Mark & Mairi-Anne's Big Beach Wedding at Achmelvich
Some weddings bring me close to home, and few places are closer to my heart than Achmelvich beach. So, when Mairi-Anne and Mark reached out in February 2024 to inquire about a beach wedding in June 2025, I was absolutely delighted. Mairi-Anne’s connection to Achmelvich runs deep, a lifetime of summers spent on its sands, and with her parents now living there, it was the perfect, meaningful spot for their big day.
From our initial meeting it was clear this would be a grand celebration, unlike many of the more intimate ceremonies I conduct on this stunning beach. With over a hundred guests expected – a testament to their rich network of friends and family – we had ample time to plan and let ideas unfold. Regular check-ins throughout the winter and a final flurry of activity brought us to the highly anticipated day.
Fortunately, the weather gods were on our side. It wasn't a day of blazing sunshine, but neither was it marred by threatening clouds or horizontal rain. The atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed, with a marquee set up for guests to gather before the ceremony. As it was time to begin, everyone ambled towards the seating arranged on the beach, children happily running around in the open space.
Monika was such an important part of our day; not only for the ceremony itself but also for all her experience and knowledge in the preparations for our day too. On top of that she really is just an amazingly kind woman who really wants the best for each couple she works with. We can’t recommend her enough! Mark and Mairi-Anne
Then came the big moment. After her mother, Mairi-Anne arrived with her father just above the beach, a truly special sight for Mark as he saw his bride for the first time that day. What followed was a wonderfully relaxed ceremony that beautifully recounted their journey from "just friends" to a deeply connected couple. Their love story, filled with delightful twists and turns, truly felt like something out of a movie!
Two heartfelt readings, one by a close friend and another by Mark's godfather, added personal touches to the ceremony. Mairi-Anne and Mark then shared their vows, sealed with a handfasting ritual using the Macleod tartan, a fitting nod to Mairi-Anne’s family name. The ceremony concluded with a unique twist on tradition: drinking from a quaich, a modern version from the local Highland stoneware pottery, filled not with whisky or wine, but with Jägermeister! A toast with a bit more bite, perfectly reflecting their unique blend of heritage and personality.
Thank you, Mairi-Anne and Mark, for letting me be a part of your incredible day. Your Achmelvich wedding will always remain a special memory for me whenever I visit my local beach.
Want to experience more of Mark & Mairi-Anne’s special day? Check out the amazing video by Cameron @ Highland Wedding Films – you can even hear snippets of the ceremony.