Elopement Scotland – Debbie Thornton Photography

Isle of Skye Elopement Scotland – The Monkstadt 1745 & The Fairy Glen

31st Oct 20253rd Nov 2025Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

“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 Elopement Photographer

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
Witnessing, if you’re eloping just the two of you
Travel across Skye and the Highlands included

For all enquiries: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

Scotland Elopement Photographer – More than just a booking – Debbie Thornton Photography.

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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.

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Red Point Beach Wedding Photographer – Wester Ross Elopement Photographer.

19th Sep 2025Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Cliff-Top Vows in Achmelvich – A Soulful Highland Elopement

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Achmelvich Elopement Photographer | Debbie Thornton Photography

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.

Ceremony & Accommodation Details

Celebrant– Monika Strell | All Ceremonies of the North https://www.allceremoniesofthenorth.com

Accommodation – The Albannach, Lochinver https://www.thealbannach.co.uk

Location – Achmelvich Bay, Assynt, Scottish Highlands

Photography – Debbie Thornton Photography https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Ready to plan your Highland elopement?

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!

Gairloch Wedding Photographer – Brander Lodge.

5th May 20246th May 2025Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

‘Debbie was our photographer for our wedding in May 2023 and we could not be any more pleased with our decision to book Debbie! Debbie was so calm and efficient throughout the day; despite experiencing a punctured tyre on the way to the venue, she still arrived on time!…Debbie has a real skill at being able to blend into the day well and organise photos calmly and with ease- we received so many compliments from guests around how likeable Debbie was. Debbie makes a huge effort to get to know the bridal/groom party’s families/friends which made for huge success with the formal photos. Debbie was able to articulate who she needed for photos by their name which made the formal photo process quick. We are over the moon with the photos and feel Debbie has captured the day so well- we have a great mix of formal photos as well as natural photos that show everyone’s personalities. It’s 2 months since we got married and we still find ourselves going through all the photos and enjoying them….Debbie is a wonderful photographer who was an asset to our day – we could not have imagined any other photographer being there!…..Thank you for everything Debbie!’

They were both working in Lochgilphead when Craig eventually worked up the courage to ask Sarah if she’d like to go on a hill walk with him, she said yes but the actual truth is that Craig is not a fan of hills or walking…at all…he was just trying to impress Sarah and thankfully it worked. Sarah says ‘it’s the first and very last time Craig’s been enthusiastic about going on a walk’

Their wedding was absolutely stunning and so emotional, it’s always lovely when couples write their own vows.

‘Exactly 4 years to this day, I knew instantly that we felt right together and that never changed. You have always showed me how much you care and never fail to make me feel safe and loved. You show me this through the seemingly little, but significant things you do – the dedication you showed driving 6 hours just to see me for 1 – the compromise you show for agreeing to go on long walks, even though you couldn’t think of anything worse. I am forever grateful for you.’

It was a perfect day with a brilliant group of people!

www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Lovely working with all of Sarah & Craig’s team of wedding suppliers:

Dress: The Bridal Courtyard

Kilts: HLH Hirewear

Cake: Northern Lights Cakery

Venue: The Brander Lodge Hotel & Bistro

Film: RMH Productions – Wedding Films

Make up & hair : Clare Pearson Hair Bridal hair by Laura

Flowers: The Thistle & The Rose

Registrar: Catherine Dodds Argyll and Bute Registrars

Piper: Angus MacColl

Wester Ross Wedding Photographer – Wedding Proposal.

19th Feb 202420th Nov 2024Debbie Thornton Photography2 Comments

For all enquires: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

‘Oh my goodness! So incredibly gorgeous! Your artistry captured not only the rugged beauty of the environment, but everyone’s individual personalities shine as well. It will take a while to choose our favorites. Every photograph is more stunning than the last! You were a pleasure to work with and worked unobtrusively and efficiently (both shooting and editing). It was a pleasure enjoying our special day with you! Now if we can only figure out a way to export you to the US, to photograph the wedding!’

This was amazing!

