Aberdeenshire Wedding, Elopement & Family Photographer

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Nicki Lyall Photography

Friendly & relaxed Aberdeenshire photographer.

A woman smiling outdoors, wearing a striped top and a necklace with an anchor pendant, standing in front of green and red foliage.

Hi, I’m Nicki!

When I’m not capturing your love story with a big friendly smile on my face and my cameras in hand, you’ll usually find me out in nature with my own family and dogs, chasing the same real, unfiltered moments I love to document for you.

I’m drawn to genuine moments, real emotions, and the beautiful connections you share with the people (and pets) who mean everything to you. Whether it’s your wedding day, a gentle stroll by the river, time in the forest or along a rugged coastline, soaking up an urban backdrop, or those everyday moments at home where life truly unfolds. I’ll be looking for the meaningful pause before you walk down the aisle, the look of pride on your Grandad’s face, how you interact and enjoy time with each other and your children, the sloppy kisses from your Labrador and that all consuming feeling of love for your newborn that you’ll want to bottle forever!

I’m a fully inclusive (and insured!) sentimental soul with a soft spot for all things “love” and my laid back friendly nature will always put you at ease…

Based in Aberdeenshire, I photograph stories across Scotland- from the Highlands to the cities, from Glencoe to the Isle of Skye - and with connections down South I’m always happy to travel across the UK to capture your story.

More About Me!

Weddings

A bride and groom stand holding hands near a lake surrounded by trees with purple flowers in the foreground, and a boat on the water in the background.

I love fun, colourful and natural photos that reflect real emotions. All the genuine love, laughter and beautiful candid moments of your wedding day. Think relaxed, honest photography that truly looks like you, not a staged version of you or your day. I will quietly document your day as it unfolds so you will remember how you and your guests felt. From the big belly laughs to the quiet looks and all the joyful moments in between - moments you might not have even noticed as you were busy soaking it all in. When it comes to a few couple portraits if you’d like some, then we’ll have fun! I’ll gently guide you to the best light and give you some easy prompts, but again, it’s nothing too posed and even couples who tell me they hate having their photo taken end up enjoying this part of their day too.

Alongside the laughter and excitement, I also love capturing the raw, heartfelt emotions and even the tears.  That is right before I dash off to grab you a tissue and offer a big hug!

More On Weddings
A bride and groom holding hands and facing each other during their wedding ceremony in a decorated indoor venue with a large crest on the wall behind them.
Black and white photo of a newly married couple sharing a kiss. The woman wears a white dress and fur coat, holding a bouquet of flowers, while the man is dressed in a suit with glasses. Large windows and a cityscape are visible in the background.
Aberdeenshire Wedding Photographer captures happy couple
A newlywed couple standing in front of graffiti murals in Aberdeen, with the groom in traditional Scottish attire and the bride in a white wedding dress, holding a bouquet of flowers.
Black and white natural candid photo of bride having a silent tear during the speeches at a wedding.
A couple in wedding attire kissing in front of a floral archway with three dogs on leashes.
Two brides in wedding dresses, kiss in the beach ballroom Aberdeen in the main room decorated with elegant chandeliers, round tables with white tablecloths, pink accents, and floral centerpieces.
A happy couple in wedding attire sharing a joyful moment outdoors in nature.
A black-and-white photo of a couple sharing a kiss outdoors, with the man holding the woman close and her hand gently touching his head, blurred trees in the background.

Elopements

One of my favourite parts of being a Scotland elopement photographer is helping you find a location that feels perfectly you as a couple. I love exploring the Cairngorms, the Isle of Skye and Glencoe and seeking out the lesser known paths, rivers & lochans. There are so many breathtaking places I’d love to share with you. Get in touch today and let’s get chatting!

A couple walking hand-in-hand on a dirt trail through a foggy, mountainous landscape with orange-brown foliage.
A bride and groom holding hands on a grassy hillside with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky.
Scotland elopement photography in Glen Coe couple walking in mountains with young child
More on Elopements

Client Reviews

  • “Nicki's pictures beautifully captured all the emotions of our wedding. We felt incredibly lucky to have found Nicki for our wedding at Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness."

    Imogen & Christopher

    A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors in front of a historic castle, surrounded by lush green trees.

  • “We spent a long time looking for our photographer. We loved Nicki's candid approach and even moved the wedding by one week as we wanted to have Nicki!"

    Samantha & Paul

    A black-and-white photograph of a bride and groom. The bride is smiling with her eyes closed, resting her head against the groom's forehead. The groom is gently kissing the bride's forehead. She is wearing a lace wedding dress with floral details, and a veil with butterfly hair accessories. He is dressed in a dark suit with a white shirt, patterned tie, and a boutonniere with a rose. They are seated against a stone wall.

  • “Nicki was wonderful from start to finish, and we feel like we gained a friend rather than just a wedding photographer. I can't imagine having had anyone else."

    Rachel & Joe

    A bride and groom sharing a joyful moment, laughing and leaning close together on a park bench with a bouquet of colorful flowers.

  • “We instantly felt at ease with Nicki she is so warm & welcoming. We had a very small intimate wedding & Nicki blended in perfectly. We are so happy with our photographs!”

    Olivia & Jonathan

    A black and white photo of a couple outdoors by the river Dee at sunset at their winter wedding at Maryculter house hotel, the groom is kissing his bride's forehead.
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Families Newborns & Pets

For family photoshoots I bring a friendly, relaxed approach and I’m great with kids and animals, so everyone feels comfortable being themselves in front of the camera. I take the time to tell your story just as it is, creating heartfelt images and memories you’ll treasure for years to come. Time is fleeting so let’s pause a little piece of it together.

More On Families
More On Pets & Equine
Aberdeenshire Family Photographer
Close-up of a sleeping baby with a soft expression, lying on a blanket.
A woman holding a young child outdoors in black and white, with a blurred background.
Two young children with curly hair sharing a joyful, playful moment, with one upside down, in black and white.
Golden retriever dog outdoors with blurred natural background.
A woman riding a white horse through a snowy landscape with trees and mountains in the background.

Let’s Chat

hello@nickilyallphotography.com
Call: 07810015858

Based in Banchory, Aberdeenshire.
Covering: North East Scotland | Highlands & Islands | Central Scotland | Northern England