When Rachel and Ben reached out to book me as their wedding photographer, I was overjoyed for two reasons.
Firstly, I had already met this lovely couple before. Rachel was a bridesmaid at her friend Katie’s wedding, which I also photographed. It’s always an honour to be trusted again. That’s what makes being a wedding photographer so rewarding.
Secondly, their reception venue was The Engine Works, a space I had admired for ages but hadn’t yet photographed. It’s a dream location for any wedding photographer in Glasgow, offering an incredible mix of character and urban charm.
The morning began at Rachel’s mum’s house, where the energy was full of laughter and joy. I was greeted by familiar faces from Katie’s wedding and even met a new one, Katie’s wee boy!
Next, I headed to the church where I met Ben and his groomsmen before the ceremony. Father Jim, who conducted the service, was fantastic at making everyone feel welcome and even posing for selfies. These are the kinds of real, joyful interactions that make wedding photography so meaningful.
After some fun confetti shots (with Father Jim grabbing a few more selfies!), we made our way to The Engine Works for the reception.
Although it was my first time shooting a wedding at The Engine Works, I had done a site visit beforehand to scout the best photo spots. The venue exceeded my expectations. The exposed brick, naked plaster, and industrial aesthetic created a beautifully warm tone in every shot. As a photographer in Glasgow, I’m always excited when a venue offers both stunning indoor and outdoor spaces and this one had both.
With the couple, family, and bridal party portraits done, I switched to candid shots of guests and the venue. Then it was time for speeches which is always one of my favourite parts of any wedding. As a wedding photographer, this is where I get to capture genuine emotion: laughter, happy tears, and those perfectly timed reactions to the best man’s jokes.
Now I am very, very grateful for any couple to offer me a supplier’s meal. However, I was super excited as the whole meal was a curry supplied by The Little Curry House. I had never seen this at a wedding before, and it was amazing. Everyone loves a curry, such a great idea!
As the evening set in, the party kicked off with dancing. This is always a brilliant time for wedding photography people are relaxed, joyful, and totally in the moment.
Rachel and Ben’s first dance was by a band called Skipinish. To their surprise Norrie Maciver, the lead singer of Skipinish, turned up to sing for them. What a treat!
I would just like to thank Rachel and Ben for allowing me to photograph their wonderful wedding. It was great to see familiar faces and I felt so blessed to be asked to play a very small part in such a lovely couples day.
If you’re looking for inspiration for a romantic and elegant House for an Art Lover wedding, Lisa and Lewis’s big day is the perfect example. As a Glasgow photographer, this venue is one of my absolute favourites, and their wedding was filled with charm, love, and beautiful summer light.
Lisa and her bridesmaids used the upstairs conference rooms to get ready, a brilliant choice for any couple. There’s so much room to relax and prepare, and when it’s time for the ceremony, it’s just a short walk downstairs. As a photographer, I always appreciate venues that make the day flow smoothly like this.
The couple held their ceremony in the stunning music room of the House for an Art Lover. It’s a beautiful and intimate space, ideal for wedding photography. After the ceremony, we stepped outside to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and the stunning walled garden.
Guests were able to enjoy drinks on the balcony, soaking up the sun and celebrating in style. These relaxed moments are perfect for candid wedding photography, and I always aim to capture the atmosphere as it naturally unfolds.
After cutting the cake, it was time for speeches. Lewis delivered a hilarious and heartfelt speech, and I managed to capture some wonderful reactions from the guests. Being a wedding photographer means being ready for everything and capturing all the little moments.
In the early evening, I took Lisa and Lewis for a few more shots with the house in the background. The soft, golden light made for some truly magical shots. It’s these quiet moments that make wedding photography so rewarding.
Finally, we headed downstairs where the evening party kicked off with dancing and joyful celebration. The House for an Art Lover provides the perfect backdrop from beginning to end, making it a top choice for couples and photographers in Glasgow alike.
Other lovely suppliers-
Venue – House for an Art Lover
Celebrant – Derek the humanist
Dress – Aimee Bridal Couture
Flowers – Mud weddings
Make up – Jen C Make up
Hair – Nicola McMillan hair
DJ – Marty the DJ
Kilts – Kilts 4U
Cake – Liggyscakes
Kathrine and Sam’s wedding at The Dalmeny Park Hotel in Barrhead, just outside of Glasgow, was an absolute dream. As a Glasgow photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect October day. Mild, golden light and the rich, warm tones of autumn everywhere you looked.
