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 ceremomy 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.
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 arrangments 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-
The beautiful wedding of Chan and Ashley at House for an Art Lover in Glasgow.
This wonderful couple traveled 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 traveled 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.
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
The incredable wedding of Sophie and Keith at House for an Art lover.
This venue is really one of my favourites for so many reasons. I love the architecture and the stunning grounds, it just ticks all the boxes!
I sdored Sophie’s dress from Needle and thread and she had a short version for the evening, great idea!
Other lovely suppliers-
Flowers – Ollie and Ivy
Hair – Pin Up hair Glasgow
Violinist – Capella string quartet
Band – The Jiggers