Alternative wedding dates that aren’t Halloween (but still feel magical!)
Laura Fitzgerald Photography
As weddings in late October become more and more popular, you may be finding it increasingly difficult to secure your favourite venue and book your preferred suppliers. It’s easy to see why the eerie charm of late October is so in demand and carries such magic, but fear not! There are plenty of alternative dates that carry that same magic, mystery and touch of the unconventional we all crave. Choosing an alternative wedding date allows you to get creative whilst anchoring you in a moment that speaks to you.
So pull out your calendar and take a look at some of these options…
Laura Fitzgerald Photography
A date that’s symbolic to you
A massive bonus on choosing a date that’s symbolic to you is that it’s easy to remember. Maybe think about the anniversary of you getting together, birthdays, moving in together or other special events that you’ve shared. In some Pagan and Wiccan traditions the wedding date is set as ‘a year and a day’ from the day you got engaged. Choosing a wedding date with personal meaning can be a beautiful reminder of shared experiences. It’s a way of honouring the past while celebrating the future.
Vicky Dubois Photography
Friday 13th
We all know Friday 13th is one of the most auspicious of dates. Consider embracing the superstition surrounding Friday 13th by choosing this eerie date for your wedding. It’s a timeless choice for couples who want to infuse their celebration with a bit of fun. You could even play on the horror theme and bring in elements of the movie franchise.
There are several Friday 13th’s happening over the next couple of years
Friday 13th November 2026
Friday 13th August 2027
Friday 13th October 2028
Electric Blue Photography
Winter Solstice
Embrace the ethereal beauty of the longest night of the year by opting for a winter solstice wedding… a natural date for a celebration. This celestial event steeped in ancient folklore, offers a captivating backdrop for a gothic-themed celebration. Imagine exchanging vows amidst the glow if flickering candles and evergreen foliage.
Winter solstice is usually the 21st December
Moon and Moon Photography
Midsummer Night
In the same vein and Winter Solstice, why not pick Summer Solstice? Escape into the twilight realm of Shakespear’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Think lush greenery, ethereal fairy
lights, and a touch of whimsical enchantment. This dreamy date offers a perfect blend of romance and mysticism for gothic couples seeking a spellbinding wedding experience.
Summer Solstice falls on the 21st June
Laura Fitzgerald Photography
All hallows eve eve
Why not consider the day before Halloween for your wedding date? Embrace the anticipation and excitement of All Hallows/ Eve by hosting your celebration on the 30th October… if even make it a week long celebration and start on the 24th of the month. This bewitching date allows you to revel in the prelude to Halloween while avoiding the potential scheduling conflicts associated with the actual holiday. From gothic masquerade balls to hauntingly elegant décor, your wedding can capture the essence of Halloween without the logistical challenges, AND you still get to celebrate Halloween too!
Vicky Dubois Photography
On a full moon
The full moon represents balance and harmony; what better traits to infuse your wedding? Not only does the full moon make for kick ass wedding photos, but energy, passion and deeper connection are all heightened under a full moon. Ancient Greeks believed that marriages during the full Moon were the most prosperous and happiest.
We’ve picked out the full moons that land on a Friday or Saturday ready for you to think about
24th October 2026
22nd January 2027
20th February 2027
19th June 2027
15th October 2027
11th March 2028
5th August 2028
2nd December 2028
Valerie and Co Photography
Solar Eclipse
Imagine a clandestine gathering, shrouded in an otherworldly ambiance, as the moon’s shadow cloaks the sun. I always think it’s a perfect date option for potential vampires when the sun is blocked from doing harm. Okay okay, I’m clearly too absorbed by vampire movies, but am I wrong?
There are two possible solar eclipse dates for you to consider
6th Feb 2027
22nd July 2028
Vicky Dubois Photography
Dracula Publishing Anniversary
Speaking of Vampires, what about tying the knot on the anniversary of the publishing date of arguably the greatest love story,,, ‘I have crossed oceans of time to find you’
· 26th May
Wild River Ravens Photography
Edgar Allan Poe’s Deathiversary
Possibly my favourite potential date is the deathiversay of Edgar Allan Poe. Poe is a name that often comes to mind. Known for his dark haunting themes, Poe’s peoms about love are no exception. His unique style of writing captures the complexities of love in a way that is both beautiful and eerie.
We loved with a love that was more than love… from Annabel Lee, which tells the story of a young couple who’s love transcends even death and explores the themes of undying devotion and the power of love to conquer all obstacles… a perfect sentiment for a perfect day.
· 7th October
Vicky Dubois Photography
May the 4th be with you
May the 4th is always a popular theme for alternative weddings, but we’re seeing recent wedding requests are taking their Star Wars themes to the dark side. You can be really creative with this theme and it’s so easy to bury death stars, Millennium Falcons and lightsabres into your décor.
Did we miss anything?
As a gothic couple, you have the opportunity to infuse your special day with a rich tapestry of influences and ideas. By embracing alternate spooky dates, you can create an unforgettable wedding that reflects your distinctive style and love for macabre. From ancient traditions to literary inspiration, the possibilities for crafting a hauntingly beautiful wedding are endless.
