Over the years, I’ve come to understand that the way I photograph people, whether on their wedding day, elopement, family or engagement shoot, it has nothing to do with showing up and just “getting the shot”.
It’s about something far slower paced and quieter. It’s always about connection.
The people who find me and choose to book me don’t just want pictures. They’re not ticking a box, neither am I. And I’m not just providing a service.
It is so personal.
For some, this might not sound for them at all. This is completely ok, there’s so many photographers to work with these days. For me, in a world that feels increasingly fast and fragmented, with connections often replaced by transactions, I want people to know that how I work is different. The honest photographs I make only come from mutual care and attention.
I’ve spent years honing this.
It’s the part I’ve never learned in the years of photography courses I’ve done, it can’t be taught, it just is. It’s the part where there’s space for couples. They have the freedom at shoots to be completely themselves, without any pressure at all. It’s the same thing that draws me to nature and the reason I’m so inspired by it, its refusal to be anything other than itself.
Nature does not rush. It does not perform for people. And neither do the couples or families who book with me.
This work, to me, is so deeply personal. Every couple, every family, every shoot. If you’re looking for someone to show up and simply do a job, I might not be the right fit. That’s completely ok. But if you’re looking for someone who listens, really listens to you, and who wants to understand who you are and what matters to you before ever lifting the camera, then we’re probably on the same page already.
That mutual communication is everything. It’s the quiet thread that runs through my entire process, from our very first messages right through to the photographs you’ll eventually receive in your inboxes or in the post. Communication is key to my whole photography process. If there is clear communication then I have more of an understanding.
So if you’ve landed here wondering if this is the right way to tell your story, if you feel a connection to my photos and how I work. I would love to hear from you.
Wester Ross Based Wedding & Elopement Photographer Nature inspired | Emotional photography | The Torridon | Shieldaig Lodge | Am Ploc | Loch Maree | Red Point Beach
Some people come to the Highlands just to see the views and get the odd selfie with the mountains. Others feel something shift when they get here. The air is so different. The land has such a presence. It humbles you.
This is what Wester Ross means to me and why I’ve devoted my work to photographing weddings and elopements in this ancient, untouched and wild part of Scotland.
Rooted in the Landscape, Inspired by Emotion
I’m Debbie Thornton, a West Coast native and full-time wedding & elopement photographer, based right here in Wester Ross. I’ve been capturing love stories across Scotland since 2009, but the Highlands, this place, is where my heart belongs. It’s stunning!
My photography is nature-led, inspired by the sea air, the mountains, the changing light, and the honest, unfiltered beauty of two people in love. I love the love.
Most of the weddings and elopements I capture are outdoors, these could be barefoot on the sand at Red Point, wrapped in mist beside Loch Maree, in the open air church Am Ploc or beneath the towering ridges of Beinn Eighe. But I also love a warm, welcoming venue like The Torridon Hotel with it’s incredible interiors or Shieldaig Lodge with it’s lovely loch view and history.
Wherever you decide to have your ceremony, I can be there, quietly, kindly, and with my camera to hand.
Why Wester Ross is Perfect for Elopements & Intimate Weddings?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s stripped back to what really matters, just the both of you, and the land beneath your feet, there’s not many better places than Wester Ross.
Here’s why this part of the Highlands is so special:
Dramatic Mountains: The Torridon range, Beinn Alligin, and Beinn Eighe create the most breathtaking backdrops.
Wild Coastlines: Red Point Beach, Big Sands, and the shores of Loch Maree offer endless options for wild ceremonies.
Seclusion & Quiet: With so few crowds, it’s easy to find a spot that feels completely your own.
Connection to Nature: The weather, the light, the textures, it all adds to the emotional weight of your day.
Rich Cultural History: Gaelic roots, crofting villages, and ancient stories infuse everything with depth.
It’s not just a beautiful place, it’s a place that feels. And that feeling stays with you.
What Can I Offer Couples?
As one of thevery few local photographersbased in Wester Ross, I know this land intimately, not just the places on the map, but the hidden corners, the quiet roads, the light at certain times of year.