Autumn weddings are some of my favourites to photograph. The changing leaves and soft natural light offer the perfect backdrop for stunning wedding photography, and Kathrine and Sam’s day was no exception. Their love, laughter, and connection shone through every moment. It was such a joy to capture.
The Dalmeny Park Hotel provided a beautiful setting for both the ceremony and celebration. As a wedding photographer, I’m always inspired by venues like this which have elegant architecture, well-kept grounds, and just the right touch of classic charm.
If you’re planning your wedding and searching for wedding photographers in Glasgow, take a look at this incredible day for inspiration. I pride myself on delivering relaxed, natural, and heartfelt photography in Glasgow and beyond.
Let’s Capture Your Special Day
Looking for a photographer in Glasgow who understands how to tell your story with authenticity and style? I’d love to chat! I offer a range of wedding photography packages tailored to suit your day, your way.
Get in touch today to learn more about how your wedding can be captured by an experienced wedding photographer.
Other lovely suppliers-
Venue – Dalmeny Park House hotel
Hair – Hair By Natatlie Bridal
Make up – Kym Nalacome Make up
Flowers – Irenes Flowers
Decor – Purple Willow Weddings
Band – Sneaky Treacle
Dress – Gwenne Weddings
Kilts – Taylor Made Kilts
I have always thought that if you put a child or animal in an unnatural location then this cliché may have truth. That is why my philosophy for family photography is to allow the children to be where they feel comfortable. That is normally in their home, their favourite park or wherever they like spending time.
So when I was asked to photograph brothers Frank and Ray I took them to the beach. This wonderful family live very close to Portobello beach and this is where they love spending time and it was perfect for pictures.
When I first meet the children I am photographing I always try and start at their house, therefore I am in their domain and they feel comfortable.
The brothers were playing on the trampoline when I arrived so I just watched for a while then said I am going to take some pictures was that ok. This way the boys got used to me and just continued playing. I very rarely tell children what to do at my shoots as I just want them to play and basically ignore me!
I loved how they just messed about for a while and then they got Boris the dog involved.Then we headed down to the beach with Boris and a ball. I let the boys play for a while and then asked them to run toward me and walk up together the beach. This really was the extent of my direction to Frank and Ray.
After a while Mum Jill suggested that we go for ice cream which also made for great shots.
If you’d like to check out more of my family photography click here.
To finish off we went back to the house where the brothers went upstairs to play. Of all the pictures I think the ones in the bedroom were my favourite. Ray jumping off the window sill onto his bed while Frank tried to shoot him with a Nerf gun, classic!
You never forget the fun you had as a kid jumping on your bed (as your mum told you not to!). I was glad i could capture these moments forever for such a wonderful family.
Elopements and small weddings have become so popular, as word spreads about how magical and unique they can be.
I get so many requests for small and intimate weddings and I absolutely love them. It is such a privilege to photograph any couple’s wedding day but when you are one of 4 (including the couple) it feels extra special.
A popular place for elopements in Scotland is the west coast Highlands. I often thought – where could you have a small secluded ceremony close to a big city like Edinburgh? A location where you can have an intimate and interesting ceremony but with the convenience of being near a major city.
It was when I was chatting to my lovely friend Kathryn Ross, who is a fantastic celebrant, that she suggested a couple of locations – Seacliff beach and North Berwick Law.
Seacliff beach lies 4 miles east of North Berwick and 41 miles from Edinburgh. It is a hidden gem of a place with beautiful views of Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle.
North Berwick Law (in North Berwick) is for the slightly more adventurous as it involves a 20 minute climb to the top, so good walking shoes required! The views at the top are stunning with some beautiful rugged landscape all the way up. A replica of whale’s jawbones tops the summit, replacing sets of jawbones that were located here for 250 years. (You’ll sport them at the end of this article).
Here are some pictures of Gail and Murray and Dougal the dog at Seacliff beach. Kathryn had married Gail and Murray the year before and they were thrilled to get some new pictures taken in such a special location.
Kathyrn and I offer a joint package of your personalised ceremony and one and a half hours of photography for £1000.
I can also add on extra coverage of getting ready and further photography after the ceremony at an extra cost.
Click here for more information- Enquire
The beautiful floral arrangements were by – Lottie Longman
Let me introduce my friend Kathryn who is wonderful celebrant that I have worked with for many years-
Celebrating Love in East Lothian: A Decade of Humanist Weddings
Hello! My name is Kathryn Ross and I am a Humanist Celebrant based in stunning East Lothian. For the past ten years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of conducting weddings for couples seeking a heartfelt, personal, and meaningful ceremony. Whether it’s barefoot on the sands of Seacliff Beach or with windswept views from the summit of North Berwick Law, each wedding is as unique and unforgettable as the love stories I get to celebrate.
