If you’re searching for Hatley Castle wedding photos or considering getting married at Hatley Castle in Victoria, BC, Susan and David’s wedding is a great example of how much character this historic venue brings to a wedding day.

Located at Royal Roads University in Colwood, Hatley Castle is one of Vancouver Island’s most recognizable wedding venues. With its historic architecture, formal gardens, and beautiful outdoor spaces, it offers plenty of opportunities for iconic and timeless wedding photos. 

Susan and David’s story began on Hinge in the winter of 2020, just before the world shut down with COVID. A great conversation about music led to their first date! They bonded over good food, a love of travel and making each other laugh, and eventually got engaged in Paris in September 2023. Early in their relationship, Susan and David visited Hatley Castle, and from that moment Susan always knew that she wanted to get married there. 

If you’re planning a Hatley Castle wedding, here’s a closer look at the venue, ideas for making the most of the setting, and what to consider when planning your own wedding photography.

Table of Contents

1. Susan and David’s Story
2. Why Choose Hatley Castle for Your Wedding?
3. Hatley Castle Wedding Photos: Photography Locations
4. Wedding Ideas for Hatley Castle
5. Planning Your Hatley Castle Wedding
6. How Much Does a Hatley Castle Wedding Cost?
7. Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Wedding Photos
8. Hatley Castle Wedding Vendors
9. Frequently Asked Questions

Susan and David’s Story

Susan and David met online in the winter of 2020. David’s opening message referenced a photo on Susan’s profile from Coachella, asking whether she planned to attend EDC that year. 

Their first date was at a Korean BBQ spot, and Susan jokes that she was pleasantly surprised by how handsome David was in person. But it was their fourth date that really won her over: David spent four hours making homemade lasagna for her.

Susan loves David’s sense of humour and fabulous cooking, while David loves her positive energy and how fun she is to be around. They share a love of great food and travelling, and their engagement in Paris brought together all of their favourite things.

⭐️ Scroll right to the bottom to see lots of photos from their Hatley Castle wedding day! ↓

Why Choose Hatley Castle for Your Wedding?

Hatley Castle is located on the grounds of Royal Roads University in Colwood, a short drive from downtown Victoria. The estate is known for its historic castle, landscaped gardens, and formal outdoor spaces.

For couples planning a Vancouver Island wedding, it offers a different atmosphere from a winery, beach, or traditional banquet hall. The architecture creates a strong visual backdrop, while the surrounding gardens provide variety for portraits and candid photographs.

A few things make Hatley Castle particularly appealing for weddings – 

Historic Architecture

The castle’s stone exterior, windows, and architectural details create a distinctive backdrop for wedding portraits. The architecture also lends itself to an editorial photography approach, where framing, movement, and connection are the main ingredients of every image.

Formal Gardens

The gardens provide a softer contrast to the castle itself. Depending on your booking, areas such as the Italian Garden and Croquet Garden may be available for ceremonies and photographs.

A Venue with Built-In Character

One of the advantages of choosing a visually distinctive venue is that you don’t necessarily need elaborate decor to make it feel special.

You can keep your design relatively simple, choose florals that complement the setting, and let the architecture and landscape do the work for you.

A Variety of Photographic Opportunities

Hatley Castle gives couples options for different types of images within one property. There are opportunities for wide architectural portraits, garden photographs, close-up details, and beautiful candid moments with family and friends.

For couples who want a varied gallery without spending the entire day travelling between locations, that flexibility is a real advantage.

Hatley Castle Wedding Photos: The Best Photo Locations

If you’re collecting Hatley Castle wedding photo inspiration, one of the first things you’ll notice is how much the venue offers visually. The trick is to choose a few locations that give your gallery variety without making your portrait session feel rushed.

Here are some locations to discuss with your photographer and venue contact:

1. The Castle Exterior

The castle itself is the obvious starting point for Hatley Castle wedding photos. Its distinctive architecture makes it a strong choice for a few classic portraits.

I recommend mixing wider compositions, where the building becomes part of the photograph, with closer images that focus on your expressions and connection.

2. The Italian Garden

The Italian Garden is a great option for couples who love a more structured look.

The landscaping lends itself to symmetrical compositions and classic portraiture, but it can also be used for more relaxed photographs. Walking together, slow dancing, or simply taking a moment away from the crowd can create images that feel less posed.

If you’re planning your ceremony here, ask your photographer about timing portraits around the ceremony setup and guest arrival.

3. The Croquet Garden

The Croquet Garden offers one of the best vantage points for a castle backdrop. It is also the most common spot for the wedding ceremony.

