handfasting ceremony

Handfasting Ceremony in Scotland

Photography by PJ Phillips

So, we’ve definitely fallen into a scene from a movie, right? Right!? This stunning wedding, complete with a handfasting ceremony, took place in the heart of Cairngorms. Going from 130 guests to 16, Megan & Josh encountered their fair share of setbacks. From postponing their big day three times, to a last minute change of day due to torrential rain (48 hours to be exact!) Their handfasting ceremony took place outside, complete with rugs, dried flowers and fairy lights. The entire day really does look like something out of a fairy tale - we are truly enamoured with these gorgeous pictures. Megan & Josh, you may be missing your calling in life as last minute wedding planners… 


Outdoor handfasting ceremony complete with fairy lights and dried flowers

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Our day was so different to what we had originally planned! Going from 130 guests to 16, 6 bridesmaids to 1, and planning within a month. It was our fourth date, with a final switch 48 hours before due to horrendous weather forecast. Thank goodness we did! The woodland setting was magical, and having done a first-look moment before the ceremony allowed us to relax and spend time with family.

Megan & Josh

Bride & groom in Scotland handfasting ceremony
Bride sits with wedding guest who is wearing Tartan trousers
Bride & groom with lake and hills in background
Grooms awaits bride during outdoor ceremony with strung lights in the background
Woodland ceremony setup with tree trunks and wooden bench
Bride & groom walk through Scottish countryside with lake in the background
Bride & groom kiss in the Scottish countryside
Groom kisses bride on the forehead whilst she holds Autumnal coloured bouquet
Bride & groom kiss in Scottish countryside whilst she holds floral bouquet
Blonde bride holding Autumnal bouquet in front of logs
Groom twirls bride in the Scottish countryside with hills in the background
Bride & groom kiss in countryside at Woodland wedding
Bride & groom walk through the countryside in Scotland
Bride & groom walk through the Scottish countryside together on wedding day
Bride walks in appliqué wedding gown carrying Autumnal bouquet tied with orange ribbon
Vases with dried flowers on top of tree trunk in woodland setting
Wedding guests watching during ceremony
Bride reveals herself to wedding guests for the first time
Wedding guest with baby
Bride has her makeup done on the morning of her wedding
Bride in doorway on the morning of her wedding
Blonde bride on the morning of her wedding

VIBE

It was intimate, informal and relaxed - exactly what we really wanted to achieve. Styling was all pulled together extremely last minute. I took inspiration from Pinterest! Gathering rugs from family, vases, festoon lights and ordering dried flowers.

ADVICE

We had the most incredible and special day. Yes, we missed having the rest of our friends and family there, but don’t be put off by having to change plans. You can create a day you would never have dreamed of pre-COVID. For us, it was the best decision.

Bride & groom pose together on steps whilst bride wears feathered shawl
Bride wearing feathered shawl and holding bouquet looks at groom on steps
Groom hugs wedding guest in woodland wedding
Wooden table outdoors with vases filled with dried flowers
Bride holds baby wearing Tartan dress on wedding day
Bride & groom walk with wedding guests in Scotland
Bride shows off wedding ring with groom on Facetime
Wedding cake with Megan & Josh written on top in icing
Rustic wedding reception venue
Groom pops champagne outdoors with bride on wedding day
Bride & groom stand outside on wedding day
Blonde bride stands with groom wearing blue suit on wedding day
Bride & groom stand on steps with wedding party after intimate ceremony
Bride & groom in woodland ceremony celebrate after marriage
Bride places ring on groom during wedding ceremony
Bride & groom walk through woodland after wedding ceremony
Bride & groom kiss in the woodland after wedding ceremony in Scotland
Wedding guests hold hands during woodland wedding ceremony
Bride & groom hold hands during wedding ceremony
Blonde bride laughs during woodland wedding ceremony

We love the whimsical vibe of this woodland ceremony - we feel as though we’ve just stepped into Wonderland!

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After countless plans falling apart, to actually be there, getting married, it was just the best feeling in the world.

Megan & Josh


Has this gorgeous woodland handfasting ceremony got you thinking? Well, don’t go anywhere, because we’ve got a plethora of outdoor inspiration to help you along the way. Take a look at this stunning eco-friendly inspiration, finished with chandeliers and macrame. Or how about this glorious day, complete with a greenhouse reception venue!


Wedding Cake: The Sicilian Pastry Shop |
Wedding Dress: Rue De Seine |
Celebrant: Angela Maughan |
Bridesmaid Dress : Warehouse
Real WeddingScotlandWinterRusticWoodlandHandfastingEclecticRusticOutdoorIntimateRedsOranges£5k - £10k