Here’s what I bring to every couple I work with:
Location guidance: Help finding the right ceremony spot, whether dramatic, peaceful, or playful.
Vendor recommendations: Celebrants, accommodation, florists, hair and make up, and more, local and trusted.
A calming presence: I work gently, giving space for you to be yourselves. No pressure. No awkward posing.
A witness: For elopements, I can legally act as your witness.
Images that feel like you: Real moments, not staged. Photos full of connection, laughter, stillness, and movement.
Above all else, I care deeply. Every story I photograph is treated with honesty and respect.
Some of my 2025 photography –
Testimonials from Kind Couples
“From the moment we contacted Debbie, she made us feel so at ease and really cared about what we wanted… she made two very introverted people feel so comfortable. It felt as though we had a friend there with us.”
“She captured our vibe perfectly, and understood exactly how we wanted the day to be captured. The photos honestly took our breath away”
.”She photographed our elopement so beautifully. She has an eye for details, framing and also somehow manages to get such energy and emotion into her photos. I cried when we received the gallery!”
Wester Ross Wedding & Elopement Locations I Love:
Loch Maree – vast, quiet and atmospheric
The Torridon Hotel – luxury with wild views
Shieldaig Lodge – Highland Lodge with Loch views
Red Point Beach – soft sand and golden hour magic
Am Ploc – a romantic open-air venue
Beinn Eighe – towering peaks and a powerful presence
Poolewe & Gairloch – coastal beauty and remote charm
If you’re dreaming of a Wester Ross elopement, an intimate Highland wedding, or simply want photographs that feel natural, emotional, and real — I would love to hear from you.
Debbie Thornton Photography Based in Wester Ross | Covering Torridon, Gairloch, Shieldaig, Ullapool, Lochinver – Assynt, and beyond Nature Inspired | Emotional | Honest
Some love stories seem destined to come full circle.
When Larissa & Bastian first messaged me from Germany, they told me they were planning to return to Scotland to elope, not just because of the landscape, but because of what it meant to them. “Scotland was the first destination of our sabbatical from 2016–18 and is filled with so much emotion, joy, freedom, lightness, and adventure which we also want to start our marriage with.”
That’s exactly what an elopement in the Scottish Highlands can offer, not just beauty, but space to begin something real and honest.
Their day was intimate, emotional, wild, and completely full of meaning. A reminder that when two people choose to marry in a place that feels like home to their hearts, something very special happens.
Getting Ready at The Albannach, Lochinver
Larissa & Bastian stayed at The Albannach in Lochinver, a charming 200-year-old Highland guest house that sits at the edge of Scotland’s great wilderness. You can stand in the garden and see Suilven rising in the distance. It’s peaceful, thoughtful, and quietly luxurious, the perfect place to slow down before a wedding. The light in the accommodation was beautiful for prep photos and the garden made for a lovely moment of calm before we travelled to Achmelvich Bay for their ceremony.The Albannach team looked after them so well, and it’s a great base for couples planning a wedding or elopement in Assynt.
A Ceremony Above the Sea | All Ceremonies of the North
Larissa & Bastian chose Monika Strell of All Ceremonies of the North as their celebrant and what a perfect match she was.
Monika is a warm, open-hearted celebrant based in Achmelvich, and one of the only in the Highlands who can fluently speak German, which meant she could hold the ceremony entirely in the couple’s native language. Although I couldn’t understand every word, the emotion was crystal clear. I watched as they exchanged personal vows, standing the cliffs, the wind in their hair, the sea crashing below at the beach. It was breath-taking.
Having Monika on the day was not only lovely, it was invaluable. She knows the area so well and was able to guide the ceremony to the most beautiful, quiet spot overlooking the turquoise waters of Achmelvich Bay. Her presence was calm, grounding, and full of joy.
Stones, Music, and the Sea
After their ceremony, Larissa & Bastian walked hand-in-hand down the winding path to the white sands of Achmelvich Beach.
There, they played a song by Bearsden, a band they had discovered during their first travels in Scotland back in 2016. The music echoed softly between the rocks while they sat together and took it all in.
