Pagan Halloween Wedding with Handfasting & Viking Theme Offbeat DIY Wedding

When it comes to offbeat weddings, I always find myself captivated by the uniqueness, personal touches, and creative energy that couples bring to their special day. Last autumn I had the pleasure of photographing one of the most enchanting weddings for Thomas and Caitlin—a pagan Halloween-themed celebration held on October 28th, under the Full Hunter’s Moon. From their Norse Viking attire to the handfasting ceremony, this wedding was a stunning blend of tradition, spirituality, and pure fun.

The Love Story Behind the Magic

Caitlin and Thomas’ love story began in a way many modern romances do—online. They met on a dating app, not realizing that they were about to find their best friend and lifelong partner. Their connection was instant, bonding over shared passions like tattoos, trucks, and dreams for the future. Soon after, they decided to meet in person, which happened to be on the day Thomas moved into his new apartment. The only condition for their first meeting? Caitlin had to bring a box of Texas Roadhouse rolls from a girls' night with her best friend. Naturally, she delivered!

From there, their relationship grew quickly. After a month of non-stop conversations, hanging out, and getting to know each other, Thomas introduced Caitlin to his family—and his beloved dog, Molly, who was just as important to him. However, when they arrived to meet Molly, something felt off. To everyone’s surprise, Thomas discovered that Molly was pregnant! Three days later, Molly gave birth to seven beautiful puppies, and Thomas let Caitlin choose one. That’s how their fur baby, Fenrir (or Fen, for short), became a part of their growing family.

Over the next five years, Caitlin and Thomas shared countless adventures and road trips, each one strengthening their bond. On one of those memorable trips, they traveled to Iowa for Christmas with Caitlin’s family. During the visit, Caitlin’s grandmother gave Thomas her great aunt’s wedding ring set, which he later used for his proposal. Thomas, however, waited nearly a year before popping the question. He had the ring hidden in his drawer, waiting for the perfect moment.

That moment came on Thanksgiving—a holiday filled with family traditions. Caitlin’s family has an annual tradition called Cookie Day, where they bake as many different cookies as possible, ending up with anywhere from 12 to 18 kinds. It’s a beloved event for Caitlin, making the timing of Thomas’ proposal even more meaningful. But this year, instead of being home for Thanksgiving, Caitlin and Thomas were visiting his brother in North Carolina. Despite missing her family’s Cookie Day, Caitlin made sure the tradition continued—even if it meant doing all the baking herself!

On Cookie Day 2022, Caitlin had already made several batches when Thomas offered to help, knowing how overwhelming the process could be. As they baked together, the specialness of the day grew even more. After dinner that evening, Thomas’ sister introduced a fun family game—a giant plastic wrap ball filled with surprises. The game involved passing the ball while the person next to you rolled a specific number on the dice to determine when it could be passed. It took nearly an hour for the eight players to unwrap the ball, and as fate would have it, Caitlin was the one to reach the final layer and claim the $15 Starbucks gift card hidden inside.

But the real surprise came when she looked over to find Thomas on one knee, holding a ring box in his hand. Overwhelmed with emotion and completely in shock, Caitlin said "YES!"—and the celebration began. After the congratulations and excitement, Thomas took Caitlin inside to present her with a second ring, one that had been passed down through her family for generations. It was a deeply emotional moment, and Caitlin cried tears of joy all over again.

A Halloween Wedding Under the Full Hunter’s Moon

From the moment Thomas and Caitlin started planning their dream wedding, they knew they wanted it to take place on Halloween weekend. October 28th, the night of the Full Hunter’s Moon, was the perfect date for their celebration. As practicing pagans, they felt a deep spiritual connection to the significance of the full moon and the thinning of the veil between worlds during Samhain. This mystical time was the ideal backdrop for their magical handfasting ceremony, symbolizing their eternal love and spiritual bond.

The couple chose a unique location for their vows—a mushroom Fae circle in front of Caitlin’s grandmother’s well house. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the setting felt enchanted, with nature itself becoming a part of the celebration. The ceremony was deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, with family members offering blessings to the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Caitlin’s father had the honor of tying the handfasting ropes, binding their hands and symbolizing their eternal commitment to each other.

In addition to the spiritual significance of the Full Hunter’s Moon, Thomas and Caitlin incorporated one of their favorite personal traditions into the ceremony. Initially, they had planned to give each other a pet as part of the ritual—a gift that would represent their future together. However, because they were preparing to move, the couple decided to exchange stone animal totems symbolizing the pets they would one day give each other. Thomas received a small bloodhound totem, representing Astrid, the future fur baby they plan to welcome into their home (Astrid is now growing big as they recently also welcomed a rescue, Loki).

With the full moon casting its silvery glow over the entire scene, and the sun slowly faded behind the horizon, the ceremony felt like the perfect blend of earthly and celestial energies. The handfasting, set inside the ethereal backdrop of the Fae circle and the well house, created a spiritual and otherworldly atmosphere, reflecting both their pagan beliefs and their love for nature. The Hunter’s Moon added to the mystical ambiance, making their Halloween-themed wedding not just a celebration of love, but a union of their souls under the watchful gaze of the moon.

DIY Details & Personal Touches

One of the things that stood out most about this wedding was the level of creativity and personal involvement from the couple and their family. From the carved pumpkins lining the aisle, filled with flowers, to the glittering centerpiece bottles and custom decals on the welcome sign, every detail reflected their personalities and passions.

The bouquets were also a family affair, with Caitlin’s mom arranging the flowers in the carved pumpkins and Caitlin dedicating her own bridal bouquet to her mother. The reception took place under a large RV carport on the property, complete with a bonfire and costumes worn by the guests, adding a playful and whimsical element to the evening.

Among all the magical moments of the day, one that truly stood out for Thomas and Caitlin was their private last dance. With the reception area all to themselves, they took a moment to slow down and soak in the experience, feeling as if time had stopped just for them. It was the perfect way to close out a day filled with love, laughter, and a deep connection to each other and their community.

Why I Love Photographing Offbeat Weddings

Photographing weddings like this reminds me why I’m so passionate about capturing love stories - both traditional and non-traditional. Thomas and Caitlin brought their personalities, beliefs, and creativity into every aspect of their day, creating a wedding that was uniquely them. As a photographer, it’s an honor to be part of these moments and to document the love and magic that make each wedding so special.

If you’re planning a wedding that reflects your unique love story—whether it’s pagan, offbeat, or just completely your own—I’d love to be there to capture every moment. Let's make your vision come to life through vibrant, joyful images that celebrate what makes you, you. Learn more about how to plan an offbeat wedding at Offbeat Wed!