Best Inverness Wedding Suppliers in 2021

Hello and congratulations on your wedding plans! All the researching and organising is a bit overwhelming, isn’t it? I’m here to give you a hand! I’ve compiled a list of the best wedding suppliers in Inverness and the Highlands to help you plan your special day, whether you’re tying the knot in 2021 or just starting to plan.

Free digital download

In a hurry? No problem! I’ve created a helpful PDF which you can download to your phone or desktop. Just tap the image below. Got a bit of time to spare? Great! Sit back and relax while we delve deep into Inverness wedding suppliers.

Graphic promoting the best wedding suppliers in Inverness with a photo of a bride and groom walking in front of a bandstand

As a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of seeing a wedding unfold from the bridal preparations in the morning right through to the first few dances at night. As a result, I’ve come across countless wedding suppliers in Inverness (and the surrounding area) at numerous weddings over the years. I have the pleasure of recommending those wedding vendors who go above and beyond, consistently providing excellent service.


Inverness Wedding Venues

The Glen Mhor Hotel & The Waterside

We’re spoiled for choice here in Inverness for wedding venues. There are lots of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a comfortable hotel, a rustic barn, or an exclusive use country house.

Dedicated wedding coordinator

I can recommend a number of venues. But, I have to say that the Glen Mhor Hotel and the Waterside are my personal favourites. Previously two separate businesses, the Glen Mhor Hotel and the Waterside were brought under the same banner in 2018. The hotel has a dedicated wedding coordinator, Claire. Alongside her team, she consistently provides a top notch, friendly and professional service tailored to every couple.

A white hotel building with a sign reading 'The Waterside' over the doorway, with a marquee and picnic tables in the garden
The Waterside
A three storey stone hotel building with a sign reading 'Glen Mhor' above a window, under a blue sky framed by a tree
The Glen Mhor Hotel

Wedding venue overlooking the River Ness

The Glen Mhor Hotel and the Waterside are a stone’s throw from the heart of Inverness. However, the venue is just far enough out of the city centre to be away from noisy traffic and the general hustle and bustle. The setting is fantastic too, right on the banks of the mighty River Ness.

There are two beautiful function suites to choose from…

The Glen Mhor Suite

The Glen Mhor Suite caters for couples planning an elegant and intimate celebration. It seats up to 60 for the ceremony and meal, and can accommodate a further 60 for the evening reception. It has a log fire and a bay window. This lets in lots of natural light and overlooks the river.

A rectangular hotel suite with a tartan carpet and beige walls, decorated for a wedding with a table and chairs
The Glen Mhor Suite
An emotional bride and groom kissing during their wedding ceremony in front of their guests in a small function room
The Hanover Room in the Glen Mhor Suite

The Ness Suite (The Waterside)

The Ness Suite in the neighbouring Waterside was refurbished for the start of the 2020 season. I’m so impressed with what’s been achieved! The function suite has been tastefully re-decorated with great attention to detail, complete with fibre optic lighting and audio-visual equipment. This larger space can seat up to 120 for the ceremony and meal, and can accommodate a further 50 for the evening reception.

A function suite decorated for a wedding with round white tables with candle centrepieces and a rectangular top table
The Ness Suite
A groom giving his wedding speech standing between the father of the bride and the bride, in front of large mirrors

Getting married outdoors in Inverness

The Glen Mhor Hotel and the Waterside have pulled out all the stops during the pandemic. They’ve ensured that couples can go ahead with their plans in spite of the many restrictions. A large white marquee was constructed especially. Also, couples still have the choice of holding their ceremony in the hotel garden (also an ideal spot for your group photos).

A bride smiling into the camera while holding hands with her groom during her outdoor wedding ceremony in a white marquee
A bride and groom and their wedding guests smiling and waving at the camera standing on a lawn in a garden on a sunny day

Wedding photography in the centre of Inverness

The Glen Mhor Hotel and the Waterside don’t have extensive grounds but this needn’t hold you back when it comes to your couple shots. The scenic Ness Islands are just a two-minute drive away. Bellfield Park with its picturesque bandstand is within walking distance. Of course, there’s also the riverside immediately outside the venue. It offers views across the Ness to Eden Court Theatre and Inverness Cathedral, as well as the castle further downstream.

A bride and groom holding hands and walking on a path next to a tree with a twisted trunks in soft sunlight
Ness Islands

Visit the website for the Glen Mhor Hotel and the Waterside here


Humanist Celebrant in Inverness

Jenny Shepherd

I’ve worked with a lot of celebrants over the years but I have to say that Jenny Shepherd is my absolute favourite! Here’s why. Let’s start by talking about the benefits of having a humanist ceremony.

