As a wedding photographer in Glasgow one of the things I love about New Lanark Mill Hotel are the incredible variety of locations available for wedding photography in Scotland.
Beyond the hotel itself, couples can make use of New Lanark village and the historic mill buildings, which provide striking backdrops for portraits. The hotel also boasts a unique roof garden, one of the few of its kind in Scotland, offering a modern, elevated space for ceremonies or couple shoots.
For outdoor options there are large gardens at the front of the hotel, peaceful riverside walks along the old mill watercourse and of course, the stunning Falls of Clyde. The diversity of locations means there’s always somewhere suitable to shoot, whatever the season or weather.
With such a range, I’m always able to find fresh opportunities for photographs, and Chris and Chloe’s wedding was no exception.
Getting Ready for Your New Lanark Mill Hotel Wedding
The day began at Chloe’s mum’s house, where she and her bridesmaids were getting ready in a relaxed , fun atmosphere, complete with music and a few glasses of champagne. I started by capturing candid moments, as well as details like Chloe’s dress, shoes, and bouquet. Before heading to the New Lanark Mill Hotel I got a few final shots of Chloe in her dress, ready for her wedding day.
Roof Garden Ceremony at New Lanark Mill Hotel
Chris and Chloe had chosen to have their ceremony on the hotel’s exceptional roof garden, a unique feature that few wedding venues in Scotland can offer. Fortunately, the weather was on our side , with clear skies and beautiful sunlight. The open space allowed me to move freely, capturing natural expressions and interactions during the ceremony.
Fun and Natural Family Portraits
After the ceremony, instead of rushing straight into formal family photos, Chris and Chloe enjoyed a glass of champagne and mingled with their guests while I set up lighting for the group shots. While I primarily use natural light for portraits, a little fill flash outdoors helps eliminate shadows on sunny days. Alongside the formal photos, we added some fun, playful images, asking them to walk arm-in-arm with their bridal party, which produced some relaxed and joyfull shots.
Capturing Intimate Moments on the Roof Garden
With so many options at New Lanark Mill Hotel, I often start couple portraits on the roof garden itself. For Chris and Chloe, the sunlight streaming through the fountain created a beautiful scene. They needed very little direction—I simply encouraged them to enjoy the moment while I captured natural, authentic images.
Spontaneous Outdoor Wedding Photography in New Lanark Village
We then headed into the village for some portraits in areas I hadn’t used before. I always like to stay spontaneous, responding to light and surroundings on the day rather than repeating the same shots every time. For example, I noticed soft sunlight filtering through tree branches, creating a perfect backdrop for a few relaxed portraits of the couple. Even with a plan in place, I’m always ready to seize moments like these for outdoor wedding photography at New Lanark Mill Hotel.
Intimate Meal and Evening Photography
Chris and Chloe kept the wedding intimate , holding their meal in one of the hotel’s smaller function rooms, which created a warm and cosy atmosphere. Later in the day, I suggested a short walk behind the hotel towards the Falls of Clyde for some evening portraits. In summer, the sun is low and warm at this time, while in autumn or winter it’s a perfect moment for sparkler shots. They also wanted some playful images with smoke cannons, so we returned to the roof garden for a few fun, energetic photos of the bridal party. After that, it was time for the first dance and the evening reception—a perfect ending to a joyful day.
Chris and Chloe’s Wedding Photography Gallery
Below is a selection of Chris and Chloe’s wedding photography at New Lanark Mill Hotel. From the full set of around 500 images, these have been carefuly edited to make them easier to view.
