Gothic Wadley Farms Castle Wedding in Lindon, UT

When I say I’ve been looking forward to this day for years, I mean it. Stephanie and Roman first booked me about two years before their big day, and from the moment their inquiry landed in my inbox, I knew it was going to be something special. These two are Hispanic goths (just like yours truly 🖤), and I instantly felt a connection with their vibe and their vision.

They’re high school sweethearts, originally from Las Vegas, but when it came time to choose a venue, they knew they wanted something with old-world charm that couldn’t be found in the desert. Enter: their Wadley Farms Castle wedding in Utah. The second I arrived, it was clear why they made the trip. A literal castle. Moody October weather. Gothic details that felt straight out of a storybook. Every part of their day was a beautiful reflection of who they are—romantic, stylish, and unapologetically them!

The Details, Getting Ready, & a father-daughter First Look

Stephanie and Roman spent the morning getting ready in separate suites at the venue. Wadley Farms Castle has the dreamiest getting-ready spaces. The upstairs features an elegant bridal suite with its own private balcony overlooking the vineyards, a spacious groom’s room, and an 1,800-square-foot chamber complete with a fireplace. It’s cozy, cinematic, and honestly the perfect backdrop for a moody October wedding. From her black lace dress to the coffin-shaped ring box, every little detail felt so them.

Before the ceremony, Stephanie shared a first look with her dad, and watching his face light up when he turned around and saw her in that show-stopping gown (veil and all!) was such a touching moment. You could feel the love between them instantly. It was a quiet, emotional pause before the rest of the day unfolded, and it just made everything that followed feel even more meaningful.

An Outdoor Wadley Farms Castle Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony space at Wadley Farms Castle is something out of a dream. It had beautiful stone archways, towering castle walls, and mountains peeking out in the distance. The vines and string lights gave it that gothic-romantic vibe without trying too hard. While the morning started off grey and rainy (honestly perfect for the theme), by the time Stephanie walked down the aisle with her dad, the sky opened up and gave us the most gorgeous light. Like the venue itself, it felt equal parts dramatic and magical.

Watching Roman’s face as he saw her for the first time in her black lace gown, standing under that iron arch, was everything. Their ceremony was sweet and intentional, surrounded by their closest people, and totally them in every way. This Wadley Farms Castle wedding was giving gothic fairytale in the coolest way.

Stephanie & Roman’s Wadley Farms Castle Wedding Portraits & private vows

After the ceremony, we wandered the property for portraits, and let me tell you, Wadley Farms Castle did not disappoint. Every corner of the venue feels like it was made for a fairytale. From the stone towers to the winding garden paths, and the fountain tucked between rose bushes, it was the perfect mix of gothic and romantic.

Also, fun fact: I used a Petzval lens for this wedding, which is something I don’t use often. I brought it along because it felt so right for their aesthetic. The lens is modeled after one from the 1840s and was actually used in the filming of Poor Things. As soon as I started shooting, I knew I made the right call. The dreamy edges and vintage feel matched the castle vibes and Stephanie’s look perfectly.

Before heading into their reception, Stephanie and Roman snuck away for a private vow exchange just outside the castle gates. It was quiet, emotional, and so personal. One of those moments where time really slows down. Roman was wiping away tears, Stephanie held his hands so gently, and the castle loomed behind them like something out of a gothic novel. Honestly, this Wadley Farms Castle wedding gave us everything and more!

The Olivarezes’ Wadley Farms Castle Wedding Reception in The Great Hall

The Great Hall at Wadley Farms Castle was straight-up breathtaking. Between the soaring ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers, and stone architecture, it felt like stepping into an ancient European banquet hall. Stephanie and Roman added their own touches with black table runners, red and white roses, candles in antique brass holders, and even subtle skull accents woven into the details. It was dark, moody, and so them.

Their first dance to Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters almost got me teary eyed. The way they held each other under the warm glow of chandeliers while that song echoed through the space? Total movie moment. And instead of a traditional wedding cake, they served ice cream! At the end of the night, they wrapped it up with a bubble send-off that felt so fun and lighthearted. Between the playlist, the energy, and how connected they were to their people, it felt more like documenting old friends than clients. Their Wadley Farms Castle wedding was truly everything!

I’m Ready to Photograph Your Utah or Destination Wedding Next

If you're looking for a wedding venue that feels straight out of a storybook but still leaves space for your own personal style, Wadley Farms Castle is it. It’s stunning, it’s unique, and it’s a space that can transform into whatever vision you have. Whether that’s gothic romance, enchanted garden, or something entirely your own. It’s also conveniently located, only about 45ish minutes from Salt Lake City. And if you're not based in Utah or Las Vegas? No worries. I’m always down to travel for love stories like this one.

As a Vegas-based photographer with a heart full of punk rock and a lover of all things dark and romantic, I’m all about documenting your day in a way that feels true to you. My style blends candid moments with a cinematic touch. Like you’re the stars of your own film (because you are). If that sounds like your vibe, learn more about me here. And if you think we’d be a perfect fit, go ahead and inquire with me! You can also check out more weddings on the blog for inspiration and a whole lot of feels.

Cruz Valentin Photography | Destination & Utah Wedding Photographer

Vendors:

Venue: @wadleyfarms | Photographer: @cruzvalentinphoto | Videographer: Scarlet Oaks Studio @scarletoakstudio | Makeup: Brooke Whitney Beauty / @brookewhitneybeauty | Hair: Maggie’s Hair and Bridal / @maggieshairnbridal