Beautiful summer wedding on the Isle of Bute, Scotland

I first visited Mount Stuart as a wedding guest in 2011 and was absolutely blown away. When you enter the Marble Hall it is honestly jaw-dropping, then more literally neck-cracking as you can’t help but look up at the ceiling and tilt your head at every angle humanly possible to take it all in. The ceiling is covered in sparkling crystal constellations, the stained glass windows showcase the zodiac signs and as the sunlight moves throughout the day the colours from the windows dance across the entire hall. 

The spellbinding architecture is truly out of this world, if you were to tell 20 year old Harriett that she would one day photograph a wedding there, she would freeeeak out! We were so excited when we were asked to photograph Ash and Osh’s big day on behalf of Madhouse Weddings. The second time arriving at Mount Stuart was just as breath taking as the first. From the moment I met Ash (the bride) it was clear to see her love for Mount Stuart, and how could you not instantly fall in love with this enchanting building? In fact, Ash loves the venue so much she got a job there, and it must say something about the venue if you’re happy to get married at work! The extra knowledge and little stories she told about the building and its history just makes you love it even more!

About Mount Stuart

Mount Stuart is a stunning gothic building situated on the Isle of Bute off the west coast of Scotland. It is a magical place to get married, steeped in history and beauty. They also offer accommodation for you and up to 35 guests. “So how much does it cost to get married at Mount Stuart?” I hear you ask… prices start from £11k for your ceremony and reception, or for the whole shebang (including the accommodation for you and your guests) is £24k according to their 2019 brochure.

About their day

Ash & Osh had a beautiful summers wedding day from start to finish. Ash spent the morning with the girls getting ready in the Horoscope room which boasts a gorgeous conservatory flooded with natural light (perfect for the makeup artists!) Osh finished getting ready in the Billiard room with his groomsmen where they enjoyed a wee dram to calm the pre-ceremony nerves. The ceremony took place in the Marble Chapel with floor to ceiling white Sicilian marble, the ruby red stained glass ceiling floods the room with stunning red light. The ceremony was performed by Argyll & Bute registrars who the couple said were ‘flawless and easy from start to finish.’ The ceremony was perfect and truly represented their love and who they are as a couple. After their family photos in the drawing room, everyone sat for speeches and the wedding breakfast in the Marble Hall. The evening was filled with love and laughter. After the first dance, in true traditional Scottish style, was the Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) band who were amazing (and a personal highlight of the day!).

Styling

With a venue this stunning you really need minimal styling, Ash stayed on theme with mythological table names and subtle pastel florals (which she grew herself!) and complimented the colours of the Marble Hall perfectly. It was hard to narrow down images for this blog so I’m sorry (not really that sorry though) about how long this page will be, but just look at how god dang beautiful this wedding day was! Enjoy the photos and if you make it to the end you win 10 points!

If you’re planning a Mount Stuart wedding then contact us to tell your story.

Still need convincing? Then view more wedding photos here.

Suppliers:

Photographer: The Harphams associating for Mad House Weddings

Venue: Mount Stuart

Florals: The brides business - Bloom Borealis

Make-up: Shannon O'Neill Make Up

Hair: HAIR by Helen Livingstone

Entertainment: Bute Ceilidh Band

If you’d like us to photograph your wedding day please get in touch!