Personalise your Inverness wedding ceremony

With a humanist, you can really personalise your wedding ceremony so that it’ll be totally unique to you. I always love hearing about how my couples met and how their relationships evolved. You’ll have the option of embellishing your ceremony with symbolic gestures such as a handfasting, lighting candles, mixing sand, drinking from a quaich, and perhaps having a couple of readings (either by Jenny or your friends and family). Your ceremony is such an important part of the day. These personal touches will make it even more meaningful and give you time to really absorb the occasion.

A wedding celebrant conducting a handfasting for the bride and groom during their ceremony in a bright hotel

Highly recommended wedding celebrant

So, why Jenny over any other humanist? Well, she’s just such a lovely, genuine person! She has a knack of effortlessly connecting with her couples and putting them at ease. I’ve seen some celebrants treat a wedding ceremony as an opportunity to be loud and tell too many jokey anecdotes. Jenny, however, strikes the right balance. She’ll give everyone a few laughs but will also communicate the more deep and meaningful emotions that you’ll no doubt be feeling.

Visit Jenny’s Facebook page here


Inverness Wedding Videographer

Fairytale Productions

To be honest, my heart normally sinks when my couples tell me they’ve hired a videographer. But not if they’ve booked John at Fairytale Productions! Here’s why.

Firstly, I’ll tell you what can go wrong with videographers other than Fairytale Productions, with my ‘worst case scenario’ story!

I photographed a wedding on the Black Isle a couple of years ago and the videographer (who shall remain nameless) committed more than one faux pas! Video cameras were set up on either side of the church altar, as well as at the end of the aisle. As the wedding photographer, I was effectively stuck in the one spot, unable to move without fear of walking into the video. It was overkill. At the same wedding, this videographer left a big bulky black tripod set up behind the top table. It ended up in the background of all my photographs of the speeches (major facepalm…).

Professional wedding videographer

Let’s contrast that experience with Fairytale Productions. John captures beautiful, natural video without you feeling like you’ve got the paparazzi at your wedding! John’s approach is way more subtle and ultra professional. He has a photographer’s eye so this isn’t just a bloke with a video camera. You can rest assured that John will be capturing your special day with the very best compositions.

A male wedding videographer dressed in a grey suit, smiling whilst operating his video with guests smiling and laughing

He’s also a really great guy! Whenever I’ve worked with John, we’ve bounced ideas off each other. The atmosphere has always been really relaxed and jovial, which will no doubt rub off on yourselves and your wedding guests. So, when couples tell me they’ve booked John as their videographer, my heart doesn’t sink. Quite the opposite, in fact. I know that we’ll be working as a team instead of competing with each other. AND it’s going to be a really brilliant wedding!

Check out the Fairytale Productions website here


Bridal Boutique near Inverness

Wedding Belles of Alness

The dress! Clearly this is one of the biggest decisions you’re going to make for your wedding. How exciting!

Find the perfect wedding dress

I can strongly recommend booking an appointment and taking a wee trip up the A9 to Wedding Belles of Alness. Here, Mel will stop at nothing to help you find your dream dress in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of her elegant bridal boutique. Mel offers a fantastic selection of gorgeous dresses and accessories, all at competitive prices. She’ll be happy to help you find the perfect dress, regardless of your budget, timescales, and body shape and size.

A bride and groom laughing during their wedding ceremony in a brightly lit church, with wedding guests in the background
Bride's shoes and wedding dress on a coat hanger, hanging in front of white curtains with a tartan border, with fairy lights
A bride's dress on a coat hanger, hanging in front of a window framed by flower curtains, with the bride's shoes on the floor

Visit the Wedding Belles of Alness website here


Inverness Bridal Dresser

Don’t Stress The Dress

Maybe a bridal dresser isn’t on your list, but perhaps it should be!

On the morning of your wedding, you and your bridesmaids will want a stress-free start to the day. Timescales will probably be tight. No-one wants a last minute headache trying to work out how to steam a crease out of your dress! If that wasn’t bad enough, I’ve seen so many mums and bridesmaids end up in a flap trying to do up dozens of tiny buttons (with their long fingernails!) as the clock ticks by.

A bridal dresser smiling and steaming a bride's veil, in front of four red bridesmaids dresses hanging in front of a wardrobe

Stress-free bridal preparations

Why not take the tension out of the bridal preparations? Hire Linzi at Don’t Stress The Dress and she’ll take care of all of this. You can just relax throughout the morning, then Linzi will slip you into your dress. She’ll stick around until the ceremony for any final adjustments. You’ll look absolutely flawless when you walk down the aisle! Linzi travels throughout Scotland and will no doubt be delighted to be a part of your Highland wedding.

