A Mar Lodge Wedding – Margaux and Struan's summer celebration in Aberdeenshire
A Mar Lodge Wedding – Margaux and Struan's summer celebration in Aberdeenshire
One of the greatest joys of being a wedding photographer in Aberdeenshire, Scotland is having the absolute privilege of visiting some incredible locations across this beautiful region. So, when Margaux and Struan got in touch to say they were getting married at Mar Lodge in Braemar, I was all in.
The Mar Lodge Estate wedding venue is Britain’s largest nature reserve. It has four of the five highest mountains in the UK, 15 Munros, ancient forests, wild landscapes and incredible glens, so it’s not hard to see why they chose it for their Scottish Highland wedding.
As an exclusive-use wedding venue in Aberdeenshire, Margaux and Struan had the whole place to themselves for the weekend which meant total freedom to enjoy their day. Margaux got ready in the boudoir, a room situated right above the main lodge’s entrance with access to extensive apartments on each side. The moody interiors reflect the external landscape and they’re a photographer’s dream. Struan chose to get ready with team groom in the billiards room on the ground floor, which is equally as moody and warm.
Chloe from Coo Hill Studio in Braemar supplied their bouquets, buttonholes and florals throughout the day and they were beautiful. They even survived the hot temperatures and direct sunlight all the way into the evening.
Margaux’s dress was from Kavell Couture in Edinburgh and Struan’s kilt was from Slanj Kilts in Glasgow. Their wedding rings were bespoke and from Laing’s Jewellers (somewhere the Arlows know well).
Getting Ready at Mar Lodge
One thing about the Mar Lodge Estate is that you can never really predict the weather – it can be raining in Braemar and completely clear ten minutes along the valley at the lodge. The skies were completely clear for Margaux and Struan, which made an outdoor Scottish wedding ceremony the perfect choice. They decided to get married outside the chapel, with rolling hills as their backdrop.
Gary Smith, a Celebrant with the Humanist Society of Scotland, led their ceremony and brought a relaxed and warm feel to their celebration. They chose to include a handfasting, quaich ritual, personalised vows and a ring exchange, all followed by a confetti exit at the front of Mar Lodge
Mar Lodge Wedding Photography – Couple Portraits
With so many stunning locations around the lodge for their wedding photographs, we were spoilt for choice. We chose to head off to the Linn of Quoich’s Punchbowl, a water-carved hole in rock right next to a beautiful bridge, forest walk and newly renovated cottage.
If you’re planning a Mar Lodge wedding in Aberdeenshire, my top tip would be to allocate one of your guests as a designated driver and bring some comfortable shoes to walk in. The river spot is around a five-minute drive from the venue and then a 5–10 minute gentle walk on foot (often uneven). It’s 100% worth it for your wedding photography in Scotland.
An Outdoor Mar Lodge Wedding Ceremony
With so many stunning locations around the lodge for their wedding photographs, we were spoilt for choice. We chose to head off to the Linn of Quoich’s Punchbowl, a water-carved hole in rock right next to a beautiful bridge, forest walk and newly renovated cottage.
If you’re planning a Mar Lodge wedding in Aberdeenshire, my top tip would be to allocate one of your guests as a designated driver and bring some comfortable shoes to walk in. The river spot is around a five-minute drive from the venue and then a 5–10 minute gentle walk on foot (often uneven). It’s 100% worth it for some incredible wedding photography portraits in the Scottish landscape.
Mar Lodge Wedding Photography – a incredible location for Couple Portraits
Their Speeches and Reception at Mar Lodge’s Ballroom
The Stag Ballroom sits separately to the main lodge and it’s a stunning space for your evening reception and dinner. The light is moody and the interior feels very true to the main lodge, which is perfect for your wedding photography in Aberdeenshire. The happy couple opted for long table seating, which offers a very conversational and relaxed vibe for dinner.
Once dinner was complete, served by the wonderful Regius Catering, the room was transformed by the Mar Lodge team for dancing.
The couple chose Brother Man Band as their entertainment for the evening, who were incredible. They played a mix of ceilidh music and covers (lots of Taylor Swift by request) and the dance floor was full of energy all evening.
Golden hour at Mar Lodge Estate is nothing short of magical. As with any wedding, timings will always run over and things won’t go to plan, but that’s okay. It’s your wedding photographer’s job to think of creative solutions and that’s exactly how we ended up with these incredible golden hour images.
We didn’t have enough time to visit all of our photography locations during the afternoon session, so we snuck out after dinner for 30 minutes to hit some iconic spots. It was absolutely worth it for these unforgettable Scottish wedding photographs.After the confetti settled, guests wandered into the cozy barn for the wedding breakfast, which had a relaxed, rustic vibe thanks to Megan’s DIY table decor—think greenery, fairy lights, and a whole lot of charm! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with laughter filling the air as the speeches kicked off. Full of funny stories and touching moments, they captured the love and joy of James and Megan’s big day, making it a truly unforgettable celebration.
Golden Hour Mar Lodge Wedding Photos
Thank you Margaux and Struan for having me as part of your day – I’d happily do it all again!
Thank You
I’ve been lucky to photograph weddings at Mar Lodge in Braemar, Aberdeenshire quite a few times this summer and the team have very kindly made me one of their recommended suppliers. If you’re looking for an Aberdeen wedding photographer, an Aberdeenshire wedding photographer, or a Scotland wedding photographer who knows Mar Lodge well, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to chat about your plans!
Looking for a Mar Lodge Wedding Photographer?
Wedding suppliers featured
Lead Photographer: Me (Scott Arlow Photography)
Videographer: Dode Allen Wedding Films
Second Photographer (Groom Prep): Samuel Photo
Venue: Mar Lodge Estate, Braemar, Aberdeenshire
Hair + Makeup: Audrey McCarthy Bridal Artist
Florals: Coo Hill Studio
Humanist: Gary the Humanist
Caterer: Regis Banqueting
Band: Brother Man Band
Dress: Kavelle Couture
Kilt: Slanj Kilts
Rings: Laing’s Jewellers