Then came a beautiful gesture I’ll never forget. They carried with them stones, each with a message written by their family and friends back home in Germany. One by one, they read the messages aloud, quietly soaking in the love and support from afar, and then tossed each stone into the sea.
It was gentle. It was powerful. It was full of grace.
“If I could give more than 5 stars, I would definitely do it! We had Debbie with us for our elopement and it was not only lovely to have her around, but the pictures she took from our special day are just AMAZING! Debbie has such a great eye for angles, details and emotions , we couldn’t have made a better choice. So if you’re looking for a very talented and fun photographer to document any special occasion, don’t hesitate and choose Debbie”
It was such an honour to witness this day. Thank you, Larissa & Bastian, for trusting me with your story.
Eloping in Achmelvich, Assynt & the North West Highlands
Achmelvich, in the far north-west of Assynt, is one of the most magical places in all of Scotland. White sand beaches, rugged cliffs, sea lochs, and endless skies, it’s a place that feels untouched.
What I offer:
Relaxed, emotional photography, no awkward posing, just real connection
Support & care, throughout the planning process
Legal witness for small elopements
Local knowledge of the best suppliers, venues, celebrants & routes
Images full of heart, moments that will matter to you forever
Whether you’re planning a Highland elopement in Achmelvich, a wedding in Ullapool, or a romantic escape to Wester Ross or Assynt, I’d love to tell your story with honesty and heart.
If you’re dreaming of a day filled with wild beauty, genuine connection, and the kind of moments that will stay with you forever, I would love to hear from you!
‘I love my photos! Debbie was so professional and kind, kept track of exactly what photos I wanted and made it happen! She was flexible and accommodating even after we got a popped tire and couldn’t make it to a shoot location, she found a way to make it work for us! I would definitely recommend her to any bride that needs to build a good team of people to support her. I’m so pleased with my photos and am excited to get them framed and look at them for many years to come!’
Earlier this month, I had the joy of meeting Ashley and Iann, a couple who travelled all the way from Montana, USA, to elope in one of the most incredible places in the world: the Scottish Highlands. They stayed at the beautifully secluded Torridon Hotel, a luxury retreat tucked beneath ancient pines and surrounded by lochs and mountains. As a Scotland elopement photographer, I never take this landscape for granted. There’s something about Torridon, its stillness, its wildness. that seems to echo the deepest parts of love: quiet, enduring, and honest.
Ashley and Iann wanted something simple and true to who they are. And that’s exactly what the Highlands gave them. We spent a few peaceful hours exploring the rugged trails near the hotel, capturing portraits with views stretching over to Beinn Alligin, a majestic and craggy peak that holds court over the Glen. The light shifted constantly on the snow covered mountain tops, mist, soft rain and they embraced it all with a quiet sense of calm and joy. Ashley wasn’t phased by the weather or her dress brushing against the ground. With her boots laced up and hair dancing in the breeze, she was completely present, laughing, soaking in the view, and holding Iann close.
Why Choose The Torridon Hotel for Your Elopement?
If you’re planning a Scottish Highlands elopement, The Torridon Hotel offers something truly special. It’s luxurious yet rooted in nature, with roaring fires, warm Highland hospitality, and views that take your breath away. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of loved ones, it’s a beautiful base for your elopement. With mountains, lochs, and coastal trails just a short walk away, the photo opportunities are endless.
Local Torridon Wedding Photographer Debbie Thornton Photography
I’ve spent over a decade photographing elopements and small weddings across the Highlands, from the Isle of Skye to Glencoe to Torridon. I help couples feel calm, natural, and connected to the moment. My approach is gentle and inspired by the wild places we find ourselves in. If you’re dreaming of an elopement in Scotland, and you’re looking for someone who knows the land and how to tell your story through it, I’d love to hear from you.
“There aren’t enough stars I can give Debbie as a rating, she was just faultless start to finish. We eloped just the 2 of us, and Debbie calmed my nerves all morning, orchestrated the nervous pacing groom and understood what we wanted without us having to even speak. She captured our vibe perfectly, and understood exactly how we wanted the day to be captured. The photos honestly took our breath away, nothing was too much. Debbie and her husband even drove us down to a nearby Loch we wanted to capture some photos at. Not only is Debbie an amazing photographer but she is always a genuinely lovely person. Really couldn’t recommend her enough!”
