Lauren and Josh’s Winter Wedding at Kingshouse Hotel
///deny.curries.awakening
A Glencoe Love Story
What a day with Lauren and Josh at the Kingshouse Hotel in Glencoe. The snow had vanished like it owed someone money and instead the fog rolled in and swallowed Buachaille Etive Mor whole until it became a big swirling bowl of Highland soup. No views. No dramatic mountain backdrops. Just pure Scottish mystery. Honestly. Ten out of ten vibes.
There is something magical about a winter wedding in Scotland. Soft light. Quiet roads. Moody mountains pretending to be shy and then showing up in your photos like an unexpected guest. The landscape has a special way of judging your footwear choices. If you have ever worn shiny dress shoes on frosty ground, you know exactly what I mean.
Getting Ready at Kingshouse Hotel
From the moment I arrived I knew it was going to be a good one. The Kingshouse Hotel is a legend among Highland hotels. It is the kind of place where deer casually wander past the windows like they are checking if you have snacks. Inside it is warm and cosy and full of corners that photographers dream about.
Lauren got ready surrounded by a cracking group of bridesmaids who somehow managed to juggle hair spray, laughter and last minute button fixes without breaking a sweat. Josh and the lads perfected the art of pretending they were not nervous. We all know that look. It is a cross between excitement and the sudden realisation that cufflinks are tiny and fiddly.
Foggy Romance in the Highlands
Then came the ceremony. With the peaks hiding behind a curtain of fog the views disappeared but the atmosphere was incredible. The Highlands were doing what they do best. Quiet. Dramatic. A little intimidating. All eyes turned to Lauren and Josh as they said their vows and honestly I could not have imagined a more perfect backdrop. You do not need blue skies in Glencoe. You need soul. And we had plenty of that.
Friends and family wrapped themselves up in scarves and good humour. Warm hearts. Cold hands. And one very happy photographer. There is something wonderful about a wedding where everyone fully embraces the weather. Scotland will do what Scotland wants and once you accept that you are unstoppable.
Portraits in the Mist
After the ceremony we headed out for portraits. There was no dramatic golden hour. Just layers of mist and the occasional gust of wind that tried to rearrange everyone’s hair. It was brilliant. The mountains became soft shapes in the distance making Lauren and Josh the heart of every frame. These are the moments I live for as a Highland wedding photographer. Real emotion. Real connection. Scotland doing its moody moody thing.
If you ever wanted proof that foggy Scottish weddings look incredible this was it. The photos feel cinematic. Almost like stills from a film you can hear but cannot quite see. And yes I did lose a feeling in my fingertips at one point. Worth it.
The Party at Kingshouse
Back inside the Kingshouse the party got properly underway. Warm lighting. Laughter echoing across the room. Dance moves ranging from elegant gliding to enthusiastic chaos. The kind of night where the bartenders know your name by the second hour. These evenings are why I love being a wedding photographer in the Scottish Highlands. Good people having the best time in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
Thank you
Lauren and Josh. Thank you for trusting me to capture such a beautiful day. It was an absolute pleasure to be there with you and meet your friends and family. The Highlands put on a show. Even if that show was fifty shades of fog. These are just the sneak peeks before I retreat into the winter editing cave. If you do not hear from me for a few days send snacks
Planning a wedding in Glencoe or the Highlands
If you are thinking about getting married in Glencoe Kingshouse Hotel or anywhere in the Scottish Highlands I would love to chat. I specialise in natural documentary style photography capturing real moments and real emotion. From elopements with just the two of you to big Highland celebrations I help couples feel relaxed and fully present on their day.
📩 Get in touch to check availability and pricing.
📍 Based in Inverness. Happily travelling across Scotland including Glencoe Skye and everywhere in between.
Feel free to get in touch or browse more of my recent weddings over on Instagram.
FAQ’s
1. Why choose the Kingshouse Hotel for a winter wedding in Glencoe?
The Kingshouse Hotel is one of the most iconic wedding venues in the Scottish Highlands, set right in the heart of Glencoe with panoramic mountain and loch views. In winter, it becomes especially atmospheric, offering dramatic scenery outdoors and warm, cosy spaces indoors. This makes it ideal for couples who want a romantic Highland wedding with unforgettable photo opportunities.
2. Can we have our wedding ceremony outdoors in winter at Kingshouse Hotel?
Yes, outdoor ceremonies are possible at Kingshouse Hotel if weather conditions allow. Winter in Glencoe can be unpredictable, with snow, rain, fog, or crisp clear light all possible in one day. It is strongly recommended to plan an indoor backup space so your ceremony can run smoothly regardless of the weather.
3. What winter wedding packages does Kingshouse Hotel offer?
Kingshouse Hotel offers several winter wedding packages between October and March. These include intimate wedding packages for smaller guest numbers, standard wedding packages for medium sized celebrations, and exclusive use options where couples can take over the entire hotel. Packages typically include venue hire, coordination, catering, and accommodation options.
4. Are winter weddings available at Kingshouse Hotel all year round?
Winter weddings at Kingshouse Hotel are available from October through to March. During this period, the hotel hosts a limited number of weddings, which helps maintain a relaxed and exclusive experience for couples and their guests.
5. What kind of weather should we expect for a winter wedding in Glencoe?
Winter weather in Glencoe can change quickly and dramatically. Couples should prepare for cold temperatures, wind, rain, or snow, as well as stunning clear days. Warm layers, stylish coats, shawls, and suitable footwear are practical choices that also photograph beautifully in a winter setting.
6. What are the indoor ceremony and reception spaces like at Kingshouse Hotel?
The indoor spaces at Kingshouse Hotel are warm, characterful, and perfect for winter weddings. Options include cosy rooms with traditional Highland charm and larger spaces with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Glencoe landscape. These areas work well for ceremonies, wedding breakfasts, speeches, and evening celebrations.
7. What is the best time of day for winter wedding photography in Glencoe?
During winter, daylight hours are shorter, with sunset often happening in the early afternoon. Scheduling your ceremony earlier in the day allows time for couple portraits while there is still natural light. Winter light in Glencoe can be soft and dramatic, which is ideal for atmospheric wedding photography.
8. How accessible is Kingshouse Hotel for wedding guests?
Although Kingshouse Hotel feels wonderfully remote, it is accessible by road from major Scottish cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. This makes it a popular choice for destination weddings and elopements while still being manageable for guests travelling from elsewhere in the UK or overseas.
9. Can we visit nearby locations like Glen Etive or the Three Sisters for wedding photos?
Yes, many couples choose to visit nearby locations such as Glen Etive, Rannoch Moor, or the Three Sisters for wedding portraits. These iconic Glencoe locations are all close to Kingshouse Hotel and can be included in your photography plans, weather and daylight permitting.
10. Do we need to book our own wedding suppliers for a Kingshouse Hotel winter wedding?
Yes, couples usually book their own celebrant, photographer, hair and makeup artist, florist, and entertainment. Choosing local suppliers who are experienced with winter weddings in the Highlands can help ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.
