My Islay Wedding Vendor Guide
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I'm Ben Shakespeare, a wedding photographer living and working on Islay who created the ‘My Islay Wedding’ brand in 2018.
I’ve created this guide to help couples connect with the brilliant local suppliers, save you hours of searching and show that Islay is such a unique and inspiring place for any kind of wedding.
And if you're looking for a photographer? I'd love to hear about your plans.
Finding Your Islay Wedding Team
Planning a wedding on an island like Islay means working with people who understand its pace, personality, and charm. If you’re considering an Islay wedding, you’ll need to know who does what and how to get in touch with them.
Over the years of photographing weddings here, I've worked alongside loads of brilliant suppliers - from florists and caterers to musicians and hair stylists. This list is simply me sharing those connections to make your planning easier.
A few things to know: being listed here doesn't mean I'm officially endorsing anyone or guaranteeing your experience. It just means I've seen (or heard about) their work, and I'm happy to point you in their direction. I don't receive commission from anyone listed here - these are just genuine connections I've built while doing what I love.
Top tips? Do your own research, have a chat with suppliers, read their reviews, and choose the people who feel right for your day.
And if you discover someone brilliant I haven't listed? Let me know! I'm always happy to add great local suppliers to help future couples.
Right, let's get into it...
Registrars & Celebrants
Islay Based
Name: Gemma Cameron – District Registrar
Details: Handles legal civil weddings across Islay, can also conduct other ceremonies, incorporating handfasting, quaich and other ceremony elements. The local registrars are great to work with and know the island well..
Website or Social Media: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/births-deaths-and-marriages/registration-offices-contact-information
Email address: gemma.cameron@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Scotland Based (Travels to Islay)
Name: Anne Armstrong
Details: Anne is an celebrant well used to travelling to Islay and has conducted several beautiful ceremonies here.
Website or Social Media: https://www.solwaycelebrant.co.uk/
Name: Ally MacPherson
Details: Celebrant and Piper, happy to travel to Islay.
Website or Social Media: https://www.thescottishcelebrants.org/ally-macpherson-celebrant
Venues
Islay offers stunning beaches, luxury hotels, local halls and much more! There’s always something to suit every couple.
Hotels
Islay has a range of hotels, many offering on-site ceremonies, as well as receptions and accommodation.
Name: Bridgend Hotel, Bridgend
Details: 4 star hotel. Winner of Scottish Village Hotel of the Year. Stunning gardens, beautifully decorated bedrooms.
Website or Social Media: https://www.bridgend-hotel.com/
Email address: info@bridgend-hotel.com
Name: Another Place; The Machrie Hotel, Port Ellen
Details: Modern relaxed hotel with golf links course.
Website or Social Media: Another Place, The Machrie | Hotel & Golf Links on Islay, Scotland | Another Place, The Machrie
Email address: machrie-life@another.place
Name: Port Charlotte Hotel, Port Charlotte
Details: Small 4 star hotel in village location.
Website or Social Media: Port Charlotte Hotel - Hotel in Islay Island
Email address: info@portcharlottehotel.co.uk
Name: Islay House, Bridgend
Details: Elegant country house offering ceremonies and receptions.
Website or Social Media: https://www.islayhouse.co.uk
Email address: info@islayhouse.co.uk
Ceremony & Reception Venues and Ideas
There’s a range of places that will offer a stunning ceremony and a reception too! Absolutely something for every type of ceremony!
Name: Islay Gaelic Centre, Bowmore
Details: Situated just outside Bowmore the Gaelic Centre offers space within its Conference Room for small, intimate weddings. Catering can be provided. For bigger weddings we have space in the grounds for a Marquee.
Website or Social Media: https://islaygaeliccentre.co.uk/islay-wedding-venue
Email address: islaygaeliccentre@gmail.com
Name: Port Mor, Port Charlotte
Details: Community Centre and Campsite
Website or Social Media: http://islandofislay.co.uk
Name: Balaclava Byre, Port Ellen
Details: Restaurant and venue
Website or Social Media: The Balaclava Byre Farm Shop and Restaurant
Email address: info@thebalaclavabyre.co.uk
Name: Islay Sea Adventures
Details: We are a five-star boat-based tour company, operating from Port Ellen. With four boats, we can accommodate up to 48 guests for an intimate and unique wedding ceremony on the sea. With options of views of distilleries, quiet secluded bays and more. After the ceremony, we can offer an amazing seafood banquet of Lobster, Crab, Scallops, and accompaniments. (Other catering is available upon request.)
Website or Social Media: @islay_sea_adventures www.islay-sea-adventures.co.uk
Email address: info@islay-sea-adventures.co.uk
Contact: 01496300129
Name: Finlaggan Visitor Centre
Details: Historic civil wedding location with indoor/outdoor options.
