Neona and Hickory, who first met in high school, marked over a decade of shared life and mutual support before their unique wedding on June 6, 2026. Their journey together saw Neona establish a thriving career in tattooing, while Hickory cultivated a passion for hot rods, each partner consistently championing the other’s endeavors. When the time came to formalize their enduring bond, the couple found themselves disinclined towards the protracted planning and often exorbitant expenses associated with conventional nuptials. "We didn’t want the pomp and unnecessary expense of a traditional wedding," they articulated, echoing a sentiment shared by an increasing number of couples seeking more personalized and less ostentatious celebrations.
The Catalyst: A 666 Nuptial Offering
Their quest for an alternative solution culminated serendipitously when The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Massachusetts, announced its exclusive "666 Wedding Package." This distinctive offering was made available only on specific dates in June 2026 that concluded with the number six, creating a unique and limited window for couples. For Neona and Hickory, this package was not merely a novelty but a definitive sign. "When we saw the 666 wedding package, we decided June 6 would be our wedding date!" they recounted, finding in the provocative numerical motif a perfect alignment with their desire for an unconventional yet deeply meaningful event.
The Satanic Temple, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt religious organization, is known for its advocacy of religious freedom and its adherence to seven fundamental tenets emphasizing compassion, reason, and the pursuit of justice. Located in Salem, a town historically synonymous with the 1692 Witch Trials and now a hub for alternative spirituality and tourism, TST’s headquarters offers a unique backdrop for such ceremonies. Its presence in Salem has further solidified the town’s reputation as a destination for those seeking to explore the fringes of conventional belief and practice, making it an ideal location for a wedding that consciously steps outside societal norms.
A Love Story Thirteen Years in the Making
Neona and Hickory’s thirteen-year relationship provided a solid foundation for their decision to marry. Their long history, spanning from their formative high school years, speaks to a profound connection and a journey of shared growth. This extended period allowed them to forge individual identities and careers while remaining steadfast partners. Neona’s artistic flair, evident in her tattoo career, and Hickory’s mechanical acumen, focused on hot rods, represent distinct but complementary paths. Their relationship exemplifies a modern partnership where mutual respect for individual pursuits strengthens the marital bond rather than diminishing it. The choice to marry at TST was not a sudden impulse but a reflection of their established identities and shared ethos, prioritizing authenticity over adherence to mainstream traditions.
The Unconventional Bridal Ensemble
Neona’s bridal attire was a striking departure from typical wedding gowns, meticulously chosen to reflect her unique aesthetic. She selected a red 72styles Maxi Infinity Dress, sourced from Amazon, demonstrating that a distinctive bridal look need not come with a prohibitive price tag or from a specialized boutique. The dress was artfully wrapped into a crossed halter neckline, featuring a keyhole detail at the chest, and secured at the back with long sash tails. This open-back design prominently displayed Neona’s intricate black-and-gray back piece, complementing her fully tattooed sleeves and a delicate rose inked on the shaved side of her head. Her ensemble was completed with black Jessica Simpson Cali pumps, adding a touch of classic elegance to her edgy look.
The meticulous details of Neona’s preparation extended to her DIY makeup, utilizing products from Colourpop, and her Apres Gel-X nails. Her hair, a crucial element of her overall presentation, was expertly styled by Daelynne Boudreau from Michael Thomas Salon in Manchester, New Hampshire, where Keith Ford also handled the cut and color.
Perhaps the most striking and distinctive elements of Neona’s bridal appearance were her permanent fangs, courtesy of Mann Family Dental in Manchester. This unusual dental modification underscores the couple’s commitment to radical self-expression and challenges conventional notions of beauty. In addition to her fangs, Neona proudly showcased her split tongue, a body modification that further solidified her unique and bold personal style. These features, far from being mere accessories, are integral to her identity, making them a natural and authentic part of her wedding day look. The inclusion of such distinct body modifications highlights a growing trend among individuals who integrate their personal aesthetics into formal events, redefining what is considered "bridal."
Hickory’s Suited Style
Hickory complemented Neona’s bold attire with a sophisticated dark Van Heusen suit, paired with a gray shirt and a dark tie. For the photographs taken in the Temple’s throne room, he added a pair of black sunglasses, lending an air of cool confidence to his ensemble. His hair, like Neona’s, was styled by Keith Ford, ensuring a cohesive and polished look for the couple. The understated elegance of his suit allowed Neona’s vibrant red dress and unique features to truly shine, creating a harmonious visual balance between the two partners.
