Islay Wedding FAQs - Everything You Need to Know

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions from those planning their own magical Islay day!

1. What's the best time of year to get married on Islay?

Honestly, every season on Islay has its own magic, but it really depends on what matters most to you.

May to August is when most couples choose to marry here. You'll get the longest days (sunset around 10pm in June!), the warmest weather, and those incredible golden evening light conditions I love photographing in. The beaches feel almost Mediterranean on a good day, and everything's green and lush.

September and October can be absolutely stunning and also a popular time - fewer tourists, dramatic skies, and you'll often get those moody, atmospheric conditions that make for breathtaking photos. The light's gorgeous, though days are shorter.

November to March is for the brave! It's wild, windswept, and properly Scottish. If you want dramatic coastal shots and don't mind the possibility of a cold breeze, winter weddings here are unforgettable. Just know that ferries can be cancelled in rough weather.

A wee note about midges - they're around from late May through September, particularly in the evenings near still water or woodland. They're rarely a problem on breezy coastal spots, but worth considering for your ceremony location. Islay tends to be better for midges than the mainland due to being a bit breezier, but it’s still worth thinking about.

I'd love to chat about what you're hoping for and help you pick the perfect time for your Islay wedding.

2. How many guests can realistically attend an Islay wedding?

This is one of the first questions I get asked, and it's a good one - Islay's a wee island, so there are practical considerations.

For elopements: Amazing! I can help guide you into the most amazing wedding experience covering your ceremony, somewhere to take you for stunning photos and any other experiences that suit you. Think peat fires and drams on the beach, or private tastings and exclusive experiences – Islay does elopements brilliantly, and they’re all as unique as you are.

For intimate weddings (up to 20 guests): Perfect. Islay handles this beautifully. There's plenty of accommodation spread across the island, and your guests will love exploring distilleries and beaches between wedding events.

For medium weddings (20-50 guests): Definitely doable, but you'll want to plan accommodation early. Consider concentrating guests in one main village (Bowmore or Port Ellen work well) or booking out a larger self-catering property where everyone can stay together. Also, many of the venues e.g. the Bridgend Hotel, do accommodate parties of this size.

For larger weddings (50+ guests): It gets trickier, but it’s still more than possible as local couples do this on a regular basis! Booking accommodation in advance is key here, encourage early booking - we're talking 6-12 months in advance.

There’s a little less choice with venues, many local couples choose one of the local halls, decorate it themselves and get catering in. Though you’ll find other options available to, including marquees – there’s loads of possibilities!

For destination weddings with up to 30 guests - that's when Islay really shines. There's something special about gathering your closest people in this beautiful, remote place.

3. Do we need a wedding planner for an Islay destination wedding?

Not necessarily, but let me explain what I've seen work well.

You probably don't need a full wedding planner if:

• You're having a small, intimate ceremony (under 20 people)

• You're comfortable making phone calls and coordinating details yourself

• You're planning something relatively simple - ceremony, meal, celebration

I work with couples all the time who organise everything themselves. Islay's small enough that local vendors know each other, and everyone's incredibly helpful. I'm always happy to point you towards florists, caterers, and venues I've worked with.

A planner or coordinator might be worth it if:

• You're bringing 30+ guests and need accommodation coordination

• You're overseas and can't easily visit beforehand

• You want a more elaborate event with multiple locations or complex logistics

• You'd simply prefer someone local handling the details so you can relax

There aren't dedicated wedding planners based on Islay, but there are excellent Scotland-based planners who specialise in destination weddings and know the island well. I can recommend a few I've worked with who are brilliant.

What I offer: I'm not a planner, but I've photographed enough Islay weddings to know what works. I'm happy to share recommendations, suggest locations, talk through timing, and help you think through your day. Think of me as your local friend who knows all the best spots!

4. Can I have a distillery wedding?

This is a tricky one to answer definitively! Yes and No! Some of the distilleries do allow small ceremonies on-site, but it’s generally no more than 10 people. The island distilleries are very busy places and set up to serve tours, tastings and people visiting for the whisky, so big wedding ceremonies aren’t easily achieved.

What is more common is to have a ceremony elsewhere, and then either arrange some photos at one of the distilleries, or arrange a private tasting at your favourite distillery.