Amy & Tyler eloped last month to the Scottish Highlands and it was a perfect day!
Their story:
Back in the days of Blackberry Messenger Amy’s details were put out by a friend and Tyler reached out to her for a date. The plan was that Tyler would take Amy to see The Hobbit at the Cinema but unbeknown to Tyler, Amy really really didn’t want to see The Hobbit so she missed her bus on purpose and turned up over 2 hours late…but Tyler waited the 2 hours and 10 years later here they are eloping to the Scottish Highlands.
They held their ceremony in the garden of their wee holiday cottage in Whitebridge and it was stunning. It was lovely to work alongside Alyson Stewart Humanist Celebrant again who is amazing!Amy and Tyler had a proper Highland ceremony with a few traditions such as drinking from the Quaich, a Handfasting and Oathing Stone it was beautiful.
The couple asked me to be one of their witnesses which is always an honour.
“Debbie you’ve blown us away. We love every single one. It’s exactly the type of vibe/ mood we wanted. I’m genuinely in love with every single picture. We are both in tears again looking through them lol. Thank you so much for capturing exactly what we wanted.“
I am based in Wester Ross and some of the areas I cover are Torridon Wedding Photographer, Shieldaig Wedding Photographer, Kinlochewe Wedding Photographer, Gairloch Wedding Photographer, Achnasheen Wedding Photographer, Poolewe Wedding Photographer, Ullapool Wedding Photographer, Achmelvich Wedding Photographer and Applecross Wedding Photographer.
“…they are GORGEOUS!!!! …you did such an incredible job capturing the love, emotion and joy of the day!! I am seriously in love with our entire gallery…”
This wedding was unreal at Dunnet Head Lighthouse, the most northerly point of Scotland.
First meeting 20 years ago while both working in Italy, ‘a love story in the making’ as Lisa says… they were separated by distance living in different parts of the world with Lisa in America and Roger in Scotland. Life happened then a worldwide pandemic brought them back together.
When Lisa & Roger got in touch with me they said ‘We are looking for a photographer to capture the day in a natural and intimate way as we are joining together our lives, families and cultures. Your work is beautiful and feel that it’s exactly the style that we are looking for!’
The couple took on the mammoth task of organising not only 1 but 2 weddings in separate countries, Scotland and America, in the same year! The first wedding celebration was in Caithness as this is where Roger is from and wow what a place for wedding, it is absolutely gorgeous! Even in the pouring rain it’s gorgeous, we made that lovely discovery on the day.
It was touch and go at point whether the Caithness wedding would go actually ahead because Lisa’s visa didn’t arrive….until 30 MINUTES before her flight was due to take off to Scotland and then sadly some of Lisa’s families flights from America got cancelled but they all got there in the end and it was unbelievable. Lisa & Roger have so much love for each other everything just fell into place on the day and it was truly beautiful..
On the wedding day, they planned to have the ceremony outside but the weather was in true Scottish style a bit wild so they opted to move the ceremony to the wee Lighthouse event space which was decorated with lots of fairy lights, it was beautiful. The couple wrote their own vows and Lisa ended hers by telling Roger ‘It’s always been you‘…stunning.
After the ceremony we went on a wee adventure down to the shoreline for photos and explored the moorland it was amazing. Huge shout out to Lisa’s amazing friend Kelly who helped organised so much on the day and drove the couple and myself to the locations.
A wee bit of a shocker was that all the electricity cut off after the ceremony due to the wild weather so the speeches were done by candle light. Shout out to Norseman Hotel – The Caithness Collection who managed to cook an amazing meal for everyone from one of the Lighthouse Keepers wee cottages next door! And to K.G Events and Graham of Dynamic Sounds who got the electricity back on in time for the first dance, phew!
