Being the Scottish elopement gurus that we are, we’re frequently asked the question “where is your favourite ceremony spot of all time” and it’s almost impossible to answer because there are SO many amazing options!  Now, we say almost, because actually, there is one location that time and time again we find ourselves chomping at the bit to get back to.  That place is Castle Tioram over in the remote wilds of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and we have to admit to being completely in love with it! 

Built way back in the 13th Century, Castle Tioram is the ancient fortress of the Macdonalds of Clanranald and was strategically built, where Loch Moidart meets the River Shiel, to control the busy shipping routes from the Southern Hebridean islands and Skye.  Personally, we reckon it was strategically built as an elopement destination because it pretty much ticks EVERY SINGLE BOX!   

With that in mind, you can imagine how excited we were to hear from Sabine and Mario last year who were writing from Dresden in Germany and who were in the early stages of planning their elopement to Castle Tioram.  

Sabine & Mario were looking for a great property in close proximity to the castle where they could spend time with their parents prior to the wedding day and where they could go onto enjoy their minimoon, just the two of them, thereafter.  They opted for the fabulous Tigh na Mara in Salen, which we can HIGHLY recommend for couples with up to eight guests.

Sabine & Mario also required a few little extras such as hair/makeup, flowers and a piper, so we pointed them in the direction of our tried and trusted local wedding suppliers, and before you know it, it was 12pm on 16th March 2020 and we were all standing in the pouring rain drinking in the atmosphere of Castle Tioram at hightide. 

Because Sabine & Mario’s parents couldn’t speak a word of English, the brilliant AND bilingual Bonny Watkins of Bonny’s Wonderland Hair & Makeup, offered to not only beautify Sabine and the mums, but to also translate Paula’s entire ceremony script into German and read it aloud on the big day!  Paula stepped in to perform a traditional handfasting and to recite the legal vows, but the rest was all Bonny and we cannot thank her enough as it was so special for Sabine & Mario’s parents to hear the retelling of their children’s love story on one of the most important days of their lives. 

Have a read through Trevor’s blog to get a photographer’s view of their amazing wedding!