Dark Academia Wedding Theme

If you love the idea of an erudite, dark and scholarly wedding day, then a dark academia themed wedding may be perfect for you!

With inspiration on engagement rings, florals, cakes, dresses and venues we have all the information your academic heart desires! 

We've hand-selected ideas from some fantastic Guides for Brides suppliers and some of our third-party partners. We may earn a commission on your purchases through these sites which helps us to continue to offer our wedding planning services free of charge to the user.

Dark Academia Ring

Image courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Norris

The fiery red colour garnet gemstone is absolutely stunning! This amazing rose cut garnet gold ring symbolises strong romantic connections therefore it's the perfect engagement ring! For a dark academia wedding theme, you also may want to consider an emerald colour gemstone. 

Dark Academia Florals 

Flowers by Kirsty

Image courtesy of Flowers by Kirsty

A dark academia wedding bouquet wouldn't be complete without white roses, deep red florals and dark foliage. Adding a sprinkle of holly or wild brambles will add a darker vibe that will make your bouquet stand out from the crowd! But maybe give it a second thought before going to do the bouquet toss...!

Sonning Flowers

Image courtesy of Sonning Flowers

We are obsessed with these floral buttonholes! Perfectly matching the dark academia aesthetic, these buttonholes contain a white rose, dark florals and wild brambles to flawlessly compliment each other. If the groomsmen already didn't look dashing, they certainly will now!

Kelly Atwood Floral Designs

Image courtesy of Kelly Atwood Floral Designs 

This bouquet is another stunning example of the dark academia aesthetic. With a pop of eucalyptus in the arrangement, it makes the bouquet a little flirtier when contrasting against the harsh brambles. We are in love! 

So Blooming Beautiful

Image courtesy of So Blooming Beautiful

This floral design is an interesting and artistic way of incorporating florals into your wedding decor. With vintage frames, you will be able to incorporate a timely and literary element into the florals, while deep red roses combined with purple and dark green foliage makes for the statement piece. 

Dark Academia Wedding Cakes 

Lisa Adams Cakes

Image courtesy of Lisa Adams Cakes

This sophisticated three-tiered wedding cake is the full package for your dark academia wedding theme. Garnished with half-cut figs, blackberries, blueberries and green foliage, this gives the cake a feeling of mystery as it stands out against the white frosting.  

Dovey Cake Design

Image by Jonny Barratt Photography

This fabulous three-tiered cake shows how little touches can still clearly highlight your wedding theme without going over the top! With an ombre paint effect and statement foliage, this wedding cake is simple, sophisticated and clearly embodies the dark academia theme. 

Dark Academia Wedding Dress

Ellie Sanderson Bridal Boutique

Image courtesy of Ellie Sanderson Bridal Boutique

The Sara dress by Sassi Holford is a sublime long-sleeved gown that’s both flattering and sophisticated. Crafted from romantic satin spot tulle, dainty confetti peppers the entirety of this wedding dress. The bodice is structured flawlessly, with a sheer tulle back and a plunging neckline. Featuring sheer bishops sleeves, the cuffing makes this dress polished and refined. The skirt flows wistfully out from under a waist-defining sash, that sweeps down to the floor and finalises the ethereal look.

Image courtesy of Ellie Sanderson Bridal Boutique 

Sublime sleeves and beautiful buttons on the shoulder - the perfect chic piece! With a round neck and structured bodice, this sophisticated piece by Jesus Peiro will still effortlessly flatter the figure, giving you a refined silhouette. 

TDR Bridal

Image courtesy of TDR Bridal

This vintage-inspired wedding dress in chiffon and jersey has everything a bride is looking for! With sheer sleeves, a V-neckline, an open back and a sparkle belt and sleeves, this gown oozes glamour and elegance. Creating a sophisticated aura, this dress from Ronald Joyce stood out to us to fit the dark academia theme due to the buttons running down the back of the dress and the cuffed sleeves. 

Image courtesy of TDR Bridal 

A mix of modern and contemporary, this gown is perfect for any bride wanting a simplistic and refined, yet show-stopping look. It’s floaty sleeves paired with lace finished cuffs, cowl neckline and lace hem train create the most amazing academic bridal gown. We love the idea of a cowl neckline as it provides refined elegance that we believe the dark academia theme speaks to. 

Dark Academia Bridesmaids Dresses

Karen Millen

Image courtesy of Karen Millen

We are in love with this dress for many different reasons but first and foremost because it can be worn in countless different ways! Showing as much or as little skin as you like, this versatile piece can be adapted seamlessly from backless to plunging, to strappy in seconds. Designed in a flattering jersey fabric, your bridesmaids will always feel confident.

Chi Chi London

Image courtesy of Chi Chi London

Your bridesmaids will nail it in navy in this gorgeous crochet maxi dress. The fitted bodice with a floral crochet design, high neck detailing, and chiffon maxi skirt provide the perfect dress for a sophisticated bridal party. Elegant and mysterious, your bridesmaids will look a picture of perfection!

Image courtesy of Chi Chi London

A satin dress will never go out of style. The Eryka dress is a timeless classic. The one-shoulder design creates elegance and the rich satin is perfect to give your bridesmaids a look they will adore! We are obsessed with the idea of jewel tones for your bridesmaids for your dark academia wedding theme as they give off a rich and luxurious feel.

Dark Academia Wedding Venues

The Bodleian Library

Image courtesy of The Bodleian Library 

No place embodies dark academia like Oxford! So, where better to celebrate your special day than in Oxford's most famous library? This magnificent and historical setting provides the perfect backdrop to create your celebration. Choose from the iconic settings of the Divinity School, Convocation House or the Chancellor's Court to throw the ultimate dark academia wedding.

Oakley Hall Hotel

Image courtesy of Oakley Hall Hotel

Set within 315 acres of beautiful grounds, Oakley Hall Hotel offers a spectacular backdrop to the most memorable day of your life. The Library, with beautifully preserved features such as the Georgian fireplace and mahogany lined walls filled with romance novels, is an intimate and romantic setting, perfect for a dark academia wedding!

The British Museum

Image courtesy of The British Museum

Discover two million years of human history and culture at this world-renowned museum in the heart of London. The British Museum was the first national public museum in the world and is unique in bringing together many diverse cultures from across the globe, represented by over 8 million objects, under one roof. The Grade I-listed, iconic building is truly an impressive and iconic location for your dark academia wedding.

The Priests House

Steeped in romanticism and charm, the Priests House is a small, exclusive wedding venue in the heart of the stunning Yorkshire Dales. The Priests House was originally a 16th-century chapel which consists of the House itself together with the newly renovated "Old Chapel". Set against the breathtaking Upper Wharfedale Valley, this historical setting comes with spectacular views. Lovingly restored, it has retained many of the medieval features and features the magnificent backdrop of the ruined Grade I listed Barden Tower and the Wharfedale valley! 

Now you have all the inspiration you need for your wedding theme, it's time to start wedding planning. Our wedding podcast will help you plan with ease. Listen and subscribe today on all good podcast streaming platforms.