Best Places to Elope in Scotland – 2023 update

 

Places to Elope in Scotland

Scotland is one of the best country choices for couples deciding to elope, with Isle of Skye being top destination. Skye’s landscape is really breathtaking and impressive, once you visit you fell in love with the island. However there are many other beautiful islands and places in the country worth considering as an option for a Scottish elopement or hosting an intimate wedding.

I’ve witnessed many Scottish elopements over past 8 years and created a list of my recommended places & ideas for a small elopement or a micro wedding in Scotland – these locations are my top 10 for elopement and wedding photography.

  1. Camusdarach Beach near Mallaig
  2. Isle of Mull
  3. Elope with Highland Safaris in Perthshire
  4. St Abbs Head
  5. Glencoe
  6. Isle of Lewis & Harris
  7. Edinburgh
  8. Loch Tay
  9. Isle of Skye
  10. Kerrera

elopement in Glencoe, Glen Etive

Camusdarach Beach near Morar

Camusdarach Beach, located between Arisaig and Mallaig, is a true gem among Scottish beaches. With it’s white sand and crystal clear water, it is the most beautiful beach on the mainland I’ve seen so far. It offers spectacular views over Skye, Eigg and Rum and is often used as a film location . There are many accommodation options nearby, from campsites to self catering options, making it a perfect place to elope in Scotland.

Cheryl & Andy’s eloped to Camusdarach with their children and parents. 

camusdarach beach elopement Mallaig photographer

How to get there:

  • by car: 4 hours drive from the Edinburgh Airport , 3.5 hours from Glasgow Airport
  • by train: train from Glasgow Queen St to Morar, then taxi 10 min

Where to stay:

  • Ceithir Raithean – self catering holiday home just a short walk from the beach
  • The Old Library & Lodge – Road to the Isles, Arisaig, PH39 4NH, United Kingdom
  • wild camping on Silver Sands of Morar beach

Isle of Mull

Beautiful island with amazing rugged coastline, ancient forests and white sand beaches. Mull is full of surprises, we even found a shipwreck! Unlike other places, Mull is not overcrowded so you can have an intimate ceremony without anyone watching . If outdoor ceremony is not your thing, choose Duart Castle, not far from the ferry port Craignure, or Calgary,  located next to the Mull’s most spectacular beach.

Sabella & Chris’ Isle of Mull elopement

west coast isle of mull Salen whip wrecks

How to get there:

Calmac ferry from Oban to Craignure ( Mull ), takes 46 minutes and there are roughly 10 sailings daily

  • Oban by car: 3 hours drive from the Edinburgh Airport , 2.15 hours from Glasgow Airport
  • Oban by bus: 3 hours from Glasgow Buchanan Station

Where to stay:

  • Tobermory Hotel  – family run hotel, 35 minute drive from Craignure
  • Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa – in Craignure
  • wild camping in Calgary Bay

Where to eat:

 

Elope with Highland Safaris in Aberfeldy, Perthshire

For adventurous couples who wish to elope in a remote location without public access. Highland Safaris will take you in their land rovers up to the mountain bothy at 2000 ft . Here you’ll have spectacular views of Schiehallion and after the ceremony you will be treated with nibbles & wine followed by 4×4 off road driving experience. Highlands Safari wedding is something different!

You can stay in Aberfeldy or anywhere in the area, the car will pick you up from the hotel.

ww.highlandsafaris.net

Marina & Paul have traveled from London to get married on a mountain. wedding with highland safari perthshire

 

How to get to Aberfeldy:

  • by car: just under 2 hours , either from Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport
  • by train: train from Glasgow Queen St to Morar, then taxi 10 min

St Abbs Head

My discovery in lockdown. I can’t believe I haven’t heard about it earlier! St Abbs offers spectacular cliff top and is only one hour away from Edinburgh. I am photographing my first St Abbs elopement next month so watch this space for photo update.

