When Kai and Kristi reached out to us about photographing their 25-year vow renewal in Scotland, we knew it was going to be special. They’d travelled all the way from Lake Michigan with their three kids and three parents to celebrate a quarter-century of marriage in the Scottish Highlands. No pressure then.
Oooh… quick one. If you just wanna see their photos, just scroll to the bottom.
Their vision was simple but stunning: a ruined castle backdrop, their closest family and the kind of raw, beautiful Scottish landscape that makes you understand why people cross oceans to get married here.
We delivered. (Despite some rather dramatic behind-the-scenes circumstances we’ll get to later.)
Planning a Vow Renewal in Scotland from the USA
Planning any kind of ceremony in Scotland from across the Atlantic isn’t exactly straightforward, but Kai and Kristi made it look easy.
Their initial enquiry was clear: “This would be our 25 year marriage vow renewal! We have three kids and three parents who would be attending! We would love to have a ruined castle in the background like Kilchurn or Urquhart castle.”
When couples mention specific castles, we know they’ve done their homework. Kilchurn Castle and Urquhart Castle are both absolutely stunning locations for vow renewals and elopements. But we had something else in mind that we thought they’d love even more.
Enter: Doune.
Why choose Doune for a Vow Renewal?
If you’re an Outlander fan (and let’s be honest, if you’re planning a vow renewal in Scotland, there’s a good chance you are), you’ll know Doune Castle as Castle Leoch – Jamie Fraser’s family home.
But even if you’ve never watched Outlander, Doune Castle is an absolute gem. It’s a 13th-century medieval fortress with incredible architecture, dramatic stone walls and that perfect Scottish castle atmosphere Kai and Kristi were after.
The best part? Right next to Doune Castle sits Old Newton of Doune – a gorgeous outdoor ceremony spot that gave us the ruined castle backdrop they’d dreamed of without any of the logistical headaches of trying to have a ceremony inside or directly at the castle itself.
Perfect for an intimate vow renewal with close family.
The Vow Renewal Ceremony at Old Newton of Doune
The ceremony took place at Old Newton of Doune with Doune Castle creating that epic backdrop Kai and Kristi had envisioned.
Just them, their three kids, three parents and the Scottish landscape. Intimate, meaningful and exactly what a 25-year vow renewal should be.
No massive guest list. No elaborate productions. Just the people who matter most, reaffirming the commitment they’d made a quarter-century earlier.
This is what vow renewals in Scotland are all about – stripping away everything unnecessary and focusing on what actually matters.
Hair and Makeup by Laura Fairley
Kristi worked with the incredibly talented Laura Fairley for hair and makeup on the day.
Laura is an absolute pro and one of our go-to recommendations for couples coming to Scotland for elopements and vow renewals. She understands how to create looks that photograph beautifully in the Scottish elements (wind, mist, unpredictable weather – you know, the usual) whilst making sure you feel confident and gorgeous.
If you’re planning your own vow renewal or elopement in Scotland, we can’t recommend Laura highly enough.
Find Laura Fairley:
- Instagram: @laurafairleymua
- Website: laurafairleymakeupartist.co.uk
She’s based in central Scotland and works with couples all over the Highlands. Absolute legend.
Loch Venachar – Scotland’s Hidden Gem for Photos
After the ceremony, we headed to Loch Venachar for portraits with Kai and Kristi.
If you’ve not heard of Loch Venachar, you’re not alone. It doesn’t have the name recognition of Loch Lomond or Loch Ness, but that’s exactly what makes it brilliant. It’s quieter, less touristy and absolutely stunning.
The loch sits in the Trossachs National Park, surrounded by rolling hills and forests. The water is calm, reflective and creates the most gorgeous mirror images on still days. It’s one of those locations that feels properly remote and wild, even though it’s incredibly accessible.
We spent time exploring the shoreline with Kai and Kristi, capturing intimate portraits that showcased both their connection to each other and the breathtaking landscape around them.
Twenty-five years of marriage and they still looked at each other like newlyweds. That’s what we’re here for.
Castle Leoch (Doune Castle) Portraits
After Loch Venachar, we headed back to Doune Castle itself for more portraits.
For Outlander fans, this is Castle Leoch – the Mackenzie family estate. For everyone else, it’s simply one of Scotland’s most photogenic castles. The honey-coloured stone, the medieval architecture, the dramatic silhouette against the Scottish sky – it’s all ridiculously photogenic.
We shot around the exterior of the castle as the light started to change, making the most of the golden hour and the incredible backdrop.
Kai and Kristi were naturals in front of the camera. Twenty-five years together means you’re comfortable with each other and it shows in every single image. No awkward posing needed. Just genuine connection and joy.
Day Two: Sunrise in Glencoe
The next morning, we picked up Kai and Kristi early (and we mean early) for a sunrise shoot in Glencoe.
If you’re planning a vow renewal or elopement in Scotland and you’re not including Glencoe, you’re doing it wrong. It’s possibly the most dramatic, cinematic landscape in the entire country. Towering mountains, sweeping valleys and an atmosphere that feels absolutely ancient.
We arrived in the early morning mist and it was absolutely magical. The kind of soft, moody light that makes everything look like a film scene. The mountains were partially shrouded in mist, creating layers of depth and mystery.
We shot until the sun properly came up and the light got too harsh and bright. Morning shoots in Glencoe are always special, but this one was particularly stunning.
Kai and Kristi absolutely smashed it, exploring the landscape with us and trusting our vision completely.