The Isle of Luing is absolutely stunning, wow what a beautiful untouched Island it’s perfect. This was the first time I’d visited the Island, which is shocking really considering I’m from Oban (but based in the Highlands) and lived a short distance away for the majority of my life… but I would say I’m not as bad as the folk who live in Oban and have never been to the Isle of Kerrera – you know who you are, ha! I highly recommend a visit to the Isle of Luing, this was such a brilliant day and I can’t wait to go back.

Brett & Kaitlin travelled from New Jersey USA with Brett’s family to the stunning Isle of Luing where his ancestors are from, Brett’s family name is Luing – how cool is that!?- and I was told by the family – his parents Kevin & Trisha that ‘during one of the ancient invasions, the residents left the island… The Luing name begins to appear on the Steeple Barton church records in the 1600’s. It is assumed that the families who fled, adopted the name of the island, in an attempt to locate others who also originated on Luing, or to honour their origin….This visit is a continuation of family tradition, honouring the Luing family roots.’

The family wanted a photo-shoot to mark this special visit as the last time they were here was around 20 years ago. Also, Brett was planning on asking Kaitlin to marry him so I was to be ready to capture the moment. Luckily Kaitlin knew I’d be there on the day taking photos of the family so I didn’t have to hide in any bushes or under water on this occasion.

Shortly after I’d arrived and been introduced to everyone, Brett took Kaitlin outside their gorgeous holiday accommodation, Ardlarach Lodge and had a wee walk looking the beautiful view while I took some shots…. really we’re all waiting for the big moment with Brett’s family hiding looking out the windows in the Lodge. The next thing Brett takes Kaitlin’s hand in his and starts to get down on one knee, to say Kaitlin was shocked is the under statement of the century she just kept her hand over mouth and had the biggest eyes and smile on her face. Kaitlin even looks away laughing with pure happiness at one point and no doubt taking it all in. Brett tells Kaitlin he loves her and asks her to marry him and… she says YES!

‘Brett Luing – I cannot wait to marry you! You are all I’ve ever dreamed of & so much more! You are exactly who I’ve prayed for my entire life and a Luing Island proposal was just the icing on the cake. So ready to join the Luing family!!‘

After the massive congratulations from the family, lots of staring at that gorgeous diamond marquise stone ring, more photos and champagne at the Lodge, we all went on a tour round the island in the mini bus the family hired to travel to some of the other amazing photo locations on the Island.

I’ll give a wee shout out to the lovely wee dog that appears in some of the photos, this is not the family’s dog but it was more than happy to appear in some of their photos as if it was!

It was an amazing day and here’s some of their photos:

‘These are beyond perfect – thank you for capturing this special day so well!!’

For all enquires: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

Botanic Gardens Pre wedding shoot – Gairloch Wedding Photographer.

8th Feb 20249th Sep 2024Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all enquiries: https://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk/

I had the best time photographing Yota & Tony, they are such an amazing couple and as soon as we met I knew they were my kind of people! They are so in love, laid back, so funny and were wonderful to photograph at the Botanic Gardens.

Yota & Tony are both from Greece but decided that Scotland is the place where they want to be married, Yota recently graduated in Glasgow and they both love the city so planned their beautiful wedding at the Oran Mhor. Talking to them about their wedding plans they said they really wanted a chilled out wee wedding day, which they did have and I’ll be blogging soon!

Here’s a wee look at their pre wedding shoot:

A great time had with this amazing couple!

http://www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

Scotland Engagement/Pre Wedding Shoot Locations

11th Feb 202319th Jul 2023Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

Nature inspired, emotional photography for Scotland – Debbie Thornton Photography

Couples shoots are one of my absolute favourite things to do as a Scotland Wedding Photographer At shoots with me we are essentially just going for a wander somewhere in the wilderness and I take shots of you together before you become Mr & Mrs, Mrs & Mrs or Mr & Mr.

Scotland is a total dream for couples shoots, weddings and elopements because there’s so many beautiful locations whether you are in the City, the coast, the Highlands or Islands, it’s all good and you’ll see a wee range of places here.

The engagement shoot is a beautiful thing and I highly recommended it if you are nervous about having your photo taken, by doing this type of shoot it takes away the awkwardness you might feel from your photographer just turning up on your wedding day or any stress you might feel thinking about the camera being there at your wedding. At the shoot you’ll see how your photographer works putting you at ease, it’s a photographer’s job to get the best from you so if you love their work then trust you’ll be in good hands and just be yourselves. I like to take a laid back, calm approach to all my shoots and I capture so many beautiful wee moments.

