If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” in a storybook setting, surrounded by snow-dusted landscapes and the timeless elegance of a historic castle, this Scotland castle wedding will sweep you off your feet. As an elopement photographer, capturing moments that are rooted in personal history and heartfelt details is what makes each love story so special—and this one was truly unforgettable.
Why Scotland?
Scotland wasn’t just a beautiful backdrop for Ally and Reed—it was the heart of their love story.
It was the very first place they traveled to as a couple, making it a meaningful destination from the start. But the ties go deeper than that. Ally’s family has strong Scottish roots—her father, a member of the MacNichol family, lived in Scotland as a child and attended school just 20 minutes from their wedding venue at Drumtochty Castle. Scotland has remained a beloved getaway for Ally’s parents ever since. They even spent their honeymoon there in 1983.
Choosing to marry in Scotland was a tribute to family history, heritage, and the journey Ally and Reed have shared since their first trip abroad.
A Weekend Celebration at Drumtochty Castle
With 65 guests flying in from around the world, Ally and Reed rented the entire castle for the weekend, turning the celebration into an immersive destination wedding experience. As a travel photographer, I love capturing the full scope of a wedding weekend—and this one had magic in every detail.
The festivities kicked off the night before the wedding with a one-of-a-kind mock casino night. Guests gambled with custom-made “Bagel Bucks”—named after the couple’s beloved dog, Bagel. Between several rounds of blackjack and roulette, they dined on fish and chips (a Scotland staple) and ended the night with rich sticky toffee pudding, a nod to Scotland’s comforting cuisine.
Ceremony with Heritage
The wedding ceremony took place in a bright, open room with sweeping windows that overlooked the castle’s front grounds. That morning, a gentle dusting of snow had transformed the landscape into something out of a fairytale—perfect for timeless editorial-style portraits.
One of the most emotional moments came during the joining of the families: Ally and Reed tied together two symbolic heirlooms—her father’s family tartan and a piece of Reed’s mother’s wedding dress. Reed even had the inside of his tux jacket lined with the tartan as a subtle tribute. I loved the tartan everywhere, it was such an iconic and statement detail that was also so meaningful. As an editorial photographer, moments like these are gold—rich in meaning and beautifully visual.
A Dance in the Blue Room
After the ceremony, guests gathered in Ally’s favorite room in the castle: the Blue Room. Its deep tones, romantic charm, and historical elegance made it the perfect space for their first dance as husband and wife. A live band brought the castle to life, turning the reception into a night full of energy, joy, and dancing that carried on long into the evening.
Capturing the Magic
From the snow-kissed grounds to the heartfelt family tributes, every detail of this Scotland castle wedding was infused with meaning and style. The mix of heritage, travel, and elegant design made it a dream event for any elopement photographer, travel photographer, or editorial photographer to document.
Whether you’re drawn to Scotland for your own family roots, a shared travel history, or simply its undeniable charm, this wedding proves that destination celebrations can be deeply personal and visually unforgettable.
Planning Your Own Castle Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends history, elegance, and adventure, a castle might be the perfect fit. Whether you’re planning a grand wedding or an intimate elopement, I’d love to help tell your story in a way that’s true to you.
Let’s capture your love—wherever in the world it takes you
