Everything You Need To Know About Eloping To Scotland

Welcome to the beginning of your big Scottish wedding adventure!

You’ve probably either already made the choice to scrap the big wedding and elope, or you’re still on the fence… dipping your toe in the crystal blue waters of FREEDOM!

Either way, as an experienced elopement photographer here in Scotland, I’m here to help guide and hopefully help you with that big question…

How on earth do we do this and where do we start!?

The first part is easy… find a likeminded adventurer with whom you want to spend the rest of your life! CHECK!

Next, you’ll need to decide where on this beautiful globe you want to get married. Well, since you’re here, I imagine that you’re considering bonnie Scotland. But where in Scotland?

Most couples want to incorporate the beauty of the Scottish mountains, the lochs and the wild open landscapes. For this, you’ll probably need to go north to the Highlands and Islands.

For a bit of inspiration on locations, check out my page on my favourite places in Scotland to elope here…

What’s the best Scottish airport to fly to?

The two major airports in Scotland are Edinburgh and Glasgow. A lot of international flights go directly there, but depending on where you are travelling from, you may need to change at one of London’s airports.

Landing in Edinburgh would give you the opportunity to check out some the amazing tourist hotspots before heading up north. Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and so many more iconic and historical treasures.

Landing in Glasgow would give you a more direct route up the west coast, but the city is also very much worth checking out. I live in Glasgow and what I love most about it is the people, the culture, the music and the lively social scene.

These two major cities are only 40 miles apart, but they are so different. I’d recommend that you visit both if your schedule allows.

The other potential airport at which you could land is Inverness. This is the capital of the Highlands and you’ll be able to find many flights directly from London.

Scotland has a decent public transport network. Trains and buses will get you pretty much anywhere that you need to go, but for convenience, I’d recommend that you rent a car. The further north that you go, the regularity of public transport gets a little sparse.

Where to stay?

Scotland has a vast amount of beautiful places to stay, which range from luxurious 5 star hotels, restored castles and manor houses to charming rural bed and breakfasts.

I’ve found that most of the couples that I’ve worked with have booked an AirBnB. It gives you a more privacy and flexibility. As part of my elopement package, I like to arrive at your accommodation an hour or so before you are due to leave for the ceremony, to capture some of the morning preparations and a first look/reveal.

What’s a first look/reveal I hear you ask?

A lot of couples don’t know what their partner will be wearing on the day. Brides especially like to keep their dress under wraps in order to make that moment when you first see each other all the more special. I love setting up and capturing these moments.

Who do we get to conduct our ceremony and what’s involved?

There are many different ways to get married in Scotland.

Scottish laws allow you to get married wherever and to whomever you want.

Whether you’d like a religious, humanist or civil ceremony, there are plenty of amazing celebrants and registrars from which to choose. I’d be more than happy to provide you with recommendations.

For a legal marriage in Scotland, you will need an officiant, a marriage schedule and two witnesses.

If you are planning on making your ceremony super intimate, I’d be more than happy to act as one of your witnesses. I’ve done it many times before and I always consider it an absolute honour. The celebrant can sometimes provide the second witness, but I’ve also seen makeup artists, florist, random hotel employees and even the captain of a ferry do the honours.

For the legal side of things, I’ve taken some advice from some of the best celebrants and registrars in the country and have completed an additional guide.

Many couples decide to get legally married before they come to Scotland in order to avoid the paperwork, etc and then do a vow ceremony, etc in the Scottish wilderness.

Can we get someone to do our hair, makeup, flowers, etc?

Absolutely! I’ve got a big network of amazing suppliers all over the country. I’d be more than happy to provide recommendations.

How long does the elopement coverage usually last?

I don’t like to put an exact time limit on the coverage as each wedding is completely different, but it’s usually around 4-5 hours. Some locations require a bit more driving than others, so it depends on various factors.

I arrive around one hour prior to ceremony at your accommodation. I cover the ceremony and then we go for a drive to a few different locations in order to provide you with a diverse range of backdrops. We’re done when we feel that we’ve got enough in the bag.

Do we need to drive on the day?

Not if you don’t want to. I’m always more than happy for you to jump in my car and be chauffeured around in style. I appreciate that some outfits aren’t exactly easy to drive in. It also means that you could have some whisky or champagne before, during and after your ceremony. One condition… make a bangin’ playlist for the road!

What do we wear on our feet? Will there be a lot of walking involved?

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing”

Ok, so you probably know that Scotland isn’t exactly known for its tropical climate. The weather is pretty unpredictable all year round, especially in the Highlands. But that’s what makes it so dramatic… right?

I’d definitely recommend that you take along hiking boots and a rain jacket. I’m more than happy to go for a long hike, but that’s not entirely necessary at most of my favourite locations. Most of them are close to roads or carparks, so only a minimal amount of hiking is usually required.

The logistics, etc can be discussed in more detail when I’m aware of the location.

What if it’s raining or the weather is too bad to venture outside?

I’m more than willing to work outside in any conditions. I’ve got rain covers for my cameras, so I’m not bothered about getting a wee bit wet. I suppose it all comes down to you and whether you’re willing to brave the elements. I imagine that since you’re considering eloping to Scotland you’re already pretty adventurous.

The one thing that I’d suggest is to consider having a dry contingency location for your ceremony. I feel that it’s important that you’re dry and comfortable for the most important part of the day. I’ve done ceremonies in AirBnbs, hotels and woodlands. Most hotels will be accommodating and let you use a space for a ceremony if the weather is wild.

I’ve made it outside with every couple so far… and I don’t plan on losing my streak.

Help! We hate getting our picture taken! How do you work with awkward people?

Please don’t worry. This is very common. I’m used to people being a bit camera shy. I don’t take it personally. Ha!

I see it as a big part of my job to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. It’s important to me that I capture your personalities in the pictures, so I like to get to know you as a couple and how you interact with each other. I’ll provide minimal direction to make sure that the light is hitting you right and that you and your wedding outfits are looking awesome. Apart from that, be yourselves. Laugh with each other, hug each other and pretend that I’m not there.

It’s about capturing all of those little moments that make you, you. No Chandler Bing smiles will be captured!

What happens after the elopement?

After I drop you off at your accommodation, I’ll leave you to your evening plans. Some couples book a table at restaurant and some couples have a cosy night in as newly weds. Some have joined me in the pub for a pint and a whisky. I’d be happy to buy you a drink and toast your marriage.

I’ll do my best to deliver some preview images for you on the evening of the wedding, as I imagine that you’ll be excited to share the news and some pics with your family and friends.

I’ll then prepare a highlights slideshow with music, a full online gallery and a USB box. All images on the gallery and USB will be high resolution. You’ll receive approx. 200 images in your gallery.