I would recommend having an engagement shoot if you can have one with your photographer. I have a few engagement shoot options that can be booked separately as a gift for a couple or added as part of a wedding package.

In this post I wanted to share some of the engagement shoots I’ve photographed to give you an idea of some of the amazing locations here in Scotland.

Here’s a wee look at some of the places:

Glencoe

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Outer Hebrides – Isle of North Uist

Troon

Inveraray – Dun Na Cuaiche

Culzean Castle

West Kilbride – The Waterside

Glen Dubh

Inner Hebrides – Isle of Kerrera

Oban

If it rains on your shoot day the sky can be so atmospheric and it makes for great photos so I would recommend just going for it. The photos of Lawrie & Ally in the Isle of Kerrera and of Amber and Dave in Oban, both those days were really wet but look at the couples all happy and not giving a two hoots about it!

The places I’ve shared here are also great Scotland wedding and elopement photography locations.

If you would like help planning your engagement, wedding or elopement in Scotland then feel free to get in touch: www.debbiethortntonphotography.co.uk

WEST Brewery Wedding – Glasgow

19th Jan 202311th Mar 2023Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all enquiries: debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

“Debbie was the photographer for our wedding at the WEST brewery in Glasgow. Debbie was fantastic in every way. She made us feel at ease before the wedding when we first met her. On the actual day Debbie made sure to capture the fun and spirit of the day. The colours and quality of the photos are incredible and we will treasure the photos forever. We wouldn’t hesitate on recommending Debbie to any other couples who want beautiful, natural photos of their special day.”

Claire & Alex, The West Brewery, Glasgow.

This was one unbelievably brilliant wedding, it was stunning, the people were so much fun and there was just right amount of madness!

Claire & Alex first met while studying at Cambridge. They bonded over the song Angels by Robbie Williams one night after a few drinks (they were belting out that song one night together as told during the speeches by bridesmaid Jessica) and the rest is history.

They held their wedding in The West Brewery in Glasgow as they felt it was a good representation of them both mixing their cultures from Scotland and Germany… plus they love Beer!

The ceremony was beautiful, Claire & Alex had a mix of traditions from handfasting and a whisky filled Quaich from Scotland then to represent Alex’s German heritage they both had to drink from a Numberg Bridal Cup and Baumstamm sägen (log sawing), everyone went outside to watch Claire and Alex saw a big log to show they will always work together in their marriage. It was brilliant fun!

Later after their meal and speeches, Alex’s sister Julie had organised some wedding games as this is the tradition in Germany and they were absolutely hilarious!

After the games everyone danced the night away at the ceilidh.

It was a perfect day.

Claire & Alex had a great team of wedding suppliers:

Venue – West Brewery

Humanist – Susan IHC Humanist Celebrant

Hair & Make up – The Blushed Bride

Flowers – Fleur and Blume

Cakes – The Little Cake Parlour Glasgow

Band – Stirling Celildh Band

Loch Melfort Hotel Wedding – Arduaine

5th Jan 202328th Mar 2025Debbie Thornton PhotographyLeave a comment

For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk

“What incredible photos…You are very talented! Such a lovely way to capture the day. Thank you so much.”

James & Katie wanted to have a wee wedding on the West Coast as James’s family is from the area. Katie searched the internet and discovered Arduaine Gardens and the Loch Melfort was the perfect location for the couple. The couple discovered that the Loch Melfort hotel was where James’s family had their honeymoon but they no clue about this until after they booked and also it’s the exact same area where James would holiday as a child…it was obviously meant to be.

Their wedding was beautiful! It was really relaxed and over looking the sea.

James & Katie travelled up from Leeds with their immediate family to have their Humanist ceremony by the lovely Shona Sharp (Highly Recommend!). Their ceremony included two Highland traditions with a Handfasting and sharing a Quaich they also had their nephew as their ring bearer which was lovely.

I love a wee relaxed wedding by the sea and this was perfect!