Best Places to Elope in Scotland – 2026 update

Where to Elope – Scotland elopement photographer’s top 10

Scotland has always been one of the best country choices for couples deciding to elope. This is for two reasons – rules are a bit more relaxed here when comes to marriage, and you can also get married anywhere, whether it is a public beach, a hill or even at home. Isle of Skye was a top destination for elopements for a while now, attracting couples looking for dramatic background and adventure . 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 an intimate wedding. Read below if you are curious what are top 10 by Scotland elopement photographer.

I’ve witnessed many Scottish elopements over past 10 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. Seacliff Beach in East Lothian

Hidden gem in East Lothian, this privately owned sandy beach offers breathtaking views of the Tantallon castle and Bass Rock. If you are looking for an outdoor location for a beach wedding in Scotland, this is a great option and very close to Edinburgh too.

EH39 5PP

2. Isle of Mull

Beautiful island with amazing rugged coastline, ancient forests and white sand beaches. Mull is full of surprises, including an old 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, you can choose a ceremony at the Duart Castle, not far from the ferry port Craignure. Another indoor venue, Calgary, is located next to the Mull’s most spectacular beach.

How to get to Isle of Mull: drive or catch a bus to Oban. From there, you need to get on a Calmas ferry to main port Craignure, which takes 46 minutes. There are around 10 sailings daily, deepening on the day of the week. The island is not too big, but having a car is essential to explore places with best views.

Sabella & Chris’ Isle of Mull elopement

3. Roulotte Retreat – gypsy caravan site in Melrose

One of a kind, eco-chic site with authentic French roulettes – gypsy caravans – in the Scottish Borders. Couples can stay in one of the charming roulettes with a hot tub/bath and have their wedding ceremony on the wildflower meadow. This is a great option for couples looking for something different. Check out my blog post with photos from this Roulotte Retreat wedding.

Roulotte Retreat, Bowden Mill, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 0SU

4. 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. There are many accommodation options nearby, from campsites to self catering options, making it a perfect place to elope in Scotland.

How to get there: either by car, takes around 4 hours from Edinburgh airport, or train from Glasgow Queen St to Morar and then a taxi.

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

5. Elope with Highland Safaris in Aberfeldy, Perthshire

For adventurous couples who wish to elope in a remote location. Highland Safaris will take you in their land rovers up to the cute mountain bothy located 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. You can stay in Aberfeldy or anywhere in the area, and the car will pick you up from the hotel. Highlands Safari wedding is something different!

How to get to Aberfeldy: either by train from Glasgow Queen St to Morar, then taxi 10 min ; or driving by car, just under 2 hours from the Edinburgh Airport

ww.highlandsafaris.net

6. 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.  Buachaille Etive Mor near Glen Etive makes an impressive backdrop for intimate wedding sessions. On bright and sunny days I recommend visiting woodland in Glencoe village with a lovely loch nearby. There is always plenty to explore in Glen Coe and you might be lucky to spot a deer behind Kingshouse Hotel!

7. Cairngorms elopement at the Fife Arms Hotel

Cairngorms is the largest national park in the Scottish Highlands, home to munros, lochs and woodlands. There are so many scenic locations there that will guarantee a privacy of your elopement ceremony. Cairngorms offers a lot of accommodation in highland lodge style , including The Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar. If you are looking for a luxurious highland stay during for your elopement, this is the place to go.

https://thefifearms.com

8. 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 in the Holyrood Park or choose a safe indoor space like the City Chambers registry office or the Collective on Calton Hill. You will never go wrong with choosing Edinburgh for your elopement!

9. 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

10. Isle of Skye elopement

Truly unique location for an elopement in Scotland! Isle of Skye elopement offers dramatic backdrop for your wedding photos. Popular locations for a wedding ceremony include The Quiraing, Neist Point and Fairy Glen. Many wedding suppliers are based on the island so planning an elopement on Skye is no longer a challenge, but many will travel too, myself included. All of my couples getting married on Skye get a complimentary engagement style shoot the day before – this is to make sure we will have photos from scenic locations even if it rains on the wedding day.

Elopement photographer in Scotland & wedding suppliers

Possibly the biggest challenge when planning a remote elopement in Scotland is finding a local celebrant and other suppliers who will travel. Elopement photographers are usually happy to travel all over the country but places like Isle of Skye require travel and accommodation fees. I always recommend to book someone as local as possible to avoid possible issues with transport. Planning can be a little overwhelming so booking a wedding planner might be helpful. There are many planners in Scotland that offer help with elopements, including Cat from Fin Flukra or Gabrielle who specialises in planning French elopements in Scotland. Wedding celebrants include Neil Lynch, Paula Wilkinson from Mallaig or Claire the Humanist who travels all over. for specific location check websites of Fuze Ceremonies and Humanist Society of Scotland. If you need help with location advice and vendor recommendations, give me a shout, I’ve been photographing elopements since 2012!

Another challenge when planning an elopement is unpredictable Scottish weather. My only advice is to have a plan B in case of a severe weather., as well as plan for a bit of flexibility. Make sure you have a few warm layers and be ready for an adventure.