It can work well for family portraits, wedding-party photographs, or just the two of you. Before finalizing your timeline, confirm which areas are included in your booking and when they can be accessed for photographs.

4. The Neptune Stairs and Architectural Details

The Neptune Stairs and other architectural features around the estate can add variety to your gallery.

Stairs, doorways, windows, and stonework create beautiful symmetry and framing opportunities. They’re particularly useful for couples who appreciate an editorial style and want a mix of traditional portraits and composition-driven images.

5. The Garden Pathways

Not every photograph needs a recognizable landmark in the background.

Garden pathways can be ideal for more candid images: walking together, talking, laughing, or taking a quiet moment away from your guests. These photographs provide a nice contrast to the more formal castle portraits.

Wedding Ideas for Hatley Castle

Hatley Castle has a strong visual identity, so you have plenty of room to choose a wedding style that feels like you. You can lean into the historic setting or use a more modern approach to create contrast.

Classic and Timeless

For a more traditional look, consider a restrained palette of ivory, cream, soft green, and subtle metallic accents.

Seasonal florals, thoughtful stationery, candlelight, and simple table settings can complement the architecture without competing with it.

This style is a good fit if you want your photographs to feel classic years from now, rather than tied too closely to a current trend.

Colourful and Romantic

You don’t have to stick to neutrals just because you’re getting married in a castle!

Deep reds, warm pinks, burgundy, and vibrant green can add personality and contrast. Work with your florist to choose colours that complement the gardens and stone exterior.

If you’re using several colours, repeating them across the florals, stationery, and reception details will help the overall design feel cohesive.

Modern Editorial

For couples who prefer a less traditional wedding, a modern editorial approach can work particularly well against the historic architecture.

Think sculptural floral arrangements, interesting textures, and unexpected details. The contrast between an old building and modern styling can make your wedding photographs truly unique.

A Garden-Inspired Celebration

If the gardens are a major reason you’re choosing Hatley Castle, let them influence the rest of your design.

Seasonal flowers, natural West Coast greenery, and understated decor creates a connection with the local land. You can also use the surrounding landscape as inspiration for your stationery and colour palette.

Planning Your Hatley Castle Wedding

Once you’ve officially decided to book the venue and started thinking about the design, there are a few practical details worth sorting out early.

Choose The Right Wedding Package

Hatley Castle offers different options depending on whether you’re planning a ceremony only, a castle reception, or a celebration that combines both the ceremony and reception on-site.

Check the current package details directly with Hatley Park Weddings, since included spaces, availability, and booking requirements can vary.

Have a Weather Plan

Vancouver Island weather can be unpredictable, even during the warmer months.

If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, ask the venue what alternatives are available if it rains. It’s also worth thinking about footwear, umbrellas, and how guests will move between spaces in wet weather.

Make a Realistic Photography Timeline

It’s tempting to schedule a portrait at every location on the property, especially when the venue is as beautiful as Hatley Castle. But spending too much time moving around can take you away from your guests.

Choose a handful of locations that offer different looks and give yourself enough time to enjoy each one.

You can also consider splitting your couple portraits into two shorter sessions, if your schedule and booking allow. That gives you some variety without needing to disappear for a long stretch of the day. I always recommend one 30 minute session earlier in the wedding day, and then another 15-20 minutes at ‘Golden Hour’ for beautiful sunset lighting.

Confirm Access and Photography Permissions

Not every wedding booking includes access to every room or outdoor space. If a particular area is important to you, confirm it with the venue before building your timeline around it.

If you’re getting married elsewhere and want to take wedding photos at Hatley Castle, you’ll need to arrange an approved standalone photography booking. These sessions have their own fees and access restrictions, and they often don’t include the castle interior.

Work with Vendors Who Understand You

A wedding planner, florist, caterer, and photographer can help bring the different parts of the day together. Lean on your vendors for advice and input – they’ve been to a lot of weddings and are happy to assist!

Share your priorities early, especially if you’re planning a complex setup or a very busy timeline. Clear communication makes it easier to create a day that feels cohesive and doesn’t overcomplicate the schedule.

How Much Does a Hatley Castle Wedding Cost?

Hatley Castle wedding cost is an important consideration when you’re comparing venues around Victoria BC and Vancouver Island.

The total cost depends on your chosen package, guest count, season, rentals, and the overall scale of your celebration. A ceremony-only booking will have a different budget from a full wedding with a castle reception, dinner, and dancing.

Rather than planning around a single advertised price, ask the venue for a current quote based on your preferred date and the spaces you want to use.