A Memorial in Mementos: The Rings of Remembrance
The wedding rings held profound sentimental value, serving as a poignant tribute to a cherished family member. Both wedding bands were custom-made by the Etsy shop Whiskered Keepsake and contained ashes from the couple’s beloved Rottweiler, Shieba, who had passed away in November of the previous year. "She was our baby, and we wanted her to be a part of our ceremony and with us as we started this next chapter," Neona and Hickory shared, articulating the deep emotional significance of including their late pet in this pivotal moment. This practice of incorporating cremains into jewelry is a growing trend, allowing individuals to keep the memory of loved ones, both human and animal, physically close. Neona’s engagement ring, a distinct piece, was sourced from Pandrid Design, another artisan on Etsy, further highlighting their preference for unique, handcrafted items over mass-produced jewelry. The choice of Etsy vendors also reflects a broader consumer trend towards supporting independent artists and finding personalized items that tell a unique story.
The Sacred (and Profane) Setting: The Satanic Temple, Salem
The choice of The Satanic Temple’s Salem headquarters as their wedding venue was central to the couple’s vision. Housed within a stately building constructed in 1868, which originally served as a funeral parlor, the venue itself boasts a rich and unconventional history. Today, it functions as both the Salem Art Gallery and the permanent home of an imposing eight-and-a-half-foot bronze statue of Baphomet, a central, if often misunderstood, figure in TST’s iconography, representing duality and challenging dogmatic authority.
Neona and Hickory described the Temple’s interior as "cozy and old world," replete with an eclectic collection of art and gothic décor. This ambiance, they felt, perfectly suited their intimate wedding party, creating an elaborate yet comfortable setting. The rooms within the Temple offered a wealth of visual interest for photography, with the throne room featuring rich red flocked damask walls, a plush red satin curtain, and two ornate carved wooden thrones upholstered in tufted red velvet. Decorative elements such as horned helmets and round shields adorned the walls, contributing to a medieval, almost ceremonial atmosphere. Another room presented a different aesthetic with deep blue velvet drapes and black damask wallpaper, dramatically accented by a goat head adorned with mirror tiles, perched above a vibrant red gown and candelabras entwined with roses. This carefully curated environment provided a stunning and symbolic backdrop for a wedding that celebrated individuality and challenged conventional religious frameworks.
The Rituals Unveiled: Handfasting and Vows
The ceremony itself was intimate, with only two witnesses: Hickory’s close friend, Keith, and Neona’s sister, Timeya. A significant ritual add-on offered by the venue, and chosen by the couple, was handfasting. During this ancient Celtic tradition, the couple’s joined hands were symbolically bound with a braided black-and-red cord, featuring elegant ribbon tails. Handfasting, a practice with roots in pre-Christian European traditions, signifies the "tying of the knot" and was historically recognized as a form of marriage, often for "a year and a day." Its inclusion in their ceremony at TST added a layer of historical depth and personalized symbolism to their vows, linking their modern, alternative union to ancient rites of commitment.
Ivy McKenna, the dedicated wedding coordinator for The Satanic Chapel in Salem, played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the event. The couple specifically lauded her professionalism and responsiveness, noting that Ivy was "always quick to respond and keeping in contact during the whole process." Their overall experience was described as "easy and comfortable," a striking testimonial, particularly given the common preconceptions people might hold about a "Satanic ritual." This ease and comfort underscore TST’s commitment to providing a welcoming and well-organized experience for couples, demystifying the process and focusing on the core act of commitment rather than theatricality for its own sake.
Behind the Scenes: The Wedding Planners and Photographers
The success of Neona and Hickory’s distinctive wedding was significantly amplified by the professionals who brought their vision to life. Ivy McKenna’s role as the wedding coordinator for The Satanic Chapel was instrumental. Her ability to navigate the unique requirements of a TST wedding, from the initial inquiries to the final details, ensured a stress-free experience for the couple. Her proactive communication and efficient management underscore the professional infrastructure that TST has developed to host such events, dispelling any notions of disorganization often associated with non-traditional religious organizations.
Capturing the essence of their unconventional celebration was photographer Katlyn Reilly. Reilly skillfully utilized the Temple’s rich interiors, transforming its antique books, gothic furniture, and eclectic art into evocative props for the couple’s portraits. Her keen eye for detail and understanding of the venue’s unique aesthetic allowed her to create images that were not just photographs but narrative pieces, reflecting the personality and artistic sensibilities of Neona and Hickory. Reilly’s work extended beyond the confines of the Temple, embracing the diverse landscapes of Salem itself.
