Fantasy Wedding Day at Kinmount House in Scotland
November 12, 2025
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Sometimes, a destination wedding is truly the most convenient choice, not only for the couple but also for their guests. This was the case for Laura and James, at least. With Laura’s roots being in France and James’s in Australia (and the couple presently residing in London), no matter where they chose to tie the knot, travel would be a factor for their guests. Ultimately, Laura and James opted for the moody, fantastical vibes found in the hills of Annan, Scotland.
The couple, who first met when Laura was on a work placement in James’s hometown of Sydney, envisioned a special experience for themselves and their loved ones in a place everyone talks about but few ever visit.
The Magic of Kinmount House
Finding the perfect spot began with researching venues near a friend’s recommended locale, but as soon as they found Kinmount House, the search ended.
“Our jaws dropped after driving down through the long, luscious driveway and seeing the house,” the couple recalls. “It was a ‘yes’ from almost the moment we saw it.”
Kinmount House, a spectacular 19th-century country house set within 2,000 acres of parkland, offers seclusion, stunning architecture, and a sense of history, making it an idyllic location for a destination wedding. It provided the breathtaking backdrop for their ceremony and reception, captured beautifully by Fox & Fig Photography.
A Lighthearted Ceremony
The wedding ceremony was intentionally relaxed and centered on the couple’s friendship and love story. The walk down the aisle was an especially tender moment, as Laura chose to have her grandmothers escort her to the altar.
“Our ceremony was relaxed, focused on our friendship with each other and our unique story,” they explain.
Instead of traditional vows, they each wrote a paragraph about what they love most about the other, which their celebrant, Andy McKirdy, read aloud. They also incorporated the Scottish tradition of hand-fasting (quite literally “tying the knot”) with an adorable, non-traditional twist. James’s 12 and 7-year-old nieces (their ‘mate of honour’ and ‘best mate’) helped with the fasting and rings. How sweet is that?
Other Personalizations
The couple’s priority was to ensure every guest knew they were invited for one specific reason, that Laura and James simply couldn’t envision this day without them.
- Personalized Place Cards: Instead of traditional cards, James and Laura used a photo of themselves with each guest, or one of a special memory they shared, as their name places.
- International Favors: They dropped handwritten notes at all the hotels, accompanied by party favors sourced from Australia, France, the UK, and Scotland.
- Bilingual Speeches: To ensure all guests, especially those from France, could enjoy the reception, they had each speech subtitled in either English or French, depending on the speaker.
The fun continued into the evening with an “awards ceremony” for their bridal party. Categories included an award for the “most French,” adding a hilarious and truly unique touch to the night. For refreshments, the drinks menu was a celebration in itself: alongside signature cocktails, guests enjoyed colorful slushie and spritz cocktails, which led to a lively dance floor and lots of giggles.
Their Top Tip for Planning a Destination Wedding
Planning a wedding from afar, even with two pre-wedding visits, can be daunting. However, James and Laura emphasized the importance of a simple, classic planning method.
“Picking up the phone and just talking,” the couple advises. “It’s a lot easier to get things clear and complete on the phone, before you confirm via email.”
Their ultimate advice for other couples is to simply relax and trust the incredible vendors who do this every day, reminding them that “Imperfections add character to the day, and you are in front of the best audience you could ask for.”
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Vendors: Photographer: Fox & Fig Photography; Venue: Kinmount House; Florist: To A Mountain Daisy; Cake: Wren Cake Design; Hair: Elegant Bridal Hairstyling; Makeup: Danielle Dickson Makeup; Bride’s Gowns: Grace Loves Lace & Olivia Bottega; Groom’s Attire: M.J. Bale Australia; Bridesmaids’ Attire: Six Stories; DJ: RK DJ Mobile Disco; Piper: Craig Irving, Scottish Piper; Musician: Archie Live Musician; Celebrant: Andy McKirdy; Social Media Photographer: Ur BTS Bestie