Website or Social Media: https://www.finlaggan.org/weddings-at-finlaggan
Email address: finlaggan@outlook.com
Name: Islay and Jura Marquee
Details: Local Island based marquee hire serving Islay, Jura and Colonsay. We offer not just the venue but all the equipment hire needed for weddings, corporate events and private events.
Website or Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/islayandjuramarquees
Email address: islayandjuramarquees@hotmail.com Contact: 07909650611
Hair & Makeup
Name: Laurie Love -Hair and Make Up
Details: Laurie brings 19 years of hairdressing experience and 16 years of makeup artistry to her bridal and event work. Trained at the Makeup Academy of Glasgow under company owner Sara Hill, she specialises in creating beautiful looks for your special day. Laurie is a true Islay wedding expert!
Website or Social Media: Laurie on Instagram & Facebook
Contact: 078877430515
Name: RDM Hair Design
Details: Wedding and event hair
Website or Social Media: RDM hair design on Facebook
Contact: 07413193721
Name: Cubic Hair
Details: Hair and Make Up - all aspects of hairdressing for everyone.
Social Media: Cubic Hair Islay
Contact: via social media or cubichair@outlook.com
Florists
Islay Based
Name: Islay Cut Flowers – Helen McCormick
Details: Seasonal local blooms grown on Islay.
Website or Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/Islay.CutFlowers
Contact: 07979596448
Name: Fiona Doyle- Chatterbox Flowers (Loch Gorm House)
Details: Beautiful arrangements
Contact; 01496 850 139 or 07775 666850
Scotland Based
Name: Jenna Mar Florals
Details: Jenna Mar Florals is my small floristry business based in Ballater, Aberdeenshire , however , with family connections on Islay it’s a place I enjoy spending time and would be very happy to provide florals while on the island. Contact for availability.
Website or Social Media: Instagram
Contact: Jennamarflorals@gmail.com & 07840251017
Cakes
Name: Copper Still Coffee - Marie Denby
Details: Bespoke wedding cakes
Website or Social Media: Copper Still Coffee on Facebook
Contact: hello@copperstillcoffee.co.uk
Name: Gemma Maclean - contact via Spirited Soaps
Details: Wonderful wedding cakes by Gemma.
Website or Social Media: https://www.spiritedsoaps.com/
Email address: shop@spiritedsoaps.com
Contact: 01496 810938
Name: Country Cake Lass
Details: I am passionate about creating bespoke wedding cakes that taste as good as they look. Each cake is thoughtfully crafted using high quality ingredients to reflect your visions and elevate your celebration.
Website or Social Media: www.countrycakelass.com
Contact: cake@countrycakelass.com & 07969017620
Pipers
Lindsay Macarthur
Piper from Islay, Member of Islay Pipe Band and former member of National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland.
Email: Linsaymacarthur@aol.co.uk
Call: 07770974220
James McEachern
Piper from Islay, Member of Isle of Islay Pipe Band
Email: James.mceachern@btinternet.com
Call: 07818271147
Liam Grey
Contact :07784652738
Email: alisongrayislay@aol.co.uk
Event Services
Islay and Jura Based
Name: Laurie Love Event Hire
Details: After 15 years working with brides on Islay, Laurie's love for all things weddings inspired her to launch an event décor hire service in 2025. She's excited to help couples create beautiful celebrations from start to finish.
Contact: Laurie’s Event Hire on Instagram
Name: Forrester logs and kindling
Details: Rustic benches for outdoor events
Contact: 07859988058 or 07932583671
Name: Wild Jura
Details: Wild Venison - We can supply wild Jura venison to your wedding caterer, for example sirloin roast, haunch steaks or fillet.
Website: www.wildjura.com
Contact: hello@wildjura.co.uk & 07884000870
Name: RNLI Fundraisers - Bars & Drinks Service
Details: Bar & drinks provision & service - RNLI Islay will supply a bar service for you and your guests. We apply for the alcohol license, order the drink required to supply the full bar service, transport the drinks to/from the venue, arrange the volunteer staff to work on the bar, with all the bar profits from the bar going to the RNLI Islay Lifeboat. A professional service for a worthy cause!
Website or Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/Islaylifeboat/
Contact: graham_paterson@rnli.org.uk
Name: Jura-Loo
Details: Portable toilet hire Jura-Loo is a family-run business based on the Isle of Jura. Created to support Jura & Islay's events and occasions with luxury mobile toilet solutions. Planning an event is difficult enough, so leave us to make sure that your guests have the facilities they need.
Email address: thejuraloo@hotmail.com
Contact: 0790965611
Name: Bowmore Community Association - Bars & Drinks Service
Details: Let the Bowmore Community Association run your bar and help fundraise for our events throughout the year.