My best advice is to find a time to chat with me, and I can help guide you to something that would work for you and your favourite whisky or distillery!

5. How do our guests get to Islay? What about elderly relatives?

Getting here is part of the adventure, but let me break down the options so you can help your guests plan.

By Ferry (CalMac): The most common route - and honestly, it's a lovely journey.

• From Kennacraig (mainland Scotland) to Port Ellen or Port Askaig: 2-2.5 hours

• Kennacraig is about 2 hours drive from Glasgow

• Ferries run multiple times daily in summer, less frequently in winter

• Book vehicles well in advance; foot passengers usually fine. Ferry is accessible, and there’s lifts for anyone with mobility issues.

By Air:

• Loganair flights from Glasgow: 30 minutes, twice daily (more in summer)

• Perfect for elderly guests or anyone nervous about sea crossings

• Book early for better prices

Accessibility considerations:

• Islay Airport is tiny and easy to navigate

• Many fully accessible hotels and self-catering options

• Beach ceremonies might be challenging for those with mobility issues - I can suggest accessible coastal viewpoints instead

• Car hire on the island is essential for flexibility - several small companies

I’m happy to talk through logistics based on where your guests are travelling from!

6. Can we have a legal ceremony on the beach or outdoors on Islay?

Yes, absolutely! This is one of the brilliant things about getting married in Scotland.

The legal bit: Scotland has some of the most flexible marriage laws in the UK. You can have a legal ceremony pretty much anywhere you like - beach, clifftop, hillside, ancient ruins, distillery courtyard - as long as you have permission to be there and your registrar or celebrant is willing to conduct the ceremony at that location.

There's no requirement for a building or covered structure. If you want to exchange vows with your feet in the sand at Machir Bay or on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, you absolutely can do that legally.

What you need:

Permission: Make sure you have the landowner's permission to hold a ceremony on the location. For beaches and most coastal areas, this is usually straightforward - they're public spaces. For private land or specific sites, you'll need to check.

A registered celebrant or registrar: Most people use the local registrars, but there are celebrants who travel to Islay. They are usually happy to conduct outdoor ceremonies - it's very common here.

Two witnesses: As with any legal marriage in Scotland. I’m happy to be one of your witnesses if you’re eloping.

Practical considerations:

Weather backup: Even though you CAN legally marry on a beach, Scottish weather being what it is, you'll want a Plan B. I always recommend having an indoor alternative identified, or at least a more sheltered outdoor spot nearby. The ceremony is legal wherever it happens - what matters is having options if the weather turns.

Sound: Wind and waves can make it hard for guests to hear for a large wedding. Some couples use small PA systems, or they position everyone in a sheltered spot. Intimate weddings (under 20 people) usually manage fine without amplification.

Accessibility: Consider whether all your guests can comfortably reach and stand at your chosen spot. Beach ceremonies might be challenging for elderly relatives or anyone with mobility issues - though many of Islay's beaches have accessible parking nearby.

Beautiful outdoor ceremony locations on Islay:

• Machir Bay (wide-open endless sand, dramatic waves)

• Singing Sands (intimate, peaceful, gorgeous)

• Saligo Bay (wild and dramatic)

• The Oa peninsula (rugged, romantic)

• Kilnaughton Bay (near Port Ellen, convenient and beautiful and sheltered)

What I've seen work beautifully: Most couples I photograph have their legal ceremony exactly where they want it - beach, clifftop, wherever feels special. The combination of Islay's dramatic landscape and Scotland's flexible marriage laws means you really can have the ceremony of your dreams.

My advice: Choose your location based on what feels right for you, then plan logistics around it. Have a wet weather backup, think about guest comfort, but don't compromise on the magic of the setting. This is your Islay wedding - make it exactly what you want it to be.

I know all these locations intimately and can help you think through timing, light, tides, and positioning for the best photos. Let's chat about your vision and I'll help you figure out the perfect spot.

7. What happens if the weather is bad on our wedding day?

The truth about Islay weather: It's changeable. Properly, spectacularly changeable. You might get glorious sunshine, dramatic clouds, sideways rain, and rainbows all in one afternoon. I've seen it all, and here's the thing - I've never photographed a wedding that was ruined by weather. Different, yes. Ruined, no.

