A Stunning Post-Lockdown Elopement
Kilchurn Castle Wedding Photographer
Well, what can I say? I don’t think I could have asked for a more amazing re-start to 2020 weddings!
This STUNNING post-lockdown elopement at the incredible Kilchurn Castle was, to put it bluntly, what wedding photographers dreams are made of. An incredible location, amazing weather, a gorgeous fun couple, and animals galore. What more could I ask for??
Sophie and Owen’s wedding took place at Kilchurn Castle, a stunning castle ruin on the banks on Loch Awe in Scotland’s rugged west coast, with absolutely epic views. It was the most beautiful wedding and the sun shone all day long- a crazy contrast to their Engagement Shoot, which was so rainy we had to change our plans and dive into the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh!! Sophie and Owen were incredibly chilled about their day, despite this being their THIRD attempt to get married, and Covid trying to put alllll the spanners in the works! We had just the best day exploring the castle and it’s grounds, meeting Highland Cows (!) and even, in Sophie’s case, having a paddle in the Loch in her wedding dress to cool down!
Getting Ready
Sophie and Owen decided to get married just the of them, with myself and the bagpiper as witnesses which was such an honour!! So that their families could still be there, they decided to have a little party at home before the ceremony. In homage to how we’ve all spent our time during Lockdown, family and friends who couldn’t join the party for real joined in on Zoom! There were dogs everywhere, so I was in heaven enjoying doggy cuddles (the two of them have four dogs and three horses, despite Owen being allergic to them!!).
The lovely pair bucked tradition and got ready together at home, and seemed so chilled all morning! Sophie even took time to visit her beloved horses at the stables before the party, dressed in her wedding dress! The horses joined in the festivities too, with flowers in their manes and tails- soooo adorable!!
My highlights from this Beautiful Wedding at Kilchurn Castle
The Ceremony
After cutting the stunning cake, which was made by one of Sophie’s cousins, and hosting an impromptu confetti shot in the middle of the street, we headed off up north for this stunning Kilchurn Castle wedding ceremony.
The ceremony was a small elopement beside Loch Awe, overlooking the magnificent castle ruin. Sophie and Owen love History, and spend lots of their spare time exploring historical sites in Scotland and enjoying history documentaries, so Kilchurn Castle was the perfect location for them! During the ceremony a bagpiper played traditional Scottish tunes and but just added to the incredible atmosphere. Hilariously, their only ‘guests’ were the surprised campers watching on from their tents! It was such a personal service, and the stunning backdrop of the castle was breathtaking.
Afterwards, we headed out into the Castle grounds to explore and capture some couples portraits. This lovely pair were up for anything, including scaling the battlements, climbing trees and getting up close and personal with sheep and Highland cows! We had so much fun creating stunning images, before Sophie and Owen headed off for a meal together and I started the long trek home! It was a really wonderful day, and I’m so happy and grateful to be back taking photos once again.
A peaceful, secluded venue for your elopement
Why a Kilchurn Castle wedding is perfect for Scottish elopements
Kilchurn Castle is really peaceful and secluded, and is one of the loveliest places to get elope in Scotland. It was built in the mid-1400s, and it remained the base of the mighty Campbells of Glenorchy for 150 years. After the first Jacobite Rising of 1689, Kilchurn was converted into a garrison stronghold, but was abandoned by the end of the 1700s, and left for ruins. It is the perfect venue for adventure loving couples, with incredible views, and so many beautiful spots for photos.
The castle is close to the Scottish town of Oban too, which is well worth an explore! If you’re planning a Scottish elopement, it is an absolutely perfect location for an outdoor ceremony, and although Sophie and Owen were lucky enough to have amazing weather, it would look equally stunning in the more typically Scottish rain too!
If you’re planning a Kilchurn Castle wedding, or a Scottish elopement, I would LOVE to hear from you! Scroll down for more photos of this fabulous day.
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I can’t wait to hear all about your amazing plans!
Like what you see and want to find out more? I’d LOVE to chat about your wedding and capture your day! Shoot me an email and let’s talk!
