Where to Elope in Scotland

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.

best places to elope in scotland couple on isle of skye

elope in scotland couple in glencoe

a bride and groom in the mountains of Isle of Skye during their elope to scotland

eloping in scotland couple dancing on the isle of Skye

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.

best elope to Scotland Guide image of coupe walking on the summit of Ben A'an during their elopement 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?

elopement scotland couple

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

a bride and groom eloping to Scotland mountains and standing in the sun set
 

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!

elope in scotland glencoe viewpoint

Glencoe elopement couple standing in the mountains

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.

elope Scotland couple in Glencoe with mountains behind them
quiche ceremony Glencoe

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!

Glencoe Buachaille Etive more and lagangarbh cottage

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.  

elope to Scotland image showing glance as an elopement location

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!

scotland wedding photographer in Glencoe with an elopement couple walking in the mountains

Or for couples who want to get away from it all whilst taking in the stunning views!

elope to Glencoe couple walking in the Scottish mountains during their wedding
Glencoe couple eloping in scotland
glencoe elopeemnt bride wandering the mountains

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.    

Glencoe elopement couple walking in the mountains with backpacks
couple in Glencoe during elopement

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!

elope to skye couple standing near the cuillin mountains on skye at sunset

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.

isle of skye wedding bride at the quiraing

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.

Isle of Skye wedding

elopement on skye taking place at Algol

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

elopement couple walking in the cuillins on Skye
A bride and Groom eloping to the sle of Skye

 

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.

elope in scotland couple walking in torridon
Torridon elopement in Scottish highlands

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.

 

where to elope in scotland in torridon

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.

 

ideas of where to elope in scotland

All of these areas are perfect for an elopement or an intimate wedding in Scotland.

 

    waterfall elopement in scotland

 

small road in the scottish highlands

Scotland elopement couple in torridon

5. Outer Hebrides Elopement

Isle of Harris 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
elope in scotland ideas in the outer hebrides
 

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.

isle of lewis wedding view on a beach

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.

isle of Barra elopement bride at the beach

Links Below:General info on the Outer HebridesAccommodation Getting to the Outer Hebrides

elopement couple on the outer hebrides
where to elope in scotland ideas a beach on Lewis

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.