Social Media: Community Association on FB
Contact: bowmorecommunity22@hotmail.com
Will Travel to Islay
Name: Argyll Event Hire
Details: We are a small business established in 2024 and still growing and based in Mid Argyll (Lochgilphead). We provide a wide range of products for hire and services. Photo booth, wedding arches, venue decor, table cloths and chair covers, chairs, candy floss, popcorn, bouncy castles, craft set ups, light up LOVE, donut wall, indoor/outdoor games, white/beige soft play, welcome boards, balloon displays, table plan vinyl prints, etc.
Website: www.argylleventhire.com
Contact: enquiries@argylleventhire.com & 07949 245203
Wedding Planning
Name: Katie’s Hebridean Weddings
Details: Based on the mainland, but growing up on Jura, Katie knows Islay well and had co-ordinated many weddings on Islay.
Social Media: Katie on Facebook
Caterers
Islay Based
Name: Oystershed & Islay Oysters
Details: Stunning wedding catering by the Oystershed team.
Website or Social Media: Oystershed on FB
Contact: oystershed@outlook.com & 07376781214
Name: Copper Still Coffee
Details: Delicious locally made food from an experienced catering team.
Website or Social Media: Copper Still on FB
Contact: hello@copperstillcoffee.co.uk
Name: Orsay Seafood Shack
Details: New Street Food on the block - serving up freshly caught Seafood all seasoned with Orsay Sea Salt. Fish to Dish!
Website or Social Media: Orsay Seafood on IG
Contact: info@orsayseasalt.co.uk
Scotland Based (Travels to Islay)
Name: Argyll Hog Roast / Argyll Event Catering
Details: Argyll food specialists: Hog Roasts, paella, BBQ, fish and chips, buffet sides.
Website or Social Media: Find us on FB
Contact: argyllhog@gmail.com
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Music
Islay Based
Name: Ciara Mactaggart
Details: Traditional whistle and accordion player available for wedding ceremony music.
Social Media: Ciara on Instagram
Contact: Ciara.mactaggart@hotmail.co.uk
Favours and Wedding Extras
Islay Based
Name: Islay Prints
Details: Inspired by the wild landscape that surrounds our home on Islay we create linoprint art, stationery, cards and homewares.
Website or Social Media: www.islayprints.co.uk
Email address: info@islayprints.co.uk
Contact: 07951695970
Name: Islay Engraved
Details: Create unique decor and personalised favours with precise details and intricate designs. From monogrammed cake toppers to custom place cards, we bring your vision to life. Let us make your special day unforgettable!
Website or Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/IslayEngraved/
Email address: michal@islayengraved.com
Contact: 07377912375
Name: Spirited Soaps
Details: Hand made soaps and gifts
Website or Social Media: https://www.spiritedsoaps.com/
Email address: shop@spiritedsoaps.com
Contact: 01496 810938
Name: Islay Cocoa
Details: Islay Cocoa and chocolates, ideal for gifts and favours - handcrafted on Islay
Website: https://islaycocoa.co.uk/
Contact: 07852 549640
Name: An Gleann (Scottish Tablet and other gifts)
Details: Small batch Scottish recipes and gifts.
Website: https://www.angleann.co.uk
Email address: info@angleann.co.uk
Contact: 01496 860220
Name: Isle of Islay Confetti by Sharon
Details: Biodegradable natural confetti
Contact: isleofislayconfetti@gmail.com
Name: Cridhe Ghabhsainn
Details: I create tartan and bespoke tweed products such as scented wall hangings, hip flasks, bags, brooches & cushions. I also do home baking gifts for favours and even wedding cakes!
Email address: Mairigalson@btinternet.com
Contact: 0755362175
Name: Tideline - Mosaic & Felt
Details: I create bespoke mosaic commissions celebrating special events such as engagements and marriages. I work with you to develop a bespoke design and can incorporate special family treasures such as china and enjoy working with customers to develop very individual, personalised work.
Social Media: Tideline ~ Mosaic & Felt Creations
Contact: emma.tideline@gmail.com 07845036456
Transport
Wedding Cars
Name: Islay Classic Tours
Details: Classic car hire for weddings, special occasions or just something different Classic car and driver hire for weddings, special occasions or to provide a different, leisurely view of Islay, its distilleries and its scenery. Half-, whole- and multi-day hire available. See Islay classic tours reviews on TripAdvisor
Website or Social Media: www.islayclassictours.com & Islayclassictours
Contact: Info@islayclassictours.com & 07376702440
Name: Jim’s Islay Taxis
Details: Taxi and weddings cars available
Website or Social Media: Jim’s Islay Taxis
Contact: jimmaccalman@hotmail.co.uk & 07967 505991
Name: Donnie Mackinnon
Details: Wedding car services
Contact: 07784591517
Taxis
Nigel Morris- westeringhometaxis@outlook.com & 07777 337859
Islay Taxis - Stuart Doyle - 07771921157 *
Bruichladdich Taxis- Andrew McEachern - 07899 942673 *
Bodachs Islay Taxi - 07513 066029 *
Lamb Taxis - 07846 055399 *
Attic Cabs - 07944 873323 *
* Have minibuses or larger vehicles for wedding parties
Islay Experiences
Name: Therapy on the go
Details: Massage/Yoga/Acupuncture Providing health, relaxation and wellness services on the Isle of Jura and Isle of Islay. ‘Therapy on the go’ can assist in bringing calm, joy and serenity to you and your guests for your special day. Whether it’s a massage to give you some Hebridean healing or a beach Yoga class to bring your guests together Philippa can work with you to make your time magical and memorable.
