Isle of Skye Beachside Elopement
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Nina and Michael travelled by camper van from Germany, to marry and honeymoon on Skye. They spent the night before and after their wedding at Lusa Bothy, a beautifully restored building right on the seashore, where highland cows wander around outside. It was a sunny, summer day and so before we left for the ceremony, Nina and Michael did a first look on the beach outside. We then travelled a few miles to a lovely little spot, looking over to a ruined castle, and the Cuillin mountains, where during the ceremony Nina and Michael were serenaded by a local fiddle player, while they embraced and soaked up the view and the moment.
Afterwards the three of us drove to a few other spots on the island for more portraits before they returned to their camper van to head off on the next stage of their journey.
From The Couple
Why Did You Choose Skye For Your Elopement?
Scotland has always been a longing place of ours (we have never been there before). The nature on Skye is very special – magical and dreamy, but also wild and powerful. It has captured our hearts and we will always return to this place, which is associated with so many beautiful emotions. We are incredibly looking forward to returning next year with our (still unborn) daughter.
Why should other couples consider it for their elopement?
Besides the beautiful and unique nature, because there are wonderful people on Skye who support you with their heart and soul and give everything to make your wedding day perfect. We felt so comfortable and welcome and never like strangers.
What are your top tips for planning an elopement in this area?
- Trust the locals!
Every service provider was 100% reliable, cordial and relaxed. Dare to relinquish control. The locals know the most beautiful places where you can be to yourself (yes, this is possible on Skye – promise!).
- Don’t worry about the weather.
Everyone advised us to do so beforehand, but we were still worried when we looked at the weather forecast (perhaps typically German :D). And it was all for nothing! Firstly, Skye is wonderful in any weather and secondly, the local professionals can handle any weather. We had beautiful kisses in the rain that we will never forget. 🙂
- Last but not least: Enjoy every second of your day. It goes by far too quickly!
What were your favourite memories from the day?
The moments during the wedding ceremony. The sound of the sea, the wind, the seagulls, the sound of the violin and the words of our wonderful celebrant. I don’t know what happened, but you could feel the magic. We felt like Skye was just ours for a moment.
What did you love about working with Lynne? What details about the day did you love?
Lynne made us feel like friends from the start. She was our partner in crime during the planning of our secret wedding. 🙂
She has a way of making you relax and be yourself and forget that you are being photographed. This creates unique photos where you can see your love for each other as it is.
And she has great local contacts.
It was especially great that she moved the time of our wedding at short notice on her own initiative and agreed with everyone involved so that we could catch some sun.
And of course she knows the most beautiful and lonely places on Skye, but shhh… they remain a secret. 🙂
Were they any funny stories leading up to the day, or on the day itself?
It was very funny how we came up with the idea of getting married on Skye. We told my best friend about our holiday plans. She said “You’ll probably come back from Scotland engaged. It’s about time!” and after a short pause she added “Or, crazy as you are, you’ll come home married.”
On the long car ride home I said to my husband “That would actually be a great idea to get married in Scotland” and he immediately agreed. It just felt right from the start! When we arrived home that day, the rough plan was in place and the first service providers were chosen. After that, everything went like clockwork. Each of our desired service providers had time and we were able to rent our dream cottage for the period, although everything around was fully booked.
Within a few days everything was organised – fate was clearly on our side in the matter. 🙂
And let me tell you one thing, my friend was shocked that we had actually put her idea into action.
And another story: We had neglected to buy smidge – so the groom was pretty much stung by the midges and had to be cosmetically treated by a nervous bride the night before the wedding with face mask, ointment and so on.
So if you think “these midges can’t be that bad” – trust me, they are worse!
Any other advice or tips you would like to share based on your experience?
If you have the feeling that this could be something for you, dare. Don’t overthink it, just go with the flow. If it were possible, we would like to get married on Skye at least once a year.
And something else organizational:
We contacted the lovely ladies from the registry office in Portree beforehand and sent them all the documents in advance for checking. We also informed the responsible registrar in Germany about our plans. The whole paperwork went smoothly and our marriage was recognized in Germany without any problems and even certified with a German marriage certificate (not a must).
There is one thing to keep in mind: As a German you need a marriage visa for Great Britain. Both spouses have to apply for this visa personally and there are only a few contact points in Germany. Therefore, you have to take care of an appointment and the possibly long journey as early as possible.
Credits
Photographer: Lynne Kennedy
Music: Misty Island Fiddler
Accommodation: Lusa Bothy
Flowers: Loch Duich Plants