Visit the Don’t Stress The Dress Facebook page here


Bridal Hair and Make Up in Inverness

Kristine B Hair & Make Up

Kristine’s superb talent and passion shine through in her work. She’s full of great ideas and instinctively knows what works. Yet, she’ll also listen carefully to your suggestions and resolve any concerns. Kristine has years of experience behind her. She studied fashion and worked as a stylist for glossy magazines and on film sets. The she went on to launch her own hair and make up business here in Inverness.

A natural looking bride with auburn hair and a white wedding dress, smiling with her head turned to the side
A bride holding a bouquet and smiling during her indoor wedding ceremony, with wedding guests visible in the background

Talented Hairdresser and Makeup Artist

Kristine will make you and your bridesmaids look and feel beautiful! She’s really friendly and fun to be around. She’ll totally put you at ease on the morning of your wedding. You’ll enjoy the whole experience of getting ready. You and your bridesmaids will no doubt be absolutely thrilled with the end result!

Visit Kristine’s website here


Inverness Wedding Florist

Fiona’s Flower Studio

Fiona’s Flower Studio is a family run business in Inverness with over 30 years of experience. Fiona and her daughter Molly pride themselves on providing a creative, friendly and personal service.

Beautiful bridal flowers

I can certainly vouch for Fiona’s Flower Studio! This florist has provided truly beautiful flowers for many of my couples over the years. The flowers are always stunning! Fiona and Molly will offer you a free bridal consultation before providing a customised quote. Also, you’ll have a superb choice of bang up-to-date styles and trends, as well as more traditional bouquets to choose from.

Check out the website for Fiona’s Flower Studio here


Feeling overwhelmed?!

Just tap the graphic below to download my PDF direct to your phone or desktop. It contains links to the websites for all the Inverness wedding suppliers mentioned in this article. You can re-visit it once you’ve got more time and a glass of wine to hand!

Graphic promoting the best wedding suppliers in Inverness with a photo of a bride and groom walking in front of a bandstand

Inverness Kilt Hire

Ben Wyvis Kilts

Ben Wyvis kilts offer an extensive range of tartans across multiple alternative outfit styles. They cater for both modern and more traditional tastes alike. All of the kilts are entirely hand sewn in store by experienced kilt makers. The service at Ben Wyvis Kilts is excellent; friendly, helpful and efficient.

A bride and groom smiling, holding hands and walking on a sloping lawn, with rhododendron bushes and trees in the background

Modern and traditional styles

I can personally vouch for Ben Wyvis kilts as my husband bought a kilt (and all the other regalia) here before our wedding! We’d just been planning on hiring a kilt for Mark when we walked into the store (conveniently located right next to Inverness station). However, we both fell in love with the same tartan, jacket, waistcoat and sporran, and wanted Mark to have them for life.

Check out the Ben Wyvis Kilts website here


Inverness Piper

Gus The Piper

Do you want to add to the sense of ceremony and celebrate in true Scottish style? Yes? Then you’re definitely going to want to have a piper at your wedding! The hairs on the back of my neck always stand up when the bagpipes burst into life for the arrival of the bride. This doesn’t happen when venue staff stream music from Spotify and abruptly switch it off!

A male piper dressed in a red tartan kilt and tie, and a black jacket and waistcoat. playing the bagpipes in a green archway

Decades of experience

I can highly recommend Gus The Piper for your special day for two reasons. Firstly, he’s really skilled a what he does. He’s been piping for over 40 years at numerous weddings and he has an impressive repertoire to choose from. Secondly, Gus is a really nice guy! He’s super friendly and will also be very accommodating, for instance, if you need some flexibility in your timings.

Enquire and book with Gus here


Inverness Wedding Cake

Cakes by Fiona MacKinnon

Cake is a subject that’s very close to my heart!

Fiona is super talented at what she does, and will turn your vision of your dream wedding cake into a reality. Every cake is handmade from scratch using the finest of ingredients, with meticulous attention to detail. Fiona offers a generous choice of nine flavours, from traditional fruit cake and chocolate cake, through to mouth-watering toffee and salted caramel, and white chocolate and raspberry. Yum!

Flavourings and cake decorations

Of course, it’s not just about the cake itself. There’s also the decorations, be it personalised models for the cake topper, or sugared flowers. Also, you don’t even need to have a traditional cake, as Fiona also makes beautiful wedding cupcakes.

