Planning Your Islay Wedding Checklist
Planning a wedding on Islay is a little different (in the best possible way). It's remote, intimate, breathtakingly beautiful, and full of character.
As a wedding photographer based right here on Islay, I've had the honour of capturing love stories all over this incredible island. I've created this checklist based on real wedding experience - so it's practical, local, and full of small tips that can make a big difference.
Whether you're local or bringing your guests over for a destination celebration, this checklist is here to keep you on track and act as a handy reminder.
Timeline at a Glance
12-18 months before: Book registrar, venues, photographer, key suppliers
6-12 months before: Reserve accommodation, plan transport, send save-the-dates
3-6 months before: Legal paperwork, invitations, finalize details
1 month before: Confirm all arrangements, pack, final guest count
Week of: Arrive on Islay, collect documents, relax and enjoy
1. First Steps to Planning Your Islay Wedding
12-18 months before
Choose your date
Check ferry schedules (CalMac typically releases timetables 12 weeks in advance for summer sailings) and island events to make sure venues and accommodation are available before booking anything.
Book your registrar
Contact Argyll and Bute Council registrars early to secure your date and start the paperwork process. If you're coming from overseas, start this process early as additional documentation may be required.
Book your ceremony venue
From dramatic clifftops to secluded coves and unique hotels - Islay has something special for everyone's taste. If you can't find your dream venue, chat to me and I'll use my local knowledge to help you find the perfect spot.
Book your reception venue
If you're planning a reception in a different place to your ceremony, book this too.
Consider wedding insurance
Especially important for island weddings where ferry cancellations can happen due to weather. Look for policies that cover supplier failure, extreme weather, and travel disruption.
Hire your photographer
(That's me!) I book up quickly - aim to book 12-18 months ahead for summer weddings. If you like my work, let's chat early to secure your date.
Write your guest list
The size of your group will influence your choice of venues, so get a rough idea early on and make sure there's enough space for everyone. Keep in mind travel and accommodation options for your guests - it helps with early planning.
2. Securing Your Team
6-12 months before
Reserve accommodation
Islay has limited capacity, so book your own accommodation early and either reserve blocks of rooms for guests or provide them with a shortlist of recommended places. Aim for 9-12 months ahead for summer weddings.
Plan transport
Confirm ferries, flights, local taxis, or hiring a bus for the day. This covers you, your wedding party, and transfers for your guests too. CalMac typically releases ferry timetables 4-6 months in advance - sign up to their mailing list to get schedules as soon as they're released.
Have a ferry contingency plan
Check weather forecasts 2-3 days before travel. If rough weather is forecast, consider travelling a day early. Keep CalMac's number handy and have backup flight options researched just in case.
Secure your key suppliers
Caterers for food and drink
Florist
Musicians and DJs
Hair stylist
Makeup artist
Get in touch with me for my Islay wedding vendor recommendations - many are in high demand during peak seasons, so it's good to book well ahead.
3. Planning the Details
3-6 months before
Send "save the dates" to your guests
Especially important if guests are travelling to Islay - give them plenty of time to plan their journey and book accommodation.
Create a guest information resource
Consider a simple wedding website or information sheet with ferry booking tips, accommodation recommendations, things to do on Islay, what to expect weather-wise, and dress code guidance. This is especially helpful for guests who've never visited the island.
Choose and buy your outfits
Plan time for fittings and final adjustments, especially if you're travelling from further afield and bringing your outfits to Islay. Think about a second outfit for dancing the night away, especially if you've been to an Islay beach earlier in the day.
Choose your wedding rings
Enjoy shopping for your wedding bands together.
Write your vows
If you're writing personal vows, start drafting them now while you have time to reflect and refine.
Plan your ceremony and reception details
Work with your registrar on the ceremony:
Timings
Readings
Paperwork requirements
Witness details
Meeting to discuss the ceremony structure
Work with your venue to plan:
Timings
Layout
Décor
Table arrangements
Identify weather backup options if you're planning an outdoor ceremony, confirm indoor or sheltered alternatives with your venue or registrar.
This is when it all starts to come together (exciting!).
Order your cake
Choose your centrepiece for the special day. I recommend using a local supplier so you don't have to travel with your cake - get in touch for recommendations.
