Retro Inspired Hatley Castle Wedding

Any Vancouver Island local knows that a Hatley Castle wedding is fit for royalty. With its historic architecture and sweeping grounds, it is often associated with classic, princess-inspired celebrations. Raquel and Bradley, however, put their own spin on the venue in the most refreshing way. Their wedding day was the perfect blend of fun retro energy. It proved that Hatley Castle has the potential to be so much more than a traditional fairytale setting! From getting ready in a downtown Victoria penthouse apartment to their disco-inspired celebration, their day was one of a kind.

Hatley Castle Victoria Wedding Venue

Hatley Castle is a historic and elegant castle that has become an iconic staple on Vancouver Island. The venue is known for its stunning gardens and expansive open lawns. The grounds offer couples multiple ceremony backdrop options whether they prefer facing the castle itself or the surrounding greenery. Inside, Hatley Castle features luxurious interiors with large windows, cozy fireplaces, warm wooden accents, and a grand staircase that winds through the ballroom. Beyond the castle grounds, its location directly behind Royal Roads University adds even more variety for portraits. The surrounding campus offers beautiful architectural details, arched doorways, climbing vines, and quiet pathways that photograph beautifully throughout the day.

One important note: this venue often books one to two years in advance. Booking early is absolutely essential for couples hoping for a Hatley Castle wedding!

Disco-Inspired Hatley Castle Wedding

Raquel and Bradley’s unexpected retro twist on their wedding day is one that will be remembered for years to come. Every detail, down to the color palette, felt straight out of the 1970s. They blended creams, warm oranges, soft browns, and playful pops of color. The aesthetic was cohesive with the energy throughout the entire day. Their first look on the penthouse balcony set the tone. The atmosphere was filled with pure excitement as they jumped up and down together, unable to contain their joy.

The ceremony followed on the lawn at Hatley Castle. They exchanged vows beneath a floral arch bursting with orange blooms, a bold and joyful contrast against the surrounding greenery. They chose to keep posed portraits to a minimum, prioritizing candid moments with family and guests so they could fully soak in the day. That same sentiment carried over into their reception, where both the couple and their guests were fully present for an unforgettable experience.

Citrus and Cane Wedding Reception

Raquel and Bradley’s wedding reception at Citrus and Cane was just as iconic as the rest of their day. Known for its fun, quirky atmosphere and bold design details, the cocktail bar was the perfect setting to close out their celebration. The couple opted to rent out the space an hour before opening. This gave them and their guests private access and the freedom to fully lean into the party energy. It also made Citrus and Cane one of the best spots in downtown Victoria for flash-filled, high-energy portraits with friends.

Retro Details at Citrus and Cane

The location change prompted a wardrobe change for Raquel. She switched out her classic strapless gown for a second outfit that quickly became a standout detail. Her white jumpsuit, a piece she made herself, was adorned with rainbow silk ribbon bows running up the sides. Just like the fun outfit, the couples’ first dance was fast-paced, retro, and full of energy. Even Raquel’s dad’s speech, which she later described as slightly inappropriate, brought priceless reactions that only added to the joy of the night.

Vogue-worthy details were everywhere, including a cherry tower placed beside their newlywed crossword and welcome sign, a nod to the vintage inspiration woven throughout the day. Even when things didn’t go exactly as planned, like when their cake began to tilt, it only added to the charm. In fact, it resulted in one of the most memorable moments (and photos) of the evening. Looking back on the memories and photos of the day, it’s clear that Raquel and Bradley more than achieved their vision for the day.  From start to finish, this wedding was brimming with iconic retro charm and fun for everyone involved!

Victoria BC Wedding Photography

Hey, I’m Taylor. I’m a Victoria, BC–based wedding and elopement photographer with a deep love for documenting celebrations that break the mold. Whether you’re planning a Hatley Castle wedding or a day that blends elegance with personality like Raquel and Bradley’s, I’m here to capture it all with intention and care. My approach is to capture your wedding in a way that feels authentic & true to who you are as a couple. Do we sound like a match? View my wedding services or get in touch to start planning your celebration at one of Victoria’s most iconic venues.

Victoria BC Wedding Vendors

Wedding Planner: Heyday Events
Day-Of Assistant: Heyday Events (Yvonne)
Day-Of Assistant: Heyday Events (Mink)
Day-Of Assistant: Heyday Events (Claire)
Venue: Hatley Castle
Catering: Truffles
Photography: Taylor Dawning Photography
Florals: Folklore Floral
DJ / Sound: DJ Earlybird
Officiant: Jennifer Whitehouse
Cake: TL Cakes
Hair: Fish Salon (Amy)
Rentals: Decorate Victoria
Rentals: Trend
Wedding Party Transportation: LA Limo
Pre-Ceremony Location: Citrus & Cane
Wedding Dress: Everly Bridal
Special Detail: Duckana (London Drugs)