You can pop over to Fiona’s website here


Inverness Wedding Caterers

Red Poppy Catering

As the photographer, I normally take my meal in a separate room. It gives me the chance to check over the day’s images on the back of my camera, unwind after a long shift, and refresh before the dancing gets underway. With most caterers, it’s always a lottery as to whether a meal will find its way to my table! Sometimes maybe just a starter and a dessert will turn up, and the main course will go walkabout. In any case, I always bring a flask and some food with me to be on the safe side.

Well, I don’t need to worry about this when Red Poppy are doing the catering! I’m super impressed with this wedding supplier. Firstly, their food is delicious. Secondly, I can also vouch for their attention to detail.

A large knife with a blue ribbon tied in a bow around the handle, placed on a white tablecloth next to a wooden object

Delicious cuisine and excellent service

A delicious, piping hot vegetarian meal (served with a smile!), always finds its way to me and, for that, I’m always extremely grateful! If Red Poppy are paying this much attention to the veggie photographer holed up in another room, then you can be sure that they’re also going to provide you with a first-class service.

Check out the Red Poppy Catering website here


Inverness Decorative Hire

Aye Do Events

Ready to turn your vision into a reality? Aye Do Events will transform your wedding space into something truly beautiful! Shona and her team offer a range of tablecloths in different colours, to fit round tables, square tables and trellis tables. These high quality tablecloths can be matched with other linens such as napkins and chair covers. There are also a wide range of extras to choose from, including a choice of centrepieces, aisle runners, fairy lights, fish bowls, tree slices, champagne and beer buckets, and much more!

A wedding venue beautifully decorated with pale pink drapes, a sign reading 'love', and four large rectangular tables

Hop over to the Aye Do Events website here


Inverness Wedding Band

Wonderland

Steve and Lisa have a fantastic sound. AND they’re lovely people and super reliable! As a photographer, I’ve waited around for a lot of bands to get the first dance underway. I’ve seen many musicians start late, either due to endless sound checking or simply propping up the bar! Not an issue with Wonderland though!

Live music, ceilidh and disco

With Wonderland, you can expect a great mixture of ceilidh, live music and disco tunes. You’ll be able to pick your playlist and can be sure the dance floor will be bouncing all night! Steve’s guitar playing is excellent and Lisa is one of the best female vocalists I’ve heard on the wedding scene. Wonderland cover a range of eras and genres and will even learn your first song if it’s not already in their repertoire. No problem though if you want the original played for this special moment.

A bride in a blue dress dancing with her groom wearing grey trousers and a waistcoat, in front of a two piece wedding band

Also, you can expect continuous music throughout the evening, with no long gaps. The atmosphere will be fantastic! Steve and Lisa typically play from 8pm through to 12:30am (although other times can be accommodated), whereas many other bands finish at midnight. Either way, I’ll be in my bed by then!!!

Check out Wonderland’s website here


Scottish Wedding Directory

My Scotland Wedding

Maybe you’re looking for something different, or a service that I’ve not mentioned here, such as jewellery, favours, stationery, transport, marquee hire, or inspiration for your stag and hen dos, or even your honeymoon! There’s a lot to think about, isn’t there?! Head over to My Scotland Wedding, where you’ll find lots more information on wedding suppliers, all on the one website.

A close-up photograph of a bride and groom holding hands as fists, showing their wedding rings

Free wedding planning tools

My Scotland Wedding is a family business run by husband and wife team Roddy and Emma, based in Beauly here in the Highlands. As well as heaps of information on vendors, they offer free wedding planning tools. These will help you to arrange your table plan, balance your budget, and simply tick items off your to-do list.

My Scotland Wedding really went the extra mile during the pandemic. They provided regular easy-to-understand updates on the Covid-19 restrictions. This helped lots of couples (and me!) navigate the minefield of new rules. They were always my first port of call for information.

Here’s a link to the My Scotland Wedding directory


Who am I?

Contacting any of the Inverness wedding suppliers I’ve recommended here? If so, I’d be grateful if you could mention the referral came from Karen Thorburn Photography! Is there anything else I can help you with? If so, please get in touch!

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Inverness wedding photographer Karen Thorburn smiling and standing inside a boat with a bride and groom
Hello, I’m Karen! Here am I with one of my most adventurous couples!

Free digital download

I’ve created a helpful PDF with links to the fantastic Inverness wedding suppliers mentioned in this article. Just tap the graphic below to download it to your phone or desktop.

Graphic promoting the best wedding suppliers in Inverness with a photo of a bride and groom walking in front of a bandstand

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