What "bad weather" actually means for photos: Some of my most stunning images happen in moody, dramatic weather. Grey skies, wind-whipped hair, rain on the beach - it's atmospheric and romantic in a way that flat blue skies sometimes aren't. I always bring umbrellas, I know every sheltered spot on this island, and I'm brilliant at reading weather patterns and the rain radar to grab moments between showers.

Practical planning:

Always have a backup plan:

• If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, identify an indoor option  – I can help with this.

• Consider locations with natural shelter (woodland clearings, cliff alcoves, distillery courtyards)

• Flexible timing helps - we can shift your couple's photos to whenever weather's clearest, providing the registrar can too.

What I do:

• Watch forecasts obsessively in the days before

• Suggest timing adjustments if needed

• Bring emergency umbrellas, blankets, and towels

• Know every covered spot, doorway, and sheltered beach on the island

What you should do:

• Embrace it! Seriously. If you come to Islay expecting perfect weather, you'll be disappointed. If you come ready for an adventure, you'll have an incredible day regardless

• Consider your dress - long sleeves, capes, or shawls look stunning and keep you warm

• Warn guests to bring layers and waterproofs

• Trust that I'll capture something beautiful whatever the weather throws at us

Some of my favourite weddings have been the "stormy" ones. There's something about laughing together in the wind, huddling under an umbrella, or getting sprinkled with rain that makes couples feel more present and joyful. And the photos? Unforgettable.

8. Do you provide help finding other wedding vendors on Islay (florists, caterers, make-up)?

Absolutely - I've been photographing weddings here long enough to know who's brilliant at what they do.

What I can help with:

I can help you identify venues, accommodation, caterers and florists who will suit your day perfectly, just book in a chat!

What I don't do: I'm not a wedding planner and I don't take commission from vendors, so my recommendations are purely based on good experiences and beautiful work. I'll point you in the right direction, make introductions if helpful, but the booking and coordinating is over to you (or a planner if you hire one).

The Islay wedding community: Everyone here is used to working together on destination weddings. Once you book one or two vendors, they'll often know each other and can help fill in gaps. It's a friendly, collaborative network.

Drop me a message and I'm happy to share my list of trusted people, it’s currently in progress and is being updated. It'll save you hours of googling!

9. How far in advance should we book our Islay wedding photographer?

For Islay specifically, earlier than you might think.

The realistic timeline:

12-18 months ahead: Ideal, especially for peak season (June-September). I only photograph a limited number of weddings each year because I want to give each couple my full attention and creative energy. Summer weekends book up fast.

6-12 months: Still often possible, particularly for spring, autumn, or winter weddings. Some summer dates might be available if you're flexible.

3-6 months: Worth asking! I occasionally have cancellations or quieter dates available, especially midweek or off-season.

Under 3 months: I'll do my best, but no promises for peak times. It’s been done before!

Why book early for Islay?

• Limited photographer options on the island means dates fill up

• You'll want your photographer sorted before booking other vendors - we can help with timeline planning and location advice

• Peace of mind! One less thing to worry about while you're organising travel and accommodation

What happens when you book: Once you've paid your deposit, your date's locked in. We'll have a proper chat (video call or in person if you're visiting) about your vision, your must-have shots, your family dynamics, and how you want your day to flow. I'll share location ideas and we'll plan timing to make the most of Islay's light.

If you're thinking about an Islay wedding, drop me a message - even if you're still in early planning stages. I'm happy to have a no-pressure chat about dates and possibilities. If I'm already booked, I can sometimes recommend other photographers who know the island.

10. What's included in your wedding photography packages and how do we choose?

Great question - let me break down what I offer and help you figure out what might work best for you.

My packages typically include:

The Wee Wedding (Half Day - up to 4 hours): Perfect for intimate elopements or small weddings with a ceremony and spectacular couple shots around the island.

The Gathering (Three Quarter Day – approx. 7 hours): For a small wedding without any evening celebrations, this works brilliantly. It covers the final stages of getting ready, up to when you’re ready to relax and wind down for the more casual wedding.

The Islay Experience (Full Day 10 hours+): Most popular for traditional weddings. Bridal prep through to the late evening celebrations. Gives us time for relaxed couple portraits, all the key moments, and those golden hour beach shots.

