolling over the cliffs to the laughter echoing through the castle’s stone halls. Hammond Castle is a place where history, romance, and the sea all come together in the most cinematic way. For any couple dreaming of a coastal fairytale wedding or a New England castle affair filled with magic and meaning, this Gloucester venue is nothing short of extraordinary.
Katarina houghton | east coast wedding photographer
Whether you are newly engaged or are about to pop the question, I am here to help capture that magic! From the excitement of the proposal, to the joy of saying I do, I'll be there to document every step of your journey with care, passion, and creativity.
My mission is simple: to create bright, elegant, and colorful images that transport you back to those cherished experiences.