5 Stunning places to Elope in Scotland
Where to elope in Scotland?
My How to Elope to Scotland Guide is packed with information and ideas on Eloping to Scotland. This time I’ve compiled a shortlist of some of the best places to elope in Scotland. Also some classic areas to consider for your elopement, wedding, or maybe just to visit on your travels to Scotland.
As well as our natural landscape we also have some fascinating towns and cities with a rich history, architecture and culture. I was born in Edinburgh so maybe I am biased but it really is one of the most stunning cities in the World!
Scottish Adventure
Of course, if you are looking for something totally off the beaten track and a bit wild and wondering where to elope in Scotland to tie in with some adventure, please do fire me an email for some ideas. Or if you just want some info on places to go hiking, biking or rock climbing, let me know. I love nothing more than passing on info for outdoorsy adventures.
A shortlist of the best places to elope in Scotland.
1. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Elopement
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is a beautiful national park in Scotland. If you are looking for tranquil Lochs and breathtaking mountain scenery all within close proximity to Glasgow and Edinburgh (between 45 minues and 90 minutes drive), then Loch Lomond and the Trossachs might be your place to Elope in Scotland.
How about a traditional Scottish elopement ceremony in the ancient wooded areas on the shores of Loch Chon? Or a hike up to the summit of Ben A’an during Sunset for a symbolic Scottish hand-fasting, followed by celebratory champagne with views down onto Loch Katrine?
The hike to the top of Ben A’an as seen in the image above, takes around 45 minutes and has a good path all the way to the top.
The options are endless in this most picturesque of places.
Things to do in the area
Accommodation near Loch Lomond and Trossachs
2. Glencoe Elopement
Glencoe has to be a real contender for the best place to elope in Scotland. It is a stunning steep and mountainous landscape. If you are looking for rugged sweeping views, wild rivers, beautiful Lochs, waterfalls and enchanted woodland for your Scottish Elopement, Glencoe has it all!
A dramatic, moody and wild area of Scotland, steeped in romance and history. A must-see if you are venturing Northwards from either Glasgow or Edinburgh on the road to Skye/North West Highlands. Glencoe is the remains of an ancient supervolcano thought to have erupted 420 Million years ago.
It is a popular tourist destination: partly because of its scenic qualities and historical associations, partly as it is on the main road North. Also because of its attraction for walkers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. It has been used as a location in countless movies, from James Bond (Skyfall) to Harry Potter!
Mountain Love
Areas of interest include the waterfalls at The Study in the Pass of Glencoe and the Aonach Eagach ridgeline. The Lost Valley and the mountains of The Three Sisters/ Buachaille Etive Mor are awesome too.
As well as the many hikes and climbs, the local village has a museum, restaurants, accommodation and cosy pubs, often bouncing with the sound of live traditional music.
Eloping to Glencoe
It can be really straightforward and as you are free to marry pretty much anywhere in Scotland, the options are endless for epic ceremony locations. A 5-minute uphill hike from the roadside can often lead to a very remote and private area, perfect for elopement ceremonies!
Or for couples who want to get away from it all whilst taking in the stunning views!
Getting to Glencoe – From Edinburgh: 2.5 Hour drive. From Glasgow: 2 Hour drive.
Accommodation: Air BnB Glencoe Kingshouse Hotel Clachaig Inn Glencoe House Hotels Things to do.
3. Isle of Skye Elopement
The Isle of Skye needs little in the way of introduction. It is, without doubt, one of the most enchanted, wild and wonderful places to elope in Scotland.
If you are looking for a full drama landscape experience then an Isle of Skye elopement might be up your street!
The island has a magical quality to it and for elopements, it caters for all tastes. From the wild, black volcanic spires and cliffs of the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing. To the gentle beaches at Staffin and Talisker bay.
The mystical fairy glen offers up some crazy geology and Loch Coruisk, tucked away in between the mighty Cuillin Mountains is a place to get away from it all. To gather your thoughts and drink in the views.
The island has some beautiful villages and the main towns of Portree and Broadford have a great choice of restaurants and pubs
Magical Island
Getting There: From Edinburgh + Glasgow the drive is 5 or 6 hoursFrom Inverness, the drive is 2.5 hours.The nearest Int. Airport is Glasgow and the nearest Local Airport is Inverness.Things to do: Check out these top 50 things to do on SkyeAccommodation: Hotels + Guesthouses Air BnB
4. Torridon Elopement
Assynt and The North West Highlands of Scotland sometimes take a back seat to more well know areas such as Skye and Glencoe. But really, it is one of the best places to elope in Scotland and if you make the effort to head far North, you will be rewarded with some beautifully remote landscapes.
The drive from Torridon village via Gairloch and onwards to Ullapool is spectacular, often with views across the water to the Isle of Skye and beyond. This route is part of the ‘North Coast 500′ (NC500) which tracks a 500-mile route around the tip of Scotland. It starts and ends in Inverness.
The Wild Northwest
North of Ullapool the mountains of Assynt stand proud, each with the individual character they rise out of the flatlands. Stac Polly and Suilven are the most famous of these, try this guide if you fancy climbing them.
The beaches of the far North West are wonderful, some of my favourites are Sandwood Bay and Achmelvich. These are near the cute town of Lochinver and Achnahaird bay is near Reiff. The beach at Achnahaird has awesome views back towards the mountain of Coigach.
All of these areas are perfect for an elopement or an intimate wedding in Scotland.
5. Outer Hebrides Elopement
With their beautiful beaches, wildlife, mountains and relaxed way of life, could the Outer Hebrides could be your perfect Scottish elopement location?
Situated on Europe’s Atlantic edge, the Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of inter-connected islands. All with their own unique way of life.From the northernmost headlands of the Isle of Lewis to the southern tip of Vatersay, the Outer Hebrides islands on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean are enchanting. Silver sand beaches with turquoise waters with a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks built on some of the oldest rocks in the World.
Beach Love
The islands are truly some of the most amazing places you will visit in the UK and in some parts, you feel like you are stepping back in time. A Hebrides elopement might be your thing if you want to step away from the faster pace on the mainland whilst enjoying some fine scenery, hiking, beach and wildlife.
Last year I was lucky enough to shoot a beautiful wedding on the isle of Barra, after this, Justyna and I travelled in our camper-van for a week Northwards, via road and ferry throughout the islands. It was a fascinating journey and I’m now looking forward to being back there again for a wedding on Harris this year.
Links Below:General info on the Outer HebridesAccommodation Getting to the Outer Hebrides
So there are 5 of the best places to elope in Scotland! Of course, there are many other areas to consider. Edinburgh, Glasgow, The Cairngorms, Inverpolly. Dumfries and Galloway, The Scottish Borders, Glen Clova, Aberdeen, Fife, Isle of Jura, Isle of Raasay and many more.
I’ve covered weddings and elopements in all of these places so please get in touch if you need more info or advice for your Scottish Elopement, I would Love to help out.