“Debbie captured our elopement experience on The Isle of Skye absolutely perfectly, we were blown over by the quality and exact style of photo we had hoped for, completely exceeding our expectations! From the moment we contacted Debbie, she made us feel so at ease and really cared about what we wanted, and then when it came to our wedding day she made myself and my husband (two very introverted people!) feel so very comfortable and blended into the day, it really felt as though we had a friend there with us. Thank you so much again Debbie, you have enabled us to share our wedding day with family and friends through not only amazing photos, but also the beautiful video of our experience. We are so grateful and absolutely LOVE your work! xxx”
This was so beautiful. Em & Will travelled all the way from Somerset to the Isle of Skye, visiting for the first time, to elope. No guests and with no timeline. Just the two of them and the wide open space of this gorgeous island. They told me that they are a very quiet couple. When we met I discovered they had a lovely, gentle presence and a very strong connection. The Isle of Skye would turn out to be exactly where they needed to be for their elopement. What a place!
Ceremony at Monkstadt 1745
They stayed at the Monkstadt 1745, a historic house in the north of Skye. The site carries stories, once the seat of Clan Donald, and later a hiding place for Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. You can feel the past here. It’s so quiet, just like the land surrounding it.
Their ceremony was held outside on the grounds. It was lovely, dry and bright, with a soft light that moved slowly across the surrounding fields. The local registrar, , met us there, and Em & Will took a deep breath as they walked hand and hand to start their ceremony. They stood together, reading their vows in quiet voices. It was steady, calm, and so full of feeling. They are so in love and it was just beautiful to witness.
I was especially honoured to be asked by the couple to be one of their legal witnesses. This is something I’m always happy to do when couples choose to elope just the two of them. It’s such an absolute privilege.
After Em and Will signed the register, they took time to relax a little in their beautiful apartment. Cutting their beautiful cake made by Em’s sister and drinking some champagne.
The Monkstadt is a wonderful venue for your elopement There’s space here, not just physically, but emotionally. The kind of space that lets you breathe, move slowly, and take in what the day actually means. It’s gorgeous.
The Fairy Glen
Later, we travelled to The Fairy Glen, just outside of Uig. It’s a small, strange landscape, grassy ridges and spiral paths and soft hills. It’s not always quiet here, it’s a popular tourist attraction but you can find space. The shape of the land draws you in, it’s incredible.
Though often photographed, the Fairy Glen still feels personal. No two visits are ever the same. It’s a place that works well for couples who want something a little out the way from the rest of Skye, but still rooted in the natural world.
We walked around slowly, stopping when it felt right. Just watching the weather shift and the light touch the hills. They stood together on one of the ridges, looking out over the land to a see a waterfall. They didn’t need to say any, it was clear how much they were taking it all in.
The Feels of the Day
The pace of the day was unhurried. Everything about it felt natural, from the way the weather held, to how Em & Will moved through each moment of the day. There was so much emotion. No rush. Just a sense of being completely grounded in love. It’s what elopements can be when they’re shaped around the couple without anyone else’s expectations. Absolute perfection!
Scotland ElopementPhotographer
Skye offers something different to every couple who comes here, the weather, light, space and silence. For those looking for a day that feels like their own, it holds a lot.
As a Scotland elopement photographer, I offer:
Quiet, honest documentation of your day,
Support with local planning and logistics
Guidance that matches your pace
A relaxed approach allowing space to be yourselves
Some elopements leave a mark on me, because they were real, honest, wild in the truest sense. Meg and Sam’s elopement was one of those stories, full of laughter, absolutely soaked to the skin in Highland rain, and completely full with love.
They stayed in Ullapool, at the beautifully unique The Wreck (and The Ruin) which is tucked away not too far from the harbour, with views out to sea and a quiet calm that set the tone for their day. That’s where I first met them, where their nerves were wrapped up in the excitement. From the moment we met, I could tell they had something special: they’re laid-back, full of fun, and completely in love. They hadn’t told a soul they were eloping…. other than Sam’s sister but no one else.
Rain, Bare Feet, Windswept Vows and The Most Present Ceremony. We drove north from Ullapool through winding roads and moody glens to Elphin, where Loch Veyatie lies still and ancient beneath the hills. The rain came gently at first on route, then so much heavier, the heaviest rain I’ve ever experienced. It was fantastic. Not once did it let up, but neither did Meg and Sam, they totally embraced the weather. They walked hand in hand into the rain, laughing, soaked, with Meg’s gorgeous flowers from Hands Full of Flowers and glowing, perfection!
