In a ceremony that merged deeply personal commitment with a distinctive aesthetic, Neona and Hickory, a couple celebrating 13 years together, solidified their bond on June 6, 2026, at The Satanic Temple in Salem, Massachusetts. Their decision to forgo the conventions of a traditional wedding in favor of a unique "666 Wedding Package" reflects a growing trend towards personalized ceremonies that prioritize authenticity and individual expression over societal expectations. This union, characterized by permanent fangs, intricate tattoos, and a handfasting ritual performed before an imposing Baphomet statue, offered a compelling narrative of love, loyalty, and a deliberate embrace of the unconventional.
A Decade-Long Journey Culminates in Salem
Neona and Hickory’s relationship began in high school, a testament to enduring connection. Over their 13 years together, they built not only a shared life but also successful, distinct careers, each supporting the other’s passion. Neona established a thriving tattoo artistry career, a field often associated with self-expression and subculture, while Hickory cultivated a career centered around hot rods, embodying a spirit of custom craftsmanship and mechanical prowess. Their combined journey underscores a shared appreciation for individuality and a departure from the mainstream. When the time came to formalize their commitment, the couple expressed a clear desire to avoid the "pomp and unnecessary expense of a traditional wedding," a sentiment increasingly echoed by many modern couples seeking meaningful experiences over elaborate productions. This inclination naturally led them away from conventional venues and towards an option that resonated more deeply with their identities.
The opportunity arose when The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem advertised its specialized "666 Wedding Package." This exclusive offering was available only on specific dates in June 2026 that concluded with the digit six, making June 6, 2026, a particularly significant date for those seeking a symbolically charged ceremony. For Neona and Hickory, this niche package provided the ideal catalyst. "When we saw the 666 wedding package, we decided June 6 would be our wedding date!" they recounted, highlighting how the unique proposition served as a practical deadline for a long-anticipated commitment.
The Satanic Temple: A Context for Unconventional Unions
To understand the significance of Neona and Hickory’s choice, it is crucial to understand The Satanic Temple itself. Founded in 2013, TST is a non-theistic religious organization recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Its mission is not to worship a literal Satan, but rather to promote compassion, reason, and the pursuit of justice, guided by its Seven Tenets. These tenets emphasize empathy, bodily autonomy, and the rejection of arbitrary authority, often advocating for the separation of church and state through public activism and legal challenges. TST’s headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts, holds particular resonance. Salem, famously known as "Witch City" due to the 1692 witch trials, has long been a hub for counter-cultural and alternative spiritual movements, attracting tourists and practitioners alike. The presence of TST within this historic context further amplifies its message of challenging dogmatic beliefs and advocating for individual freedom.
The Salem headquarters itself is housed in a building dating back to 1868, which originally served as a funeral parlor. This historical detail, with its inherent gothic overtones, provides a fitting backdrop for TST’s activities and ceremonies. It currently functions as the Salem Art Gallery, featuring an array of dark art and gothic décor, and is famously home to an eight-and-a-half-foot bronze statue of Baphomet. Baphomet, a composite figure representing duality, knowledge, and justice, is a central symbolic representation for TST, standing as a beacon for intellectual rebellion and individual sovereignty. The couple described the Temple’s rooms as "cozy and old world, surrounded by art and gothic décor," noting how perfectly it "suited a small wedding party and still felt elaborate." This unique atmosphere offered an intimate yet grand setting, aligning with their desire for a ceremony that was both personal and visually striking.
Aesthetic Choices: Fangs, Tattoos, and a Crimson Gown
The sartorial and personal choices made by Neona and Hickory for their wedding day underscored their commitment to a distinctive aesthetic. Neona, a tattoo artist, showcased her extensive body art, including full sleeve tattoos, a prominent black-and-gray back piece, and a rose inked on the shaved side of her head. These elements are not merely decorative but are integral to her identity and artistic expression. Adding to this unique presentation were permanent fangs, custom-crafted by Mann Family Dental in Manchester, New Hampshire. This particular body modification, along with Neona’s split tongue, further accentuated her alternative style, challenging conventional notions of bridal beauty. Such modifications are increasingly seen as forms of personal empowerment and artistic statement, moving from the fringes to a more recognized, albeit still niche, aspect of self-expression.