A free engagement shoot is included with The Gathering and The Islay Experience packages.

What you always get:

• Pre-wedding consultation and support

• Me, your photographer, for the agreed hours (I don't send associates).

• High-resolution digital images with professional editing

• Private online gallery for viewing, downloading, and sharing

• Print release - your images to use as you wish

• Sneak peek images within 24-48 hours (because you'll be dying to see them!)

• Full gallery delivery within 6-8 weeks

Optional add-ons:

• Engagement shoot on Islay (great for couples visiting beforehand)

• Second photographer for larger weddings

• Prints, albums, and wall art

• Extra coverage hours

• Rehearsal dinner coverage

How to choose:

Consider your timeline: An intimate ceremony, meal, and beach portraits? Half day works beautifully. Traditional ceremony with reception, speeches, and dancing? Full day gives you breathing room.

Think about what matters most: If getting-ready photos with your family are important, factor that in. If you'd rather start from ceremony and focus on golden hour portraits, we can structure around that.

Guest numbers matter: Bigger weddings naturally take longer to photograph - more group shots, more guests to capture, longer to move between locations.

Islay-specific note: Travel time between locations here can be 20-40 minutes. If you're having ceremony at one end of the island and reception at the other, build that into coverage time.

My recommendation: For most couples coming to Islay, full day coverage gives you the flexibility to relax, enjoy dramatic light conditions (which change throughout the day), and not feel rushed. This is a destination wedding - you want time to explore and soak it all in.

Let's chat: Honestly, the best way to figure this out is to tell me about your plans and I'll suggest what would work. Every wedding's different, and I'd rather you pay for what you need than feel you're buying hours you won't use.

Drop me a message and we'll have a proper conversation about your day!

We're not keen on having our photo taken - will that be a problem?

Honestly? You're not alone. Most couples tell me this at some point, and I completely understand - standing in front of a camera can feel awkward and unnatural.

But here's the thing: your couple session on Islay isn't really a "photoshoot" in the traditional sense. It's more like an adventure with a camera along for the journey.

What actually happens:

We'll head to one of Islay's stunning beaches or clifftop spots - somewhere you've probably been dreaming about since you decided to get married here. I'll bring a flask of whisky (or whatever you fancy), and we'll spend 30-45 minutes exploring, chatting, maybe scrambling over rocks, definitely laughing at the wind trying to steal your veil.

I'm not going to pose you awkwardly or ask you to do anything that feels forced. Instead, I'll suggest you walk towards that incredible view, or whisper something to each other, or just stand together and take it all in. The photos happen naturally while you're busy enjoying being on a wild Scottish beach with a dram in hand.

The Islay difference:

Think of this as part of your island experience - like visiting a distillery or watching the sunset over the Atlantic. It's a chance to step away from your guests for a bit, catch your breath, and actually be present together in this landscape you've chosen.

Most couples tell me afterwards that it was one of their favourite parts of the day. Not because of the photos (though they love those too), but because it gave them space to be just the two of them in an incredible place, doing something a bit adventurous and memorable.

What makes it relaxed:

I've been photographing couples on this island for years - I know how to read when someone's comfortable and when they need a moment. If you're feeling stiff, we'll walk more. If you're camera-shy, I'll give you something to do or talk about. And if you just want to stand there holding hands and looking at the view while I capture that? Perfect.

The whisky helps too, I won't lie.

Trust the process:

You don't need to be "good at photos." You just need to be yourselves, be willing to get a bit windswept, and trust me to capture something beautiful while you're busy soaking up the Islay magic.

If you're still worried, we can always do a quick engagement session when you visit the island beforehand - it's a brilliant way to get comfortable with the camera and with me, and you'll have some gorgeous photos to use for invitations or your website.

But honestly? Once you're standing with the sand beneath your feet with the Atlantic rolling in and a dram warming your hands, being photographed won't feel like the main event. The island does most of the work - I just help you remember it.

Ready to plan your Islay wedding?

I'd love to hear about what you're dreaming up. Whether you've got everything sorted or you're still figuring out if Islay's right for you, let's chat.

Drop me a message through the contact page and we'll go from there.