A Decade of Love Stories
Over the past decade I’ve conducted more than 800 weddings. Big or small, fancy or laid-back, they all hold a special place in my heart. Each ceremony reminds me of what makes being a Humanist Celebrant so rewarding: the opportunity to craft ceremonies that reflect the values, personalities, and love stories of each couple I meet.
East Lothian: The Perfect Backdrop
If you’ve ever visited East Lothian, you’ll understand why I feel so lucky to work here. We are blessed with some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, from golden beaches and dramatic cliffs to rolling countryside and quaint villages. It’s a haven for couples who want their wedding to feel grounded in nature and full of charm.
One of my favourite spots is Seacliff Beach, where the sound of the waves and the salty sea air create a magical setting for a ceremony. I’ve conducted weddings here where guests have kicked off their shoes, kids built sandcastles nearby, and even a curious seagull or two tried to join the festivities. There’s something so freeing and joyful about a beach wedding.
Then there’s North Berwick Law, a location for couples with a bit of an adventurous streak. Standing at the top of this iconic hill, with panoramic views of the Firth of Forth and the islands beyond, you feel like you’re on top of the world—quite literally. Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a spare pair of shoes and a windproof hairstyle if you’re planning a ceremony up there!
Small Weddings, Big Love
While I’ve officiated at grand ceremonies in posh hotel with hundreds of guests, my heart truly belongs to the small, intimate weddings. There’s something incredibly special about a ceremony where everyone knows each other, where you can hear the laughter, the sniffles, and the collective sighs of joy as vows are exchanged.
With fewer formalities and more room for personal touches, these smaller gatherings allow couples to truly focus on what matters most: each other and their loved ones.
I absolutely love conducting elopement weddings—it’s just the couple, the photographers, and the stunning East Lothian backdrop. There’s something so magical about the intimacy of these ceremonies. With no distractions, it’s all about the two of you and the promises you’re making to each other. Elopements are wonderfully stripped back and personal, allowing your love to take centre stage (though the breath-taking locations sometimes try to steal the show!). Whether it’s a quiet beach or a windswept hilltop, elopements always feel like pure, unfiltered romance.
Crafting the Perfect Ceremony
As a Humanist Celebrant, my goal is to create a ceremony that feels 100% “you.” Humanist weddings are all about personalisation—there’s no set script, no rules about what you can or can’t include. It’s my job to get to know you as a couple, learn about your journey together, and weave your story into a ceremony that’s as individual as your fingerprints.
We’ll spend time chatting about your relationship—how you met, what you love most about each other, and what your hopes are for the future. I’ll also ask about the little things: your favourite shared memories, inside jokes, and maybe even the quirks that drive each other mad (because, let’s face it, those are part of love too!).
From there, I’ll write a bespoke ceremony that captures your personalities, values, and sense of humour. Want to include a handfasting or exchange a drink from a quaich? Prefer to keep things simple and let your vows do the talking? That’s beautiful too.
And if you’re worried about nerves on the big day, don’t be. Part of my job is to keep things relaxed and stress-free. I’ve had grooms forget their vows (don’t worry, I always carry a spare copy), brides laugh uncontrollably during the ring exchange (laughter is good luck, I’m sure of it), and one very determined toddler wander into the middle of the ceremony to hand me a stick. Whatever happens, I’ll roll with it—and I promise you’ll look back on the day with nothing but fond memories.
A Light-Hearted Approach
Weddings are joyous occasions, and I firmly believe that laughter belongs in every ceremony. Whether it’s a playful anecdote about how you met or a cheeky nod to your shared love of bad puns, I’ll help you strike the perfect balance between heartfelt and light-hearted.
I’ve told stories about couples meeting at karaoke nights, bonding over a mutual love of obscure 80s bands, and even one couple who fell in love after a heated debate about the best way to make a cup of tea. (For the record, milk first or milk last, doesn’t matter as long as there’s love in the cup!)
Of course, the humour never overshadows the deeper emotions of the day. Weddings are about love in all its forms—passionate, tender, enduring, and even a bit messy at times. I aim to create ceremonies that honour that complexity while leaving everyone smiling.
Looking Ahead
After a decade of weddings, I still enjoy every ceremony I conduct. Each couple brings something new and inspiring to the table, and every love story reminds me of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
As I look to the future, I’m excited to continue helping couples create magical moments in East Lothian and beyond. Whether it’s a windswept cliffside, a cosy garden, or even your living room, I’ll be there to celebrate your love story with warmth, sincerity, and just the right amount of humour.