For her attire, Neona chose a red 72styles Maxi Infinity Dress, sourced from Amazon. The versatility of the infinity dress allowed for a custom wrap, configured into a crossed halter with a keyhole neckline and long sash tails at the back, which elegantly highlighted her open back and back piece. She paired the gown with black Jessica Simpson Cali pumps. Neona handled her own makeup (using Colourpop products) and nails (Apres Gel-X), demonstrating her artistic skill and personal touch even in preparation. Her hair, a striking cut and color, was crafted by Keith Ford at Michael Thomas Salon in Manchester, New Hampshire, with Daelynne Boudreau from the same salon styling it on the wedding day.
Hickory complemented Neona’s striking appearance with a dark Van Heusen suit, a gray shirt, and a dark tie. For the photographs taken in the Temple’s dramatic throne room, he added a pair of black sunglasses, lending an air of cool sophistication. His hair, like Neona’s, was styled by Keith Ford, emphasizing a cohesive and deliberate presentation for the couple.
Symbolic Adornments: Rings Bearing a Beloved’s Memory
The choice of wedding rings added another layer of profound personal meaning to the ceremony. Both bands, sourced from the Etsy shop Whiskered Keepsake, were designed to incorporate the ashes of the couple’s late Rottweiler, Shieba. Shieba, who passed away in November, was "our baby," as the couple expressed, and they wished for her to "be a part of our ceremony and with us as we started this next chapter." This practice of incorporating pet ashes into jewelry, while not universally common, reflects a deep bond between humans and their animal companions and speaks to the growing trend of personalizing every aspect of a wedding to reflect a couple’s unique story and values. Neona’s engagement ring, a separate piece, was also custom-made by another Etsy artisan, Pandrid Design, further showcasing their preference for handcrafted, meaningful items over mass-produced alternatives. The rings were beautifully presented in a red hexagonal velvet box, resting on a dark pentagram plate, surrounded by candlelight for photographic documentation.
The Ceremony: Handfasting Before Baphomet
The wedding ceremony itself was conducted within the atmospheric confines of The Satanic Temple’s Salem headquarters. The building’s original 1868 structure, formerly a funeral parlor, now houses the Salem Art Gallery, which served as the backdrop for their vows. The venue’s gothic décor, featuring dark framed artwork, an animal skull mounted on the wall, and ornate gold chandeliers, created an ambiance that was both solemn and uniquely fitting for the couple.
The ceremony incorporated a handfasting ritual, an ancient pagan tradition symbolizing the binding of two lives. This ritual, offered as an add-on by The Satanic Chapel, involved wrapping a braided black-and-red cord with ribbon tails around the couple’s joined hands, signifying their intertwined destinies. This choice highlights a desire to connect with older, non-traditional forms of commitment, often seen in alternative spiritual circles. Each partner chose one witness: Hickory selected his close friend, Keith, and Neona her sister, Timeya, maintaining an intimate gathering that aligned with their preference for a small, meaningful event.
The seamless execution of the ceremony was largely attributed to Ivy McKenna, the wedding coordinator for The Satanic Chapel. Neona and Hickory specifically lauded Ivy, stating she was "always quick to respond and keeping in contact during the whole process." They characterized the entire experience as "easy and comfortable," a description that might surprise those unfamiliar with The Satanic Temple’s non-theistic philosophy, but one that underscores the organization’s commitment to facilitating respectful and personalized ceremonies for its members. This feedback is crucial in dispelling common misconceptions about TST, demonstrating that their services are professional and client-focused.
