Abby and Ben's Spring Hammond Castle Elopement
I won't even pretend to play this cool. When Abby and Ben reached out about photographing their Hammond Castle elopement, I was ecstatic. They said they wanted romantic, timeless photos, with a candid, natural feel. I knew the museum was the perfect spot. Situated in Gloucester, MA, with sweeping views of the ocean, it's a unique venue because it has a bit of everything. There's the obvious medieval feel of the castle itself, with its stone exterior. There's the moody lighting, which you know I love, and of course, the history. My childhood was made up of field trips here so, it was super cool to be back doing something I love!
We had an hour and a half to capture getting ready photos, the first look, the ceremony at the Hammond Castle Courtyard, and then photos around the property. Plenty of time!
Vendor team:
Venue: Hammond Castle Museum
Photographer: Angela Tyler Photography
Officiant: One Fine Day Officiant
Planning your hammond castle elopement
Ok, so you're sold on eloping at Hammond Castle! What do you need to know?
First, everyone I encountered at the castle was incredibly helpful and super friendly. They go over quite a lot here, as well as how to contact them to check your date, but the basics are:
- Elopements are scheduled starting at 3:30pm Monday through Thursday.
- You'll get access to the Great Hall, the Courtyard, the ocean-facing lawn, and gardens for use during the ceremony and for photographs after.
- This might not feel like a lot of time, but it is. As long as you work with your photographer or wedding planner on timing, you'll have plenty of opportunity to take photos.
When Abby and Ben had their elopement, they were also granted a half hour prior to the start time to get ready and take first look photos. So really, it was an hour and a half on the property.
How gorgeous are these first look photos?
I just love capturing the little moments, like the matching pins each had sewn into their clothes, or the socks! So much personality in these moments.
The property is expansive, with lots of different backdrops to your wedding day
Hammond Castle is such a unique wedding venue because of all its backdrops. Not to mention its proximity to everything. For a more city-like environment, you're not far from the main street and shops, or if the beach is your thing, there are plenty of those nearby. We took advantage of nearby Half Moon Beach for elopement photos after the ceremony, and I'm in love with how they came out!
For the ceremony, Abby and Ben chose the courtyard and did a handfasting ceremony, which felt really special to witness.
Keep the party going at a nearby beach
Because why not?! After we'd taken a ton of photos around Hammond Castle, we drove the five minutes to Half Moon Beach, and I'm so glad we did! I'm so in love with how these photos came out. I feel like you can really see the quiet joy in these moments. <3
You know i had to have a few editorial shots...
I consider myself a documentary-style photographer, meaning I focus on capturing the candid moments rather than stiff poses, and I do this through a cinematic lens. Meaning, I'm framing shots like a movie. But, I do love a good editorial shot so, I had to throw a few of those in. Gorgeous!
One thing i love about an elopement photoshoot...
Nothing beats the high of having just gotten married. And when we're moving around, making playful memories, that excited energy has somewhere to go and it comes through in the photos so organically.
Thinking about eloping?
If you're thinking about eloping at Hammond Castle or planning a New England wedding and my style feels like a fit for your day, please don't hesitate to get in touch!
