Recently, Wildling Weddings took a little trip to Inchcolm Island – one of a small cluster that makes up the Firth of Forth islands – to photograph the lovely wedding of Ali and Barry – and it is safe to say we had a total blast!
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Inchcolm Island
Inchcolm Island Wedding
Where is Inchcolm Island?
The delectable Inchcolm Island can be found just four miles east of the famous Forth Bridge in South Queensferry, just outside Edinburgh. In fact, the island is a whopping 6 miles in total from the capital.
Owing to its super practical location, it is easy for couples and their guests to access – especially for those flying into Edinburgh Airport.
How to Get to Inchcolm Island
As the same suggests, Inchcolm Island isn’t part of Scotland’s mainland – but fear not – getting to and from the island is quick and easy.
Ferries to and from the island go twice a day and depart from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry. The journey takes less than 3 hours.
Please note that owing to the wild nature of the Scottish seas, ferries to and from Inchcolm are seasonal and cannot be accessed between November 1 and March 31, so those planning a winter wedding will need to bear this in mind.
More info about opening times and ticket costs can be found here.
Where is Inchcolm Abbey?
Inchcolm Abbey
Inchcolm Island
Burntisland
KY3 0UA
The abbey is in the centre of the island and can be easily accessed from the docking jetty.
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Inchcolm Island
Inchcolm Abbey History
Like much of Scotland’s stunning architecture, Inchcolm Abbey is ancient and brimming with history.
Initially founded in the 12th century by Gregoir, the Bishop of Dunkeld (although this is a matter of some debate among historical scholars), the abbey served as an Augustinian priory and then a fully-functioning abbey in 1235 but was abandoned during the Scottish Reformation in 1560.
Fifty years later, the abbey would be made infamous when it was referenced by William Shakespeare in his play, Macbeth.
Fast-forward a couple of centuries and the abbey is still disestablished as a practising church and monastery, but is well-preserved and ideal for a romantic island wedding.
Photography by Wildling Weddings at Neist Point
Inchcolm Abbey Wedding Venue Details
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff and why Inchcolm Abbey makes such a fantastic wedding venue.
The Venue Specs
There are several locations within the abbey that can house your ceremony, including:
The Refectory
This bright and elegant space is known for its flattering natural light (great for some stunning ceremony photography!) and owing to its larger space than other areas can facilitate up to 100 guests.
Chapter House
Better suited for smaller affairs, such as elopements and microweddings, the Chapter House can hold up to 20 guests, offering the perfect setting for an intimate ceremony.
Bursting with atmosphere, this space is one of only three rooms in the entire country to have been built with a centralised octagonal structure.
Dormitory
Finally, the abbey’s Dormitory can be located on the first floor of the building and boasts stunning features such as arched ceilings. Initially built as sleeping quarters, this space has an intimate and homely feel to it.
Having said that, the capacity is circa 90 guests, so it can be used for couples wanting a bigger wedding.
Types of Ceremonies at Inchcolm Abbey
Religious, humanist, and civil ceremonies can all take place at Inchcolm Abbey provided that the ceremony will be officiated by a registrar.
Photography at Inchcolm Abbey
Those enamoured by the abbey – but are planning on tying the knot elsewhere – can have their (wedding) cake and eat it too.
Inchcolm Abbey is available for wedding photoshoots, which, owing to the incredible architecture of the structures, as well as the romantic sea views surrounding the abbey, makes for some incredible wedding photos.
More information about wedding photographing and elopement packages can be found here.
Isle of Skye Elopement Photography by Wildling Weddings
Booking Inchcolm Abbey
Couples can make a provisional booking for a specific venue and date with no obligation and the venue owners will hold this open for you for up to 4 weeks. You can do this here.
Forth Boat Tours
The Firth of Forth is one of the most iconic water-based areas in Scotland and is perfect for a lovely day out wildlife spotting.
Scottish wild and sea life has much to offer and a boat trip will promise views of some of the country’s most famous occupants including puffins, dolphins, whales, porpoises, gannets, and seals.
We highly recommend spending a few days in the area before or after your wedding and treating yourself to a day out with Forth Boat Tours.