When putting together your wedding budget, remember to account for:

• Venue rental and any additional space fees
• Catering and beverages
• Wedding planner or coordinator
• Florals and decor
• Photography and videography
• Tables, chairs, linens, and other rentals
• Entertainment and music
• Wedding attire and beauty services
• Transportation and other guest logistics

If you’re working with a specific budget, ask about the different package options and what is included before making a decision. Current rates and inclusions should always be confirmed directly with Hatley Park Weddings.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hatley Castle Wedding Photos

Your venue provides all the backdrops you need, but your photographer’s approach helps determine how your wedding gallery will feel.

Here are a few things I’d recommend if you’re planning to get married at Hatley Castle:

Choose a Photographer Whose Work Feels Like You

Look for a photographer whose galleries balance the types of images you care about: candid moments, portraits, family photographs, and the smaller details of the day. 

Choose a photographer who knows the property and how to make the most of it. Look for someone who can capture genuine, candid moments while offering thoughtful direction when needed, so your photos feel natural, over stiff or posed.

You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose

If you’re camera-shy or don’t feel particularly comfortable in front of a lens, you’re not alone!

My approach combines candid coverage with natural direction. I’ll help you feel comfortable during portraits and offer guidance when it’s useful, while leaving room for moments to happen on their own.

You don’t need to arrive with a list of poses memorized or know what to do with your hands. It’s the photographer’s job to guide the experience. 

Prioritize the Moments That Matter Most to You

Think about what you want to remember when you look back at your gallery.

Maybe it’s the ceremony emotions, your family enjoying themselves, the atmosphere of the reception, or the small details you’ve spent months planning. Sharing those priorities with your photographer helps them understand where to focus their attention.

Let the Day Unfold

The best photographs often happen when you’re not thinking about the camera.

Give yourself time to talk to your guests, enjoy your meal, laugh with your friends and spend time with your partner. 

The goal isn’t to manufacture a perfect day for photographs. It’s to create images that help you remember the day you actually had.

Hatley Castle Wedding Vendors

A wedding comes together through the work of many talented people. Here are the vendors involved in Susan and David’s celebration:

• Wedding planning: The Good Party
• Venue: Hatley Castle
• Catering: Truffles Catering
• Photography: Aly Sibley Photography
• Florals: Petal Palette
• Makeup: Cece’s Makeup Studio
• Cake: Darling Cake Co
• Rentals: Victoria Party Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions About Hatley Castle Weddings

Where is Hatley Castle located?

Hatley Castle is located on the grounds of Royal Roads University in Colwood, British Columbia, just outside Victoria BC on Vancouver Island.

Is Hatley Castle a good wedding venue?

Hatley Castle is a great option for couples who want historic architecture, formal gardens, and a distinctive setting for their ceremony and reception. Its different spaces can suit a range of wedding styles, depending on your package and guest count.

How much does a Hatley Castle wedding cost?

The cost depends on the package, season, guest count, catering, and other wedding expenses. In general, Hatley is on the more expensive side for Victoria wedding venues. Contact the venue directly for current pricing and a quote based on your plans.

Can you take wedding photos at Hatley Castle if you’re not getting married there?

Yes, subject to approval and a separate photography permit through Royal Roads University. Standalone sessions have specific fees, time limits, and access restrictions, so review the current photography guidelines before planning your session.

What are the best locations for Hatley Castle wedding photos?

The castle exterior, Italian Garden, Croquet Garden, Neptune Stairs, and garden pathways are all worth discussing with your photographer. The best locations depend on your package, access permissions, timeline, and preferred style.

What is the best time of year to get married at Hatley Castle?

That depends on your priorities. Spring and summer may appeal to couples who want lush gardens, while autumn can offer a different atmosphere and colour palette. Consider your preferred outdoor spaces, budget, and weather contingency plan when choosing a date.

Do I need a wedding photographer who has worked at Hatley Castle before?

Experience at the venue can be helpful, but it’s not the only consideration. Look for someone whose work you love and who can confidently plan around access rules, lighting, and your timeline. A photographer who offers clear direction and helps you feel comfortable can make a difference regardless of how many times they’ve worked at a particular venue.

Planning Your Own Hatley Castle Wedding?

Hatley Castle offers a beautiful setting for all of those things, whether you’re drawn to its historic architecture, beautiful gardens, or the opportunity to create a wedding that feels classic and timeless.

If you’re planning a Hatley Castle wedding and looking for a Vancouver Island wedding photographer, I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning ❤️

My approach is candid and documentary-inspired, with an editorial eye for composition and a focus on helping you feel comfortable in front of the camera. I’ll offer direction when you need it, step back when moments unfold naturally, and create a gallery that brings together the people, atmosphere, and details of your perfect day.

Get in touch with me here to tell me about your wedding plans!