The Behind-the-Scenes Drama (Or: That Time Matt Nearly Died)
Right, so here’s the bit that makes this vow renewal memorable for slightly different reasons.
I (Matt, the one writing this) was absolutely horrendously ill with food poisoning during Kai and Kristi’s vow renewal shoot. And I don’t mean a bit queasy. I mean full-blown, lost 13 pounds in two days, questioning all my life choices kind of ill.
Jodie basically carried the entire shoot whilst I tried not to collapse on various Scottish hillsides.
Kai and Kristi were absolute stars about it. Professional, understanding and genuinely lovely humans. They got incredible photos (because Jodie is that good) and we got through it together.
Would we recommend food poisoning as part of your vow renewal photography experience? Absolutely not. But it does make for a good story and it’s a testament to how brilliant our couples are when things don’t go exactly to plan.
We delivered stunning images. We just did it whilst I slowly wasted away in the Scottish Highlands.
Rock and roll.
Why Choose Scotland for Your Vow Renewal?
Kai and Kristi travelled all the way from Lake Michigan to renew their vows in Scotland, and they’re not alone. We photograph couples from all over the world who choose Scotland as the backdrop for their vow renewals.
Here’s why Scotland works so brilliantly for vow renewals:
The landscapes are unmatched. Castles, lochs, mountains, coastlines – Scotland has every dramatic backdrop you could possibly want.
It feels special and intentional. Travelling to Scotland for your vow renewal makes it a proper occasion. It’s not just another day. It’s an adventure.
You can keep it intimate. Unlike traditional weddings, vow renewals don’t need massive guest lists. Scotland is perfect for small, meaningful ceremonies with just your closest people.
The photos are incredible. The Scottish landscape does half the work for us. Everything here is photogenic.
It’s easier than you think. We help couples navigate the entire process, from location scouting to supplier recommendations to timeline planning.
Planning Your Own Scotland Vow Renewal
If you’re reading this and thinking “yes, we want to do exactly this,” here’s what you need to know:
Vow renewals are easier than legal marriages. You don’t need to deal with any legal paperwork or registrars because you’re already married. This means more flexibility with locations and timing.
Timing matters. Scotland is stunning year-round but different seasons offer different vibes. Summer gives you long daylight hours. Autumn brings incredible colours. Winter and spring can be moody and dramatic.
Location, location, location. Think about what landscapes speak to you. Castles? Mountains? Lochs? Coastlines? We can help you find the perfect spot.
Keep it intimate. The beauty of vow renewals is you can invite exactly who you want. No obligation to include distant relatives or your mum’s book club.
Hire local suppliers who know Scotland. We’ve been photographing in Scotland for over a decade. We know the locations, the light, the weather patterns and how to make everything work.
Vow Renewal Photography in Scotland
We specialise in vow renewal photography across Scotland, particularly in the Highlands, Glencoe, the Trossachs and around iconic Scottish castles.
Our approach is simple: we focus on genuine moments, stunning landscapes and creating images that tell the story of your day. No stiff, awkward posing. No forced smiles. Just real connection in incredible locations.
We also help with the entire planning process. Location recommendations, timeline planning, supplier connections – we’ve done this hundreds of times and we want to make your vow renewal as stress-free and magical as possible.
Locations We Covered: Perfect for Scotland Vow Renewals
Old Newton of Doune – Intimate outdoor ceremony space with Doune Castle backdrop. You’ll find it on Airbnb
Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) – Iconic Outlander location and stunning medieval castle. Incredible for portraits. Fun fact, if you want to shoot inside the castle, you can arrange this through Historic Scotland.
Loch Venachar – Hidden gem in the Trossachs. Calm, reflective waters and dramatic hillside surroundings.
Glencoe – Scotland’s most cinematic landscape. Towering mountains, sweeping valleys and moody, atmospheric light.
All of these locations are within relatively easy reach of each other, making them perfect for multi-location vow renewal days like Kai and Kristi’s.
Why Couples Choose Us for Their Scotland Vow Renewals
We’re not just photographers showing up to take pictures. We’re your full planning team, your local experts and your biggest cheerleaders.
We know Scotland inside out. Over a decade of experience photographing here means we know the best locations, the best times of day and how to work with Scottish weather (because let’s be honest, it does what it wants).
We help with everything. Location scouting, supplier recommendations, timeline planning, legal advice if you need it – we’ve got you covered.
We keep it relaxed. No stiff, formal posing. No awkward directions. Just natural guidance that helps you look and feel incredible.
We understand travel logistics. Most of our couples come from abroad. We know what it’s like to plan something massive from thousands of miles away.
We genuinely care. Every vow renewal is special. Every couple has a unique story. We invest completely in making your day unforgettable.
Ready to Plan Your Scotland Vow Renewal?
If Kai and Kristi’s story has inspired you to plan your own vow renewal in Scotland, we’d genuinely love to hear from you.
Whether you’ve got a clear vision like they did or you’re just starting to explore the idea, we’re here to help make it happen.
Get in touch and let’s start planning your Scottish adventure.
Because twenty-five years of marriage (or ten, or five, or fifty) deserves to be celebrated somewhere absolutely spectacular.
And despite the occasional bout of food poisoning, we promise to show up and deliver stunning photos that tell your story.
That’s the Sassenachs guarantee.
Planning your own vow renewal or elopement in Scotland?
Check out our ultimate guide to eloping in Scotland, packed with location recommendations, seasonal advice, supplier suggestions and everything you need to plan your perfect day.
We photograph vow renewals and elopements across Scotland year-round. Limited availability. Get in touch early to secure your date.
