Ben Lomond Sunset Wedding at Altskeith House, Loch Ard
Altskeith House Weddings: A Stunning Loch Ard Venue in The Trossachs
Altskeith House is a truly magnificent wedding venue on the shores of Loch Ard in the heart of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. With its stunning scenery, charming country house setting, and exclusive-use appeal, it’s no wonder couples worldwide choose Altskeith House to celebrate their special day.
One such couple was Derek and Kelly, who travelled from Vermont to tie the knot at this extraordinary Scottish venue. Their wedding was a beautiful blend of authentic Scottish charm and personal touches, complete with a breathtaking sunset over Ben Lomond and the chance to row a boat on the serene waters of Loch Ard.
In this blog, I’ll take you through Derek and Kelly’s unforgettable day, showcase why Altskeith House is such a perfect wedding venue, and share how I, as a local wedding photographer, approach capturing weddings at this incredible location.
A Trossachs Wedding Venue Like No Other
Altskeith House stands out as one of Scotland's most picturesque wedding venues. Situated beside Loch Ard, this country house offers couples and their guests an unparalleled setting surrounded by the natural beauty of The Trossachs. With its exclusive-use policy, couples can enjoy the entire property, ensuring privacy and a relaxed celebration atmosphere.
Derek and Kelly were drawn to Altskeith House for its idyllic setting and authentic Scottish charm. Derek had studied in Edinburgh, but neither he nor Kelly had visited Loch Lomond & The Trossachs before their wedding. It turned out to be the perfect destination for their dream wedding, combining the romance of the Scottish Highlands with the joy of being surrounded by loved ones.
Outdoor Ceremony with a Loch Ard Backdrop
Derek and Kelly’s wedding day was blessed with fantastic weather, allowing them to hold their ceremony outdoors with the stunning backdrop of Loch Ard. The gentle ripples of the loch, framed by lush greenery and the towering hills beyond, provided a serene and magical setting for their vows.
The couple’s relaxed and fun personalities shone throughout the day, and it was a pleasure to capture their love story through candid, storytelling-style photography. Their outdoor ceremony was filled with laughter, joy, and heartfelt moments, all set against one of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Golden Hour Magic: Rowing on Loch Ard
One of the highlights of Derek and Kelly’s wedding was the magical golden hour—the last hour of light before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky and casts a warm, golden glow over the surroundings. During this time, we captured some truly stunning portraits of the couple.
One of my favourite moments was when Derek and Kelly rowed a boat on Loch Ard as the sun set behind Ben Lomond in the distance. The soft light, peaceful water, and majestic mountains combined to create an unforgettable scene that perfectly encapsulated the romance and beauty of their day.
The Beauty of Altskeith House Grounds
One of Altskeith House's greatest strengths is its setting. Beyond the house's grandeur, the property boasts stunning grounds that offer endless opportunities for wedding photography
The grounds include a charming waterfall, which provides a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for portraits. Majestic trees and well-maintained gardens add to the venue’s allure, creating a serene, intimate and expansive environment.
One of my favourite spots is the boat house and private beach area beside Loch Ard. These locations offer unique perspectives of the loch and surrounding hills, making them ideal for capturing romantic, scenic portraits.
Authentic Wedding Photography at Altskeith House
As a wedding photographer, my approach is to create a natural and authentic record of the day. I focus on capturing the spontaneous, joyful, and heartfelt moments that tell the story of your wedding while allowing you to fully enjoy your day without feeling overwhelmed by the photography process.
For Derek and Kelly’s wedding, I stepped back to document the candid interactions between the couple and their guests, from shared laughter during the ceremony to quiet moments of reflection throughout the day. When it came time for portraits, I gently guided them to create beautiful, natural images that showcased both their love and the stunning surroundings of Altskeith House.
I aim to blend into the background, ensuring the photography feels effortless and unobtrusive. Whether it’s capturing the small details you’ve carefully chosen or the grand moments like your first kiss as a married couple, I aim to preserve every memory in a way that feels authentic and timeless.
Loch Ard Weddings
We had fantastic weather for their wedding and enjoyed having their ceremony take place outside, with the stunning backdrop of Loch Ard. The couple were great fun, and I got many candid, story-telling pictures, my favourite type of wedding photography. However, when it got to golden hour, the last hour of light when the sun was low in the sky, we got a series of beautiful portraits.
A Local Photographer’s Perspective
As a wedding photographer based in Drymen, near Loch Lomond, I have a deep appreciation for Altskeith House's natural beauty and unique charm. Being local allows me to bring valuable insights and a personalised approach to capturing weddings at this stunning venue.
Having photographed many weddings in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, I understand how to make the most of the ever-changing Scottish light and highlight the venue's best features and surroundings. From the dramatic scenery of Loch Ard to the intimate moments inside the house, I strive to create a collection of images that reflect the beauty and emotion of your day.
Let’s Capture Your Altskeith House Wedding
Altskeith House is more than just a wedding venue—it’s a place where memories are made, and dreams come to life. Its stunning location, elegant interiors, and exceptional grounds provide the perfect setting for a romantic and unforgettable celebration.
If you’re planning your wedding at Altskeith House, I’d be honoured to be part of your journey. As your photographer, I’ll work with you to ensure every moment is beautifully captured, from the grand vistas of Loch Ard to the quiet, intimate moments shared with your loved ones.
Get in touch to discuss your plans and how I can help make your Altskeith House wedding unforgettable. Together, we’ll create a timeless record of your special day that you’ll cherish forever.
Why Altskeith House is a Perfect Wedding Venue
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines natural beauty, exclusivity, and a relaxed atmosphere, Altskeith House is an excellent choice. Its idyllic location on Loch Ard makes it a standout venue in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, offering couples a truly unique and unforgettable setting.
One of Altskeith House's key advantages is its ability to accommodate weddings of various sizes. Whether planning an intimate celebration with a handful of guests or a larger gathering of up to 100 people, the venue provides a range of indoor and outdoor spaces to suit your needs.
The house’s exclusive-use policy ensures that you and your guests have complete privacy, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day without distractions. From the outdoor ceremony space by the loch to the elegant reception rooms inside the house, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to enhance your wedding experience.
Authentic Wedding Photography
My role as a wedding photographer is to create a record of the day with all the authentic and spontaneous moments, letting the couple enjoy the day without getting bogged down in the photography.
For each wedding I photograph, I aim to capture everything without getting in the way, step back to photograph the day, and gently guide portraits when I need to.
About Paul Saunders
Paul Saunders is an experienced wedding and portrait photographer. Based in Loch Lomond, Paul photographs weddings, families, and celebrations throughout Scotland; he also runs photography training courses in Loch Lomond, teaching camera skills and techniques to take better pictures. Check his photo/guidebook, '101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs'. Call or message Paul on 07810 481426.
Thanks for reading this blog and let me know if you want me to photograph your Ben Lomond Sunset Wedding!
