A Love Story Thirty Years in the Making

“Some weddings are years in the planning. Ours was nearly thirty years in the making.”

We’re delighted to share Claire and Jamie’s own account of their wedding weekend at Kinclune House & Estate in May 2026.

From an outdoor courtyard ceremony to a relaxed Sunday celebration with family and friends, their wedding perfectly captured everything we love about wedding weekends in the Angus countryside, here in Scotland.

Claire and Jamie's courtyard wedding ceremony at Kinclune Steading in Angus

In Claire and Jamie’s Own Words:

Having known each other since primary school, our story began long before either of us could have imagined. Our mums became friends through badminton, our families spent time together growing up, and we were part of the same extended circle of family friends for years.

Life eventually took us in different directions after school, but in 2020 our paths crossed again. What began as a few chance meetings soon became something much more, and six years later we found ourselves standing in the courtyard at Kinclune House & Estate, surrounded by family and friends, finally becoming husband and wife.

Choosing Kinclune House & Estate

When we first visited Kinclune, we knew it was the venue for us. The combination of the Angus countryside, the on‑site accommodation, and the relaxed atmosphere felt exactly right. Rather than a wedding day that would be over in a matter of hours, we wanted a full wedding weekend where friends and family could stay together, celebrate together and create lasting memories.

The wedding party began arriving on the Friday, and with family and friends spread across the house, annex and cottages, the celebrations immediately felt more like a weekend away than a traditional wedding. Having exclusive use of the estate allowed everyone to settle in, set up the night before and enjoy spending time together before the big day.

An Outdoor Courtyard Ceremony in Angus

The wedding day itself could not have been more perfect. Guests were welcomed by the sound of bagpipes, played by Jamie’s brother Rory, creating a moment that felt unmistakably Scottish and incredibly special.

We were fortunate to hold our ceremony outdoors in the courtyard. One of the most emotional moments of the day came as I walked down the aisle with my mum, Susan, accompanied by a live pianist who performed a slow version of Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits. It was a touching way to honour my dad, Raymond, who was sadly no longer there to share the occasion but was remembered throughout the day.

A glimpse into Claire and Jamie’s wedding day — from morning to “just married.” Gray & Wilde Photography.

A Humanist Ceremony Full of Personal Touches

Our Humanist ceremony, led by Paula Sinclair, was completely personal to us. It included handfasting using Dyce and Grant tartans, the exchange of rings, sharing a quaich and a reading inspired by Glenshee, a place that has become deeply significant in our lives together.

After the ceremony, guests gathered for a confetti moment (just missing a rain shower!) before enjoying drinks and canapés in both the courtyard and in The Arches ceremony and reception room, while we headed off for photos.

One of the things we both loved most about Kinclune was how naturally the day flowed. There was no travelling between venues or rushing from one location to another.

Singing Waiters, Champagne Towers and Dancing

Dinner in The Granary was followed by speeches from my mum Susan, Jamie and best man Christy before the evening celebrations began. Much to everyone’s surprise, my mum had secretly arranged for singing waiters to appear after dinner. The unexpected performance had guests on their feet and dancing almost immediately.

Later in the night, the champagne tower led seamlessly into our first dance, and the evening was filled with laughter, dancing and a memorable solo performance from me.

Evening celebrations in The Granary — champagne, dancing and pure joy. Gray & Wilde Photography.

Why a Wedding Weekend Made All the Difference

While the wedding day itself was incredible, what really made the weekend special was Sunday. Instead of everyone heading home, guests gathered once again for a relaxed day of celebrations, enjoying a local hog roast, drinks, live music and plenty of stories from the night before. It gave us the opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends and properly enjoy the first day of married life.

A Hidden Gem in the Angus Countryside

Another thing that made the weekend feel so special was that Kinclune was a completely new Angus wedding venue to almost all of our guests. None of our family or friends had attended a wedding at Kinclune before, so everyone was discovering the estate together for the first time. Throughout the weekend, guests explored the grounds, admired the accommodation and commented on what a beautiful setting it was.

It felt as though we had discovered a hidden gem and were able to share it with all of the people closest to us.

Looking Back on the Weekend

Looking back, what we loved most about Kinclune was that it offered more than a wedding day. It provided an entire weekend spent with the people we love most, in a setting that felt relaxed, personal and completely our own.

Some of our favourite memories weren’t part of the formal celebrations at all, but the conversations over breakfast, drinks in the courtyard and the opportunity to spend meaningful time with family and friends throughout the weekend.

Claire & Jamie
30th May 2026