Golden Hour Adventures: Jessica & Will’s Pre-Wedding Shoot at Dunnottar Castle

There’s something so magical about Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, and Dunnottar Castle is one of my favourite spots for a pre-wedding shoot. Perched high on the cliffs near Stonehaven, this stunning Scottish castle makes the perfect backdrop for adventurous and outdoorsy couples. Jessica and Will joined me here recently for a golden hour engagement session, and we couldn’t have asked for better light—or better company.

Jessica is no stranger to weddings. As the wedding coordinator at the Marcliffe Hotel & Spa in Aberdeen, she’s seen it all when it comes to planning stress-free, modern weddings. But this time, the focus wasn’t on someone else’s big day—it was on her and Will’s lovely journey to the altar. We go way back to our days working weddings together at Thainstone House and Maryculter House, so it was extra special for me to be part of this moment with her.

Meeting Will for the first time was a joy. He’s the kind of person who will tell you he doesn’t enjoy having his photo taken, but by the end of the shoot, he admitted he’d actually had fun. (Yes, FUN!) Jessica and I even celebrated with a quick high five. It just goes to show that pre-wedding shoots aren’t just about the photos—they’re about feeling relaxed, connecting with your partner, and having a stress-free, candid experience together.

We explored the grounds of Dunnottar Castle during golden hour, capturing a mix of creative, candid moments and a few epic shots with the rugged cliffs and North Sea in the background. It’s hard to beat the beauty of Scotland when it comes to romantic engagement shoots. The setting felt so true to Jessica and Will—modern yet timeless, adventurous yet intimate.

Pre-wedding shoots are an incredible way to feel comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day. They’re perfect for couples who want to keep things candid, fun, and adventurous. It’s also a chance to pause and enjoy this exciting chapter without the hustle and bustle of wedding planning. And for couples eloping to Scotland, it’s a lovely way to create memories in some of the country’s most iconic locations, like Dunnottar Castle.

For Jessica and Will, the shoot was about more than just photos—it was about getting to know each other in a relaxed, stress-free way. By the time their wedding day rolls around, I’ll feel more like a friend than just their photographer, and that’s exactly how I like it.

Whether you’re planning your wedding in Aberdeen, eloping to a Scottish castle, or dreaming of a creative and modern celebration, a pre-wedding shoot could be the perfect addition to your plans. It’s all about capturing your love story in a way that feels uniquely you.

Jessica and Will, I had the best time adventuring with you at Dunnottar Castle, and I’m so excited to see what your wedding day at Cluny Castle brings.

If you’d love to include a pre-wedding or engagement session in your wedding plans—or if you’re looking for inspiration for your Scottish wedding—I’d love to hear from you!