Elena and Colton welcomed guests from across the USA for a multi-day Scottish destination wedding at Cambo Country House and Estate
For Elena Stein and Colton Schmidt, a Scottish destination wedding offered everything they wanted: historic surroundings, meaningful traditions and quality time with loved ones.
Their Cambo Country House wedding in Fife welcomed 96 guests – most travelling from the United States – for a week of celebrations that blended Scottish hospitality with Jewish customs in one of Scotland's most sought-after exclusive-use wedding venues.
Wedding highlights at a glance
Wedding venue | Cambo Country House and Estate, Fife
Date | 10th October 2025
Photography | Jack Davolio Photography
Guests | 96
Decor | Autumn styling with floral chuppah and vintage details
Ceremony | Outdoor non-legal ceremony with Jewish and Scottish traditions
Entertainment | String quartet, DJ and traditional hora dance
Finding a Scottish destination wedding venue
After becoming engaged at a winery near their Los Angeles home, Elena and Colton quickly realised that wherever they married, travel would be involved.
"For both of us, getting married in a castle was the ideal," says Elena. "We also figured that no matter where we did it, there would be substantial travel involved for at least half of our guest list."
The best Scottish castle wedding venues
The pair narrowed their search from Europe to the UK before deciding on Scotland.
Working with wedding planner Hannah Ryan of Timeless White, they shortlisted a number of venues before finding the perfect fit in Cambo Country House and Estate, an exclusive-use country house wedding venue near St Andrews.
"Cambo was gorgeous, and its proximity to St Andrews and to Edinburgh Airport won us over."
With accommodation for 43 guests on-site, it allowed them to extend the celebrations beyond a single day.
A week of Scottish celebrations
The wedding became a full destination experience. Guests gathered in Edinburgh before travelling to Fife, while unofficial golf outings popped up throughout the week thanks to Cambo's proximity to St Andrews.
The couple also hosted welcome drinks and dinner at Rusacks St Andrews, followed by post-wedding lawn games, beach walks to Kingsbarns and a relaxed gathering catered by The Rolling Stove.
A ceremony blending Jewish and Scottish traditions
Elena and Colton incorporated traditions from both of their backgrounds into the outdoor ceremony on Cambo's top lawn.
Kirkcaldy florist Tupelo Tree created a floral chuppah, symbolising the home they would build together, while Colton performed the traditional Jewish glass-breaking ritual.
The couple also drank from a quaich, honouring their Scottish setting. "Even though we kept the ceremony short and sweet, I was kind of obsessed with how it turned out," says Elena.
"We're still amazed that we managed to marry outside (in Scotland! In October!)."
Read our review of Cambo Country House and Estate
The non-legal ceremony was led by Elena's childhood best friend Sarah. "She made it really special."
Scottish heritage also played a starring role in the dress code. Colton sourced his outfit from John Morrison Kiltmakers, while around 30 male guests embraced Highlandwear too. "They really went to town researching their heritage."
An unforgettable Cambo House reception
Food was one of the couple's priorities throughout the planning process.
"What our wedding catering company Ballintaggart delivered was nothing short of phenomenal," remembers Colton, highlighting Great Glen charcuterie, negroni-cured trout, Glen Lyon coffee-roast short rib and mini desserts.
Check out top Scottish wedding food and drink firms
As evening arrived, the dancefloor became one of the biggest highlights.
The newlyweds included the hora dance, with guests lifting them high on chairs. "It was really fun. Colton's friends got a bit too rowdy, though, and he almost got thrown off his chair!" laughs Elena.
Music lover Elena also credits Miss Mobile Disco for bringing her carefully curated playlists to life.
"She included my selections with no ego. She's such an angel."
USA to Scotland destination wedding tip
"If you're Americans marrying in the UK, consider the differing date formats," say the couple.
"Honestly, this sounds crazy, but one of the reasons we picked our date of 10/10/25 was that no matter whether it was written in US format or UK format, it was going to be the same, and no one could get it mixed up and turn up on the wrong date!"
Wedding suppliers
Venue Cambo Country House and Estate, Fife
Wedding planner Hannah Ryan, Timeless White
Photography Jack Davolio Photography
Non-legal officiant Sarah Konspore Warren (friend)
Wedding dress En Blanc, Los Angeles, with custom cape by One Blushing Bride
Reception dress Anthropologie
Hair Styled by Lauren Spriddle
Makeup Heather Snowie Makeup Artist
Groomswear John Morrison Kiltmakers
Additional kilt hire Kirk Wynd Highland House
Catering Ballintaggart
Day-after catering The Rolling Stove
Cake Liggy’s Cake Company
Flowers and floral decor Tupelo Tree
Additional venue decor Fifty Six Events, Virginia’s Vintage Hire, 88 Events, Green Cockatoo
Stationery Minted and Papier
Favours Custom matchbooks
Engagement/wedding rings Knight’s Jewelers, Bakersfield CA
Ceremony music Scotia Strings
Transport A1 Coaches
Welcome meal and drinks Rusacks St Andrews