The bridges themselves are a sight to behold too, and you have several tour options including:
- Blackness Castle Cruise
- Boat & Bridges Tour
- Inchcolm Island Cruise
- Three Bridges Cruise
South Queensferry
Since you’re already in the area for your special day, it would be silly not to spend at least a couple of hours perusing the quaint seaside town of South Queensferry.
Known to locals as simply ‘The Ferry’, South Queensferry has more than just Inchcolm Island to offer. In fact, why not take a gander at:
- Hopetoun House
- Dundas Castle
- Queensferry Museum
- The Hawes Inn
- Dalmeny House
Places to Stay Near Inchcolm Abbey
Unfortunately, it is not possible to board at the abbey itself, so we recommend one of the delightful local options:
Forth Reflections Self-Catering Holiday Home
Boasting killer sea views of the formidable bridges, Forth Reflections is a beautiful self-catering holiday home that you and your partner can enjoy all to yourselves.
Featuring one bedroom and one bathroom, this romantic accommodation is a cosy place to crash and can be found on the banks of South Queensferry.
It has everything you need for a comfy stay, including towels, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom with a bath and a shower.
Popular features include:
- Pet friendly
- Sea views
- Free airport shuttle option
- Free Wi-Fi
Blacksand Sea View Cottage
Located in Aberdour, this dreamy holiday cottage is only 100 metres away from Black Sands Beach and is a stone’s throw away from the local golf course.
The cottage itself features everything you need, including linen, towels, a washing machine, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Popular features include:
- Pet friendly
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Sea views
Image by Booking.com
Aberdour Hotel, Stables Rooms, & Beer Garden
Located on the high street of Aberdour, this family-run accommodation is the jewel in this little coastal village’s crown.
Featuring a bar and restaurant that prioritises local, fresh ingredients where possible, including locally made ales, gins, and, of course, whisky, this hotel is ideal for those wanting the quintessential Scottish experience while supporting the local economy.
Popular features include:
- Free parking
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Free Wi-Fi
- Room service
The Wee Glasshouse
Located in the beautiful coastal area of St. Davids – just 15 km from Hopetoun House – this stunning modern accommodation is all contemporary chic and sophistication, and even features a unique glass balcony with killer views of the beach.
The Wee Glasshouse is a one-room holiday home, meaning you and your special someone have the place to yourselves for the ultimate romantic experience.
Popular features include:
- Sea views
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fully-equipped kitchen
Bay and Bridge
This stunning and spacious B&B can be found in the gorgeous Dunfermline area and features views of the Firth of Forth bridges.
Each cosy suite comes with a patio, a private bathroom, and a continental breakfast to be enjoyed in the morning.
Popular features include:
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Airport shuttle
- Superb breakfast
Image by Booking.com
Bankhead Farm Cottage
Sometimes the best way to enjoy an archetypal British experience is to spend some time in a traditional stone built farmhouse… and you get this one all to yourselves!
Featuring four contemporary bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms, as well as plenty of private, rural outdoor space to enjoy some peace and quiet after the festivities of your wedding.
Popular features include:
- Free parking
- Garden
- Modern amenities including a washing machine and a dishwasher
Quay Cottage
Scotland has an abundance of quaint coastal cottages and Quay Cottage is all that and more.
This two-bedroom holiday home features a stunning private courtyard, a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as everything you need for a comfortable, practical stay, including towels and linen.
Popular features include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Sea views
- Close proximity to Edinburgh
The Armoury
Those who fancy something a little unique and unorthodox when it comes to accommodation will LOVE this fantastic converted WW1 bunker in North Queensferry.
Featuring stunning brickwork and completely modified contemporary design complete with everything you need for comfy, self-catering stay, this is the ultimate place to snuggle up with your partner on a chilly Scottish day.
Popular features include:
- Free parking
- Pet friendly
- Close to the Firth of Forth
FAQs
What’s not to love about Inchcolm Abbey?!
The grand structure, the Hogwarts-esque stone halls, the romantic coastal views, and the fact that the building sits atop a soft, sandy beach makes it the ultimate location for those wanting a unique, historical, and quiet wedding.
Pin Inchcolm Island Wedding
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