Their ceremony was led by the wonderfulLynn Munro, a humanist celebrant whose ceremonies are warm, genuine, and deeply personal. Lynn was being shadowed by the fun loving Nicky Marr Humanist. Nicky is absolutely lovely. Lynn has a way of holding space even in the wildest places. Lynn can guide you to such presence in your ceremony, she’s incredible. And true to her style, she kicked off her shoes and went barefoot into the pouring Highland rain, standing with us on the mossy bank of the loch, with the wind, the rain and the water rising gently at our feet. Lynn created a stunning ceremony, read the Irish blessing as a wee nod to Meg’s family: “May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields.“
Meg and Sam chose to honour ancient Scottish traditions with a handfasting, their hands bound with tweed that Sams Mum has given them, this was a lovely touch, as they spoke their vows, rain falling softly between every word. They drank from the quaich, the cup of love and unity, sealing their promises with the old Scottish ways. It was raw, and real, and utterly beautiful. They also wrote personal vows which is such a stunning thing to do for each other. Just as Sam was about to read his, which were written on an Ullapool postcard, the wind picked up and nearly blew them away. With quick cat-like reflexes, Sam caught his vows, thankfully – phew!
Tea, Cake & Signing the Register in Elphin Tearooms Afterwards, soaked to the absolute skin and full of joy, we all made our way to the Elphin Tearooms, a little Highland gem which was basked in the Sunshine not longer after we got there. Over slices of lovely cake and pots of tea, Meg and Sam signed the register. I had the honour of being one of their witnesses, alongside Nicky, something I am always honoured to do for couples.
It may have rained all day, but it was absolutely perfect. There’s something about embracing the weather, especially here in the Highlands, that makes a day feel even more alive, it’s hard to really convey how stunningly present this day was, I can only hope I’ve done it justice here. I loved Meg and Sam’s elopement!
For the Brave, the Wild, and the Joyful If Meg and Sam’s day speaks to the kind of wedding you’ve been dreaming of, one without the noise, one where the land is your venue and the weather is part of the story, then I’d love to help bring your vision to life. I’m aHighland elopement photographer based in the north-west of Scotland. I specialise in documenting elopements and intimate weddings in the wild places of the Highlands, from Torridon to Gairloch, Assynt to Ullapool, and everywhere in between. When you book with me, I’m more than just your photographer. I can help you: • Scout and plan the perfect location • Recommend local celebrants, accommodation, and suppliers • Create a relaxed timeline that flows naturally • Be your witness, friend, and calm presence on the day • Capture it all with heart, honesty, and a creative eye You won’t feel posed or pressured, just gently guided, fully supported, and free to be yourselves.
Dreaming of Your Own Highland Elopement? Whether you’re planning something wild and windswept like Meg and Sam, or dreaming of a secret moment on the beach, I’m here for it. Debbie Thornton Photography Ullapool Elopement Photographer Torridon Wedding Photographer Gairloch Wedding Photographer Assynt Elopement Photographer Highland Elopement Photographer Love stories, chasing the natural light, and lover of all things honest and beautiful.
‘WOW. We absolutely LOVE our photo memories and cannot thank you enough. From the beautiful ceremony shots that captures the beauty of the place and the emotion of the ceremony, to the amazing shoot we had in the rain just being unapologetically us, to all the moments of love shared between the three of us – Just all of these wonderful moments you’ve stilled for us….Thank you doesn’t seem enough. You’ve been such a joy to get to know….You are a true gem of a person, and so talented at what you do. Thank you Debbie.‘
‘The hour we managed to escape away just the three of us will be remembered forever.‘
Nature inspired | Emotional photography | Wester Ross | Scotland
Applecross Wedding Photographer – Clachan Church & Hartfield House
There are some days that you just feel. They linger long after the confetti has blown away and the music has faded. This was one of those days.
Megan and Christian chose to marry in Applecross, one of the most spectacular corners of the Scottish Highlands, a place deeply rooted in their hearts. Not only were they planning a wedding, but they were also preparing for the arrival of their baby boy at the same time. How they managed to pull off such a beautiful, relaxed, heartfelt day while juggling life as new parents, I’m still in absolute awe.