Plan your honeymoon
Research and book your dream honeymoon or minimoon. Or enjoy the magic of Islay for longer and stay on the island for a few days or a week after your ceremony.
Collect legal paperwork
You'll need to submit your M10 marriage notice form (the official notice of intent to marry in Scotland) to the local registry office (Argyll and Bute Council) no sooner than 3 months before the wedding, and no later than 29 days prior. If you're coming from overseas, start this process early as additional documentation may be required.
Send invitations
Include ferry and flight information, travel tips, accommodation suggestions, dress code, and any special local details that will help guests prepare for an island wedding.
4. Final Preparations
1 month before
Book a pre-wedding shoot and meet in person
Many of my couples do this when visiting the island ahead of the big day. It's a great way to relax in front of the camera and explore some stunning locations together. And you might like some shots for personalised details or wedding favours too.
Finalize bookings
Confirm timings and any special requests with all your suppliers.
Finalise guest numbers
Confirm dietary requirements, accessibility needs (some beach access can be steep and rocky), transport arrangements, and anything else you may wish to organize for your guests.
Plan activities around the wedding day
If your guests are traveling quite a way and staying a couple of nights, a pub meet-up, beach BBQ, or whisky tasting the night before helps everyone settle in and makes a trip of it.
Confirm photography details
When I'm your photographer, this is when we'll fine-tune your timeline, key moments, and any special photo requests.
Final confirmation with everyone
Send a final timeline to your suppliers and key contacts. Make sure your wedding party knows their responsibilities and timings for the day.
Pack for all seasons
Islay's weather is famously unpredictable. Bring wellies and waterproofs, but don't forget your sunglasses! Pack layers and be prepared for anything.
5. The Week of Your Wedding - You're on Islay!
Relax and enjoy the island
Make this a priority! Let the pace of Islay help you slow down and soak in every moment. Trust your team and be fully present.
Collect legal documents
Pick up your marriage schedule from the local registry office - you'll need this on the day.
Visit your ceremony location
Especially if you're having a beach ceremony, visit the spot beforehand to choose exactly where you'll stand, check the terrain, and visualise how everything will work. This is also a good time to check tide times if relevant.
Check the weather forecast
It can change quickly! Confirm your weather backup plan if needed (and maybe pack some sunscreen too).
Drop off décor and items at the venue
Table plans, place cards, signage, guest book, favours, and any other details.
Confirm with key suppliers
Double-check times and locations with your photographer (hopefully me), florist, caterer, musicians, etc.
Rings and vows - final check
Confirm that rings are packed and assign someone responsible for bringing them on the day. Do a final read-through of your vows if you've written your own.
Prep your outfits
Hang up your dress, steam if needed, and organise shoes and accessories. Don't forget outfits for the wedding party too.
Plan the morning
Know who's getting ready where, and what time hair, makeup, and your photographer will arrive. Make sure you have help from your wedding party with this.
Host a welcome or rehearsal gathering
A relaxed meal, whisky tasting, or beach walk can help guests feel at home and build excitement for the day ahead.
Get an early night
You'll want to be well-rested for the big day, so get to bed early. Not easy on an island famed for its whisky, but do your best!
6. After the Wedding
Sign and return the marriage schedule
It must be submitted to the registry office within 3 days to officially register your marriage.
Receive your photos
I'll send a sneak peek within 48 hours of your wedding, and your full gallery will follow within 6-8 weeks.
Thank your guests and suppliers
A quick thank you or acknowledgement of their support in celebrating with you is a lovely touch.
Enjoy being married!
Take time to look through your photos together, relive the memories, and settle into married life.
Ready to Start Planning Your Islay Wedding?
Planning a wedding on Islay is a truly special experience. I hope this checklist has helped you feel more prepared, excited, and inspired as you begin bringing your celebration to life.
Whether you're planning a full island wedding or a quiet elopement, having the right people around you makes all the difference. If you're looking for a wedding photographer on Islay, I'd be honoured to be part of your day.
Feel free to get in touch to check dates, ask questions, or just say hello - I'm always happy to help.
Let's make your Islay wedding everything you've dreamed of - and more.