Glencoe elopement

Most famous Scottish glen and best pick if you want to get married in the Scottish Highlands without travelling too far from the central belt.  Glen Etive with it’s peak Buachaille Etive Mor make an impressive backdrop for intimate wedding sessions. On bright and sunny days I recommend visiting woodland in Glencoe village with a lovely loch. There is always plenty to explore in Glen Coe and you might be lucky to spot a deer behind Kingshouse Hotel! I usually don’t like visiting touristy places but Glencoe elopement is worth to consider.

glencoe elopement

 

Isle of Lewis & Harris

Possibly the most amazing place in Scotland I’ve ever been to. Paradise beaches & stuning views without crowds of tourists.  Possibilities for an outdoor wedding ceremony are endless; my favourite are Luskentyre beach in Harris & Uig sands in Lewis. For bigger weddings you can book a venue Talla Na Mara, creative arts centre and wedding venue with outstanding views.

Talla na Mara Isle of Harris wedding

Edinburgh 

Eloping to Edinburgh is never a bad idea, the city has everything: stunning architecture, hills and beaches. You can get married at St Anthony’s Chapel on Arthur’s Seat or choose a safe indoor space at the City Chambers registry office for indoor wedding ceremony followed by post ceremony shoot on the Royal Mile or Calton Hill. You can never go wrong with choosing Edinburgh for your elopement!

outlander photoshoot edinburgh castle wedding photo

Loch Tay elopement

Beautiful part of Scotland I discovered thanks to Ruth & Charlie who asked me to be their wedding photographer. The couple have booked a boathouse at Loch Tay in Perthshire where they also spent their mini honeymoon. Wedding ceremony took place on the shore of Loch Tay and we also explored Falls of Acharn for more wedding photos. If you are looking for a private & unique accommodation with amazing views then boathouse is a perfect choice.

lochtay.co.uk

boathouse scotland pertshiresmall wedding at loch tay

Kerrera island

Isle of Kerrera is a small island I discovered when visiting Oban in 2017. I thought immediately how great is this place for an intimate elopement for couples who are looking for totally secluded location. This tiny inner Hebriddean island is easily reached by 5 minute ferry ride from south of Oban . It’s population is less than 50 people, there are not many tourists and no cars. On the south end of the island you will find remains of Gylen Castle which would make a perfect spot for an intimate wedding ceremony and there is a tea garden & bunkhouse nearby if you wish to stay overnight.

kerrerabunkhouse.co.uk

sheep photo on kerrera wedding near oban elope to scotland island wedding

Scottish wedding celebrants

Possibly the biggest challenge when planning an elopement in Scotland is to find a local celebrant or the one that will travel. Please check below a list of celebrants I have worked with as well as links to celebrant directory.

Paula Wilkinson, Mallaig

Neil Lynch 

Claire the Humanist 

Humanist Society of Scotland

Fuze Ceremonies

 

Real Stories

Check these wedding stories featuring my best places to elope in Scotland. Hope they will inspire and will provide some information about accommodation and booking other suppliers for your Scottish elopement.

 

Isle of Mull elopement: Sabella & Chris

Sabella and Chris live on separate continents , and they were planning to have an island elopement. Having issues with paperwork, they opted for a road trip and a photoshoot on Mull and get married in Puerto Rico later. We had a great time exploring island’s hidden gems.

isle of mull wedding shoot

 

Katie & Alex – Isle of Skye road trip

Katie & Alex traveled from the US together with their parents and siblings. Isle of Skye is a moody island but sometimes it can surprise with a sunny weather. It was a cloudless day, not the easiest for a photographer, but we managed well 🙂 We visited the Quiraing, Fairy Glen and Talisker Bay in the evening.

talisker beach photoshoot

Daniela & Max – adventure in Glencoe

Daniela and Max traveled to Scotland from Costa Rica. They decided to visit Glencoe and we met on a rainy day. While rain seems like an inconvenience , it creates amazing photographs. Not only we saw a beautiful rainbow but also were lucky to meet a deer!

glencoe photoshoot

BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN SCOTLAND