Capturing the Essence: Gothic Aesthetics and Salem’s Night
The visual narrative of Neona and Hickory’s wedding was expertly captured by photographer Katlyn Reilly. Reilly utilized the Temple’s distinctive interior to its fullest, integrating the books, furniture, and art as natural props within her compositions. The "throne room," a highlight of the venue, with its red flocked damask walls, a red satin curtain, and two carved wooden thrones upholstered in tufted red velvet, provided a regal and dramatic setting. Horned helmets hung above round shields added to the medieval gothic atmosphere, creating striking portraits of the couple. Another room, adorned with blue velvet drapes and black damask wallpaper, featured a mirror-tiled goat head perched above a red gown and candelabras wound with roses, offering further diverse backdrops.
As evening descended, the photographic journey extended beyond the Temple’s walls into the historic streets and landscapes of Salem. Shots were taken on the brick pedestrian street, past the lively patio of Rockafellas, grounding the unique ceremony in the everyday life of the town. A series of evocative night shots in a local cemetery saw the flash illuminate the grass in a neon green hue against the solemn slate headstones, creating a hauntingly beautiful contrast. The final images captured the couple at a white colonial house with black shutters and urn-topped gateposts, providing a blend of classic New England architecture with their distinct aesthetic. "We love how much personality came through in the photos," the couple remarked, acknowledging Reilly’s success in portraying their authentic selves and the unique character of their wedding day.
The Hearse That Stayed Home: A Touch of Unforeseen Reality
Even the most meticulously planned unconventional weddings can encounter unexpected challenges. Neona and Hickory’s original plan included a grand entrance: Neona’s 1984 Cadillac hearse was intended to transport them to the former funeral parlor. However, fate intervened. First, the brakes failed, followed by the power steering pump. Despite the dedicated efforts of Hickory and a friend/neighbor to make the vintage vehicle roadworthy, the mechanical issues proved insurmountable. While the hearse ultimately remained home, the couple expressed gratitude for the "effort put into trying to make it happen," highlighting the supportive community around them. This minor setback, far from detracting from the day, added a touch of relatable, real-world charm to an otherwise fantastical event, underscoring that even in the most alternative of ceremonies, life’s unpredictable moments can surface.
Beyond the Gimmick: A Deadline for Destiny
The "666 package" might appear to some as a mere novelty or a date gimmick. However, for Neona and Hickory, it served a far more practical and profound purpose. For a couple 13 years into a deeply committed relationship, the specific dates and exclusivity of the package provided a concrete deadline, transforming the abstract notion of "someday" into a tangible date on the calendar. This aspect highlights a common challenge for long-term couples who, having established a stable partnership, may find themselves postponing formalizing their union. A unique, time-sensitive opportunity can act as the perfect impetus.
Neona’s succinct summary on Instagram encapsulated the essence of their day: "I married my best friend on June 6, 2026." Despite the hearse’s absence, the crucial elements were present: the love between Neona and Hickory, and the presence of their chosen community. The couple concluded by stating they ended the day "surrounded by the people we wanted there, in a place where our love and true selves felt welcome." This powerful statement speaks volumes about the growing desire for weddings to be authentic reflections of the couple, free from external pressures and judgmental gazes.
Broader Implications: The Evolving Landscape of Matrimony
Neona and Hickory’s wedding is more than just a personal story; it is a microcosm of broader shifts in societal attitudes towards marriage and religion. The increasing popularity of alternative wedding venues and ceremonies, from gothic chapels to outdoor adventures, signals a move away from rigid traditions. Couples are actively seeking experiences that resonate with their individual beliefs, values, and aesthetics, rather than conforming to inherited norms.
The Satanic Temple’s role in offering such ceremonies also underscores its growing cultural presence and its mission to normalize non-theistic perspectives. By providing a welcoming and professionally managed space for individuals like Neona and Hickory, TST demonstrates its commitment to religious pluralism and the right to individual expression, even in life’s most sacred moments. This phenomenon challenges the traditional hegemony of mainstream religious institutions in officiating life’s rites of passage, affirming that love and commitment can be celebrated in diverse and deeply personal ways, outside conventional frameworks. Salem, Massachusetts, with its unique historical context and embracing of diverse spiritualities, continues to serve as a fascinating backdrop for these evolving narratives of identity, love, and community.
