N + C’s Cluny Castle Wedding
As someone who travelled almost four thousand miles for love (and yes, I married him…) then I like to think I’m in a pretty good position to offer all kinds of helpful hints, advice, and tips to couples getting married abroad.
Take N and C for example. These laidback Californian lovebirds flew into Scotland with 30 of their nearest and dearest in order to tie the knot in a real life castle. I don’t blame them, there’s nowhere on earth with better castles than Scotland, and Cluny Castle is one of the most enchanting that’s for sure.
Weddings at Cluny Castle, Aberdeenshire
Surrounded by Aberdeenshire countryside and acres of parkland, Cluny Castle is secluded, tastefully decorated and perfect for the intimate wedding that N and C had planned. It also has a rich history, having been in the same family – the Gordons of Cluny – ever since it was built hundreds of years ago.
C and N’s day was – as all the best weddings are – just the right mix of elegant and chilled out, with beautiful touches of colour throughout. I adored N’s Hayley Paige dress, those layers were amazing! The green of her bridesmaid’s dresses looked incredible and went perfectly with C, and his groomsmen’s, navy suits. N’s flowers were a wonderful mix of wild, colourful country florals.
They had planned so many brilliant touches throughout their day, from oysters served during the drinks reception to arcade games and wedding favours of quintessential Scottish treats (Irn Bru, teacakes and miniature whiskeys). As everytone was staying at the castle it felt like a big old house party, especially when Touch of Class started playing and everyone took to the dancefloor!
Not just a wedding photographer…
Oh no, I’m definitely not just your wedding photographer. If I’m hanging out with you for the day then I’ll be your buddy, your confidante and (if needed) your tour guide. I knew that N and C needed to head off the beaten track while they were over here.
I’m a firm believer that you can’t visit Aberdeenshire without stopping off at some of the seaside towns and putting the local ice creams to a taste test. N and C loved this recommendation and passed it along to some of their guests who decided to take up the challenge too!
So, if you ever find yourself this far north then my top three places to check out are (in no particular order)
Of course, while I was there I tried out all the local ice cream shops. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. For taste test purposes I opted for strawberry and I’ve got to say, Cruden Bay is my fave. If you ever find yourself in the area make sure you pay them a visit and treat yourself to an ice cream!
After that bonus Aberdeenshire tourist tip, here are some highlights from C and N’s Cluny Castle wedding day…
![](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-1.jpg)
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![kim dalglish florist bright colourful bouquet pink blue purple red flowers at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-5.jpg)
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![hayley paige wedding dress at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-10.jpg)
![american bride getting into hayley paige wedding dress at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-11.jpg)
![american bride getting into hayley paige wedding dress at cluny castle wedding scotland with jodie gibb makeup artists](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-12.jpg)
![american bride walking down staircase in hayley paige wedding dress at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-13.jpg)
![kim dalglish florist bright colourful bouquet pink blue purple red flowers at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-14.jpg)
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![kid dressed up as a bear walking down the aisle at wedding as a ring bearer at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-15.jpg)
![american bride and groom getting married in scotland at cluny castle ceremony in church](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-16.jpg)
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![american bride and groom first kiss getting married in scotland at cluny castle ceremony in church](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-18-scaled.jpg)
![kim dalglish florist bright colourful bouquet pink blue purple red flowers at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-19.jpg)
![bride and groom with the oysterman events at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-20.jpg)
![the oysterman events at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-21.jpg)
![guests enjoying the oysterman events at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-22.jpg)
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![american bride and groom pose with wedding party bridesmaids in green silk dresses at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-24.jpg)
![american bride and groom pose with wedding party bridesmaids in green silk dresses and groomsmen in navy suits with bow ties at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-25.jpg)
![american bride and groom pose with wedding party groomsmen in navy suits with bow ties at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-26.jpg)
![exterior of cluny castle during a wedding in scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-27.jpg)
![croquet and lawn games at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-28.jpg)
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![american bride and groom walking and smiling around the grounds at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-30.jpg)
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![american bride and groom walking and smiling around the grounds at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-32-scaled.jpg)
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![cluny castle wedding scotland exterior with pond lake loch in foreground](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-38.jpg)
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![cluny castle wedding scotland reception dinner set up interior reception rooms with long tables](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-34.jpg)
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![love laura lane hand painted wedding cake with mountains and trees at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-36.jpg)
![cluny castle wedding scotland reception dinner set up interior reception rooms with long tables](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-37.jpg)
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![cluny castle wedding scotland reception dinner set up interior reception rooms with long tables bride and groom kiss under fairy lights](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-45-scaled.jpg)
![love laura lane hand painted wedding cake with mountains and trees at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-46.jpg)
![love laura lane hand painted wedding cake with mountains and trees at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-47.jpg)
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![cluny castle wedding scotland reception dancing with DJ touch of class](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-51.jpg)
![cluny castle wedding scotland reception with retro games for guests jenga evening entertainment](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-57.jpg)
![cluny castle wedding scotland reception with retro games for guests jenga evening entertainment](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-58.jpg)
![cluny castle wedding scotland reception dancing with DJ touch of class](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-59.jpg)
![cluny castle wedding scotland reception dancing with DJ touch of class](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-60.jpg)
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![cluny castle wedding scotland reception dancing with DJ touch of class bride and groom on dancefloor](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-65.jpg)
Supplier shout-outs
Venue – Cluny Castle
Associate Shot by – Emma Lawson Photography
Bride’s dress – Hayley Paige
Groom’s suit – Men’s Wearhouse
Florist – Kim Dalglish
Hair – Michelle Reid
Make up – Jodie Gibb
Caterers – Hudsons
Cake – Love Laura Lane
DJ – Touch of Class
Oysters – The Oysterman Events
Jewellery – Mejuri
Rings – Anueva
![american bride and groom walking and smiling around the grounds at cluny castle wedding scotland](https://hayleypalmquistphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/american-destination-cluny-castle-wedding-scotland-30.jpg)