Boturich Castle Wedding Photography

Ellie & Nathan’s wedding at Boturich Castle

Ellie and Nathan’s wedding at Boturich Castle brought everyone together above Loch Lomond for an outdoor ceremony, speeches in the pavilion and a busy dance floor. There were plenty of lovely family touches along the way, from Ellie’s gran’s wedding ring to both mums speaking during the ceremony. We even managed to nip back outside for photographs as the sun went down over the loch. A cracking day to be part of.

“Hi John, 
Thank you so much for sending all of these through (and so quickly)!! They are amazing! I opened them so quickly when you first sent them through that I realised I forgot to actually reply and say thank you. 
Thank you again for everything. You’re the best!”

Ellie

Bridal prep at Boturich Castle

I arrived early enough to take a few aerial photographs before joining Ellie and the girls as they got ready. Among the details that morning was her gran’s wedding ring, which had been passed down to her. It’s the sort of thing that means far more than you’d know just from looking at a photograph.

I also caught up with Nathan and his best man before heading back to Ellie for the last of the preparations. Having a little time with each of them helped tell both sides of the morning.

Aerial view of Boturich Castle with Loch Lomond and the hills beyond
Chandelier and sofas in the drawing room at Boturich Castle
Fireplace and seating in the castle drawing room
Ellie’s perfume bottle on a wooden table
Wedding shoes, sunglasses and Ellie and Nathan’s stationery
Wedding rings resting on Ellie and Nathan’s illustrated welcome card
Ellie’s wedding dress hanging by the castle staircase
Sign pointing the way to the wedding ceremony
Ellie laughing with two women during the morning preparations
Nathan and his best man adjusting a tie in the castle porch
Nathan and his best man standing together before the ceremony
Close-up of a cufflink and wristwatch during the groom’s preparations
Wedding guest photographing the piper outside
Ellie laughing as the back of her wedding dress is fastened
Lace-up detail on the back of Ellie’s wedding dress
Ellie holding her bouquet in a room at Boturich Castle
Ellie greeting a woman in a teal outfit before the ceremony
Close-up of rings and joined hands beside the bridal bouquet
Ellie standing by the fireplace with her bouquet
A bracelet being fastened on Ellie’s wrist
Final lipstick touch-up before the wedding ceremony
A man in a kilt seeing Ellie in her wedding dress
Ellie greeting a man in a kilt before leaving for the ceremony
Ellie smiling with her bouquet and veil

Boturich Castle outdoor ceremony

Ellie and Nathan had their ceremony outside, with Loch Lomond behind them and Ben Lomond in the distance. Lucy Cargill led the ceremony, which included handfasting, a drink from the quaich and words from both mums.

There was a lot to photograph beyond the view: their reactions to one another, their families listening and the little exchanges between guests. Those are the photographs I want them to have alongside the wider shots of where they got married.

“Just to add that I 100% agree with Ellie – you captured it all beautifully, and everyone who’s seen your photos has loved them. Fun and  beautiful, and that light looks amazing!


Thank you again, we’re delighted with your work “

Nathan
Outdoor ceremony seating beside the glass-fronted Boturich Castle pavilion
View across Loch Lomond towards Ben Lomond
Nathan walking down the outdoor aisle with his guests watching
Ellie arriving for the ceremony with two family members
Wide view of the outdoor ceremony reflected in a glass surface
Ellie and Nathan facing their celebrant outside the pavilion
Ellie listening as celebrant Lucy Cargill reads during the ceremony
Ellie and Nathan getting married with Loch Lomond behind them
Guests laughing in the front row of the outdoor ceremony
A family reading during Ellie and Nathan’s wedding ceremony
Ellie and Nathan holding the quaich together
Ellie and Nathan leaning together during the outdoor ceremony
The newlyweds walking back up the aisle at Boturich Castle

Confetti toss and group photos

Everyone gathered in front of the pavilion for confetti after the ceremony. I love this part of a wedding: a few seconds of everyone getting involved, and usually some brilliant reactions from the couple.

Afterwards, Ellie and Nathan had time with their guests before we brought the family together for group photographs. I like to keep those organised so everyone can get back to enjoying themselves.

Ellie and Nathan walking through confetti outside the pavilion
Black-and-white photograph of the newlyweds kissing at the drinks reception
Nathan chatting with guests after the ceremony
Wedding guests taking a group selfie at the bar
Guests laughing together at the drinks reception
Black-and-white photograph of a guest holding a glass and smiling
Sparkling wine being poured into a guest’s glass
Ellie’s veil blowing across her face outside
Ellie and her bridesmaids with their bouquets
The bridal party laughing beneath the outdoor floral arrangement
Family group photograph with Loch Lomond in the background
Nathan and his best man laughing together on the lawn

Couple portraits at Boturich Castle

Ellie and Nathan wanted to spend as much of the day as possible with their family and friends, so we kept their first portraits short. We didn’t need to go far to make use of the castle grounds and the views.