Website: www.therapyonthego.co.uk
Contact: philippa@therapyonthego.co.uk & 07817456347
Name: Tideline - Mosaic & Felt Worksops
Details: I have a studio in my garden a couple of miles from Port Ellen. I offer bespoke mosaic and felting workshops tailored to your individual requirements. No experience is necessary. Hen parties and gatherings of friends and families are popular and participants often bring along a bottle of wine and some snacks which helps to create an informal, fun, relaxed session. I enjoy working with customers to develop very individual, personalised work.
Social Media: Tideline ~ Mosaic & Felt Creations
Contact: emma.tideline@gmail.com 07845036456
Other Services
Name: Port Ellen Laundry Services
Details: Laundry services. Port Ellen Laundry Services. Wash, dry and ironing.
Contact: thekilbridefarm@gmail.com & 07714942457 or 01496 302081
Islay Wedding Photography
Islay Based
Name: Ben Shakespeare or My Islay Wedding.
Details: I'm Ben, and I’ve photographed weddings all over this incredible island. My goal is to capture real moments with heart, humour, and honesty - using the natural light, moody skies, and rugged beauty of Islay to tell your story. If we haven’t already chatted, you can GET IN TOUCH with questions or to check availability.
Contact: You’re literally on my site now. Click the button at the bottom of this page to get in touch.
Name: Rae MacKenzie Photography
Details: Fabulous and friendly local photographer
Website or Social Media: Rae on Facebook
Contact:
Islay Wedding Videography
Islay Based
Name: Ashley Hope Films
Details: Stunning wedding films from a top wedding videographer. Ashley also works on weddings across the UK, so she books up very quickly, but she’s definitely worth getting in touch with!
Website: https://www.ashleyhopefilms.com/
Scotland Based (Travels to Islay)
Name: Piece of Time Wedding Films
Details: Beautiful, natural wedding films covering Scotland based in Glasgow
Website: www.pieceoftimemedia.com
Contact: hello@pieceoftimemedia.com
Wedding Party Accommodation
Name: Ballitarsin Accommodation
Details: Accommodation in three adjacent houses in the centre of the island for up to 18 guests. Ballitarsin House, Lodge and Sheiling are modern, spacious and stylish self-catering houses, situated on a two-acre site, with spectacular views across Loch Indaal towards Port Charlotte and across to the Paps on Jura. They can be rented individually or as a group for wedding guests. They are in the centre of the island just up from Bridgend.
Website: www.ballitarsin.co.uk
Contact: contact@ballitarsin.co.uk & 07808 965002
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About This Vendor Guide
This guide is intended as a helpful starting point for couples planning their Islay wedding. The suppliers listed here are either people and businesses I've encountered through my work as a wedding photographer on the island, have had recommended to me by others, or who have contacted me and asked to be added (provided they were relevant). I’ve concentrated on Islay and Jura businesses, but also included others who may be help you achieve the best day possible.
**A few important things to know:**
This isn't a formal recommendation. Inclusion on this list simply means I'm aware of these suppliers. It's not a guarantee of quality, availability, or suitability for your specific needs.
I don't receive commission. I'm not affiliated with any of these businesses and I don't receive payment or kickbacks for referrals. This list exists purely to save you the hassle of starting your supplier search from scratch, and to let you know about all the fantastic Islay and Jura businesses doing wonderful things!
Do your own due diligence. Chat with suppliers, read their reviews, check their availability, and make sure they're the right fit for your day. Every wedding is different, and what works brilliantly for one couple might not suit another.
Things change. Businesses come and go, people retire, contact details update. While I try to keep this reasonably current, I can't guarantee every detail is up-to-the-minute accurate. I’m concentrating on photographing and editing weddings!
Your wedding, your choices. Ultimately, you're hiring these suppliers directly, not through me. Any contracts, payments, or arrangements you make are between you and them.
If you have questions about any of these suppliers or want to chat through your options, I'm always happy to help based on what I know. And if you work with someone brilliant who isn't listed here, please let me know so I can consider adding them for future couples!