A Magical Masquerade Ball Wedding at Castle Green in Pasadena

This special Castle Green wedding was the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and timeless elegance. Inspired by the grandeur of a masquerade ball, every detail from the lush ceremony to the gilded reception was designed to transport guests into a night of enchantment inside one of Pasadena’s most historic venues.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding that feels like stepping into another world, Castle Green in Pasadena is the place where those dreams come to life. For this unforgettable celebration, we transformed one of Pasadena’s most iconic historic venues into a masquerade ball wedding filled with candlelight, deep red florals, and golden glamour.

A Venue That Sets the Stage for Romance

Castle Green’s architecture tells its own story; grand staircases, ornate arches, and lush gardens that glow under the Pasadena night sky. It’s one of the rare Southern California venues that offers both historic charm and modern functionality, with enough character to carry a themed celebration beautifully.

For Madison & Luis’ wedding, both the ceremony and reception took place on-site, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the magic of the setting. From the I Do’s exchanged under soft, romantic lighting to the lively ballroom reception, every space reflected the couple’s love of timeless elegance and playful mystery.

Fashion That Matched the Fantasy

The couple fully embraced the masquerade theme with stunning wardrobe choices. The bride wore a show-stopping gown featuring intricate pleated detailing and neckline, a dramatic train, and elegant gloves that perfectly captured the old-world charm of the evening. Her look was timeless,  as if it belongs in both the past and the present. The groom complemented her beautifully in a black tuxedo with subtle gold accents, his look sharp and regal to match the evening’s tone. Together, they looked like they had stepped out of a storybook.

Heartfelt First Looks

The day began with two unforgettable first looks that set the emotional tone for the rest of the celebration.

The bride shared a tender first look with her father on the veranda. It was a moment filled with tears, joy, and pride as he saw his daughter in her gown for the first time. The intimacy of the moment, framed by an iconic venue, made the moment even more meaningful.

Soon after, the bride and groom shared their own first look down Castle Green’s iconic grand staircase - one of the venue’s most photographed features. As the bride descended with her gown cascading behind her, the groom waited eagerly below. It was a cinematic scene that felt straight out of a classic film, perfectly befitting the grandeur of the day.

Romantic Portraits Across the Property

Following their first look, the couple took full advantage of Castle Green’s stunning architecture for their romantic portraits. They explored some of the property’s most beloved spaces, including the famous vintage elevator, its wrought-iron detailing adding a timeless backdrop to their photos.

The couple also had exclusive access to the private rooftop, where they took in sweeping views of Pasadena. There, with the city skyline behind them and the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow, they exchanged their personal vows in private. It was a deeply intimate moment for just the two of them, sharing words that would forever mark the start of their marriage.

More portraits on the property included the couple with their wedding party and family, all just as equally stunning. 

Ceremony Under the Magnolia Tree

The ceremony took place beneath Castle Green’s famous Magnolia tree, which was covered with a lush floral installation. Guests entered through an aisle that began with black chandeliers wrapped in greenery, setting an ethereal tone from the very first moment. The combination of soft candlelight, opulent florals, and the venue’s natural beauty created an atmosphere that felt like stepping into a storybook garden. Everything put together struck that rare balance between personal and theatrical that only a place like Castle Green can provide.

Cocktail Hour with a Twist

After the ceremony, Madison & Luis set the tone for the night during cocktail hour with a lively champagne tower pour, a moment that instantly captivated guests and kicked off the celebration in style. 

Guests arrived in black tie formal attire, each donning their own unique masquerade mask, which added a layer of magic and intrigue to the evening. There was also a playful rule at the bar: guests could only order a drink if they were wearing their mask. The air was electric with fun and excitement! 

A Floral Fantasy Indoors

Once guests stepped inside, they were immediately transported to another time. The interiors of Castle Green bloomed with rich, romantic florals at every turn. A grand floral arch framed the fireplace, making it the perfect focal point for photos and quiet moments throughout the evening. In the foyer, cascading florals poured down the staircase, greeting guests as they entered the reception.

Every space of the venue was touched by design from lush arrangements that filled the air with fragrance to subtle details that added texture and color.

The Ballroom Transformation at Castle Green

The ballroom was completely reimagined into a lavish masquerade ballroom, with deep red drapes covering the walls to create a warm, dramatic ambiance. Candlelight flickered off golden accents, and masks and feathers added a sense of whimsy and mystery to the décor.

To make the evening truly unforgettable, we rearranged the ballroom layout by positioning the dance floor in the center of the space, allowing guests to feel part of the celebration from every angle. A sleek black tiled dance floor was installed to elevate the entire aesthetic. Its glossy finish reflecting the warm candlelight and creating a stunning visual contrast against the rich red drapery.

At the head of the room, a long banquet-style head table made a statement, featuring a floral-covered chandelier suspended where the newlyweds sat. The tablescape was designed to dazzle! Centerpieces overflowed with florals, masks, feathers, and candles evoked the grandeur of a Venetian ball while keeping the overall look refined and romantic.

A Celebration to Remember

The evening flowed seamlessly from ceremony to cocktail hour to dinner and dancing. Guests dined and toasted to love as music and laughter filled the ballroom. The couple joined their parents for the traditional Father & Daughter and Mother & Son dances. Later in the evening once festivities ended, guests packed the dance floor and it stayed that way all night!

We took a moment for the newlyweds to enjoy a private cake cutting in the Sunroom. It was a peacefully intimate moment for them. Later, under the glow of the moon and the twinkling lights of Castle Green, the couple shared a cigar at their outdoor cigar bar, a quiet contrast to the lively celebration inside.

Why Couples Love Castle Green

As a Pasadena wedding planner, I’ve seen countless venues across Southern California. Castle Green is truly one of a kind. Its Old World charm, rare bridal suites, and architectural grandeur make it a dream location for couples who want a wedding that feels both historic and deeply personal.

For couples planning an elegant or themed wedding - whether it’s a masquerade ball, vintage glamour, or something uniquely your own - Castle Green provides the perfect canvas for creativity, romance, and unforgettable memories.

If you’re dreaming of a Castle Green wedding or planning a themed celebration filled with character and charm, we would love to help bring your vision and big day to life. Contact us today!

Vendor Team

Venue: The Castle Green
Coordination: A Fabulous Soiree
Bar & Caterer: Little Lily’s Kitchen
Desserts: Delight Pastry
DJ MC: Second Song
Design & Florals: Jacob Maarse Florist
HMUA: Krystal Rose Studios
Photography: Gina & Ryan Photography
Rentals: Town & Country Event Rentals, MTB Event Rentals