5 Scotland elopement locations

Jul 15

You probably already know that Scotland is one of the most enchanting places to elope. But do you know where to elope in Scotland? It boasts rugged coastlines, serene lochs, ancient castles, and breathtaking highlands. Scotland also offers charming villages, dramatic cliffs, and mystical forests. This means that Scotland is perfect for whatever aesthetic you want and whatever your adventure level is!

Here’s a list of my favourite elopement locations in Scotland!

ISLE OF SKYE

The Isle of Skye is perfect for the couple who wants a diverse range of stunning elopement locations with breathtaking views. This magical island offers everything from rugged coastlines to serene lochs, ancient castles, and lush green landscapes. Skye is a gem with its easy access to gourmet restaurants and quaint towns, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable elopement.

I highly recommend this location for couples who want privacy during the shoulder season. The island’s vastness and varied landscapes mean you can find secluded spots that feel like your own private paradise. Plus, the abundance of charming Airbnbs makes it easy to find the perfect place to stay, ensuring a cozy and intimate experience.

A few potential downsides to this location are the unpredictable weather and the need for transportation to explore the different parts of the island. While the Isle of Skye is renowned for its beauty, the weather can be quite variable, so be prepared for all conditions. Additionally, the island’s remote nature means you’ll need a car to get around and fully explore all it has to offer.

Pros:

Diverse range of stunning locations
Gourmet restaurants and quaint towns
A lot of privacy during shoulder season
Great Airbnbs for a cozy stay

Cons:

Unpredictable weather
Need for transportation to explore different areas
Limited amenities in remote areas

PERTHSHIRE

Perthshire is perfect for the couple who wants a centrally located elopement spot with diverse and stunning scenery. This beautiful region offers everything from enchanting forests and rolling hills to charming coastal lighthouses. Being more central compared to other popular Highland destinations, Perthshire provides easy access and a wide variety of landscapes for your special day.

I highly recommend this location for couples who want to incorporate a touch of Scottish tradition into their elopement. Perthshire is home to some of the best distilleries in Scotland, making it a great place to enjoy a celebratory dram. The region's central location also means you have a range of options for accommodation, from quaint B&Bs to luxurious hotels.

A few potential downsides to this location are the possibility of encountering more tourists and the need to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of the diverse landscapes. While Perthshire is less remote than other areas, it can be busier, especially during peak season. Additionally, with so many beautiful spots to choose from, you’ll want to plan your day to ensure you can visit your preferred locations without feeling rushed. If you’re interested in checking out Perthshire for your elopement, there are plenty of resources online to help you plan your dream wedding!

Pros:

Centrally located
Variety of landscapes including forests, hills, and coastal lighthouses
Great distilleries for a celebratory touch
Wide range of accommodation options

Cons:

Possibility of encountering more tourists
Need to carefully plan your itinerary
Limited privacy during peak season

GLENCOE

Glencoe is perfect for the couple who wants a dramatic and awe-inspiring elopement location. Known for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls, Glencoe provides a truly epic backdrop for your special day. The striking landscapes make it an ideal spot for couples seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery.

I highly recommend this location for couples who want a mix of adventure and romance. The area offers numerous hiking trails for those who love the outdoors, and the dramatic vistas make for stunning photos. Glencoe’s beauty is unparalleled, offering a sense of seclusion and intimacy even in more accessible spots.

A few potential downsides to this location are the unpredictable weather and the need for some hiking to reach the most picturesque spots. While Glencoe’s weather can add to its dramatic atmosphere, it can also be quite changeable, so be prepared for all conditions. Additionally, some of the most stunning views require a bit of a hike, so comfortable footwear and a sense of adventure are a must. If you’re interested in checking out Glencoe for your elopement, there are plenty of resources online to help you plan your dream wedding!

Pros:

Dramatic and awe-inspiring scenery
Perfect for adventure and romance
Numerous hiking trails
Stunning photo opportunities

Cons:

Unpredictable weather
Some locations require hiking
Limited amenities in remote areas

EDINBURGH

Edinburgh is perfect for the couple who wants a blend of historical charm and urban convenience. Scotland’s capital city offers iconic landmarks, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views from locations like Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. Edinburgh’s rich history and vibrant culture make it an exciting and unique place to elope.

I highly recommend this location for couples who want a mix of urban and historical elements. The city offers a variety of venues, from ancient castles to elegant gardens, providing a beautiful setting for your ceremony. Plus, Edinburgh’s fantastic restaurants and accommodations ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

A few potential downsides to this location are the busy city atmosphere and the need to navigate around tourists. While Edinburgh is less secluded than other elopement destinations, its charm and beauty more than make up for it. The city can be busy, especially during festivals and peak tourist seasons, so planning ahead is essential. If you’re interested in checking out Edinburgh for your elopement, there are plenty of resources online to help you plan your dream wedding!

Pros:

Blend of historical charm and urban convenience
Iconic landmarks and beautiful views
Variety of venues for the ceremony
Excellent restaurants and accommodations

Cons:

Busy city atmosphere
Need to navigate around tourists
Less secluded than other destinations

ISLE OF HARRIS

The Isle of Harris is perfect for the couple who wants a remote and breathtakingly beautiful elopement location. Known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged landscapes, Harris offers a serene and picturesque setting for your special day. The island’s stunning beauty and tranquility make it an ideal spot for a truly unforgettable elopement.

I highly recommend this location for couples who want a peaceful and intimate experience. The Isle of Harris provides a sense of seclusion and privacy, with plenty of gorgeous spots to choose from. The island also offers charming accommodations, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the natural beauty.

A few potential downsides to this location are the remote nature and the need for travel logistics. While Harris’s remote location adds to its charm, it requires careful planning to get there, including ferry rides or flights. Additionally, the island’s weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for all conditions. If you’re interested in checking out the Isle of Harris for your elopement, there are plenty of resources online to help you plan your dream wedding!

Pros:

Remote and breathtakingly beautiful
White sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters
Serene and picturesque setting
Charming accommodations

Cons:

Remote nature requires careful planning
Unpredictable weather
Limited amenities in some areas

MAKE IT LEGAL

There are countless places to elope in Scotland! But make sure you do it legally. VISA documents may be required for you to legally marry in the UK. There are other marriage documents required to file even if you don’t require a VISA. If you’d like more information on how to make your elopement legal check out this blog post where I go more in depth about the legal side of eloping in Scotland.

How to legally elope in Scotland

So, where are you going to elope in Scotland?