Wild mystical Assynt elopement

Chelsea and Mark’s Assynt Elopement took place over two days. And once again proved how spacing your elopement over multiple days can give you the space and time to connect.

But first, let me tell you all about how they chose their elopement destination based on eating a damn.good.pie.

Picking the perfect location for this wild and mystical Assynt elopement

This creative Canadian couple, who work in the TV industry, were struggling to find the perfect location for their Scottish elopement. 

They came to me with three simple wishes – they dreamt of getting married near a loch, with a majestic mountain backdrop. More specifically near some historic castle ruins, with animals (preferably the mystic kind) and to top it off, they wanted some damn good pie to eat! 

After scouring Scotland locations, I knew the NW coast was the place to be (the pie was the clincher as Lochinver Pie shop is one of the best in Scotland). And so we decided on the wild and remote location of Assynt for their elopement.

Getting ready at their cosy cabin 

Chelsea and Mark’s Assynt Elopement started as most of their grand adventures do, with a quiet cup of coffee, before writing their wedding vows, just as the sun was peeking over the mountains.

The couple took a few moments to themselves, as they got dressed, popping on their hand-knitted warmest woollie socks and boots, and headed out back for an emotional first look.

The perfect remote location for this Assynt elopement ceremony

After a very sweet first look, and some more coffee, they headed down to their ceremony spot – by a castle ruin on the edge of a mountain loch (tick!)

They got married at a quiet time of year but the wind and threatening storm meant that they virtually had the spot to themselves. The couple exchanged vows, and opted for a beautiful handfasting ceremony, conducted by Neil Lynch and supervised by Tanni, the pooch. 

We then went in search of dragons to slay, hills to conquer and kept our eyes peeled for local wildlife as we worked up an appetite for a pie-lunch. 

Once the storm had settled a little (and the pies) we went exploring

The celebration continued as we paused for the most epic champagne spray (ahem, cheap prosecco because champagne would be a waste). 

To say these two are experts would be an understatement – as they sprayed the shit out of the ‘champagne’ and each other. It was a lovely moment to be wild, have some fun, and celebrate before heading to one of Scotland’s more dramatic waterfalls!!

The couple then enjoyed a dusk-lit first dance at the top of the waterfall in the rain, where they laughed and they cried thinking back to all the dances they have had in their kitchen back home, and how this was the first of many as they embark on this latest adventure.

Soaked from the rain, they headed back to their cosy cabin, to dry off and read some lovely letters from their friends and family back home.

We didn’t see any animals during the day – but I realised whilst editing that a cheeky stag was standing a short distance behind them for ages. See if you can spot him!

Waking up to glorious sunshine – the perfect way to end this wild Assynt elopement

The next morning the couple could just relax as all of the pressure and excitement of the previous day had passed. 

As much as elopements are a bit more relaxed than a bigger wedding day, it’s still a bit of a whirlwind. The adrenaline is flowing, excitement is high which is the perfect combo for time to fly by. 

A second day means being able to slow things down and just enjoy connecting with each other. 

After a cosy relaxed morning at their cabin, we headed north to enjoy more of the beautiful area – whilst stormy skies threatened to once again soak us all! 

We got lucky with some beautiful hazy sunshine, which just goes to show how having a second day gives you the opportunity to experience different weather conditions creating diversity to the mood of your photos.

We absolutely loved spending two days with this incredible couple, eating pies, laughing and exploring the beautiful Assynt mountains.

Suppliers for this wild and mystical Assynt elopement

Photographer: Raini Rowell Photography

Celebrant: Neil Lynch

Dress: Heartleaf dress by Willowby

Rings: Custom design by Samantha McAdams

Pies: Lochinver Larder

Envisioning your own wild and mystical Assynt elopement

If a wild and mystical Assynt elopement sounds like your idea of an ideal wedding day then get in touch to start planning now. I’ll be there to help you figure the best time of year, ceremony location, timeline for the day, local suppliers as well as lots of advice on how to elope in Scotland.