Romantic Woodland MicroWedding at The Hermitage, Dunkeld | Sam & Ash

Sam & Ash’s intimate wedding at The Hermitage in Dunkeld, Perthshire was a celebration filled with love, laughter, family moments, and a few unforgettable surprises. We had an absolute blast! Set in one of Scotland’s most enchanting woodland locations beside the River Braan, their ceremony was a perfect blend of emotion, playfulness, and beautiful moments — all captured alongside their closest family, their daughter and their two dogs as ringbearers.

A Woodland Ceremony by the River Braan

Nestled within the ancient woodland of The Hermitage — a National Trust for Scotland protected site of towering trees, lush greenery, and scenic river views — Sam & Ash chose to say “I do” in a setting that felt both personal and breathtakingly natural.

The woodland provides a tranquil backdrop for intimate ceremonies, with options from riverside vows to historic follies like Ossian’s Hall, which overlooks the dramatic Black Linn Falls.  For Sam & Ash, the ceremony inside Ossian's Halls beside the crashing Black Linn waterfall on the River Braan was the perfect reflection of their relaxed, joyful spirit — surrounded by their family and their beloved daughter.

A Never-Ending Game of Paper, Scissors, Stone

One of the most memorable parts of the day was the light-hearted moment before their vows: Sam and Ash couldn’t decide who would speak first — so they turned to a timeless classic — paper, scissors, stone.

What started as a quick decision-maker turned into a hilarious, never-ending exchange filled with laughter and family cheers. It was the perfect expression of their playful connection and set a joyful tone for the rest of the ceremony.

A Little Panic — and a Lot of Love

No wedding story is complete without a memorable, unexpected moment, and Sam & Ash’s day had one that will be talked about for years: a wasp found its way inside one of the bride’s wedding dresses. Cue a brief moment of panic, laughter, and swift rescue attempts from friends and family!

Thankfully, all was well in the end (no brides were stung), and the moment became another part of the story that made the day uniquely theirs — reminding everyone present that real weddings are about authentic moments, not perfection.

Informal Reception at the River-Side Picnic Benches

After the ceremony, the celebrations continued downstream at the river’s edge. Instead of a formal reception, Sam & Ash opted for a relaxed gathering around picnic benches by the River Braan — sharing food, stories, and laughter under the open sky.

This informal riverside setting perfectly matched their outdoor wedding vibe, encouraging connection and comfort among guests. Family moments, scenic views, and the sound of the river all contributed to an atmosphere that was warm, welcoming, and truly personal — exactly like their relationship.

Reflections on a Perfectly Imperfect Day

Sam & Ash’s wedding at The Hermitage was proof that the most meaningful celebrations aren’t always polished or predictable. With nature as their backdrop, their daughter by their side, and a few laugh-out-loud moments along the way, this was a wedding that truly celebrated love — in all its joyful, spontaneous, and beautiful forms.

Whether it was the endless game of paper, scissors, stone or the wasp cameo, this day will live on in photographs and hearts as a perfect woodland wedding at a one-of-a-kind Perthshire location.

A quick word from Sam & Ash, after receiving their online album: "Oh my actual goodness, I can hardly see to type this email, ha ha! Crying our eyes out, we can't thank you enough. The photos are incredible!!! Thank you sooooo much for capturing our day!"

Planning a Hermitage Wedding?

If you’re considering a woodland ceremony at The Hermitage, Dunkeld, this magical forest near the River Braan offers unforgettable scenery for intimate weddings, elopements, and family celebrations. With lush woodland, historic follies, and riverside spaces for informal receptions.

Check out their website (linked below) for more information on this stunning location.

BabeintheWood.com/Weddings for more details on our micro-wedding packages.

Suppliers

Venues: The Hermitage Dunkeld

Ossian's Hall at The Hermitage, Dunkeld