“At this moment, time is suspended, you are speaking now for all times of your life.”

Alain de Botton

Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve is known for its corries of ‘snow-in-summer’ quartzite, magnificent mountain peaks and ridges. Rising to more than a thousand metres, this was the first national nature reserve to be established in the UK. Home to remnants of ancient Caledonian pine forest, this magical place harbours birch, holly, rowan, oak, and Scots pine trees that are almost 400 years old.

When Alice and Ivan contacted me many moons ago saying they wished to elope to Wester Ross, with two friends as their witnesses, to a place with a heart, that has beautiful views, that makes for a fun hike – not too challenging, not too fleeting – the Mountain Trail at Beinn Eighe seemed the perfect place.

On an unexpectedly glorious late September day, we hiked through the ancient pines in Coille na Glas Leitir, up the rugged juniper and moss heath-covered slopes enjoying breathtaking views across Loch Maree. I had originally suggested a ceremony point where the trees shelter the often fierce winds, just above the midge line, with views across to mighty Slioch, a broad shouldered munro that stands sentinel above the loch.

When we reached our planned spot, we were all having such a wonderful time, and the weather so embracing, we stripped off our thermals, chugged back some water, and decided to continue to the trail’s highest point.

The wonder of a wedding wander is that the joy, exhilaration, camaraderie and discovery of the day become entwined with the ceremony itself. The whole experience makes for a slow-paced, rewarding, and beautifully memorable wedding adventure.

Alice and Ivan wished for their ceremony to be held in one location along the hike, so that we could settle into the feel of the place, so they could have a place they could return to, a place that marked their love and commitment.

We all had a tremendous time hiking the trail together, enjoying the shifting habitat from temperate rainforest, to scree covered slopes, pausing for snacks and chats.

When we reached the almost-summit of the trail, we saw a pretty, secluded lochan nestled between mountainous crags with its own ledge overhanging the water. This was the chosen spot.

Ivan and Alice’s ceremony unfolded tenderly, balancing giving them both space with keeping things flowing. Everyone felt included. Ivan’s best friend, Vince, and Alice’s niece, Maddie, shared words throughout the ceremony. They had chosen an Oathing Stone for Alice and Ivan; beautifully describing how the ancient gneiss stone was a fitting choice to reflect the permanence and respectful love between them both, with its seams of pink and grey bands, forged and shaped over time.

In a moment of peaceful grounding at the start of the ceremony, Alice and Ivan placed all four hands on their Oathing Stone. Then they placed the stone on the earth close to them, as is tradition.

Together, we reflected on the journey Ivan and Alice had shared. How their paths first crossed and what drew them to each other; how “outrageously handsome, outdoorsy, interesting – and incredibly French” Ivan seemed to Alice, and how “super cute, fun and smart” Alice seemed to Ivan.

We heard how Alice met Ivan during the darkest of times and saw a light in him. How he taught her to have fun, explore and make the most of life with the people she loves, nurturing a love for being in nature, that had always been there but that hadn’t been given the time and space to grow. How in Ivan she found what she was looking for; a source of love and life that was just for her.

We heard how Ivan’s love for Alice deepened over time without him even questioning it. How when he paused to consider it, he realised with absolute certainty that he loved Alice deeply and did not want to lose her. 

As the water lapped gently beneath them and the sun shone bright above them, Alice and Ivan shared emotional, personal vows with each other.

In a moment of peaceful tranquility, they made their Marriage Vows to one another and sealed their vows with a kiss.

Vince and Maddie each gave a personal blessing to Alice and Ivan before everyone toasted their Marriage with a shared drink from the Quaich.

After hugs and joyful tears, we all signed the Marriage Schedule (always fun in these outdoor settings!).

Alice and Ivan returned their Oathing Stone to the water as everyone prepared to enjoy a picnic in that beautiful place.

Your Oathing Stone will bear witness to your ceremony today, carrying stories of your time together, of your love and commitment. After the ceremony, you will return the stone to the loch where this Oathing Stone will begin its own journey, a symbol of your love that will exist beyond the lives of all of us here today.

After enjoying a peaceful afternoon together, the wedding party made their way back to their holiday flat for a celebratory dinner. As Alice said to me afterwards, “The whole day was beautiful and we are both on Cloud Nine.”

Alice and Ivan, thank you for trusting me with your wedding adventure, for being so open to the elements and to enjoying the ebb and flow of the day. It was the most glorious way to share time with you both, with Maddie and Vince, and I’m so honoured to have been able to lead your ceremony for you in this wild and windswept place.

A thousand blessings to you both in your lives together!

Thank you to Maddie for sharing some of these lovely photos.