From Grandeur to Graveyards: The Theatrical Photography
As dusk settled over Salem, the photographic journey ventured outdoors, showcasing the town’s historic charm and eerie beauty. Reilly guided the couple through the brick pedestrian streets, capturing moments as they passed iconic local spots like the patio at Rockafellas. A particularly dramatic series of shots took place in a local cemetery, where clever use of flash from behind the couple cast an ethereal, neon-green glow on the grass, contrasting sharply with the somber slate headstones. These graveyard images, far from being morbid, imbued the photos with a sense of romantic gothicism, perfectly aligning with the couple’s aesthetic. The final outdoor shots were taken against the backdrop of a classic white colonial house with black shutters and urn-topped gateposts, providing a stark yet elegant contrast to the preceding gothic scenes. "We love how much personality came through in the photos," the couple remarked, highlighting Reilly’s success in capturing the authentic spirit of their wedding and their individual characters. This diverse range of settings, from the ornate interiors of the Temple to the atmospheric streets and cemeteries of Salem, ensured a comprehensive and visually stunning narrative of their special day.
The Hearse That Couldn’t Haul: A Minor Mishap
Even the most meticulously planned alternative weddings can encounter unexpected challenges. Neona and Hickory had envisioned a grand entrance, with Neona’s vintage 1984 Cadillac hearse serving as their unique bridal transport to the former funeral parlor. However, fate intervened in the form of mechanical failures. First, the brakes of the hearse gave out, prompting Hickory and a supportive friend and neighbor to undertake urgent repairs. Despite their dedicated efforts, a subsequent failure of the power steering pump forced them to abandon the plan. While the hearse ultimately remained home, the couple expressed profound gratitude for the attempts made to salvage their vision. "The effort put into trying to make it happen meant a lot to us," they acknowledged, transforming a potential disappointment into a testament to the support of their community. This anecdote, a relatable moment of human fallibility, adds a touch of endearing realism to an otherwise fantastical event, underscoring that even the most unconventional celebrations are subject to the whims of circumstance.
Beyond the Gimmick: A Meaningful Milestone
While the "666 Wedding Package" might initially appear as a novelty or a provocative date gimmick, for Neona and Hickory, it served a far more profound purpose. For a couple who had been together for thirteen years, the package offered a concrete deadline, transforming the amorphous idea of "someday" into a tangible date on the calendar. This specificity provided the impetus needed to move forward with their commitment, aligning with a broader trend among long-term partners who often defer marriage until a compelling reason or opportunity arises.
Neona’s succinct summary on Instagram—"I married my best friend on June 6, 2026"—encapsulates the core sentiment of their day: a deep, personal connection celebrated authentically. Despite the minor setback of the hearse, the essence of the wedding remained intact. The couple concluded their special day "surrounded by the people we wanted there, in a place where our love and true selves felt welcome." This statement powerfully conveys the ultimate success of their chosen path: a celebration that prioritized genuine connection, personal expression, and an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance over rigid adherence to societal norms.
The Broader Context: The Rise of Alternative Ceremonies
Neona and Hickory’s wedding is indicative of a broader cultural shift in how couples approach marriage. The rise of alternative wedding ceremonies reflects a growing desire for personalization, authenticity, and a rejection of the often-commercialized and traditional wedding industrial complex. Couples are increasingly seeking venues and rituals that resonate with their individual beliefs, values, and aesthetics, rather than conforming to prescribed norms. This trend is fueled by a more inclusive societal landscape that embraces diverse lifestyles, spiritual paths, and expressions of identity.
The Satanic Temple, by offering services like the "666 Wedding Package," positions itself not merely as a religious organization but also as a facilitator for these evolving marital paradigms. It provides a unique space for individuals who may feel alienated by mainstream religious institutions or who simply seek a celebration that challenges conventional piety. Such events underscore TST’s mission to advocate for religious pluralism and to demonstrate that deeply meaningful ceremonies can occur outside traditional frameworks.
The Satanic Temple’s Public Image and Mission
The hosting of weddings like Neona and Hickory’s further shapes The Satanic Temple’s public image. Often misunderstood and stereotyped, TST actively works to differentiate itself from traditional Satanism or devil worship, emphasizing its role as a non-theistic religious organization focused on activism, reason, and compassion. By providing a welcoming environment for couples seeking alternative unions, TST demonstrates its commitment to individual autonomy and religious freedom. These ceremonies serve as powerful statements against dogmatism and for the right of individuals to define their own spiritual and marital paths. The "easy and comfortable" experience reported by Neona and Hickory helps to demystify TST’s practices, presenting it as a legitimate and accommodating institution for those whose beliefs lie outside the mainstream.
In conclusion, Neona and Hickory’s 666 wedding at The Satanic Temple was more than just a date or a unique venue; it was a testament to enduring love, radical self-expression, and the courage to forge a path less traveled. It underscored that the essence of marriage lies not in conformity, but in the profound acceptance and celebration of two individuals as their authentic selves, surrounded by those who cherish them.
