The 12 Best Scotland Elopement Photography Locations
When planning your Scotland elopement, especially if you are doing it from abroad, the question of which location to choose is key. Scotland is famous for its incredible landscapes - whether that be awe-inspiring mountains, rugged coastlines, fairytale forests or medieval cobbled streets. This guide to my favourite Scotland elopement locations is here to help you make that all-important decision and find the perfect location for you to exchange your vows of forever. Without further ado…
1. Dunottar Castle
Perched on rugged cliffs about 30 minutes drive away from Aberdeen, Dunottar Castle is the perfect romantic elopement location for those who love the romance of a historical ruin combined with salty air and sea breeze. The best place for your elopement ceremony would be the cliffs that overlook the castle which makes for a jaw-dropping background. There is also a long walk along the cliffs with plenty of photo opportunities for your adventure photoshoot along the way.
2. Glencoe
As a Scotland wedding photographer, I could not write this post without including Glencoe. Glencoe valley, surrounded by the famous Three Sisters mountains, is one of the dreamiest elopement locations in Scotland and definitely one of my top favourites. The landscapes there are one-of-a-kind and truly encapsulate the dramatic, rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. There is a plethora of locations for your ceremony to choose from, with one of the most popular ones being Glencoe Lochan which has both water and mountains in the background.
3. Isle of Skye
Another of my ultimate favourite Scotland elopement photography locations, Isle of Skye is a side of Scotland that is almost too beautiful to bear. This famous Scottish Island, now conveniently connected to the mainland by a long bridge, has the most dramatic landscapes with sea, mountains, lakes and unbelievable rock and land formations (see Old Man of Storr or Fairy Glen, for example). Some of the most beloved location suggestions:
4. Edinburgh
For those who are not sure if they would like a city or a countryside elopement, Edinburgh could be the perfect answer! From the cobbled streets to romantic Victorian architecture to the perfect natural oasis called Holyrood Park, Edinburgh is full of amazing photography locations. It is a city steeped in history, art and culture which never fails to deliver when it comes to photography.
5. The Hermitage at Dunkeld
As a Scotland elopement photographer, the way I usually describe this location to my clients is this: think of the magical forests in fantasy literature, whether it is the Lord of The Rings or folklore fairy stories. That is exactly what the Hermitage at Dunkeld feels like to me. It is beautiful throughout Spring and Summer, however it is truly special in Autumn when the changing leaves create an amazing colour palette in the forest. The Hermitage also boasts a beautiful old stone bridge and an impressive waterfall. Take look at Ossian’s Hall - a little 18th century building which can be used as a wedding venue for small intimate ceremonies that will work in any weather.
6. Loch an Eilein
Surrounded by evocative forests and rolling hills, Loch an Eilein is a beautiful, unique location for your Scottish elopement. Loch an Eilein means “loch of the island”, unsurprisingly, because it has a lovely island with ancient castle ruins in the middle of it. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by ancient pine trees, with a loch and a mysterious island castle behind you. As a Scotland elopement photographer, I think this is one of the best locations if you are looking for something unique and atmospheric.
7. Glen Etive
Glen Etive is valley adjoining Glencoe and sharing some of its mountain peaks. It is a favourite with some eloping couples because it is slightly less touristy than Glencoe but shares a lot of its amazing features. If you decide to say your vows in Glen Etive, I know just the perfect secret spot which you can see in the images below, with only water, trees and mountains behind you to witness your ceremony.
8. East Lothian coastline
East Lothian is not necessarily the first place you would think of when planning your elopement. However, there are some truly hidden gems on this familiar coastline. If you wanted to say your vows on rugged rocks by the sea, with the ruins of an ancient castle in the background, I know just the spot to do it!
9. Kilchurn Castle
Built in the mid-1400s and located on the shores of Loch Awe, with the peak of Ben Cruachan rising behind it, Kilchurn Castle is undoubtedly one of the most photographed castles of Scotland. While you do need to get a permit to have your ceremony in the lands that overlook it, many couples still choose this as their elopement location because it truly is one of a kind.
10. Crichton Castle
Only a short 30 minute drive away from Edinburgh, you will find the ruins of the ancient Crichton Castle. The ruins themselves are not currently accessible. However, together with the rolling green hills that surround them, they make for a spectacular background for your elopement. As a Scotland wedding photographer, I think this location is ideal if you want to venture outside of Edinburgh but do not fancy the trek to the Highlands.
11. Loch Lomond
I can’t possibly say this name without the “on the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond…” starting in my head (if you haven’t heard this song, google it and thank me later). Loch Lomond & The Trossachs is a beautiful national park with a huge loch and lots of hills dotted around it. Less than an hour’s drive away from Glasgow, this is a very accessible yet stunning location for couples looking somewhere iconically Scottish to have their elopement ceremony.
12. The Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders are one of those areas that have so much to offer but often get overlooked with preference given to the Highlands. The landscape there is characterised by rolling hills, calm grazing sheep and lovely reservoirs. Every time I visit the Borders, they remind me of Hobbiton (LOTR fans will understand) - the kind of beauty that is homely, warming and so so peaceful. Truly a beautiful choice for your Scottish elopement.
