Scottish Borders Alternative Wedding at Neidpath Castle || Saber and Shield

We always say, “We don’t like wedding films.” Not in the traditional sense, anyway. The slow, cheesy, cookie-cutter wedding videos that dominate the industry? Not for us. What gets us excited is a wedding that throws tradition out the window and replaces it with personality, chaos, and—most importantly—a hell of a lot of fun.

Kaylee & John’s wedding at Neidpath Castle was exactly that. From the moment they told us their favourite genres were hardcore and punk, we knew this wasn’t going to be your typical wedding film. This was a wedding where lightsabers clashed, fire erupted in the sky, and a choreographed first dance looked straight out of a medieval fantasy. It was raw, it was loud, and it was utterly them.

That’s why this was the perfect wedding to push the creative boundaries in the edit. We didn’t just capture the geeky details—we leaned into them hard. Each bridesmaid’s lightsaber had its own unique sound effect, meticulously designed to match its movement. We tweaked and layered the audio so that every ignition, hum, and swing felt straight out of a movie. And yes, we even added VFX to the blades, because if you’re going to do a lightsaber wedding, you might as well do it properly.

This wedding had everything—prop swords, a medieval fortress, a punk-rock heart, and just a hell of a lot of love. Editing it wasn’t about just telling the story of a wedding; it was about crafting an experience that felt just as electric as the day itself.

If that sounds like your kind of wedding, buckle up—because Neidpath Castle might just be the perfect venue for you.

What a backdrop! Why Have a Wedding at Neidpath Castle in the Scottish Borders?

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Peebles, Neidpath Castle is steeped in Scottish history and charm—perfect for couples looking for a Scottish Borders wedding venue that balances tradition with a sense of adventure. We absolutely love how much of its original interior and exterior character the castle has retained—there’s a genuine feeling of stepping back in time as soon as you walk through the doors.

Beyond its historic appeal, there are rooms on site where you (and some of your guests) can stay, which really adds to the whole “castle experience.” For your wedding photography, there’s an amazing variety of indoor nooks and outdoor spots to explore—plus, you can even pop down by the river. And for those keen on drone footage, the castle looks incredible from above, nestled beautifully in its own valley. It truly is a one-of-a-kind venue that never fails to impress. Its towering stone walls, lush surrounding woodlands, and secret dungeon cinema (yes, you read that right!) offer a unique setting that’s ideal for any alternative wedding theme—from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings.

• Location: Neidpath Castle, Peebles, EH45 8NW

• Dog-Friendly: Perfect if you want your four-legged friends as part of the bridal party

• Historic Atmosphere: Offers an authentic feel for medieval or fantasy-inspired nuptials

Alternative Lord of the Rings & Star Wars Wedding Inspiration

Kaylee and John drew heaps of inspiration from their shared passion for Lord of the Rings, but this wedding could just as easily spark ideas for any Star Wars lovers out there. If you prefer lightsabers to swords, or fancy slipping a few iconic movie quotes into your vows, the magic lies in the personal details. For their ceremony, Kaylee and John carved their names into a shield and embraced a traditional Scottish “knot-checking” ritual, while others might opt for lightsaber arches or readings taken straight from a galaxy far, far away.

You may also notice the soundtrack veering away from “traditional” wedding tunes—think The Offspring or Avenged Sevenfold—instead of classic ballads. We love curating music and crafting wedding films that are tailored to each couple’s personality, so whether you’re blasting the Imperial March or showing off a medieval chant, every beat can be uniquely yours. Neidpath Castle’s rustic aesthetic suits just about any fantasy or sci-fi theme, blending medieval banners, cosmic lighting, or even a “cinema dungeon” screening your favourite trilogy seamlessly into the day.

The Big Day: Ceremony & Reception in a Scottish Castle

Kaylee and John’s ceremony was officiated by John’s brother, Gavin Williamson, adding a personal and emotional twist to the proceedings. I mean, he almost burst into tears at the sight of his best friends meeting at the bottom of the aisle. Being a big sap, I was nearly set off too lol.

