Adventure-seekers Jack and Sammy headed north from their home in England to marry at Ralston Cairn, taking just nine guests – plus their adorable pooch Rupert
If you’re considering an elopement-style wedding in Scotland, this scenic Scottish mountain wedding in the heart of Glencoe might just have you planning your perfect Highlands adventure, pronto!
Sammy and Jack knew they wanted to get married in the Scottish Highlands and things started to fall into place when they discovered Glencoe wedding and elopement photographer Danielle Stewart Photography.
From there, they set their hearts on having an outdoor wedding ceremony at one of the most romantic places to get married in Glencoe (if not Scotland): Ralston Cairn.
Read on to hear more about the couple’s dog-friendly wedding led by Paul Browett, aka The Scottish Celebrant, one of the most popular celebrants in Scotland, and to find out about wedding accommodation options in Glencoe too...
Jack and Sammy, now Mr and Mrs Atkinson
23rd October 2024
Venue | Ralston Cairn, Glencoe
Photography | Danielle Stewart Photography
Ideas for an adventure wedding in the Scottish Highlands
The idea of a trad wedding with a big crowd and a hefty price tag isn’t for everyone. It certainly wasn’t for Sammy and Jack who ended up having a non-traditional intimate wedding in Scotland. “We were looking for more of an adventure,” says the bride. “Jack and I wanted to get married somewhere alternative that would be totally different from a local venue, for example. We were also keen to avoid the cost of a traditional wedding and all the pressure to please other people.”
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Isle of Skye vs Glencoe wedding
The couple had taken a road trip to the Outer Hebrides the previous year, and had fallen in love with Scotland. “I started looking on Instagram for inspiration,” recalls Sammy.
“Glencoe and the Isle of Skye both caught my eye, and then I came across photographer Danielle Stewart’s page.”
It showed pictures of a couple who’d married at Ralston Cairn, in the shadow of the mighty Glencoe peaks.
“Straight away I knew I wanted to get married surrounded by this beautiful landscape. We arranged a video call with Danielle and everything went from there. She helped us book a celebrant and a place to stay. She also told us who to trust with our cake (Cakes by Sandra) and where we should get our flowers (Tass Floral Studio).”
Where can I find wedding accommodation Glencoe?
They didn’t need a venue as they’d be having a hillside ceremony, but they did need overnight accommodation, which they found nearby, on the western edge of the glen. “We all stayed at SeaBeds Lodges at Woodlands Glencoe – us, Jack’s parents and his sister, and my mum, brother and two nieces, and my dad and his partner.”
Doing things their own way, the couple woke up together and enjoyed a private breakfast. “It was a stress-free morning, and there was nothing traditional about it. I had my hair and makeup done as our videographers, Cinemate, arrived, and Jack walked the dog.”
The bride, meanwhile, was heading to Ralston Cairn. “Jack was there, waiting for me, and it all hit me. I’ll never forget walking down the path with my dad as our piper played ‘Highland Cathedral’.”
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Dog chaperone for a wedding in Scotland
While getting married with your dog in Scotland is positively encouraged and welcomed at many Scottish wedding venues, Sammy and Jack lined up a doggy chaperone from Hounds & Heritage Weddings to look after Rupert. The couple agree it was a real highlight to have Rupert there, while knowing he was being looked after when they were busy.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in Glencoe
The ceremony, which included a handfasting, was conducted by Paul Browett, who encouraged guests to participate. Rather than tossing confetti (“we wanted to respect the landscape”), the newlyweds’ loved ones showered them with champagne, before Sammy and Jack (and Rupert) slipped away for some photos and videos.
“We headed to some of the best wedding photo spots around Glencoe, including the waterfall at the base of Buachaille Etive Mòr.”
Meet the celebrant: Paul Browett, The Scottish Celebrant
To conclude this relaxed wedding day, everyone headed to dinner at the Ballachulish Hotel, a six-minute drive from their accommodation. “We didn’t have any speeches and didn’t bother with a private room – we were quite happy to sit in the restaurant. It was very chilled – exactly as we wanted it to be.
“Afterwards, Jack and I said goodbye to our families and made our way back to our lodge, where we enjoyed an evening in the hot tub with champagne.”
A stress-free wedding
Although not an elopement in the strict sense of the word, Jack and Sammy’s wedding was exactly what they’d hoped for. “The whole day felt like just the two of us on an adventure. There wasn’t any pressure to speak to loads of people or worry if everyone was enjoying themselves. All we had to focus on was us and to go with the flow.”
Wedding suppliers
Ceremony venue Ralston Cairn, Glencoe
Photography Danielle Stewart Photography
Celebrant Paul Browett, The Scottish Celebrant
Wedding dress Prima Donna Bridal Norwich
Groomswear Hatters Norwich
Cake Cakes by Sandra
Flowers Tass Floral Studio
Wedding dinner The Ballachulish Hotel
Wedding accommodation SeaBeds Lodges at Woodlands Glencoe
