Eilean Donan Castle has to be the dream locations for a truly romantic Highland wedding.
Couples from all over the world have travelled to the Skye & Lochalsh location for an Eilean Donan Castle Wedding. You can see why it’s such a popular choice for marriages and special occasions with its ideal location .
Dream Location Wedding Photography
With some magnificent views and the iconic castle taking centre stage, it is simply the stuff of dreams.
It was certainly a dream come true for locals Ashley and Alex who decided to tie the knot at the Castle.
Next door to the Isle of Skye
With its world famous scenery that truly is breathtaking you have the perfect recipe for an unforgettable day.
The Isle of Skye is just a short drive up the road and so you are spoilt for choice. When it comes to getting married in this beautiful area of Scotland you really can’t loose.
Ashley and Alex decided that Eilean Donan was the perfect location for their wedding and who could blame them.
The bride, Ashley grew up nearbye in the equally beautiful Isle of Skye and the groom Alex, originates from Edinburgh.
The Special Day
It was a blustery morning as Ashley’s bridal preparations got under way at her parent’s home in Portree. The clouds were distinctly moody as the rain swept in over the bay. The propsect of a dry wedding at Eilean Donan Castle was looking bleak.
Despite the dodgy weather there was still the choice of various areas at the castle for indoor photos.
The wedding dress looked beautiful as it hung on the window overlooking Loch Portree as everyone got ready.
Back at the castle, Alex had arrived with his best man. He was carefully inspecting the weather conditions as wedding guests began to arrive.
The Eilean Donan Castle Wedding
The ceremony was taking place in the Banqueting Hall which can accommodate approximately 70 people. As everyone piled in with umbrella’s in hand, thoughts turned to the wedding and to the Bride’s entrance.
The ancient paintings and decor of the Banqueting Hall make for a unique ceremony. The room is fairly lowly lit, but this makes for a cosey atmosphere when the room is full.
With clouds clearing I took the opportunity to capture some shots of Ashley and her father on the bridge.
I also grabbed some photographs of the bride and bridesmaids ahead of entering the castle for the wedding ceremony.
Following the celebrants service and the final questions came the “I do’s”. This culminated in a warm round of applause as Ashley and Alex had their first kiss.
Group Photos at the castle
It was then downstairs to the Billeting Room for a champagne reception.
Due to the conditions outdoors, the bride and groom agreed that having the family photographs indoors would be best.
I set up my lighting upstairs in the Banqueting Hall ahead of the group shots.
Couple portraits outside at Eilean Donan
So following the group photos, the wedding party departed for Portree while the Bride and Groom remained at the castle together for photos.
We managed to get a break in the weather which resulted in some spectacular light. It was the perfect time for getting photographs of Ashley and Alex in the stunning grounds.
Scotland is blessed with dramatic light and we couldn’t resist getting some shots before heading for Skye.
A stop-off at Sligichan Bridge
We departed Eilean Donan Castle with the light beginning to fade. Ashley & Alex had said they wanted to stop for some photos at Sligichan Bridge in Skye enroute to the reception.
This is tricky as far as timing is concerned as it’s November. We managed to stop and get some lovely shots of them both at Sligichan as darkness fell.
The evening reception at Portree Village Hall
Guests gathered on the ‘Misty Isle’ for the reception at Portree Village Hall as Ashley and Alex made their entrance.
It was straight into the speeches and everyone was in good form as the speeches got under way.
With the meal out of the way, the wedding reception was starting to build momentum. The band arrived and began to set-up ahead of first dances.
Ashley and Alex were on the floor and swinging themselves to their chosen first song.
It was time to retreat to my accommodation for the night at the nearby Tongadale Hotel in Portree. I decided I had earned myself a couple of well earned pints in the bar.
Eilean Donan Castle Wedding Gallery
Useful Links
Eilean Donan Castle website
Visit Isle of Skye website
The Tongadale Hotel, Portree