A Scottish elopement beside a loch: an intimate queer wedding in the Highlands
Scotland Elopement
Charnah and Bronwen had originally planned a big outdoor wedding with 100+ guests, fire pits and tipis. Although I have no doubt that would have been wonderful, I’m so glad they chose the charm of a Scottish loch and an intimate winter gathering at a family run hotel instead. On a call, the couple talked through the elements of a wedding which mattered most to them, deciding that getting married outdoors and sharing time with their closest friends and family were ultimately most important to them.
Scotland is the only place in the UK where you can get legally married anywhere at all, with no restrictions on outdoor locations including beaches and forests. This means you can choose a spot that holds memories for you as a couple. Charnah and Bronwen chose a location beside Loch Eileen, where they’ve spent time on previous trips exploring and wild swimming. They gathered their guests to hear their vows and to witness a hand fastening, performed by an inclusive LGBTQ+ Humanist celebrant. The sun broke through the clouds just as they were pronounced wife and wife, natural confetti was thrown and Prosecco was poured. Copper and Juno (the Labradors) were fussed over. There was something so wonderfully wild and free about toasting the couple right there in the forest, the guests wearing wellies with their formal wear and huddling together beneath the trees. After drinks, the couple and I spent some time walking beside the loch, taking relaxed and natural couple photos of the two of them.
Back at the Rowan Tree Hotel we heard speeches and were served a wonderful three course meal. The couple and their guests had been staying here for a few days, and the atmosphere was homely, comfortable and relaxing. The Rowan Tree Hotel is located in Aviemore, near Loch Alvie. The hotel is a great base for exploring the surrounding area from the heart of the scenically stunning Cairngorms National Park. The owners, the Cassidy family, made us all feel so welcome and cared for during our stay.
Scotland Elopement Photographer
As the photographer for this intimate Scottish elopement, I felt warmly welcomed by the couple and their guests. I love a big wedding (tipi or no tipi), but there’s something really special about having the time to get to know the people present at a smaller wedding. There is time to shoot more intentionally, and to slow down the pace. On a personal note, my Nan lived in the countryside outside of Inverness for a number of years. The colours of this day and the joy of the evening party brought back memories of drinking and dancing late into the night with my cousins. Loud music, good food and happy dogs, what more could you ask for?
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your Scottish elopement, I would love to hear from you. As a Welsh girl I am no stranger to the rain, and love to be outdoors; the muddier and the more adventurous the better.