I had an eye on the light for later and hoped we could head back out around sunset. In the meantime, they went back to their guests and I carried on photographing what was happening around them. Splitting the portraits like this can work well when you’d rather avoid being away from the celebrations for one long stretch.

Ellie and Nathan walking together in the castle grounds
Wedding portrait of Ellie and Nathan overlooking Loch Lomond
Boturich Castle’s towers against a clear blue sky
Ellie and Nathan sitting together beneath a portrait inside the castle
Ellie sitting on a sofa with her veil spread across the floor
Ellie smiling in the window light inside Boturich Castle
The couple standing together beneath a large portrait in the castle
Ellie resting her head on Nathan’s shoulder in the castle hallway
Black-and-white photograph of the couple walking down the staircase
Guests playing a beanbag tossing game outside the pavilion
A wedding guest throwing a beanbag on the lawn
Boturich Castle exterior framed by a large tree
The pavilion and surrounding lawn in afternoon sunshine
A seated guest smiling outside the pavilion
Guests chatting with drinks overlooking the loch
Two guests sharing a hug outside

The pavilion ready for the wedding breakfast

Before everyone came in for the wedding breakfast, I took a few minutes to photograph the pavilion all set up. It’s lovely to have a record of the room before the tables fill up and the celebrations take over.

Ellie and Nathan had put thought into the details, so I wanted to give them photographs of those as well as a wider view of how everything came together.

Candles, flowers and place settings on the reception tables
A Loch Lomond table name card beside flowers
Wedding menu and place setting at the reception
Wide view of the dining tables set for the wedding breakfast
Flowers, candles and glassware along a reception table
Wedding seating plan displayed on an easel

Speeches and wedding breakfast

Ellie’s two sisters took on the job of announcing the wedding breakfast and had everyone laughing before the speeches had even begun.

Once everyone was seated, there were stories, laughs and a few emotional moments before dinner. Speeches are one of my favourite parts of the day to photograph. As well as the person speaking, I’m watching the reactions around the tables — the bits Ellie and Nathan might not have seen themselves at the time.

Ellie’s sisters holding microphones before the wedding breakfast
The two sisters laughing as they introduce the wedding breakfast
A hug between guests before the couple’s entrance
Ellie and Nathan raising their arms as they enter the reception
Guests cheering the newlyweds into the wedding breakfast
Guests seated in the pavilion overlooking Loch Lomond
Nathan raising a glass during the wedding speeches
Ellie laughing at the top table
Black-and-white photograph of Ellie reacting to a speech
Nathan speaking while Ellie listens beside him
Ellie raising her arms as guests applaud
Ellie laughing up at Nathan during his speech
The couple embracing beside the top table
A guest laughing and applauding during the speeches
A speaker greeting the room as Ellie applauds
Ellie smiling during the speeches in black and white
A guest laughing with a hand against his face
Black-and-white photograph of a speaker holding a microphone and notes
A speaker reading from notes while Ellie laughs
Wedding speech beside the pavilion windows
Guests laughing together at a reception table
Ellie reacting with laughter to a speech
Two guests performing with a guitar and a sheet of notes
View through the pavilion doors towards Loch Lomond
Ben Lomond rising above the loch in the evening light
Guests chatting along the wedding breakfast tables
A guest putting on sunglasses during the reception
Guests waving napkins above their heads
Two women chatting at a reception table in black and white
Ellie reading her speech at the top table
Two women sharing a hug at the wedding breakfast
Guests in sunglasses laughing at their table
Ellie speaking into a microphone while Nathan listens
A guest giving a speech beside the newlyweds
Wide view across the seated guests in the pavilion
A speaker beside the floral display during the wedding breakfast

Sunset portraits with Loch Lomond views

The light I’d been hoping for arrived later on, so Ellie and Nathan joined me outside for another short walk. With the sun dropping over Loch Lomond, we had a very different feel to the portraits we’d taken earlier.

I don’t like to keep couples away for ages at this point in the day. A few minutes can be enough when the light is right, and these turned out to be some of my favourites from their wedding.

Ellie and Nathan looking out over Loch Lomond at sunset
The couple walking across the lawn in the evening light
Ellie and Nathan embracing with Ben Lomond behind them
The newlyweds walking hand in hand above Loch Lomond
Black-and-white photograph of the couple holding hands outside
Ellie and Nathan standing together with the castle behind them
Close-up of the couple holding hands during their sunset portraits
Ellie and Nathan smiling at one another on the lawn
The newlyweds standing in the arched castle doorway
Wide portrait of the couple beneath the entrance to Boturich Castle
Ellie and Nathan kissing in the castle doorway
Ellie looking back as the couple walk towards the pavilion
Nathan dipping Ellie for a kiss with the loch behind them
Ellie and Nathan with a group of friends on the terrace
Black-and-white portrait of the couple laughing together
Ellie smiling over Nathan’s shoulder as they embrace
Aerial view of the Boturich Castle pavilion and terrace
Ellie and Nathan walking along the terrace at dusk

Evening reception in the pavilion

Back in the pavilion, Ellie and Nathan had their first dance before everyone joined them on the dance floor. There was plenty going on to keep me busy, with guests throwing themselves into the party.