So, if you’re planning a wedding and want a ceremony that’s uniquely yours, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d be honoured to be part of your special day—and I promise not to let the seagulls steal the show.
Working with Gail
Working with Gail at weddings is an absolute joy! We met 10 years ago when I was just starting out as a celebrant, and we’ve worked together many times ever since. Gail is not only incredibly talented—capturing those magical, fleeting moments with ease—but also a delight to be around. Her calm, friendly nature puts everyone at ease (even the most camera-shy!), and she has an uncanny ability to make every wedding feel extra special. Watching her work is like seeing a magician in action, and I always know the couple are in safe hands. Weddings with Gail are truly a dream team effort!
Some legal information about getting married in Scotland – INFO
A few images of North Berwick Law-
Some links on great local places near Seacliff and North Berwick law-
This wonderful couple travelled all the way from San Francisco to Glasgow for their wedding because of their love for the city and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architecture.
It was such a thrill be able to capture their special day. I think it was a testament to how loved this couple are that so many family and friends travelled from California to be with them at their wedding,
The whole day was filled with joy and laughter and Ashley even played a beautiful piece of music on the piano in the appropriately named music room, much to the guests delight.
At the end of the weekend I felt like I had made two new friends in Chan and Ashley, which I will be forever grateful for.
Thanks guys. G x
Such an amazing Autumnal wedding for Martha and Ronan at The Rufflets Hotel in St Andrews.
The day started early with Martha plus her friends and family deciding to take a wild swim in the North Sea in November! When she told me she was doing this I said I would LOVE to photograph that and I am glad I did. This could be a new trend!
The rest of the wedding was at the beautiful Rufflets Hotel which a 5 minute drive from the town centre.
Martha had choosen a beautiful burnt orange colour for her bridesmaids which suited the season perfectly. I adored how she wore her Mum’s wedding dress for her big day. It was stunning!
Take a look at this incredible wedding day which I was privileged to be a part of.
Other lovely suppliers-
Vanue – The Rufflets hotel
Dried flowers – Willow and dried
Make up – Grace Gal Make up
String Quartet – Fauna String Quartet
Band – Ghillie Dhu
Chairs – 88 Events company
I love reportage style of photography for weddings.
What is reportage you may ask?
Reportage = A technique of documentary film or photo journalism that tells a story entirely through pictures
I was a national press photographer for years and this is where I learned the skill of telling a story though images. Nothing beats it!
Not every element of a wedding can be photographed this way though. There are some aspects of the day that require setting up and structure which is absolutely fine.
The sections of a day that I shoot in a candid way are the morning prep ,ceremony, speeches and dancing. Drinks receptions are also great for reportage but you must allow plenty of time for this in your day as this is the section where most of your couple and family pictures are done.
Here is a very small selection of recent reportage images that I have taken at my weddings. I hope they make you smile or even cry!
The beautiful intimate wedding of Hayleigh and Stephen at the Glasgow Registry Office in Montrose Street.
Not all of my weddings are full days. Some couples prefer just 3 hours coverage to catch the important bits of the day and that is what Hayeleigh and Stephen wanted.
It is a perfect location for small weddings and you have the rich Georgian architecture in the surrounding area for your backdrop.
After the ceremony we did some shots around Montrose Street then headed to the Drake in the West End for the meal with family and friends.
Such a lovely day!
Ishbel and Jamie’s Wedding at Pollocksheilds burgh hall in the south side of Glasgow.
This venue holds a special place in my heart as I was married here almost 20 years ago.
Set in Maxwell park in the Southside of Glasgow it really is a special place.
Thank you Ishbel and Jamie for allowing me to capture your amazing day.
Other lovely suppliers-
Caterer – Pickled Haggis
Dress – Aimee Bridal
Make up – Ailsa Doc Make up
Band – Jiggered ceilidh band
Flowers – Little Blooms florist
Celebrant – Janine Ryan Celebrant
Confetti – Flutter darlings
Stationary – Elle Bee Design
I have been a professional photographer since 1995, after studying at the Glasgow College of Building and Printing (now City of Glasgow College). I began working at a press agency In Edinburgh which lead to me becoming their senior photographer. I was then asked to join a Photo agency in Glasgow working for a number of publications. This experience led me to start my own business – Gail Photography. I believe that photography is capturing moments in time that will last a lifetime.