They included several unique elements—such as a sand ceremony, a symbolic shield signing, and a touching nod to their original Gretna Green vows. A string quartet offered a graceful musical backdrop throughout, although for copyright issues we can’t let you hear. These touches came together to create a heartfelt, unforgettable celebration.

Reception & Rocking Tunes

While the groom (John) and best man (Gavin) led the charge with their speeches, it was Kaylee’s turn at the mic that really made an impact on us. We’re huge fans of brides breaking with tradition and sharing their own words—championing women’s rights is something we firmly stand behind, so seeing Kaylee confidently address everyone was a real highlight.

Later in the evening, the couple pulled off a jaw-dropping choreographed first dance at 7pm, complete with stage smoke that set a dramatic tone for the party ahead. And with Highland Castle Entertainment on the decks, the dance floor was buzzing—modern rock anthems and classic party hits kept everyone on their feet well into the night. Safe to say, it was anything but your typical “slow sway.

The Best Scottish Borders Wedding Suppliers

This film didn’t come together by chance—it was the result of a whole host of incredibly talented creatives working tirelessly behind the scenes. For us, crafting the wedding film was about honouring all these efforts—blending the visuals, sound, and atmosphere into something that reflects not just the couple, but the incredible suppliers who made it all happen. A wedding like this is a team effort, and we’re always in awe of the creativity and dedication that goes into making the magic real.

Here’s the all-star supplier team:

• Photography: Steven Rooney Photography

• Hair & Make-up: Belle Bridal

• Filmmaker: Cinemate Films

• Cake: 3D Cakes

• Caterers: Culinarians

• DJ/Entertainment: Highland Castle Entertainment

• Fireworks: Phenomenal Fireworks

• Photobooth: Photobooth Deluxe

• Venue: Neidpath Castle

Capture the Memories: Why a Wedding Films Matters (and Why Cinemate is the Perfect Choice)

Kaylee & John’s day was so much more than a ceremony—We hope that after watching the film you see it was an experience bursting with laughter, tears, and a whole lot of lightsaber action. And while photos capture plenty of gorgeous moments, there’s something truly special about a wedding film that lets you hear the heartfelt vows, the banter between friends, and every roar of cheering guests. At Cinemate, it’s not just a job for us; it’s our passion. We believe your wedding deserves to be relived again and again, so we pour our hearts into crafting wedding films that go beyond a simple retelling of the day.

As music lovers (and tech geeks), we pay extra attention to audio, designing custom sound effects that bring every beat of your story to life. For Kaylee & John, each bridesmaid’s lightsaber had its own unique hum, turning their alternative wedding into an epic, cinematic adventure. Whether it’s the sentimental exchange of vows or the Best Man’s comedic cameo, we focus on the details that matter to you—your relationship, your personalities, and the quirks that make your day one-of-a-kind. We’re all about creating fun, emotional wedding videos you’ll want to rewatch every year, so that every time you press play, you’ll feel like you’re right back in the moment.

Ready to Plan Your Own Star Wars Alternative Wedding at Neidpath Castle?

If you’re craving a castle wedding in the Scottish Borders that incorporates your passions—be it Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, rock music, or a mash-up of all three—Neidpath Castle is a gem of a venue that’s sure to make your day unforgettable. It offers the perfect setting for couples who dare to do things differently.

If you are looking for wedding videographers to film these unique moments. We’d love to help capture the magic of your big day—so if you’re envisioning a ceremony with lightsabers or you just want your dog trotting down the aisle at a medieval fortress, we’re all ears (and cameras).

CELEBRATE YOUR WAY!

Kaylee & John’s celebration proves that “traditional” doesn’t have to mean “predictable.” Whether you’re already married and want a vow renewal that’s entirely your own, or you’re about to tie the knot in a Scottish Castle while channelling your inner Jedi, Neidpath Castle in the Scottish Borders sets the stage for a wedding adventure unlike any other.

Have questions about filming your alternative wedding at Neidpath Castle or beyond? Get in touch—we’d love to chat about bringing your vision to life!