For all enquiries: www.debbiethorntonphotography.co.uk
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 wonderful Lynn 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 a Highland 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.
For all enquiries: www.debbiethortonphotography.co.uk
Debbie Thornton Photography 