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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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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.
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