A destination queer micro wedding in Scotland with handfasting and a humanist ceremony 

Libby (she/her)and Kristy (she/her) traveled to the Isle of Skye, Scotland, from their home in Florida for their November destination micro wedding. The couple brought some of their closest friends and family with them to stay at a luxury historic lodge as they celebrated their nuptials.

Deciding to have a solo adventure the day before their wedding day, Libby and Kristy, along with their photographer, hiked up at sunrise to the Old Man of Storr, a natural landmark of rocky hills overlooking the ocean, for couple’s portraits. The nearlyweds wore brimmed hats and matching peacoat jackets as they laughed and shared their morning coffee in matching Mrs. and Mrs. mugs. The pair visited the iconic Fairy Pools, a natural waterfall phenomenon said to contain mythological magical properties, and ended the day drinking wine and watching the sunset from the scenic cliffs high above the Atlantic Ocean.

On their elopement day, Libby and Kristy got ready separately at the lodge, donning complementary white ensembles and plaid tartan shawls, before having a first look outdoors. The ceremony took place outside at the Quiring, a legendary Scottish walking path with scenery reminiscent of Lord of the Rings. Both brides carried bouquets of red, white and pink roses, and wildflowers.

The lovers’ humanist ceremony was complete with the Scottish traditions of bagpipes and handfasting, an ancient Celtic ritual in which the couple’s hands are tied together to symbolize the binding of two lives. Both brides chose this location and ceremony style to honor their Scottish heritage, calling the event their “wee Scottish wedding” and including their family tartans and heirloom jewelry.

As the brides shared their first moments of wedded bliss, a rainbow fortuitously appeared in the sky behind them, signaling luck and reflecting the queer joy emanating from the newlyweds. After taking some time to marvel at the serendipity, the wives and their guests returned to the lodge for celebratory champagne and an intimate dinner party.

Search our directory of LGBTQ+ inclusive vendors.

Submit your LGBTQ+ wedding, engagement or loveshoot.