It’s always good to see everyone letting go a bit by this stage. After the preparations, ceremony and speeches, this was their chance to get stuck in and enjoy the evening.

The couple preparing to cut their wedding cake
Ellie and Nathan cutting the cake together
First dance beneath the pavilion chandeliers
The newlyweds dancing as the evening light fades outside
Guests watching the first dance in black and white
Ellie raising her arm as the couple dance together
Nathan dancing with guests in the pavilion
Friends laughing together on the dance floor
Ellie dancing among the wedding guests
The newlyweds laughing with guests during the evening reception
Ellie and Nathan kissing on the dance floor
Nathan dancing with Ellie and their guests
Guests dancing together beneath the pavilion’s wooden beams
A couple dancing with blurred party lights behind them
Guests raising their hands on the dance floor
Wedding guests getting involved in the evening dancing
Ellie with friends on the dance floor
Ellie dancing with a guest under the party lights
A guest dancing with coloured lights behind her
A guest in a waistcoat dancing in the pavilion
Ellie dancing with a guest wearing a kilt
Friends posing together during the evening reception
Ellie laughing with a guest on the dance floor
Guests raising their arms during the evening party
Ellie being twirled on the dance floor
Guests spinning together during the dancing
A guest in a red dress dancing with a man in a kilt
The glass-fronted pavilion glowing after dark

Evening wedding portraits at Boturich Castle

Before I finished for the night, I asked Ellie and Nathan if they fancied stepping outside for a few final photographs. They were up for it, so we made the most of the darkness and the lights around the venue.

I’m glad we did. These gave them something different again from the daytime and sunset portraits, and made a lovely last set of photographs to finish their story.

Ellie and Nathan kissing beneath the illuminated pavilion entrance
Night portrait of the couple in the lit castle doorway
Ellie and Nathan together beneath a blue-lit tree at night

Planning a wedding at Boturich Castle?

If you’re looking for Boturich Castle wedding photography, I’d love to hear about your plans. I’m John, a wedding photographer based near Glasgow, and I like to give you time to enjoy the people you’ve brought together, with a bit of help when it comes to portraits and family photographs.

Tell me your date and what you’ve got planned. You can also read about how I work through a wedding day if you’re wondering where the photographs fit in.

Ellie and Nathan’s wedding suppliers

Photographer
@johnjohnston_photography

Videographer
@rachelkingfilms

Venue
@boturichcastle/

Celebrant
@lucy_cargill

Florist
@vanillaroseflowers

Makeup Artists
@camillegillmakeup
@stephanie_mcd_mua

Hair
@boombarbers

Cake
@liggyscakes

Groom’s Outfit
@cadandthedandy
@oliversweeney

Bride’s Outfit
@elbethgillis
@christienicolaides
@angelicabridal
@essenseofaustralia

Band
@pipingservices
@thestylistsband

Questions about weddings at Boturich Castle

Can we have an outdoor wedding ceremony at Boturich Castle?
Ellie and Nathan married outside overlooking Loch Lomond, as you can see in their ceremony photographs above. Talk to the venue about the outdoor setup and the alternative arrangements if the weather changes.

Is sunset a good time for portraits here?
It can be, when the light and weather work in our favour. We headed back outside for a short set of portraits at Ellie and Nathan’s wedding. I’ll keep an eye on the conditions during your day rather than promise a sunset in advance.

How much time should we leave for couple photographs?
For Ellie and Nathan, we kept the first portraits short so they could spend more time with their guests, then went out again later. We can plan around your ceremony, meal and the time of year. My wedding photography experience guide explains how I approach this.

What is the reception space like?
The glass-fronted pavilion looks out towards Loch Lomond. The photographs above show Ellie and Nathan’s table setup, speeches and evening reception, so you can see it at different points in the day.

Where can guests stay?
The venue points couples towards accommodation in the surrounding Loch Lomond and Trossachs area. Ask the Boturich team for their current suggestions and check availability and transport before booking.

How many guests can the pavilion accommodate?
Boturich Castle’s official website lists a capacity of up to 200 guests. Confirm the arrangements for your guest numbers and preferred layout directly with the venue.

Will our wedding photographs include aerial views?
I took aerial photographs at Ellie and Nathan’s wedding, but they aren’t something I can guarantee for every date. They depend on the conditions and the permissions needed on the day.

More weddings and venue ideas around Loch Lomond

If you’re still choosing your venue, you can browse my Scottish wedding venue guide. For another wedding around Loch Lomond, have a look at Abigail and Dan’s wedding at Loch Lomond Arms Hotel in Luss.

Words and photographs by John Johnston.

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