Their day was joyful, full of love, laughter, and rain. And what a privilege it was to be there with them.
A Heartfelt Wedding in Applecross
I’m lucky to live just along the road in Wester Ross, one of the very few local photographers covering the Applecross Peninsula. That means I’m never far away from this wild, dramatic coastline, and it always feels like coming home when I photograph a wedding here.
Applecross is steeped in history. The old name for the area is “A’ Chomraich”, meaning “The Sanctuary” and you feel that energy in the air. The community, the coastline, the weather… it wraps around you.
There are two ways into Applecross:
The famous Bealach na Bà, the historic single-track pass through the mountains, with the steepest ascent in the UK (I still haven’t quite braved it myself yet, I took the gorgeous but ever so slightly gentler coastal route from Shieldaig!
The winding coastal road, breathtaking in its own right, tracing sea cliffs and lochs all the way in.
Getting Ready: Eagle Rock & Hartfield House
Megan and her family got ready at the incredible Eagle Rock Applecross, a luxurious eco-lodge perched high above the sea with panoramic views and a truly unique design. It’s a dream location, light-filled and full of character, with photo opportunities in every direction.
Christian got ready at Hartfield House Hostel with his sister as his Best-Woman. Hartfield House later hosted their relaxed and lively reception. It’s a brilliant spot for Applecross weddings, informal, welcoming, and full of Highland charm.
Ceremony at Clachan Church
The ceremony took place in the small, deeply historic Clachan Church, nestled in the trees with views to the sea. Rona Burstow, their Humanist celebrant, held the space beautifully, warm, inclusive, and heartfelt.
And then the rain came and stayed.
But instead of worrying, Megan and Christian embraced it. If your surname is Raine, I suppose you’ve got to expect it! The skies were dramatic, ever-changing from soft grey to deep indigo, with patches of light breaking through. It made for the most breathtaking backdrop.
We ventured out during a break in the day, just the three of them and captured some quiet, rain-soaked portraits filled with joy, connection, and tenderness.
A Moment Just for Them
Megan told me afterward:
“The hour we managed to escape away just the three of us will be remembered forever.”*
These quiet moments away from the crowd, holding each other close, wrapped in raindrops and Highland air these are the ones that matter most. Honest, unposed, emotional.
It truly was a day of love — love between partners, love for their baby boy, love for the land.
Applecross Wedding Details
Ceremony – Clachan Church, Applecross
Bridal Prep – Eagle Rock, Luxury Eco Lodge
Reception – Hartfield House Hostel
Celebrant– Rona Burstow Humanist
Catering – Regis Banqueting
Music – Black Rock Ceilidh Band
Why I Love Photographing in Applecross
Applecross is quiet, soulful, and completely wild. Whether the weather is moody or golden, it’s always beautiful.
As a local Wester Ross photographer, I can help you:
Scout wild, secluded ceremony spots or recommend indoor venues
Plan your timeline around the light and weather
Capture honest, emotional moments throughout your day
Be your witness if needed (for elopements)
Make you feel relaxed and held throughout the day
I’ve been photographing weddings in the Highlands since 2009, and I still feel excited every time I head out with my camera. I care deeply about every story I tell, and I bring my whole heart to the work.
If you’re dreaming of a Highland wedding or elopement that’s real, beautiful, and rooted in the land I’d love to be there with you.
‘OMG we love them! Absolutely buzzing, they’re so good! …We had a great time on the day, and that’s coming from people who don’t enjoy posing for photos! …Thank you so much for the memories. I cant wait to get some printed-how I’ll choose which ones to frame I have no idea.’
It was lovely meeting Michelle, Scott & new born baby Owen who was 5 weeks old at the shoot. Owen is absolutely adorable! It’s such a honour to photograph these special times for families,
I’ve been photographing families for around 16 years now and I still absolutely love to do these shoots. I’m available to book throughout the Wester Ross area of the Highlands for family photos/mini shoots, weddings and elopement photography.
Debbie Thornton Photography 