Rainy Scotland Handfasting Ceremony

Andrea & Andrew

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The Couple and Their Decision to Plan a Scotland Handfasting Ceremony

Andrea and Andrew always knew they wanted their elopement day to look a little different. When the couple booked me for their Scotland handfasting ceremony in November, they told me that they weren’t planning on making their marriage official quite yet. They wanted to plan their handfasting ceremony and celebrate their commitment to each other, then figure out the legalities at a later date. 

From Getting Ready Together To Embracing the Weather This Is How Andrea and Andrew Celebrated Their Handfasting Ceremony in Scotland

The day of Andrea and Andrew’s handfasting ceremony in Scotland took place on a cold November day. 

Going to Scotland in November, we knew it would be cold and rainy. The thing about eloping in Scotland at this time of year (specifically the Isle of Skye) is you never quite know what the weather is going to be. 

Living in rainy Seattle, I’ve photographed couples in the rain countless times. But still, my neurotic self kept checking the weather app 10,000 times a day because I wanted to make sure the couple had a good experience sharing and celebrating their love.

When we started the day, it was drizzling outside. I arrived at their Airbnb and Andrea and Andrew met me with the warmest smiles and said “We’re ready for this. Even if it’s raining like crazy today”.

The couple began their day by getting ready together at their Airbnb. During this time we saw the weather go from rain to sun and back to rain at least four times, but never once did these two let the thought of rain wash away their joy. 

We then went on a hiking adventure to their handfasting ceremony location. Andrea and Andrew had hired a humanist celebrant to lead their Scotland handfasting ceremony. As their ceremony came to a close, the sun poked through the clouds and we all witnessed the most beautiful golden light ever.

We continued to take photos into the evening and as the sky got dark, the moon came out and the rain began to fall from the sky. I asked the couple if they wouldn’t mind taking a few more blue-hour photos with lanterns despite the rain. They said yes and just as we were about to wrap up, it got super windy and Andrew’s umbrella broke, making for an unforgettable memory to wrap up their Scotland elopement.

For more destination elopement and wedding inspiration, check out these stories from our beautiful couples!

Henry’s Elopement Tip: Elope Your Way

The day you and your partner elope doesn’t have to be the same day you get legally married. This is just one example of what it means to elope your way. You can have a ceremony where you celebrate your commitment to each other and nothing else. 

The thing about eloping is that it can look however you want it to – even down to the legalities. I’ve worked with lots of couples who sign paperwork a week before their elopement or even a few months afterward. 

Andrea and Andrew planned their Scotland handfasting ceremony one year before they got legally married. They wanted to spend the day committing their love to each other but didn’t care to do any paperwork until later. 

What matters most is not what your day looks like, but how you choose to celebrate your love. If you want to elope in a beautiful location and plan your day like an elopement but don’t want to include the official paperwork, that’s ok. Your relationship is just as valid and official whether or not you have a piece of paper to say so.

Meet The Best Scotland Handfasting Ceremony Vendors:

Photographer: Henry Tieu Photography (aka Henry)

Humanist Celebrant: Robbie Sharpe