Tucked away in the southwest corner of the UK, the Isles of Scilly offer a wedding destination like no other. These five inhabited islands, just off the Cornish coast, provide an idyllic escape, where turquoise waters meet white sandy beaches, and vibrant wildflowers blanket the landscape. If you’re searching for a unique and intimate place to celebrate love, the Scilly Isles might just be your perfect match.
When Becky first got in touch about me photographing her wedding on St Mary’s we knew it was going to take some planning! As the island holds special memories for Becky I knew we had to make it happen.Trains, air bnbs and ferries were booked and earlier this year I had the pleasure of witnessing the stunning and completely secret wedding on the island of St. Mary’s. Becky and Dan’s day was a magical surprise for everyone. With their intimate ceremony kept under wraps until the very last moment, their wedding was full of joy, spontaneity, and personal touches that made it unforgettable.
680 miles. 4 trains. 2 ferries. 20 hours traveling.
It was worth it.
What made Becky and Dan’s wedding even more special was that it was planned entirely in secret. Their closest family and friends were simply invited to the Isles of Scilly for what they thought would be a relaxing holiday. Little did they know, they were about to witness a beautiful wedding!
Becky and Dan wanted a low-key, heartfelt celebration, and keeping their wedding plans quiet until the big reveal allowed them to focus on the things that truly mattered—each other, their love, and creating special memories with the people they care about most. When the guests arrived on the island and learned that a wedding was about to take place, the excitement and surprise added an extra layer of magic to the day.
Their wedding ceremony took place in the smallest ceremony room I’ve ever been in! After some group photos, the sea mist was not going to beat us so we head off for photos of just the two of them.
The highlight being, we got to travel round the island in a golf buggy. With its mix of rugged coastline, white sandy beaches, and lush countryside, St. Mary’s provided endless backdrops for capturing their special moments. From the quaint harbours to secluded coves and flower-filled fields, the couple stopped at various spots around the island, creating a beautiful visual story of their day.
The buggy ride not only made for fun photos but also allowed them to soak in the beauty of the island together, laughing, chatting, and enjoying their first moments as a married couple.
After their island photo adventure, Becky and Dan celebrated with an intimate reception at a charming restaurant by the sea. In keeping with the relaxed and personal feel of the day, the couple opted for a simple, delicious meal with their nearest and dearest. The restaurant, known for its fresh, locally-sourced seafood, was the perfect spot to gather for a cozy meal, with panoramic views of the ocean adding a romantic touch.
The Isles of Scilly offer a wedding experience like no other—a serene, natural paradise where the stress of the outside world melts away, leaving behind only love, joy, and celebration. Becky and Dan’s wedding was a testament to the beauty of these islands and the joy of a perfectly planned surprise. So whilst I might be ‘a Staffordshire wedding photographer’, if you want me to travel, I will!
