Traquair House near Innerleithen is one of the most atmospheric wedding venues in the Scottish Borders. Surrounded by old woodland, gardens and countryside, it has an incredible sense of history and feels wonderfully removed from everyday life. I’ve photographed several weddings at Traquair House over the years, and every one has been different. For this particular wedding, the couple chose one of the most extraordinary parts of the estate for their ceremony — the Yew Tree Circle.
A wedding ceremony amongst the ancient yew trees - hidden amongst the woodland beyond the gardens and maze, the Yew Tree Circle is a beautiful and intimate place for an outdoor wedding ceremony. Family and close friends gathered beneath the old trees as the couple exchanged their vows. There was something very peaceful about the setting — surrounded by greenery, away from the main house, with everyone gathered closely around them. After the ceremony, the celebrations continued around Traquair House and its grounds. Guests had time to relax, talk and enjoy being together while I photographed all the little things happening around them — conversations, laughter, hugs and moments that nobody had planned. Traquair House gives us so much variety for photographs without needing to leave the estate. The historic house, gardens, old stone walls, woodland and surrounding countryside all create completely different backgrounds. We explored some of the grounds for a few relaxed portraits of the couple, but most of the day was simply about following the celebration and photographing it as it happened. That is what I particularly enjoy about weddings here. Traquair House provides an extraordinary setting, but ultimately it is the people, relationships and atmosphere that make every wedding look and feel different.
The gallery below follows the celebration through the day and shows what a wedding at Traquair House can really feel like — from the ceremony amongst the ancient yew trees to all the laughter and celebrations that followed.
Planning your wedding celebrations at Traquair House - check if your date is available